When devastating climactic changes submerge the planet Allium in water, two opposing races vie for domination over what little dry land is left in Battle Engine Aquila, a first-person mech shooter. Battle Engine Aquila tosses you into over 24 missions made up of primary and secondary objectives. When completed, you’re graded for each mission, and if you can complete all secondary objectives you’ll unlock more challenging variant missions. For the most part, the levels require you to annihilate Muspell forces, escort Forseti craft, and clear paths for Forseti ground forces—all of which are integral to each mission. Although they can’t be controlled, ground units will respond to your actions and alter their attack patterns based on how you manage to clear away enemy forces, which gives the game a cool strategic edge. You can also switch between two modes, Jet and Walker, and part of the game’s depth comes from deciding which one to use. Jet allows you to cover ground and enter combat zones quickly, while Walker boasts stronger shields and weaponry, and is better suited for heavy combat. As you progress, you’ll acquire new Battle Engine configurations, each of which has its own unique arsenal. Aquila features imaginative mech designs and vast environments, and although you’ll encounter heavy slowdown and flat textures, the graphics are pretty slick. Aquila makes great use of in-game chatter to direct you to objectives, and the sound effects are appropriately massive. An auto-aim feature enhances the sharp controls, although you’d expect Jet mode to be a bit more nimble. If you’re aching for a good, fast-paced action game with a strategic edge, give Battle Engine Aquila a go-round.
