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Steel Battalion and Steel Battalion: Line of Contact Differences
Steel Battalion: Line of Contact shares many similarities with its predecessor, Steel Battalion. But for every element that is familiar, there are differences that drastically alter the mechanics of gameplay and control. Below, I will will try to list and compare major differences between the two titles.
Note that this section should be considered constantly "under construction" as new differences are found or occur to me. In general Line of Contact is much more complex in terms of VT and weaponry variation.
| Game Type |
| :: Steel Battalion :: |
:: Steel Battalion: Line of Contact :: |
| Steel Battalion is a single player only game. There are no provisions for multiplayer via XBox Live or System.Link |
Steel Battalion: Line of Contact is a multiplayer only game. There are no single player missions of any kind, and no training missions or tutorials. Supported multiplayer modes are via XBox Live service and System.Link LAN connections. Note that XBox Live service is REQUIRED in order to unlock all missions and VTs via Campaign mode. |
| VT Movement |
| :: Steel Battalion :: |
:: Steel Battalion: Line of Contact :: |
| Movement within Steel Battalion is relatively smooth due to the lack of a proper first-person in-game physical model. The player VT appear to move as if on wheels or rails at all times despite the bipedal locomotion displayed in the game. |
The way in which VTs move in Steel Battalion: Line of Contact has been significantly altered. VTs now "step" convincingly, with the movement translated to the cockpit view as a sway or shaking motion. Torque profile differences between VTs have been drastically exaggerated and timed shifting to torque build is now required in order to gain speed. Additionally, a new mode of locomotion has been introduced called "Wheel Mode" which allows rapid traverse of flat or downhill terrain. Wheel Mode is activated by shifting into 5th Gear after sufficient torque has been achieved. |
| Torque and Acceleration |
| :: Steel Battalion :: |
:: Steel Battalion: Line of Contact :: |
| Torque profiles implemented in Steel Battalion allow a VT to overturn itself due to massive acceleration. Additionally, VTs can be started in any gear and still gain acceleration relatively quickly. |
Steel Battalion: Line of Contact modified the implementation of torque to REQUIRE timed shifting and torque buildup to translate into VT acceleration. Additionally, it is now impossible to tip a VT via over-torque acceleration. |
| Balancer Issues |
| :: Steel Battalion :: |
:: Steel Battalion: Line of Contact :: |
| Balancer overload in Steel Battalion requires that a player perform a slidestep to remain upright. Also, rapid downshifting or shifting into reverse while in forward movement can sometimes result in a VT tipping over. |
The balancer function within Steel Battalion: Line of Contact has been modified to allow more margin for error on the part of the player. The balancer warning indicator will light when the VT approaches an unbalanced state, and depending on terrain, velocity and turning rate, may be recovered from without a slidestep simply by lessening the angle of turn/rotation. |
| Targetting and Reticule Movement |
| :: Steel Battalion :: |
:: Steel Battalion: Line of Contact :: |
| The aiming reticule in Steel Battalion dispalyed ranges with two arrows which wouuld approach the horizontal center when "in-range." |
The aiming reticule speed has been significantly reduced in Steel Battalion: Line of Contact to allow for easier manual aiming. Additionally, the "in-range" indicators have now been changed to approach the "vertical" top of the aiming reticule. For VTs equipped with a sniper rifle, a new aiming mode is available what automatically zooms to a 10x power view when the F1 button is pressed. Manual aiming is then achieved via the thumbstick view-hat control. |
| Override and Battery/Boost |
| :: Steel Battalion :: |
:: Steel Battalion: Line of Contact :: |
| Nearly limitless battery/boost is available in Steel Battalion when Override is enabled. Fuel consumption with override on is 3x normal rate. |
Boost within Steel Battalion: Line of Contact varies depending on VT model. Override no longer allows for limitless boost/battery capabilities. Many energy based and all melee weapons completely drain battery reserves when triggered. Battery reserves must be at Full to perform a successful melee attack. Override now consumes fuel at 10x normal rate. |
| Tipping Over |
| :: Steel Battalion :: |
:: Steel Battalion: Line of Contact :: |
| The lack of a proper first-person physical model within the game world of Steel Battalion meant that the player VT was not governed by the same visual/speed limitations of the AI VTs. After falling over, a player VT could right itself much more quickly than a comparable AI VT of the same type. When overturned, a player VT maintained any weapons lock and could still perform standard and melee attacks on enemy targets. |
Overturn and rise speed is governed by the current VT model piloted in Steel Battalion: Line of Contact. When overturned, all weapon locks are broken and melee weapons cannot be fired. |
Chaff works differently
No rank requirement for VTs to pilot
No Smoke in game
Howitzers and SNiper rifles
VT mines
Toggle Switches on startup
Communication
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