Enix announced today that it is currently working on a giant robot simulator for the PlayStation 2 called Robot Alchemic Drive (RAD). In the game, you'll control one of three robot handlers who must remotely control enormous robots in order to stop an alien invasion.

　　The gameplay takes place on two planes--you must control your robot in combat while avoiding falling debris, vehicles, and the destructive feet of your robot. Every object in the game is fully destructible, including buildings, vehicles, and power lines. Robots have the ability to transform into an alternate form, such as tanks and planes, which provides new abilities and attacks. There will be more than 50 different scenarios in the finished game, and Enix stated that the game will include more than 40 hours of gameplay.

　　Robots will be completely customizable and can be upgraded with new skills, armor, and weapons. The game also includes a unique control scheme in that each limb of the robot is represented by a button on the Dual Shock 2. For instance, the L1 and R1 buttons control the robot's legs. Alternately pressing the two buttons will cause the robot to walk.

　　Robot Alchemic Drive plays from a human's perspective to give the robots a feel of immensity, and the robots were designed by Toshihiro Kawamoto, a character designer for the popular Cowboy Bebop anime. The game's story will be different depending on which robot handler you choose to play as.

　　"People have a long-held fascination with and desire to control robots," said Paul Handelman, president of Enix America. "RAD's sheer interactivity--robots, smashing, squishing--and environmental destruction will have players of all ages and skill levels coming back for more."

　　Robot Alchemic Drive is scheduled for release on the PlayStation 2 in November. Look for more information, including a hands-on look, from the E3 show floor later this week.