Steel Battalion for Xbox

Pros: Uh, cool controller.
Cons: Graphics, sounds, gameplay, lack of tutorial, deletes saves on death.

40 buttons. Three pedals. Big price sticker. No, this isn't a piece of construction machinery, but it is Steel Battalion, one of the most ambitious and pricy games to ever hit the market. A little information for the few of you who don't know what...

Pros: Awesome controller. Great EBAY re-sell value. You get to blow stuff up.
Cons: Big price tag. People who are unable to read instructions will get easily frustrated.

Steel Battalion is serious fun for serious gamers. You got to want to spend the time really learning about the game play mechanics, weapons, controller, interface etc... If you are ready for such a task, you'll be having some serious fun. S.B. is a SIMULATION. Meaning that if you die, it's game over for you, and any saved game. Hardcore gamers will really appreciate all the little touches. It takes some time to be able to take in all that is happening, and multi-task, but if you read the directions, the whole thing becomes pretty easy. The controller seems well constructed, and works like a charm. I have just purchased this game on its second release. When the game first appeared it quickly sold out. (There was only limited units available) And those who purchased it found themselves selling the $200 dollar units for $300 dollars on EBAY. This second release too should be limited and you just may have some valuable merchandise on your hands if you keep your stuff in good condition. As of March 1st, 2004 you should see the second game installment: Steel Battalion: Line of Contact for XBOX live only.

Pros: Great controller Good game play really addictive
Cons: The docs could be better,(Size weight etc) Lot of space needed for controller

There is a price to pay to play this game. A normal game costs about 50/60 Euro so that leaves about the triple price for the controller. The quality of the controller make it worth while. But buying it second hand could also solve this. After having it played you can easily sell it for the same price. Be aware to directly buy line of contact in the same buy.

The scenario is good. The sounds and visual effects great.

You cannot save your game to go back after you died, but I find it attractive this way. You are playing very very realistic, knowing you really die and have to start over.