Update: June 29, 2007
«©NCSX» Banpresto gathers together two Super Robot Wars games that were originally released on the Gameboy Advance and completely overhauls the graphics, adds hundreds of battle animations, and upgrades the games with new features. The two games contained on the DVD are:» Super Robot Wars Original Generation (Debut: Nov. 22, 2002)
» Super Robot Wars Original Generation 2 (Debut: Feb. 03, 2005) In addition to the games, an OPTION setting on the main menu contains a BGM library, a movie gallery, and a useful Q&A section which answers any questions you might have concerning the game play in either title.
A large contingent of new characters and ships have been added to the roster along with a Weapon Change System preview and the mega mighty Twin Battle System. To trigger the TBS, move one unit right next to another unit and then combine your attacks on an enemy target. Jan Code: 4983164735772 View the back cover and screenshots on the main NCSX website.
NCS Game Notes
»» The intro to the game features two planetary bodies as the sun "rises" behind them. The camera passes one and focuses on the planet in the background where the sunrise is just over its upper right quadrant. Next, beautifully rendered images of robots in battle and in repose are shown as they rocket and attack each other. There's a peaceful sequence which shows a winged robot with fluttering robes flying over a ship before the combat and carnage resumes anew. »» Press START and the following selections appear ORIGINAL GENERATION / Play the remake of Super Robot Wars OG
ORIGINAL GENERATION 2 / Play the remake of Super Robot Wars OG2
LOAD / Resume a game from memory card save data for either OG game
CONTINUE / Resume a game already in progress that's still stored in PS2 ram
OPTION / View a bevy of Super Robot Wars data including a Q&A library »» The OPTION section includes a BGM library, a cinema gallery, the aforementioned Q&A library, and other locked collections of data. Only two songs are available in the BGM library at the outset: "Everywhere you go" and "Epic March." In the cinema gallery, only the introductory movie is included at the outset of the game. The Q&A section contains a total of 21 questions and answers that are categorized into 4 sections. »» Start an ORIGINAL GENERATION game and you'll get to choose to play as Kyosuke Nanbu of the ATX Team who's dressed in a flaming red jumpsuit or Ryusei Date of the SRX Team in a royal blue outfit. We chose Ryusei Date for our test game this morning. Another intro starts where the camera pans in on an artificial planetary body that's looming through space. Inside, dark forces are conspiring. Note that there is no voice acting to accompany dialogue during the introductory sequence but marching music plays in the background. To toggle AUTO MODE which forwards the dialogue automatically, push down on R3. Afterwards, the artificial planet releases streams of armored beasts called Megillot that stream through space. »» After the introduction, the SRW OG logo appears followed by the text: "Episode 1: Divine Wars." In the next moment, two red cruisers are surrounded by the blue Megillot creatures from earlier and things are looking dire. The crew of the two ships commiserate on their plan of attack and the first tactical battle of the game begins. Elsewhere. »» In the first battle, you control a blonde hero named Elzam who's piloting a Gespenst Mk. II-R with 3800 HP. In the background behind Elzam is a friendly Tuzend Fleet which does not participate in the action. Five Megillot enemies with 3000HP a piece appear on the grid overlay and your job is to defeat them all. Control of the cursor may be handled through the d-pad or the L-analog. The trigger buttons (L2 and R2) switch between the enemy targets. Attacks are shown in animated sequences where every punch, dashing attack, and counterattack is shown in beautifully animated detail. The first battle should be considered a general training mission to get a feel for the game since the enemies won't be able to land more than a single hit (if that) since Elzam's got skills. Note that only a melee attack is available to the Gespenst Mk. II-R and it can only counterattack if the enemy Megillot is adjacent to him. If the enemy fires off a projectile attack from 2 spaces away, Elzam won't counterattack so the best strategy is to get adjacent to as many Megillot as possible. You can also choose OFFENSE or DEFENSE when an enemy counterattack is about to begin. »» Elzam's Gespenst Mk. II-R attacks by rushing forward and then punching with both arms alternately to blow the enemy backwards. Each attack sequence knocks off about 2000 points per Megillot and causes the Dual Shock 2 to rumble energetically. The enemy uses two attacks - one where it leaps forward and swipes with its trunk. If it connects, it'll bite at Elzam's mech to impact additional damage. The second attack is where the Megillot fires off three blue laser rings. »» After defeating the five enemy Megillot, a stats screen pops up where you can view the STATUS, CUSTOM, PARTS, and SYSTEM. The protagonist then heads on to terra firma and onto a modern city where a bit of normalcy can be enjoyed before the next battle. Towards the evening hours, a warning siren sounds off and four Megillot appear right in the city. Jet fighters are scrambled to meet them but their missiles can't hit the dashing invaders. A white Gespenst Mk. II-TT mech is called into action which is commandeered by Ryusei which can launch impressive missile attacks from afar. Reinforcements appear within 1 turn so they'll help smash out the Megillot. »» The high energy music and resonant sound effects add a lot to the atmosphere and urgency of the game. »» Due to the design of the encounters, each battle can take 15-20 minutes while larger campaigns with more participants can last for over an hour. »» The movement phase is very quick with every enemy unit traveling around the grid in fast-forward motion. »» During a conversation sequence with characters, the full script of the interaction may be viewed by pressing the TRIANGLE button and then scrolling through the dialogue. »» To switch from the 3D isometric view of the battlefield to a classic 2D overhead map, press the START button. To view tips on controlling the game, press the SELECT button. »» The first batch of enemies known as the Megillot look like blue elephants with trunks and diamond-tipped tails. They have six legs though. »» If you're defeated in battle, the mech explodes and then a black screen appears with the letters OG. They flip positions so that the letters read GO before expanding to the words, "Game Over." »» The menu that pops up on the battlefield when you highlight a blank square and press the "O" button is entirely in Japanese. Here's a translation of the options from top to bottom: 1) End Turn (Highlight the left option and press the "O" button to proceed)
2) Activate and Use Skills, Special Skills, SP commands, or Twin Commands
3) View Active Unit Stats and HP/MAX/EN for the Active Unit
4) View Mission Objectives and Details; Same as the ones shown at the outset
5) View Battle Statistics which change as enemies are defeated
6) Adjust Game Options and System Settings
7) Save Game Progress to Memory Card »» SRW has used the same basic formula for nearly two decades but the attraction is undeniable. The battles are exciting and the storylines compelling. We're guessing that in another two decades hence, the same play design will be in place as gamers obsess over the latest Super Robot Wars on whatever generation of console is dominant in Japan at the time.
This document is ©NCSX 2007. All rights reserved. No reproduction in whole or in part of this document may be made without express written consent of National Console Support, Inc.
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