The Gundam Franchise has remained one of the most popular mecha franchises over the past 40 years. It has spawned numerous series, OVAs, and spinoffs, novels, manga series, model kits, animated films, a live-action movie (that most people would like to forget) and video games. While the mecha genre is not as popular as it was before, franchises like Gundam show that mecha anime still has a solid following.
When it comes to video games, the Gundam series has offered some of the best mecha games of the past few years, with most of the standout titles being released on Sony’s Playstation family of gaming systems. From fighting games, strategy games, and fast-paced arcade action, here are 5 Best Gundam games that fans must play.
Gundam Breaker 3
For a long time, Gundam fans have always wanted a game where they could create their dream mobile suit and take it into battle. This dream has finally been realized with the release of Gundam Breaker, where players get to create their own mobile suit designs from a combination of different Gunpla parts and take it out for battle.
The third game in the series takes this up a notch, with more parts to choose from, featuring mobile suits from almost every major series, along with some designs from movies and OVAs. This makes customization in this game the deepest in the series so far. The gameplay offers fast-paced hack and slash action that really makes you feel like a Gundam Pilot Gunpla Fighter. Overall, this is definitely a game that both old and new fans would really enjoy.
Mobile Suit Gundam vs. Zeta Gundam
When it comes to Gundam games in general, this has to rank as one of my all-time favorites. At the surface, this game might just be your regular Gundam arcade shooter, but by exploring further you have one of the deepest and most rewarding Gundam games ever. The game’s story mode is what makes this classic shine bright, as you get to play as some of your favorite characters from the original series and Zeta Gundam. Each character has a set of missions that are based on the events in the series, which sounds pretty straightforward at a glance.
Once you get deeper into the story mode, you’ll encounter special scenarios, unlock new characters and missions, and basically alter major parts of the Gundam story. Along with the story, you also get to unlock new mobile suits, and explore through more Gundam lore by accessing the game’s museum. Truly a gem of a title that every fan must have in their collection.
Gundam Battle Assault 2
Every now and then, Gundam games would venture into the fighting genre, leading to mixed results. Gundam Battle Assault 2, however, is a prime example of getting it right. With a large roster of playable mobile suits, along with smooth visuals and responsive controls, this can also be considered to be one of the best fighting games on the original PlayStation as well.
While the moves and combos may not be as deep compared to more traditional fighting games, the game provides a good sense of balance to keep gameplay interesting and varied. And of course, the best way to experience this game is playing head-on with your friends.
Mobile Suit Gundam: Encounters in Space
Battles in space have always been one of the essential elements of the Gundam experience. This has been the set piece for some of the most exciting and emotional moments in the franchise, as pilots and their mobile suits clash in zero gravity. While the shows have nailed this formula down, space battles in most Gundam games leave a lot to be desired.
But if you would have to choose one game that is able to capture the intense feeling shooting down mobile suits in space, then it would have to be Encounters in Space. Unlike other Gundam games before it, all of the missions are set in space, where souls are not be weighed down by gravity. The gameplay is fast-paced and well-done for its time, and you have a varied roster of pilots and mobile suits to choose from. There’s a reason why this game is one of the most sought-after Gundam games, as it finally gave the fans a game where they can experience the thrill of piloting your favorite mobile suit in space.
Gundam Extreme Vs. Full Boost
Perhaps the most sought-after Gundam game along with Encounters in Space, Gundam Extreme Vs. Full Boost stands as perhaps one of the best Gundam games ever made. The game captures the intense and blistering battles from the anime really well, with gorgeous graphics and crisp controls that make you feel like an ace pilot.
The game is basically a greatest hits compilation of your favorite Gundam characters, moments, and mobile suits. Speaking of mobile suits, the roster of mobile suits to choose from is massive, with mobile suits coming from the main series, to mobile suits the come from the side stories and spin-offs. This allows you to finally create those dream match-ups between your favorite mobile suits and put them to the test. If you are looking for a complete and definitive Gundam video game experience, then this game will knock your expectations out of the park.
There are might be a lot of Gundam games out there, but these five will surely bring you the best of what Gundam has to offer. while these games are true classics in their own right, there’s still more new Gundam games to come, especially with the upcoming release of New Gundam Breaker this year. Whether you’re an old or new fan, do yourself a favor and play these games to experience some of the best that Gundam has to offer.
Any other Gundam games you would like to recommend? Leave a comment below!
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