Fighting Games Friday: Gundam Versus

Anyone who still follows the Japanese arcade scene’s trials and tribulations has undoubtedly heard of the Gundam VS (“VS” meaning “Versus”) series from developer Capcom and publisher Bandai Namco. It’s been around for a while, and is reportedly one of the best Japanese 3D combat games around. In fact, it’s the best robot-based combat game around, thanks its only competitors (like Sega’s Virtual-On) being put to rest. The games involve mobile suits from the Gundam franchise battling on large fields with full 3D movement, to replicate the feel of piloting a suit one like characters in its various anime installments. A plethora of sequels have been made since the series started in 2001, as Gundam fans who enjoy the games always return to play, particularly as new mobile suits are added to coincide with new Gundam installments.

It’s a pity that it’s mostly unknown outside Japan, even to Gundam fans, thanks to the finicky localization relationship it has with western territories.

The first game in the series, Mobile Suit Gundam: Federation vs. Zeon, was localized in English for PS2, as its release coincided with the airing of the original 1979 Mobile Suit Gundam (which this was based on) on Cartoon Network’s Toonami block. Neither the game nor the series caught on as well as Bandai wanted, which resulted in them leaving some subsequent installments in Japan. It made a short return with Mobile Suit Gundam: Gundam vs. Zeta Gundam (a name that was highly mocked, though it makes sense to franchise fans) on PlayStation 2 in 2005, only for localizations to go into hibernation again. It didn’t help when some installments after this one only released on PSP, but Bandai also ignored some PS3 titles. They had little interest in localizing Gundam titles besides the Dynasty Warriors: Gundam games.

These days, however, we’re dealing with a Bandai Namco who’s recently reaffirmed support for localizing Japanese games, an initiative that’s worked out well for them and their fans. While they localized Mobile Suit Gundam: Extreme VS Force for Vita as a digital-only release, they’re now bringing over the newest console installment: Gundam Versus.

Gundam Versus is a 2-on-2 fighter where players can use a variety of mobile suits from most Gundam franchises. Many westerners haven’t played the most recent installments, so updated features like the Boost Dash, Boost Step, and Boost Dive will be new to them, which all show how matches have become more intense since the last console installment. The dashes and dives will be used to close in on opponents with surprise attacks, while stepping is necessary for stylishly dodging attacks. Players can also call on Strikers to assist them in battle, similar to many other fighters of this type. Prior to battle, players will choose their equipment to enhance multiple combat and defensive capabilities.

Basically, there’s a lot to learn here for new players and veterans. Take a look at this gameplay video to get a better feel for it.

Before even getting to the point of choosing equipment, you’ll have to choose which mobile suit you’ll want to focus on, of which there will be a whopping 90 from 17 different Gundam franchises. Plenty of the most popular mobile suits are here, like Amuro Ray’s RX-78-2 from the original MSG, the Wing Gundam Zero and Tallgeese from Gundam Wing, and the Unicorn Gundam from Gundam Unicorn. But some are surprises, like the Slave Wraith and Geloog High Maneuver Model from spinoff PS3 game (and later four-volume manga series) Mobile Suit Gundam: Side Story and the Crossbone Gundam X1 Kai from titular manga series Mobile Suit Crossbone Gundam.

Since this is a video game in 2017, there will also be DLC suits, like the Gundam Virtue from Gundam 00 and the Gundam Barbatos Lupus from recent TV series Iron-Blooded Orphans. The former is a preorder bonus in Japan, and could be the same in western territories if they aren’t included for free.

The game will have worldwide servers for its online play, so two players can match themselves up with two others from any part of the world. There’s no telling whether its online play will work adequately when players are matched up with those from another country, so like many other online games, it will work best when played with others within their territory. Online server tests are being done for the Japanese market ahead of its launch there, and they should do the same for the west — even though it’s bound to sell less outside Japan.

Gundam Versus will arrive in Japan next Thursday, so we’ll get an idea of how worldwide matches will fare online when those who can’t wait for the western release import it. Said western release will arrive sometime this fall. There are plenty of videos showing the game in action (including one in English), but if you want to see more, Bandai Namco will be sponsoring the AnimEvo Gundam Versus tournament happening at Evo 2017 between July 14th and 16th. Perhaps voice actress Kana Ueda will participate again, as she played and came in third place last year.