Where do I even start with this little PS2 game? Steambot Chronicles is a little bit of everything that console gaming has to offer: RPG, music rhythm, action, dating sim, pool game, mech sim, sandbox adventure, fantasy, sci-fi, you name it! It is by no means perfect, but consistently delivers a sense of ambition throughout the game that few games can muster in their brightest spots. Released to a somewhat warm reception by critics and terrible sales, the game was translated by crazy RPG publisher Atlus. Unlike some of their offbeat titles, you can still run out and purchase this game for about $10. Considering the game's (optional) extensive length, you're getting an insane deal.

Before the game even begins, the player is asked a series of questions that feel like they've been ripped out of Animal Crossing's intro. The given answers are used to generate some of the game's dialog, character reactions and even your character's temperament. After a few random statements, you're thrust into the game's world through one of the best (worst?) RPG clichés ever: awakening from amnesia. Your character wakes up on a beach and all he knows is that he must find a girl named Coriander, and lucky for you she's standing right next to you. You'll discover that your name is Vanilla R. Bean (as inscribed on your harmonica), go through some idle chit chat, and set off on the first act of the story arc that sets up most of the central cast. It's linear but does a great job of introduces the game's many, many game mechanics. It may not sound like it's set world on fire, but by the time you're done with setting up your Trotmobile (think a MechWarrior vehicle crossed with a VW Bug), play a few songs, shoot some pool, talk to people around town, and take on a few bandits you'll be happy that events that significantly alters the game's universe don't occur until you see all the options ahead of you. From that point on, the game branches out into drastically different paths, allowing the player to focus on the gameplay they want. It's easy to plow right through the story mode if you're in a rush, but there's an abundance of worth while side quests to complete.

There's so much to do in this game. Players with a thing for bot-on-bot action can duke it out in the Trotmobile Tournaments and the bandit encounters ahead of them. The game takes on a more action-centric approach to combat itself, but allows the player to edit and modify their ride to obscene lengths with all sorts of weapons, parts and armor available to make the perfect rig. The Trotmobiles have non-combat uses that range from package deliveries to exploring the sizable overworld in search of new towns.

Another big part of the game is the role that performing music takes on. Vanilla may not know much about himself at the start of the game, but one thing he does know for sure is that he's a musician. Through the game you'll get the chance to play a few different instruments at different venues. Ok, it's not Rock Band, but the fact that this element is even half as deep and enjoyable as it appears in game is impressive.

Much of my play time was stealthily eaten away by just talking to characters. The size of the cast here is enormous. Time just flew away as I would check up with some of the more eccentric characters and there's always somebody new to meet at nearly every part of the main storyline. While not all of them feature voice over work, they'll show a surprising amount of personality. The game's overall tone is one that is defiantly on the sweet side, but I didn't feel like they over did it. It just felt natural for the plot and characters. While not all that original, the story is presented here is just so unapologetically charming, it's hard resist.

As I mentioned earlier in this article, the Steambot Chronicle's execution isn't perfect. Graphics could be better. Controls could have been more finely tuned. The music could use a little work. There's a layer of polish missing that keeps it from reaching the developer's intentions, but it doesn't take too much of an imagination to see what they wanted to show the player. It's this aspect that makes this quirky game an easy recommend to JRPG fans searching for something "different." While its US sales may have not been stellar, it's encouraging that it has found some success in Japan and has had two spin-off titles released with a PS3 sequel currently in production. Hopefully new hardware will be able to support Irem's lofty goals.