Steel Battalion[a] is a video game created by Capcom for the Xbox console where the player controls a "Vertical Tank"—a bipedal, heavily armed mecha.

At the beginning of every mission, the player must start up the machine and operating system; this is handled through a series of switches and buttons dedicated to this purpose.

Essentially bipedal walking weapons platforms, VTs are classed by their developmental generation and sub-categorised by their combat role.

This allows a newer, more advanced operating system, startup sequence, and combat functions, as well as a wider cockpit view and layout.

[citation needed] Online play was taken out of consideration close to the development's start due to being too ambitious.

[5] While the game and its special controller received critical acclaim, the project turned little profit.

[15] A sequel called Steel Battalion: Line of Contact was released in 2004, and also used the game's unique controller.