Ryan Mac Donald's review is what I would expect from a local newspaper, not one of the biggest gaming sites on the Net. He gives the game a 7 in gameplay saying, "there really isn't enough additional content in Line of Contact to make the package much more worthwhile." The game has been out for *days*, we aren't past the first turn of the first campaign, there are scores of maps, VTs, optional parts, promotion awards, new factions, and much more, which nobody has even *seen* yet -- we've barely scratched the surface -- and already, this is one of the best games I've ever played. We're still putting around in *first generation* VTs, which I thought would be boring, but LOC makes it a friggin' rush. I can't imagine the gaming pleasure overload I'm going to experience stomping across these landscapes in a friggin' Juggernaut. This reviewer has obviously experienced *none of that*, he mentions nothing about the fact that this game has the most fleshed out Live implementation ever seen in a game, with chat rooms and message boards and the ability to trade art, equipment, replays and even *points* with other players; all part of the long term, strategy for a persistent campaign. Yet he can say with a straight face that LOC doesn't offer much over the original. The review is a flat-out joke. And a 4 in value? This game is for people who *already own Steel Battalion*. It adds virtually unlimited replay value for a mere $50. He says, "it's no surprise that you won't find as many online games available as you would with, say, MechAssault," in a review published before EB games even shipped their copies of the game!! Gamespot should be embarrassed to publish this garbage. My opinion of the game, in it's current state: Gameplay: 9 There are issues with the net code that seriously hamper the experience, but when it's good... OMG. I have to rate this according to what the experience has been for me: life consuming. If Capcom improves the net code: 10. Graphics: 8 That would be a 9 or 10 if the framerate was better. But aside from occasional choppiness (especially in cities), it's a *beautiful* game, with a gritty, realistic look, great draw distance, great animation, explosions, etc. Sound: 10 Some of the best sound design in a game. Period. The first game good, this is better. Value: 10 To a Steel Battalion owner, this is a must-have item. You will be playing it until the Xbox 2 comes out, and perhaps beyond. For $50, it's a steal. Tilt: 10 This game offers an experience you will get nowhere else. To an old-school gamer like myself, that's priceless.
Other Helpful Reviews for Tekki Taisen (w/Controller)
Over all this game is very immersive. You feel like you are actually in the cockpit of your very own 10 story VT (Vertical Tank). The learning curve is very high but once you get at it, you can’t be stopped. Many people ... Read Full Review
Very few games have even tried to do a mech game with a non standard controller and I don’t think ANY other did it without making the special controller optional until Steel Battalion. We have here a first person, in ... Read Full Review
