DESCRIPTION

The 1985 Japanese anime series starring 40-foot transformable vessels called mecha comes to next-generation systems as a third-person shooter blending cel-shaded 3D graphics and hand-painted 2D special effects. Instead of solely taking place in the far reaches of space, the game has players flying, shooting, and transforming their crafts over hills, across canyons, and through cities while completing various missions on Earth. Players pilot a Veritech Fighter with the ability to morph into the following three combat modes at any time: Battloid, Guardian, and Fighter.

Each combat mode has advantages and disadvantages depending on the situation. Battloid mode, for example, gives pilots the ability to shoot down missiles, while pilots in Guardian mode can pick up and drop items. Fighter mode features slower turning movement but offers the most powerful missiles. As players progress through the game, they will be able to acquire four additional types of Veritechs, earn paint schemes, and meet up with such anime characters as Rick Hunter, Lynn Minmei, Ray Fokker, and Lisa Hayes.

Three modes of play include Training, Story Mode, and Versus. Story Mode follows the path of a skilled Veritech pilot named Jack Archer. As Archer, players embark on a series of missions in the Robotech Defense Force's ongoing effort to protect Earth from a Zentraedi alien invasion. Training consists of three missions focusing on the three combat modes available to pilots, while Versus is a head-to-head showdown against a friend on one of eight unlockable battlefields. Robotech: Battlecry features voice work from seven of the anime's original actors, whose interviews are also available as a special feature in the options menu. ~ Scott Alan Marriott, All Game Guide