Steel Battalion is a mech game in which the player takes control of mechanized tanks, known as "VT"s (or Vertical Tanks), using a forty button controller with footpedals.
The story begins with the player being promoted and tasked with keeping the peace in a world plagued by military unrest. The player must master the integrated controller to clear their way to victory and pilot through fifteen different mechs, each with its own unique abilities and strengths.
The game's controller is an integral part of its gameplay, featuring forty buttons that activate various commands, two joysticks for movement and aiming, and a footpedal for speed and braking. The eject button is another key feature, allowing players to save their lives in critical situations by quickly flipping a lid and pressing the button.
Players will be equipped with high-tech weapons such as Plasma Torches, Twin Pod Rocket Launchers, and a 270mm Rifle Cannon to take down enemy mechs. With ten missions to complete, Steel Battalion requires skill, strategy, and quick reflexes to succeed.