Steambot Chronicles
SCORE: 60
Family Friendly Gaming listens to our readers, and this review was
requested. The entire list of problems the ESRB listed certainly gave
this reviewer pause (editor: bottom of the page). Steambot Chronicles is
a role playing game, and the most interesting I have played all year.
The entire world has a 1930s look in a lot of ways. The one main
difference is Trotmobiles. They are like mechs, that look part robot,
and part car (at least to this reviewer). The storyline starts out
pretty cliched with Vanilla washing up on the beach, and not having any
memory. Rosemary helps him, and later Vanilla meets those in the band
like Basil. Have you noticed a spice naming pattern? Steambot Chronicles
has quite a few patterns if you are aware of them. Another thing that
differentiates this game from other RPG’s, is the choices in giving
answers. NPC’s will ask your character a question, and you can decide
what kind of answer you want to give. At times this level of choice will
lead to different in game activities. There is no occult material in
this game, and no magic at all. The Trotmobiles battle like found in
Legend of Zelda (only a lot slower).
Graphically Steambot Chronicles has a real dusty kind of feel to it.
Much of the graphics is a form of cel shading (or it looks that way to
this reviewer). Many of the female characters dress decently, but there
are some that are seriously busting out. There is also a character who
has blatantly embraced a sexual deviant lifestyle, and he hits on your
male character.
The sounds in Steambot Chronicles are nicely done in most parts. The
music is very themed, although it can get repetitive after awhile. The
Trotmobile battling sounds assist in the battles. There is a dark side
to the graphics in this game. There are some language issues that are
unfortunately shouted out (like in the arena). Some of the songs that
Rosemary sings also have lyrics that are rather disturbing (ripping off
the wings of angels for one example). Most players will be spending too
much time getting their part of the song correct, and may miss those
lyrics.
Steambot Chronicles has quite a few different little side quests,
mini games, and items to collect. Playing the main story this game can
be beaten in under fifteen hours. This game also seems to be an acquired
taste. Players that are not into this kind of a game, will not get their
money’s worth. One of the game’s extras is dating a couple of different
women from the game. The player is allowed to make their move, and the
screen goes black with the characters talking about some Hot Cocoa. It
is unknown if this is a reference to the extremely offensive Hot Coffee
code in another game. After playing this mini game, the players ranking
changes to Naughty.
The controls in this game take some getting used to, but they are
responsive. Both analog joysticks are used on the PS2. Thankfully a
tutorial is included. The level designs work quite well, even if you can
not walk around town in your Trot.
There was one real ray of shining light in this game. While in a church
the priest tells you God is watching over us. It was nice to have that
in there. There is some solid game play, and an intriguing story; if you
can get past the issues in this game. Steambot Chronicles has quite a
few morals issues, dealing with the enticement to lust, promotion of
drinking, language issues, robot style violence, and crude humor. If any
of those issues bother you, then please pass on this game.
- RPG Master
Graphics: 61%
Sound: 64%
Replay/Extras: 60%
Gameplay: 70%
Family Friendly Factor: 46%
System: Playstation 2
Publisher: Atlus
Rating: 'T' for Teen
{Alcohol Reference, Crude Humor, Fantasy Violence, Mild Language,
Suggestive Themes}
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