Steel Reign (PlayStation)

GameSpot editors' review

• CNET editors' rating: 3.5 stars Very good
  Detailed editors' rating
  Overall score: 7.0 (3.5 stars)

• Reviewed by:
  Glenn Rubenstein
• Reviewed on: 12/04/1997
• Updated on: 05/02/2000
• Released on: 08/31/1997
• Originally published on GameSpot: Steel Reign (PlayStation) Review

Maybe I'm too much into mainstream games lately, but when someone says "tank game," I get scared. It's not that I don't like that type of game, but the words make me picture a dull simulation with overcomplicated controls and too little action. With first-person 3-D graphics and an open battlefield, I normally expect a lot, and most games in this genre have disappointed me in the past. Therefore it was with great hesitation that I popped Steel Reign into my PlayStation.

Steel Reign gives you a good vibe almost immediately with its opening full-motion video sequence, which is highly reminiscent of an HBO World Premiere Movie. Footage of tanks gathering fills the screen, while the game's main character, in a serious-as-death tone, speaks about how a madman and his militia are out to take over the world. Using your own prototypes of advanced combat tanks, it's up to you to stop him. (Those of you who have HBO will be amazed how much this game looks like one of those movies - in fact, all that's missing is Don "The Dragon" Wilson.)

Steel Reign contains ten missions that must be completed to take down the evil General Storm and his army. At the beginning of the game, you have 3 tanks to choose from - and in Arcade mode, you can increase this number to 12 (by finding them throughout your missions). These vehicles vary in speed, shields, and firepower, and each tank has its strengths and weaknesses. In Arcade mode you can switch tanks between missions, but in Quest mode you must stick with one tank throughout the entire game. Each tank has its own weapons, and you can acquire weapons by finding scattered power-ups throughout each level. The firepower in Steel Reign is more than adequate - from chain guns to lasers to plasma cannons to missiles, there plenty of ways to destroy the enemy (and enjoy the awesome explosions that occur).

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