Update: November 15, 2007
«©NCSX» Step into the persona of Chirico Cuvie and live the troubled life of a Armored Trooper pilot who's being chased by nefarious forces. Bandai's Soukou Kihei Votoms game follows the basic storyline of the animated series for an interactive recreation of the source material.

At the outset of the game, Chirico is on an infiltration mission where he attacks Gilgamesh Confederation soldiers and eventually clambers into a Scopedog AT. Once inside, the game evolves to a whole other league - the controls are top notch with easy maneuverability and smooth movement for the clunky-looking mech. The secret to the Scopedog's lithe motion is the skate mode which is toggled by pressing the "O" button. Once activated, a little spinning wheel appears on the left part of the menu indicator and any push of the analog pad sends the Dog rolling with perfect responsiveness. The Scopedog can also trudge along on its legs and run like a normal biped but the skating action is preferable.

The PS2 version of Votoms features over 50 Armored Trooper frames and over 50 missions to work through. To keep things simple, there is only one game mode - the Story Mode which is preceded by a short tutorial which teaches general controls and gameplay.

Bonus Schwag
All preorders will ship with a bonus 64-page softcover reference booklet which includes Votoms history, character profiles, Votoms mech data, a weapons list, mission disc listings, and staff credits.

Jan Code: 4582224491919

View the back cover and screenshots on the main NCSX website.

» In the intro to the game, green and red lens appear which swivel and the camera pulls out to reveal the visors of a Votoms mech. A green-haired lad named Chirico Cuvie walks slowly towards the screen before flames burst around him and he turns into a silhouette. Images of Chirico driving a mech, action sequences, and battle are shown followed by a dramatic sunrise sequence that slowly fills the screen with blazing light.

» There's no fancy game options - press START and the action starts. A tutorial will commence which teaches the button controls and game mechanics. Either the D-pad or L-Analog may be used to move the hero. Walk him over the open Votoms mech and press SELECT to enter the Scopedog. If you take too long or dawdle, you'll be scolded.

» Once inside the cockpit of the Scopedog, the tutorial goes on to explain the screen indicators and gives simple objectives to accomplish including a punch-fest against two immobile mechs which stand there and accept your abuse. To activate a close-range melee attack, press the L2 button and then press the SQUARE button for a powerful punch attack or the "X" button to launch a feeble kick.

» The controls are:

L1 / Target enemy
R2 / Target next enemy
CROSS / Escape thrust move
SQUARE / Fire weapon
TRIANGLE / Spinning kick attack
CIRCLE / Activate wheels (once pressed, moving the d-pad will send the Scopedog skating instead of trudging)

» When the "O" button is pressed and the wheels are activated, you can rotate freely and fluidly around enemies and fire at them or home in for a powerful close-range punch attack that's accompanied by a short animation.

» Controls are excellent and the game is a very well done mech action game thanks to the fluid controls. The Scopedog is a remarkably mobile and versatile mech but if you run it into a wall, it'll drop down like a sack of potatoes.

» After the training mission, a "Scenario Opening" sequence plays which explains the backdrop of the game and the world in which Votoms operates.

» The proper game starts with scenes of Gilgamesh Confederation soldiers guarding an installation and Chirico appears in the background with the goal of infiltrating the tower. You'll take over and run up towards the lane on the left. Shoot the guards that converge on your location and at the end of the pathway is a Scopedog that's waiting. A sniper from overhead will attempt to take you out but he's easy to avoid as long as you keep running. Press SELECT to enter the Scopedog and you're now a one-man army. Once rolling inside the Scopedog, you can elect to shoot the guards or simply run them over in skate mode. As you venture further into the level, a couple of mechs will try to stop you along with an airship but they're cannon fodder.

» A map on the upper-right corner of the screen keeps track of your location, enemies, and key areas to infiltrate or explore.

» To activate the sniper scope, push down on the R-analog thumstick (R3). There are two levels of zoom and aiming is done by moving the R-analog up, down, and all around.

This document is ©NCSX 2007. All rights reserved. No reproduction in whole or in part of this document may be made without express written consent of National Console Support, Inc.