GENRE
	Action
	DEVELOPER
	Vicious Cycle
	PUBLISHER
	TDK Mediactive
	WI-FI ENHANCED
	no
	WII EXCLUSIVE
	gcn
	EXPECTED RELEASE DATE
	BUY NOW AT

What atrocious crime must Robotech fans have committed to warrant their cruel and unusual punishment? Despite being among the most loyal disciples of any anime series, North American Robotech followers have never been graced with a franchise video game. Crystal Dreams, in development for the Nintendo 64 for an unhealthily long time, before its cancellation served only to tease insatiable fans with a few screenshots. Finally, it seems that their prayers will be answered in fine fashion with Robotech: Battlecry.

Following the Macross series' plot of man's war against the massive Zentraedi aliens, Battlecry offers a futuristic, fast-paced explosion of grand cel-shaded machines and mad cluster missiles. Humans pilot Veritech mechs, which transform between a fighter-jet, humanoid form, and an amalgamation of the two bristling with weaponry. To succeed in the fierce, volatile combat, players must understand the strengths and weaknesses of each mode, and thus strategize when to use each.

Impressions
The fitting graphical style of Robotech is a well-crafted cel-shaded approach. The various craft are rendered in a manner similar to that of the PS2 Harvest Moon, with shading less overt than that of the new Zelda. Buildings, water, clouds, explosions, and smoke all have a distinct "straight-from-anime" look to them. All the searing action rages at a high framerate, and though few enemies were present in the demo up to twenty can be on screen simultaneously. Fans of the series will be delighted to learn that the famous winding masses of cluster missiles are featured prominently in the game. Two dozen of those jet-trailing warheads screaming after a target in convoluted paths should quicken the pulse of most aspiring pilots.

Cities are cleverly crafted, composed almost entirely with fully destructible buildingsthat take damage from advertent or stray attacks. The streets teem with tiny pedestrians, fleeing from combat. On the whole, the cel-shaded approach to Robotech is perfect for the endeavor.

Even more impressive than the graphics is the gameplay. Switching between Veritech conformations is smooth and rapid, necessary for sudden changes in a mission. The forty-or-so missions of various formats require different strategies, all facilitated by the outstanding play control. The analog shoulder buttons command rolling for the jet fighter and strafing for the mech units. Boosting and strafing between buildings while circling an enemy mech with cannon fire is akin to a continuous dance... with massive guns.

The game's plot features characters acting parallel to the events of the anime series. Heroes from the show join several battles, tying together both tales. Vicious Cycle plans to further incorporate the two by using a musical score from the television series and is in the process of contracting the original voice actors for the game.

Word on the Street
Two harsh decades of seeing Robotech games cancelled or released overseas is enough to wear down even the most patient fan. Fortunately, Robotech: Battlecry was one of the most lauded titles at E3 2002. Diehard fans of the series seem to enjoy it as thoroughly as do Robotech newcomers.

From the Horse's Mouth

• Around forty missions of various styles including rescue, defense, and more
• Deathmatch mode for two players, possibly more before release
• The first Robotech game released to an eager North American audience
• Cel-shaded graphics complimenting superior gameplay and sound

Conclusion
The game was undeniably a spectacle of outstanding play control, clever design, and a solid gold franchise. Battlecry will undoubtedly be one of this year's top sellers after its release across all major consoles in the fall. Scramble, all fighters!

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impressions

word on the street

press release notes

overall