The camera controls alone are spread across both analog sticks, the D-pad, and the right trigger. Now, keep in mind that the right trigger only affects the camera while clicking the right sticks, and otherwise dictates unit selection, unless in tandem with the left stick at which point it’s used for highlighting special abilities. The special abilities of units can then be activated via the face buttons, but this is dependant upon the presence or lack of dominating hero in the unit.
Confused yet? I hope not, because I haven’t even tackled the advanced controls yet.
I’m beginning to think that there is a rogue developer whose sole purpose is moving from game to game, plotting horrendous controller-layouts to prove the superiority of PCs. We’ve been beaten down with the mantra that console controllers can’t handle the intricacies of the keyboard and mouse. I don’t buy it. Console gamers have been micromanaging numerous characters, movements, and dozens of abilities in tactical RPGs with ease for over a decade. On top of that, games like The Elder Scrolls: Oblivion and Final Fantasy XI proved that the complexities of the keyboard can be transported to the console without skipping a beat. Whether you agree or not, there is no excuse for Battle March’s atrocious bastardization of the 360 controller.
Once you wrestle the basics of maneuvering into memory, watching your army clash swords amid the explosions and mana-trails of the battlefield is a definite highlight. Combat is in real-time, so quick wits and decisive strategy is just as important as strong soldiers. You don’t want your knights getting ambushed from behind and you certainly don’t want your archers manning the front lines in close-combat. In addition to the multitude of different unit-types, every army has at least one Hero to lead the charge. Heroes are the warriors of legend, able to turn the tides of battle in a matter of seconds, and are undoubtedly the best part of the game.
As you proceed through the story of Campaign mode, your Hero grows stronger with every victory, gaining experience to disperse among a variety of skills. You could make him into a lord of war capable of plowing through units with ease, an indomitable leader who fills his troops with vigor, or a powerhouse dueler for the inevitable clashes against rival Heroes. At post-mission campsites, you’re free to equip your heroes with the spoils of war, including armor sets, weapons, and even mounts. Unfortunately, whoever picks up the loot on the field becomes the owner for the game, unless you want to sell the item and buy it back at double the cost.
While building your Heroes and watching them rage through battle is sure to incite a wicked smile or two, the confusion wrought by assembling an army will shred through those feelings of euphoric bloodlust. With the gold from victory, you can buy new units that specialize in melee, ranged, and magical combat, as well as siege units like cannons. Lose them once and they’re gone for good, so there is a benefit to equipping them with heavier armor and better weapons, or simply laying down the cash for more powerful units. The trouble is, shopping for new units is like shopping for a new game based on price. I hear that Puppy Luv is still holding strong at $30.
