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»Super Robot Taisen: Original Generation
"Proving that the SRW series is more than just the sum of its licenses."
The Super Robot Taisen series is well-known in Japan for bringing
together mecha from anime series such as Gundam, Mazinger, Getter Robo,
Evangelion and many others into a crossover clash of epic proportions.
Unfortunately, until now, the games have never left Japan officially
(mainly due to the licensing nightmares that awaited any company
looking to obtain the rights to the series). However, thanks to
Original Generation which lacks any reference to the many archetypes
that made their series so popular, and Atlus who brought the game
stateside, Super Robot Taisen (which literally translates to “Super Robot
Wars”) has finally made it to the States. Despite being released in the
States about two months ago, Original Generation was originally
released in Japan back in November of 2002. Well, better late than
never, right? Of course, the question still remains: can the series
stand on its own without the popularity of the licenses that made it so
famous in the first place? Well, I’m pleased to say that the answer is
yes.
The game takes place an indeterminate number of years in the future in
the Space Age, a new age which began due to the advancements made in
space travel. However, mankind has made little progress, due to the
devastation caused by meteors that struck Earth at the beginning of the
21st century. In the year 179 S.E., a third meteor (uniquely dubbed
“Meteor 3”) struck the Earth near the Marquesas Islands, located in the
South Pacific. The meteor contained technology unknown to mankind,
dubbed EOT (Extra-Over Technology). After further analysis by the EOT
Investigative Committee, the head, Dr. Bian Zoldark reported that an
invasion by extraterrestrial beings was highly probable, and thus, the
development of Personal Troopers (humanoid mobile units) began.
Robots in the SRW universe can be divided into two categories: “Super
Robots”, powerful giant mecha that are equipped with fantastic
super-weapons, are sometimes transformable or formed through the
combination of two or more robots/vehicles and are often shrouded by
mysterious origins; and “Real Robots”, which are more realistic in
scale, similar to the robots of the Gundam series, and are used for
military applications, similar to how tanks and aircrafts are used. In
Original Generation, you are given the choice of playing as one of two
characters: Ryusei Date, a member of the SRX team who are developing a
powerful Real Robot or Kyosuke Nanbu, a member of the ATX who are
developing a new style of Super Robot, each offering their own gameplay
experience. Kyosuke’s storyline focusing more on the Super Robots,
while Ryusei’s focuses more on the Real Robots.
The game is a typical entry in the turn-based strategy genre. Your
troops and the enemy’s troops are scattered across the battlefield, and
during each turn, you are allowed to move your troops a certain number
of spaces. If you are in range, you can attack any enemy soldier in
range with a single attack per turn. In turn, after you perform an
attack, they can counterattack assuming they survive. Your attacks vary
from mech to mech and only certain attacks can be used at certain
points due to a lack of range, or EN (the game’s equivalent of MP)
among other factors. Once you end your turn, the enemy gets an
opportunity to attack. They can both move and attack, generally
choosing the latter. When attacked by an enemy, you can choose to
either counterattack, attempt to dodge the attack or defend. The
various battle actions are generally depicted by super-deformed
representations of the mechs/aircraft involved, though these displays
can be bypassed, causing the game to move faster but also make it
plainer in the process. In order to complete a campaign, you must
achieve the particular goals of the campaign, which you can look up at
any point during your turn under the Mission option.
You can also use Spirit techniques during your turn, which enhance
various abilities or increase your chance of doing massive damage in
your next attack. Another interesting factor to take into account
during the scenarios is the battlefield itself. Battlefields vary
between ground battles, sky battles, space battles and occasionally
water battles, which affects your mech’s mobility depending on how well
they do in a particular field. Water is generally considered the
hardest to navigate, although some mechs and ships are able to submerge
themselves making themselves more effective on water.
Before and after each scenario, you are given the chance to customize
your mechs and pilots. You can change, add and remove weapons (which
act as attacks) and items from your mechs or improve such factors as
their HP, their EN, their mobility, and their armor with the money you
earn in battle. On the other hand, you can also improve your pilot’s
stats, which include how well they perform on various battlefields,
their evasive skills, their defense and more. You can also teach your
pilots skills, which help them in battle by increasing their chances
for critical attacks. While the mechs use money to upgrade, pilot need
points called “Pilot Points” which can be earned in battle. Your pilots
can level up through battles as well.
The graphics and sound are great. The graphics in-battle and during the
story intermissions are well-made, especially considering the age of
the game. The battlefield graphics are also pretty decent, although not
exactly awe-inspiring. The sound also shares this greatness. The music
actually sounds like it belongs in a mecha anime, and the various
attack themes fit their corresponding characters’ personalities. The
sound effects are average, but what else do you expect? It’s a Game Boy
Advance game.
The replay value is plentiful. First off, there are two completely
different storylines, which allow for two different gaming experiences.
Completing both earns you “New Game+” mode, which is another experience
entirely. There are also several unlockable pilots, mechs, weapons, and
items that can be found through both paths. Needless to say, this game
will keep you playing for a long time. In closing, if you’re looking
for a great strategy game, or a great game featuring giant robots,
Super Robot Taisen: Original Generation is the game for you. And keep
your eyes open for its sequel, due out in late November.
Article by: Wolfdogg
Posted on: Oct. 9th, 2006 |
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Review Recap |
| Gameplay |
| Awesome strategy gameplay that lives up to the series’ reputation. |
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Graphics |
| They look great for a GBA game, especially the in-battle and intermission graphics. |
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Sound |
| Great music and standard sound effects help improve the experience of this game. |
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Replay Value |
| With two completely different storyline paths and numerous secret mechs, weapons, and items to find, this game will keep you busy for a good while. |
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