Titans of Steel

If you��re familiar with the BattleTech board-game system, you know what Titans of Steel is about. If you aren��t, you can get a good idea by imagining MechWarrior plus a board game minus the copyrighted universe, plus some really primitive graphics.

The structure, pacing, and play of Titans rest on one-at-a-time combat mechanics that feel like board-game moves, although the game does a nice job of using the computer to implement a unique, impulselike turn style that puts a premium on advance planning. It��s a thinking man��s game, especially if that man has a beard and can stroke it thoughtfully while planning moves.

The game is at its best when you��re not playing the battles. You can spend hours fiddling with approaches, and the role-playing elements through which titan jocks develop skills and attributes are well done.

Once you get these beasts to the battlefield, results are mixed. Game mechanics reward careful planning and what is sometimes excruciating attention to detail. While the slow pace will delight those who like playing what is essentially MechWarrior Chess, the board-game conventions can seriously impede the flow of play, since multiple-weapon alpha strikes are resolved individually and can drag on interminably. The interface works well for executing moves but poorly for keeping track of your titans�� status. Playing on large maps slows play further, enough that the game can devolve into hours of hide-and-seek. The graphics don��t help, so you��re advised to bring your imagination. And a love for metal monsters with guns. And a beard to stroke.

Verdict

2.5 Stars

An old-school game with little crossover potential.

Publisher: Matrix Games

Developer: Vicious Byte

Genre: Turn-based Strategy

ESRB Rating: E

Required: Pentium II 400, 64MB RAM, 400MB install Recommended: None

Multiplayer Support: Hotseat, Internet (2-4 players)

Copyright © 2003 Ziff Davis Media Inc. All Rights Reserved. Originally appearing in Computer Gaming World.