Hands-onRobot Alchemic Drive

Enix is putting a bid in the console mech simulation lot with Robot Alchemic Drive, and we recently had a chance to sample the results. The game puts you in control of giant remote-controlled robots, and it features a control scheme that carries on the illusion quite well. The humans controlling these mechs, which will effectively be your player characters, don't actually pilot them. Rather, they control them from outside their bodies by means of RC-style transmitters that look strikingly like Virtual Boy controllers. RAD's gameplay dynamic is pretty unique as result--you'll have to remain mindful of your character's position as you control the mech, for two main reasons. Firstly, you can only see areas that are within your character's line of sight. So, if you're positioned behind a huge skyscraper, you won't be able to see much of what's going on when your mech is battling another. Secondly, and perhaps most importantly, you don't want your character to get smashed by falling skyscrapers or squashed under the heels of a robot. Basically, you'll want to choose a spot that provides both a good vantage point from which to view the battles and a safe haven from the damage the mechs will undoubtedly leave in their wake.

The mechanics for controlling your robot are perhaps the coolest thing about the game at this point. Enix proudly stated that every button on the PS2 control pad is used, and, at least at this point, this seems mostly true. As far as movement goes, you're actually given control of each leg individually, with the L1 button controlling the left leg and R1 controlling the right. You'll take strides of varying intensity depending on how hard you press the button, so you have some control over your speed. To turn, you simply press R1 and R2 or L1 and L2 to go in their respective directions. You can execute jumps, finally, by pressing and releasing L2 and R2 simultaneously. All this actually feels more intuitive than it sounds, though things can get pretty complicated when you're stuck in a less-than-ideal vantage point. But that's how it goes, when battling robots via remote control.

Obviously, your mechs can also fight, and the control mechanics for this are just as compelling. You use the right and left analog sticks to control your robot's respective arms, with each being able to act independently of the other. Depending on the commands you enter with the sticks, you'll let loose different sorts of punches. Pulling the stick back and then pushing it forward quickly will release a stiff, powerful jab, while back followed by a quick 90-degree rotation will execute a crazy hook. You'll also have access to some ranged attacks, the particulars of which depend on the robot you choose. Lasers, missiles, and the like are all part of most robots' arsenals, which, when combined with your considerable melee attacks, make for a pretty versatile catalogue of assaults.

RAD, we're happy to report, does much to actually make you feel the combat, too, with controller rumbles, explosive sound effects, and the real-time destruction of environmental structures accompanying every major blow. Squat buildings will crumble under your feet, and power lines will snag as you step through them. These things way thousands of tons, in short, and the game actually makes you feel it.

The demo build we played featured three robots--one that had only a bipedal form, and two that transformed into a jet and a tank, respectively. There were three characters, though there didn't seem to be any gameplay-related distinctions between them during our demo. They all looked different, though, one being a young, brash type with a leather jacket, another a millionaire heir with a smart suit, and the last a kind young woman in a spring dress.

At this point, Robot Alchemic Drive is already a lot of fun to mess around with, and we sincerely hope that it remains on this track. We'll have a full preview of the game for you very soon.