WarTech: Senko no Ronde doesn't fall into one category. The game blends ingredients from various genres, including shooting, fighting and strategy. It combines the aerial tactics of Psychic Force and the combative excitement of Sega's Virtual On games. Warriors and soldiers take to the skies in powered-up mech suits, eager to show off their battle skills. G. Rev's game hasn't really lost anything in its U.S. translation.
As players fly through the air and battle their opponent, they can use long-distance attacks to strike from afar, such as lasers and homing missiles. In addition, they can fly in with turbo boosting to beat down an opponent with punches and quick combos. Shielding plays a huge defensive part in the game, especially with the constant rain of bullets that appear on-screen. The best way to clobber an opponent lies within the boss conversion tool. Basically, the player temporarily transforms into a larger vessel -- thus making use of boss-sized aggression, such as large shot formations. The game play holds up surprisingly well throughout the game, particularly when a friend joins the fun.
WarTech knows how to stage a good fight between friends by featuring off-line two-player action in a series of galactic showdowns. It can also be taken online through Xbox Live, where players confront adversaries worldwide. While the one-on-one action satisfies, there's no four-player fight option.
Presentation-wise, WarTech doesn't fire on all cylinders. The graphics look aged, like something that came off the old Sega Naomi board. However, it still presents pleasant visuals, particularly with swirling clouds and looming neon-lit cities that shine from below. The animation could've looked a little less stiff, but it works. Ubisoft was kind enough to leave the game's Japanese dialogue intact, rather than hire English voice actors to try and fill the void.
As far as modes go, WarTech has a bounty of them. The general Story mode lets gamers select between various characters, each with their own special mech suits and talents. Completing the game with each unlocks achievements, along with extra goodies in the art gallery. Score Attack mode jumps right into the heat of combat. Xbox Live runs near effortlessly, allowing combatants to hook up with Ranked and Player Matches. For those less-than-skilled players, a Practice Mode helps teach the basics of robotic warfare.
Unfortunately, one huge mistake nearly stops this project dead in its tracks -- the price. Senko no Ronde ranks as a "specialty game" that doesn't fit the usual standards. Then again, so does Earth Defense Force 2017 -- and it comes priced at $20 less. WarTech's $60 cover charge will leave many gamers hesitant to see what it has to offer, making it a rental rather than a purchase.
WarTech: Senko no Ronde's presentation doesn't completely astonish and the multiplayer could've been better, but the all-important mech fighting offers hours of enjoyment. Gamers eager for a twist on routine shooting action should try it.
Final Score: 7 (out of 10)
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