Steambot Chronicles , Impressions

Originally written 2006-06-08

Published by Atlus, so you know you're going to regret not picking up ASAP, and developed by Irem....aka the R-Type guys. I first heard word of this game on one of IGN's occasional looks at random import games. I wasn't totally sure what to make of the article, but I knew if they were so passionate about some random game that wasn't (at that time) slated for a US release, then it must be something special.

The current marketing is something like a musical, relaxed Grand Theft Auto. I've only played a handful of hours of the game, but I think the GTA reference is because of your ability to just wander around picking up random side-jobs to earn money. Unfortunately you can't exactly jack any old Trotmobile, and when you're "driving" your's, it's actually on autopilot and under the government of a working traffic system. Very fortunately, the pedestrians all have unique, and often hilarious names, and aren't there for cannon fodder. You can cause a ruckus at some points, like that time I picked up a bus because I saw the "you can pick this up" icon. You can't exactly just lay things down once you've picked them up, so I hurtled it into the distance and destroyed it, thus setting the bus driver into a panic and breaking out in tears.

The game seems to have an obsession with food, beginning with the names of the characters, who all seem to be named after foods and spices and such. Not only that, but you have to continually eat food to keep up your energy and prevent your growling stomach from ruining your musical performances or scaring passer-bys.

Voice acting and writing is absolutely perfect, thus far, full of emotion and nuance. Graphics aren't stunning, but it certainly has a solid and charming art direction. The framerate seems to be eternally dragging, unfortunately. The charm extends even to the circumstances thus far. I've encountered what could have been two "evil" organizations. Y'know, the gang of "bad guys." But they turned out to just be slightly misguided and not all that bad once you confront their leaders and have a chat with them. Both the dialogue and instruction manual are self-referential and are smartly written to entertain veteran game players who may have gotten jaded after playing all these too-serious games.

This game has charm up the wazoo, and you'll put up with the sometimes sluggish movement to find the next surprise to put a smile on your face.