80
It's an esoteric game that creates some of its own off-center rules while sticking to pleasant tradition. [Apr 2006, p.53]
90
Steambot is so much fun and so full of possibilities that, while playing, I mentally outlined not just my next playthrough, but the one after that. [May 2006, p.80]
55
The characters are shallow(amnesia strikes again), and the combat utilizes a clunkier version of the "Katamari Damacy" dual-analog controls. [May 2006, p.101]
9
Steambot Chronicles is an unique experience. Very early in the game, you're introduced to a mecha whose legs are controlled separately by each analog button (similar to both treads of a tank), and it may be frustrating at the start, but you get used to it fast and start to like it. The story is non-linear, with choices given to you during most events of the game. Some do not make any difference, others allow you to join a bandit faction, turning the protagonist into a villain, for example. Customizing your trotmobile is very fun, as there are many different components to buy and collect. Playing instruments is not so soothing as it could be, since the English voice actors apparently had no experience with singing at all, and even in the Japanese version (which is hard to find on the Internet) songs are sung in the same unpleasant to hear English. No dual-audio option. There are some side-quests, but good luck trying to trigger and finishing them by your own, since it's too convoluted and time consuming of a task to know what to do next, without resorting to a guide. Moving inside cities with your trotmobile is always a sleep-inducing travel. Well, there are many good and bad things regarding this game, but it's a consensus among who played it that Steambot Chronicles was too ahead of its time when launched. I recommend playing the undub version of this game to make it a more enjoyable experience but, by all means, play Steambot Chronicles.
10
Steambot Chronicles is easily my favorite game of all time. The characters are interesting and compelling, the interactions between them feel genuine. The game's hand-drawn look is absolutely stunning, and the designs are amazing. The game's only major flaw is it's long and frequent load times, which may break immersion and frustrate players. The game's controls can be confusing to those who do not frequently play video games or those with poor manual dexterity. The controls are satisfying when the player grasps them, and are refreshing changes to more traditional control schemes. The game's music plays a central role, and nearly all of it is enjoyable (Players might want to avoid giving Fennel his new guitar, or risk listening to a banshee's screeching for a few minutes).
Steambot Chronicles
PlayStation 2
Released On:
May 23, 2006
Metascore
Mixed or Average
74
User score
Generally Favorable
8.2
My Score
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All Platforms
Metascore
Mixed or Average
43% Positive
15 Reviews
15 Reviews
54% Mixed
19 Reviews
19 Reviews
3% Negative
1 Review
1 Review
100
A decent and unique gaming experience that takes sand box gaming to new heights. With all the combat, customization and multiple paths you can take Vanilla on, there's really nothing to complain about.
85
Go into it looking for the freedom to play as you want, indulge in it looking to participate in numerous quests and mini-games, get into it looking to solidify your claim to fame as a celebrity performer — the bottom line, just play it!
79
Overall, Steambot Chronicles is a tremendously ambitious effort that sometimes falls under the weight of its own innovation.
71
It’s undeniably charming, fun despite its problems, and laugh out loud funny at times.
70
Stubbornly quirky, unashamedly inventive, strangely relaxed and only a little bit broken, Steambot Chronicles is a game quite unlike anything else out there at the moment. [Aug 2006, p.122]
70
If you haven't done so already, do yourself a favor and get a copy of "Dark Cloud 2," which plays a bit like this and is a lot better. Steambot Chronicles isn't a bad game - it's just not very good.
45
Humor and unusual storytelling can't save it from stiff controls and an awkward camera.
User score
Generally Favorable
81% Positive
22 Ratings
22 Ratings
4% Mixed
1 Rating
1 Rating
15% Negative
4 Ratings
4 Ratings
Jul 1, 2014
10
Steambot Chronicles is easily my favorite game of all time. The characters are interesting and compelling, the interactions between them feel genuine. The game's hand-drawn look is absolutely stunning, and the designs are amazing. The game's only major flaw is it's long and frequent load times, which may break immersion and frustrate players. The game's controls can be confusing to those who do not frequently play video games or those with poor manual dexterity. The controls are satisfying when the player grasps them, and are refreshing changes to more traditional control schemes. The game's music plays a central role, and nearly all of it is enjoyable (Players might want to avoid giving Fennel his new guitar, or risk listening to a banshee's screeching for a few minutes).
May 24, 2019
9
Steambot Chronicles is an unique experience. Very early in the game, you're introduced to a mecha whose legs are controlled separately by each analog button (similar to both treads of a tank), and it may be frustrating at the start, but you get used to it fast and start to like it. The story is non-linear, with choices given to you during most events of the game. Some do not make any difference, others allow you to join a bandit faction, turning the protagonist into a villain, for example. Customizing your trotmobile is very fun, as there are many different components to buy and collect. Playing instruments is not so soothing as it could be, since the English voice actors apparently had no experience with singing at all, and even in the Japanese version (which is hard to find on the Internet) songs are sung in the same unpleasant to hear English. No dual-audio option. There are some side-quests, but good luck trying to trigger and finishing them by your own, since it's too convoluted and time consuming of a task to know what to do next, without resorting to a guide. Moving inside cities with your trotmobile is always a sleep-inducing travel. Well, there are many good and bad things regarding this game, but it's a consensus among who played it that Steambot Chronicles was too ahead of its time when launched. I recommend playing the undub version of this game to make it a more enjoyable experience but, by all means, play Steambot Chronicles.
SummaryAs cars became more and more common on city streets, the Trotmobile came into being. This two-legged, walking metal vehicle could be adapted to a variety of road conditions and purposes: agriculture, civil engineering, and transportation. The industrial revolution continued, increasing the Trotmobile's popularity. People placed their hop... Read More
Rated Tfor Teen
