Steambot Chronicles Preview

The last thing I expect to hear when firing up a preview of a game that revolves around giant robots is a chipper female voice saying “Steambot Chronicles, a relaxing, non-linear adventure.” Yeah. Ok. Ignoring the voice coming from the speakers, I instead heeded the one in my head that was demanding me to get on with the mech combat. After about 30 minutes of combat-filled gameplay I’d reached the “Coming Spring 2006” screen and my hopes for this seemingly unique title were dashed. A few days later, I decided to try it again, but this time I would take my time and explore a bit more. After four hours of wandering around doing everything but what I was “supposed” to be doing my perspective had changed.

If you’re not familiar with Steambot Chronicles it’s a “sandbox” game developed by Irem (Disaster Report, R-Type Final) and being published in the U.S. by Atlus (Digital Devil Saga, Disgaea). Players take on the role of young man named Vanilla Beans who has washed up on a secluded beach with no memory. Yes, I did say the main characters name is Vanilla Beans. Many of the characters are named after spices and herbs like Coriander, Basil, Fennel, etc. Interacting with characters is done through dialog choices. Vanilla has the option to be polite, good-natured, rude, and even downright mean at some times. While, it didn’t seem to have much effect in the preview version, there’s a good chance it will affect the gameplay in the final game.

Shortly after meeting Coriander (Connie for short) on the beach, the player is introduced to the Trotmobile. Trotmobile’s are basically pickup trucks with arms and legs. Controlling the Trotmobile is done via the dual analog sticks. Pressing both forward moves the Trot forward, while only pushing one allows for turns. Each arm can attack using a shoulder button and the attack will vary depending on the equipped arm. Customizing Vanila’s new-found Trotmobile is a key portion of the game. There is a smorgasbord of arms, legs, cargo areas, weapons and more that can be grafted onto the Trot’s chassis. Paint jobs and even license plates are completely customizable as well.

After getting your Trot fixed up at the garage it’s time to head into town. When you enter a town you’re presented with a list of local landmarks. Choosing one starts an automated sequence in which your Trotmobile carries you and your cargo to the destination. After parking your Trot, you can roam around the city on foot as Vanilla. It’s kind of odd to just sit back and watch your Trotmobile make its way through traffic on your way from the hotel to the bakery. I was kind of perturbed by the game taking control away from me at first, but it actually is kind of relaxing to take a break and sip some sweet tea as I watch Vanila move on to the next destination.

Once in town there are a ton of things Vanilla can do. The first, and probably most notable, is the ability to play music on street corners and in bars for cash. Vanilla can whip out his trusty harmonica, or another instrument as the game progresses, and a short rhythm based mini game ensues. Each instrument has a different style of gameplay. The harmonica requires players to use the left analog stick to move between rows of notes that are played with the controllers face buttons. The piano on the other hand is played using combinations of d-pad and face button presses. You’ll also be able to play pool and participate in Trotmobile arena events to make even more cash.

Obviously, you’ll be spending this hard earned dough on your Trotmobile, but you’ll also have many more items to purchase. If Vanilla buys clothes he can change his look, which affects the look of the in game character. It even affects the reactions you get from other characters. At some point, Vanilla also gets a room in town that he can furnish with a variety of furniture similar to Animal Crossing. You’ll also need to make sure that he eats on a regular basis or hunger pangs will slow him down.

While I doubt the game will appeal to most gamers, it’s a quite interesting diversion for those willing to accept its flaws. The Trotmobile piloting controls are clunky and the graphics are definitely an acquired taste. Underneath that though is a vibrant virtual world with many facets to explore. Mixing sandbox gaming with the mech genre and adding a helping of rhythm gaming goodness may not be the best recipe in the world but it sure is an intriguing flavor.