Robotech: Battle Cry Review
Robotech: Battlecry for the GameCube has excellent graphics, great sound, varying game play, making it a good all-around title. Multiplayer is fun, but the only downfall is that unlocking of maps might take a while.
Robotech has a very unique Anime graphic-style. It fills you with awe to look at an almost-perfect render of Anime from what I have seen. The few problems that exist with the graphics are the sometimes jagged edges on objects. The buildings also don’t seem to vary in size and looks, but the Anime style will reduce their noticability. Cut scenes are highly detailed and often still pictures which can be quite strange since I am use to “moving” cut scenes.
The sound is excellent as well, with raging gun fire everywhere that adds atmosphere. A fiery explosion comes alive with the bursting sound affects that illuminate the action. Your missiles fire away with a neat little sound, and whiz around the air, creating a life-like presence. The voice-acting is done exceptionally well - some of the best I’ve ever heard. The dialogue is perfect, and sub titles help you understand all of the dialogue. In other words, the actors are flawless, but it’s not as good as Metroid Prime’s.
The game play is well done, with lots of different versions of Robotechs to choose from. Each vary with your game play tactics. Extra armor and paint schemes are just a few of the unlockables. Even though they don’t drastically enhance the gameplay its still a nice feature. A few control flaws appear at the beginning, but slowly fade away as you get use to the handlign. It might be hard to change vehicles on the go, and move around fast (with different vehicles) but it becomes second nature soon enough.
Originality is a high point for this videogame. The story isn’t based fully on any Robotech saga but rather during the Macross (mind spelling if spelt wrong) Saga I believe. The graphics are highly original, and remind me somewhat of Jet Set Radio Future. It’s nice to see a game take a break from the the overused realistic graphics so common today in this industry.
Replay value is fairly high, due to the unlockables ranging from maps for multiplayer to paint mods and new armor and modifications of your mech. The amount of medals (used to unlock things) and even the sets within the medals add replay value to the game. You’ll want to play the missions again, and again.
Multiplayer is fun, with plenty of maps to choose from but only one to start with, which is its only downfall. All the modifications of single player are available (paint,“models”) in multiplayer duels. All the levels are based on in-game levels, like Bursting Point for example, which occurs in the first chapter.
Robotech isn’t the best game recently released but it sure is good. Unique graphics, excellent sound, fun game play, and an all around good game definately merits Robotech a rental!
Visuals: 9
Sound: 9.5
Originality: 8.5
Replay: 8.5
Overall: 9