Capcom Releases Steel Battalion
Posted by blurred on Wednesday, November 20 2002

Capcom(R) Entertainment today announced the release of Steel Battalion(TM), the exciting new battle-mech simulator exclusively for the Xbox(TM) video game system from Microsoft. Using an exclusive 40-button controller, players "take a seat" inside the cockpit of 19 different mechanized VT's (Vertical Tanks) during a rebellious attempt to over-throw the government. Ultra realistic visual effects and fierce mechanized battles in a first-person perspective create the ultimate gaming experience. Steel Battalion is rated 'T' for teen audiences by the Entertainment Software Rating Board (ESRB) and will include both the game and fully interactive controller, selling at the suggested retail price of $199.95.

As an accolade for its innovative technology, Steel Battalion received a "2002 Best of What's New Award" from Popular Science in the Electronics category. Each year Popular Science reviews thousands of new products and innovations and only 100 winners are chosen in 10 categories. To be considered, products must represent a significant step forward in its category. The award was bestowed to Steel Battalion for its 40-button controller that was designed to completely maximize the gaming experience and immerse the player in futuristic warfare.

"The power and performance of the Xbox hardware really makes Steel Battalion possible," said Robert Lindsey, senior vice president of sales and marketing, Capcom Entertainment. "Steel Battalion is a video game unlike any other. The innovative 40-button controller really makes you feel as if you are piloting a mechanized Vertical Tank. Gamers haven't experienced anything like this before."

Using the controller, Steel Battalion players operate a strategic battle mech through 23 action-packed missions fending off dozens of adversaries while in the midst of a massive military coup that has ensued on a Pacific island. With trigger buttons to fire weapons; foot pedals to accelerate, boost and brake; levers to shift gears and move, gamers must utilize the full potential of the controller in order to survive on the battlefield. A diverse arsenal that includes plasma torches and a MK21-6 twin pod rocket launcher will ensure constant variety and plenty of action for even the most experienced pilots.

Steel Battalion boasts the following features:


-Players take control of their own VT with an exclusive 40-button simulation controller designed and produced for Steel Battalion.

-First-person perspective view lets players participate in the action through the cockpit of their own battle machine.

-Control a Vertical Tank (VT), featuring a variety of weapons such as plasma torches, a 270mm rifle, machine guns and much more.

-Choose from multiple models of VT's including the Behemoth, Decider and Falchion each with their own specialized abilities and functionality.

-23 action-packed missions! Unlock new missions, maps and enemy robots to provide endless action and entertainment.
Steel Battalion will make full use of the Xbox hardware in order to create ultra realistic visual effects and realistic mech battles.

Capcom Entertainment, headquartered in Sunnyvale, California, is a wholly owned subsidiary of Capcom, Co., Ltd. of Japan. A leading force in the multi-billion dollar interactive entertainment industry, Capcom's legacy spans more than 22 years of entertaining video gamers. Capcom develops, markets, and distributes home video games for the PlayStation(R) game console, PlayStation(R)2 computer entertainment system, Nintendo(R) GameCube, and Xbox(TM) video game systems, Game Boy(R) Advance and Game Boy(R) Color Systems, personal computers, and coin-operated games. Worldwide recognizable product lines include the Resident Evil, Street Fighter, Mega Man, Breath of Fire, and Onimusha series. World headquarters in Osaka, Japan, the company also has offices in Tokyo, Hong Kong, London, and Sunnyvale, California. The company is publicly traded on the Tokyo Stock Exchange code number 9697.