Steambot Chronicles Battle Tournament kinda comes across as a clunkier steampunk version of the Armored Core games. The similarity is mostly superficial, though, as Steambot Chronicles has a deeper RPG aspect compared to the latter.

On the US PlayStation blog, the game's lead editor, Mike Meeker, gave out a few details regarding this upcoming action-RPG title from Atlus.

The game takes place in a fictional turn-of-the century setting where bipedal automobiles called Trotmobiles fill the city streets. You play as an up-and-coming Trotmobile driver out to make a name for yourself in the Orion City Trotmobile Battle Tournament.

 

The RPG elements seem to take the fore mainly in your character's interactions with the city's residents. How your character acts is up to you. You can choose to be one of those super-optimistic hero types or just be a callous jerk, but be warned: your responses will affect some of what happens later on in the game.

Just like the Armored Core games, Steambot Chronicles gives players a lot of leeway in customizing their Trotmobiles. Not all of the equipment will be purely battle-oriented, though, as some will be for undertaking jobs around the city to earn cash to buy better parts for your Trotmobile. These jobs can range from simple errands like delivering stuff to the more outlandish ones like ghost hunting.

 

The game also comes with a multiplayer mode for up to four players. Game sharing is also supported, so you can just share one copy with your friends whenever you want some multiplayer action.

Steambot Chronicles Battle Tournament will be released on June 30 for the Sony PlayStation Portable.

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More PSP games from Atlus:

• Atlus packing full game OST with every Shin Megami Tensei: Persona launch copy
• Atlus talks Crimson Gem Saga, details new Ambush and Critical Combo systems