Super Robot Wars Y is the latest in the long-running grid-based tactics game, a series I must admit, I have only been aware of due to familiarity with a few standout inclusions over the years.
As someone who recently got into the UC (Universe Century) era of Gundam, finishing both the original series, Zeta Gundam, War in the Pocket and Stardust Memory, I thought it would be the perfect opportunity to give Super Robot Wars Y a try as a somewhat newcomer to the world of mecha anime.
Now, Super Robot Wars Y, like previous entries in the long-running series, is all about its roster. This time, the lineup includes the following series: Brave Raideen, Super Electromagnetic Robot Combattler V, Aura Battler Dunbine (including New Story), Heavy Metal L-Gaim, Zeta Gundam, Mobile Suit Gundam: Char’s Counterattack, M-MSV, G Gundam, Gundam Wing, Gundam SEED, Gundam The Witch From Mercury, Mazinkaiser vs. The Great General of Darkness, Getter Robo Arc, Galactic Armored Fleet Majestic Prince, Macross Delta (including movie content from Passionate Walkure), SSSS.Dynazenon, and of course Code Geass, which includes content from both the original anime and Lelouch of the Rebellion Movie III: Glorification.
“Super Robot Wars Y, like previous entries in the long-running series, is all about its roster.”
Outside of mecha staples, both old and new, Super Robot Wars Y also features the debut of Godzilla. The game introduces original player characters in the form of twin cybernetic ninja pilots, giving players the choice between the male or female sibling before diving headfirst into the silly and often over-the-top mecha spectacle that defines Super Robot Wars Y.
It should also be noted that players who purchase the premium edition of Super Robot Wars Y or buy the downloadable content packs separately as they become available will gain access to even more outlandish crossover characters, including heroes from the Kamen Rider series, marking a first for Super Robot Wars.
Overall, the current roster and the promised DLC for Super Robot Wars Y are promising; however, the inclusion of SSSS.DYNAZENON and the forthcoming release of Kamen Rider make me wonder when the series will get Super Sentai content, as on paper, Sentai seems to lend itself better to the world of Super Robot Wars, just from the scale perspective. Additionally, the inclusion of Godzilla is very cool, but with the recent trilogy of movies from Hideaki Anno, I would have loved to see the return of Evangelion and Ultraman into the mix.
If you’re new to the world of Super Robot Wars, Super Robot Wars Y doesn’t drastically change the formula. Instead, it refines it with more RPG elements and improved control of your base unit. The STG Memory feature is a brand-new skill tree system that allows players to gain permanent augments, such as increased health and other powerful buffs, which help in late-game skirmishes and in the numerous downloadable content encounters found in Super Robot Wars Y.
“Ultimately, Super Robot Wars Y isn’t a groundbreaking evolution of the series, but it is another solid entry.”
Your base of operations also offers more customization. Players now have access to the Assist Link system, which grants non-mech pilot characters special support skills. These take the form of anime maids, who have their own levels that grow over time.
Combined with the faithfully recreated abilities and powers of each individual mech from the various series represented, there is plenty to enjoy for hardcore fans of the niche. In terms of story, Super Robot Wars Y feels like playing with your toys without the worry of delicate Gunpla pieces flying apart. In other words, if you have an affinity for the various series on offer, you’ll enjoy watching the offbeat interactions between the eclectic cast of characters.
As someone who prefers more grounded stories within the mecha genre, I wasn’t particularly engaged with the narrative outside the few series I recognized, such as the UC-era Gundam titles. Being a fan of Code Geass was a treat, though, especially seeing the often hilarious and ridiculous interactions between its characters and classic Gundam mainstays such as Char.
Ultimately, Super Robot Wars Y isn’t a groundbreaking evolution of the series, but it is another solid entry. It’s best reserved for longtime fans, while still being accessible enough for newcomers to dip into, provided they have some affinity for the properties on display.
