Steel Battalion
This article or section needs expansion. |
| Video game fandom | |
|---|---|
| Name | Steel Battalion |
| Abbreviation(s) | SB |
| Developer(s) | Nude Maker |
| Publisher(s) | Capcom |
| Reveal date | 2005 |
| Release date | 12 September 2002 (Japan) |
| Platform(s) | Xbox |
| Related articles on Fanlore. | |
Steel Battalion is a 2002 mecha simulator video game, developed by Nude Maker and released by Capcom for the original Xbox. Players pilot military mechas known as Vertical Tanks (VTs), utilizing a custom controller to control the vehicle. Steel Battalion received two sequels; the online-only Steel Battalion: Line of Contact for Xbox and Steel Battalion: Heavy Armor for the Kinect, an add-on to the Xbox 360.
Due to the game's unique qualities, fans have formed a dedicated microfandom around the original Steel Battalion and Steel Battalion: Line of Contact, organized via the fan community Steel Battalion Online. The fandom's focus is on online multiplayer, continuing online play even after the shutdown of Xbox Live for the original Xbox via console modding and LAN tunneling. The Steel Battalion fandom has also featured the game for play for those unfamiliar with the game, such as multiplayer LAN setups at the video game convention PAX and the Big Steel Battalion Box at The Museum of Art and Digital Entertainment.
Gameplay
Steel Battalion is a mech simulator wherein players control military mechas known as Vertical Tanks (VTs). The game requires players to control VTs via a large custom controller that emulates how such a vehicle would control in reality. The layout and functionality of the controller is similar in form and function to controls found in aircraft cockpits. Both Steel Battalion and its controller utilize a high level of realistic detail; the game's UI is entirely digetic with the exception of menus, and the controller has over 30 input points, many of which are only used in the startup sequence or for specific in-game scenarios.
Fandom
Big Steel Battalion Box
PAX
Speedrunning
Example fanworks
Communtites & blogs
- Steel Battalion Online on Discord
- Steel Battalion Online on Facebook
- /r/steelbattaliononline on Reddit
Archives & fannish links
- Steel Battalion Wiki on Fandom
- Steel Battalion page on MobyGames
- Steel Battalion page on Speedrun.com
- Steel Battalion article on Wikipedia