One problem is that the game really has no leveling mechanic in it. If your pilots survive over time their experience increases, but there is no noticeable difference between a veteran pilot and a green pilot. Adding in some RPG elements would have gone a long way.
The other problem with the game is that it seems expensive for what is essentially a board game. Yes, the argument can be made that Advance Warsalso expensive, but this game at $40 seems pretty extravagant especially when matched up with the other $40 RPG/Strategy games Atlus has been putting out at a good pace lately on the PS2. This game will take you a bit of time to beat, but asking $40 might be a bit on the high side.
"When you think of classic shoot 'em ups, the top 2 series that likely come to mind are Gradius and R-Type so let's take an in-depth look at both franchises and see which one comes out on top." - A.J. Maciejewski from Video Chums
This game is a turn-based strategy game with a hexagon field, you move your units according to their stats. This game is by no means a pick up and play game.
The controls are not the issue in this game, the menus are crazy hard to understand and the objectives seem to be missing in action sometimes or disappear too fast for you to read it all.
WorthPlaying writes, "Atlus U.S.A. titles are always hard to find at retail, and is now offering a number of titles from its PSP library as digital download via PlayStationNetwork: Crimson Gem Saga, Hammerin' Hero, Yggdra Union, Steambot Chronicles Battle Tournament, R-Type Command, and Riviera: The Promised Land."
ATLUS should get its own PSN Publisher Store if they keep on pumping out games on the PSN. SO far, EA(EA SPORTS), Capcom and R* got their own store.
They should put Demons Souls on the PSN store. It may be a huge, expensive download but it beats never finding a copy of the game.
