Why aren't you playing this game?
Well, this game takes a leaf out of their book, offering up an arcade style, pick-up and play mech game on the surface, but with loads and loads of customization options and immersive aspects if you give it the time of day.
You're offered three different brands of mechs, and you can customize them extensively, just enough for it to get the nod of approval from hardcore mech-sim gamers, but not scare away casual gameplayers of all types. When the day is done, you'll be proud of the work you've done to make your mech yours.
The controls are tight and responsive, and the gameplay itself is fast paced and, as I've said, obviously styled after the arcade brand of mech combat. It also throws in a unique little feature in the camouflage that all mechs (known as Scoobies, in the game) have that makes you invisible. Not completely, of course, but enough to give you the edge against the AI or your friend.
The one player quest mode is extremely enjoyable, the characters are goofy, and it has a great soundtrack. Although the game is VERY Japanese in it's presentation, for better or for worse.
The graphics are top notch, with smooth looking mechs and varied environments. Too bad there are so few, with only 4 different locations for you to duke it out. While they are all fairly large in one player (and for some inexplicable reason, scaled down in multiplayer), it's a shame that there just aren't more places for you to have your Scoobie battles, but the gameplay keeps things fresh even having to fight in the same places several times.
Complaints about this game, while minor, should be taken into account. The lack of areas as noted above, and the fact that there is no online play, are my only gripes. Although considering how new Live was when this game came out, it's understandable why there's no online.
Overall, this is a stellar must-buy game, that no gamer should completely ignore.