Console: Xbox 360
Date Released: 08/28/2007
Date Reviewed: 01/07/2012
Reviewer: Richard
Pros
* Simple, mindless fun. Nothing too complicated here.
* One of the very few Gundam games available for Xbox.
* One of the very few Gundam games available outside Japan.
* Wide variety of characters and Mobile Suits to choose from.
Cons
* Gameplay is repetitive. Again, nothing too complicated here.
* Really meant for a particular demographic (Dynasty Warrior and/or Gundam fans).
* Enemy A.I. is lacking at times.
Presentation : B
Graphics / Animation / Sound
Animation isn’t exactly the best of quality, even for 2007. However, in this case it really doesn’t need to be. It’s suitable enough to match what you would see in an animated series. Most of the sounds are familiar to Gundam fans. For example, RX-78s iconic beam rifle blast is there. “Minor” sounds such as vulcan cannons, seem fairly generic but that can be excused fairly easily. I was also very pleased by the fact that the game featured both English and Japanese voices. I’ve never been a fan of English dubbing, but I know there are many out there who are. So, it’s always nice for players to have those kinds of options to make their gaming experience more complete.
Single Player : C
Game mechanics / Length / difficulty
The concept is fairly simple, especially for those who have played Dynasty Warrior games before: fight random grunts until the random bosses spawn, then kill them to clear the field. Most of your attacks will be using the X button, with the occasional Y for charge attacks. The A.I. doesn’t offer too much of a challenge either, even on the hardest difficulty setting, but they do have a nasty habit to attack while you’re attacking which can get annoying.
While the game does have many characters and mobile suits from the Gundam franchise, I do want to make note that not all of them can be found in this game. So, for those who want to play as Duo in the Deathscythe, you might be disappointed. But unless you’re using your favorite, one will find themselves playing through a handful of the characters.
As a fan of Gundam, one big appeal for games like this is the interaction between characters For example, Jerid and Heero Yuy can be seen teaming together to fight Loran and Amuro Ray. You will never see those characters together on the same show, but since video games aren’t cannon, anything is possible. Think of it like Luke Skywalker teaming with Captain Kirk to fight Darth Maul and John Sheridan on Babylon 5.
Multiplayer : C
Game mechanics / Features / Online features
There are several different multiplayer options that can be found in this game. The first is multiplayer co-op in which you and another player take on the campaign missions together. While this is my personal preference, I have to admit that sometimes it can make things a bit too easy, even on the hardest settings.
The other three modes can be found in the “Versus” menu. Normal match is fought using each unit in their basic forms. In Warriors match, you fight the A.I. to gain various power ups, then fight the other player with said power ups. Finally, the Shotdown contest reminds me of certain multiplayer Tetris games where each player has to keep clearing their side of the field thereby adding more to their opponents field. Each of these modes are fun for a while, but I found myself spending most of my time in the single player.
Replay Value : B
Lasting appeal / Bonus Content / DLC
While there isn’t any DLC or bonus content, there is enough here to last fans of Dynasty Warriors and/or Gundam plenty of hours of play time. I’ve personally logged about 85+ hours, but I think that was mostly because of the fact that it was my first Gundam game. Still though, it was nice to pick up and play every once in a while until the sequel came out in 2009.
Overall : C
