Mechs storming DS

Japanese magazine Impress Watch reports that Robot Alchemic Drive creator Sandlot is preparing another giant-robot action game, this time for the Nintendo DS. Chousoujuu Mecha MG will put players behind the controls of 30-meter-tall robots called "Mario Nation Gears." There will be more than 100 varieties of mechs, not all of which will be simple bipedal robots. Some machines will resemble insects, while others will transform into vehicles. The mechs will also have a variety of weapons, from bows to firearms.

The top DS screen will show the game field in full 3D, and the bottom screen will show the mech's controls, which can be operated using the touch pen. The layout and operations of these controls will vary depending on which mech the player is using.

When they're not fighting through missions, players will also use their mechs to stage races or transport resources--and it will be necessary to chose the right machine for the job. Chousoujuu Mecha MG is scheduled for a September 2 release in Japan and will sell for 4,800 yen ($41).