GENRE
	Strategy
	DEVELOPER
	Banpresto
	PUBLISHER
	Atlus
	NUMBER OF PLAYERS
	1
	CONNECTIVITY
	No
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The Super Robot Taisen series has been a popular mainstay in Japan since the 1980s; but until now, it’s never seen an installment in America. Unlike a lot of previous entries in the series, Super Robot Taisen: Original Generation features entirely original characters. So while players won’t be able to pit Wing Zero against Unit 02, there should be more than enough giant robot combat to keep any mech nut satisfied.

visuals

Super Robot Taisen: Original Generation was first released in 2002 in Japan, and this shows a little bit through the game’s somewhat dated visuals. While the character portraits are respectable and the battle animations well done, the maps are more than a little creaky with age. Nothing that will affect enjoyment of the game in any major way, but it’s going to be something that occasionally floats to the top of one’s mind during play.

The robots’ designs give the game its flavor. Each is given its own super-deformed look, and all of the mechs tend to sport their own fighting character, even though their looks run more to "cute" than "menacing."

audio

Rather than having a set battle theme for each fight or map, the game provides character-specific music that changes according to which pilot is taking a turn. The favored status of each pilot may depend on how enjoyable his or her music is. Distinct tunes are also given to the story sequences and locations. This makes the music something of a character in and of itself, providing an aural cue to advise the player of what’s happening.

gameplay

Super Robot Taisen offers turn-based strategy to the MAX. Veterans of other GBA gems like Fire Emblem and Final Fantasy Tactics have an idea of what to expect, but this title really goes above and beyond what’s normally expected of traditional tactical warfare.

The one-by-one battle selections are here, but with an interesting twist. Instead of mindlessly watching the enemy side attack, one can instead choose a course of action when the other side mounts an assault. As one enemy unit attacks an ally, the player can choose whether to evade the strike, brace for defense or mount a counterattack during the turn. This shakes up the the usually monotonous second half of battle and turns it into a reactive phase of combat, the management of which will be just as important as the attack phase.

And there’s just as much to do during the intermissions between combat and plot exposition. While helping pilots Kyosuke and Ryusei stave off interstellar conflict, it’s just as important to tune up their mechs and those of their companions. Not only can each pilot learn new skills and improve abilities, but each mech has multiple different areas for improvement, as does each of the weapons it can wield. Combining the pilot, robot, and all of its weapons together, and that leaves over a dozen ways to customize, provided enough money or ability points have been acquired.

multiplayer

N/A

overall

Despite the slightly antiquated graphics, Super Robot Taisen: Original Generation offers a lot to appeal to the strategy fan. There are two branching story lines, with over forty battles to wage in each, which can also change depending on certain decisions that are made. The deep combat, unique character designs and intriguing plot offer something for both the strategy fan and the giant robot enthusiast.

8.6/10