Mecha fans think Gundam whenever they have to imagine giant robots, and this literal giant of a franchise continues to stun viewers with stunning stories of war, friendship, and intense robot-on-robot action. Thankfully, Gundam isn't content on having their shows and Gunpla figures entertain their fans. In fact, there are enough Gundam video games out there for fans to feel like they're in the driver's seat of their own Mobile Suit!
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However, given more than 20 video games in the hit robot franchise, just which games should mecha fans get first? Interestingly, their top choices may be all about nostalgia, personalization, or sheer over-the-top robot action.
10 Super Robot Wars (Varied)
Any mecha fan who loves Gundam will inevitably stumble upon the massive Super Robot Wars franchise. This tactical RPG from Bandai Namco is perhaps the biggest crossover of machines yet. Entries from the series will almost always feature a crossover story that features popular mecha franchises across manga, anime, and video games. Each installment will almost always have the player pilot a game-exclusive machine as they become involved in the affairs of not just Gundam characters but other robot franchises as well.
Moreover, its straightforward nature as a turn-based RPG makes it quite attractive to players. Essentially, players control a platoon of robots from various franchises in a grid-based map. To add to the awesome, some machines carry over unique properties from their franchises, such as transformation!
9 Mobile Suit Gundam: Bonds Of The Battlefield (Arcade)
Any Gundam fan would like to wonder just how skilled pilots like Amuro Ray handle their machines in fast-paced combat. Thankfully, fans who make their way to Japan can get into an arcade machine and experience this for themselves. With a special Panoramic Optical Display system, players can get a first-person view of the battlefield as though they're actually piloting their MS. In turn, the machines come with headset jacks, foot pedals, and hand control sticks that simulate the environment inside an MS cockpit.
To make players feel more special, the game features pilot cards that store their data. This means players can resume play at any time or even interplay with nearby machines or friends playing in other places at the same time. Additionally, players can rank up as pilots and use in-game points to collect popular machines and Mobile Suits.
8 Mobile Suit Gundam SEED: Battle Destiny (PS Vita)
Players can experience the full breadth of the massive Gundam SEED sub-franchise courtesy of Mobile Suit Gundam SEED: Battle Destiny for the PS Vita. This handheld game retells events spanning the entire Cosmic Era (CE) timeline, from the original SEED and SEED Destiny series to spinoffs. In turn, players can take CE-exclusive pilots and MS into a full-length Story Mode, expansive Free Mission modes, and the multiplayer VS Missions mode.
Unlike watching the series, Battle Destiny will have players create their own character. Moreover, their pilots will eventually become a part of the Alliance or ZAFT, or even the Three Ships Alliance. Given how certain MS and missions become exclusive to one faction, the game easily has replay value.
7 Dynasty Warriors Gundam Reborn (PS3, PS Vita)
Unlike other Gundam titles, Dynasty Warriors Gundam Reborn adds a Musou twist to the acclaimed mecha franchise. As popularized by Koei's Warriors series, Gundam Reborn is a vast improvement over the Gundam-ized hack-and-slash formula of the Dynasty Warriors Gundam series. Essentially, nothing feels better than taking control of a favorite Gundam and annihilating a swath of Mobile Suits in combat.
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Reborn also lets players relive scenarios in Official Mode or have unique crossovers in Ultimate Mode. Moreover, the Burst System gives access to special "modes" for MS and Pilots in various series, such as SEED Mode (SEED) or Trans-Am (Gundam 00). The game's advanced customization options also lets players tinker with specific MS and weapon settings, like having their own machine. In turn, players can relive their dreams of defeating enemies as a heroic MS or become a villainous machine that seeks their rival's destruction.
6 SD Gundam G Generation Genesis (PS4, PS Vita, Nintendo Switch)
Fans of Gundam will appreciate SD Gundam G Generation Genesis for its tactical RPG feel. Moreover, mecha fans who played a Super Robot Wars game will feel right at home with Genesis. This time around, Genesis takes players across 17 shows, films, games, and spinoffs from within the Universal Century timeline of the franchise. In turn, players have a whopping 68 stages, each split into memorable scenarios from the media, that potentially tours them throughout the Universal Century.
Granted, fans can easily complain that the two scenarios are too short to explain the nuanced plot points of other titles. However, Genesis makes up for its fast-paced story with strategy and tactical prowess. Given its RPG nature, players can assign pilots to various MS and level them up individually. Moreover, players can acquire MS through tier-based leveling, fusion, exchanges, and point collection.
5 Gundam Versus (PS4)
Serving as the fifth generation to the fast-paced Gundam VS series, Gundam Versus for the PS4 and PlayStation Network boasts better graphics and more destructible environments for its team-based format. As with other VS games, Versus relies on a point-based system where each team's MS has a point value depending on their strength and potency. In turn, the team who gets to deplete the enemy's points the fastest will win the match.
Thankfully, Versus has all the mechanisms to provide a fast-paced combat experience for Gundam lovers. It has Boost Step, Boost Dash, and Boost Dive techniques that enables the game's 180+ MS units to zig-zag across the battlefield. Anyone who wants a new take on Gundam battles will appreciate the spontaneity of Gundam Versus.
4 Gundam Breaker Mobile (Android/iOS)
What better way for Gundam fans to personalize their MS experience by having a Gunpla to truly call theirs? Thanks to Gundam Breaker Mobile, fans don't need to spend on a Gunpla to assemble at home. In fact, with the mobile game, players can collect parts to build their dream Gunpla and use it in battle.
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Being the mobile iteration of the Gundam Breaker franchise, Breaker Mobile has the staple elements of the franchise. These include a Story Mode that increases in difficulty, as well as Gunpla exclusive to the series. Thanks to a versatile gacha element and extensive customization, Breaker Mobile has an extensive way of helping players personalize their arsenal of Gunpla.
3 Mobile Suit Gundam: Battle Operation 2 (PS4, PS5)
Players who want to feel like full-fledged MS Pilots will appreciate the tactical feel of Battle Operation 2. Similar to its predecessor, Battle Operation 2 takes place in the more realistic sci-fi timeline of the series, also known as the Universal Century (UC). However, players this time are employed by the Private Military Union instead of Battle Operation 1's EFF and Zeon.
Unlike other Gundam titles, Battle Operation 2 doesn't have a story. Instead, it will have a pair of 1-to-6-man teams engage in battles across various scenarios in ground and in space. As an added twist, players can use their customized pilots and get out of their MS. In turn, these pilots can engage in tasks such as capturing points, using vehicles, interacting with bombs, or even stealing enemy MS.
Given its setting, only UC-set MS can be used in the game and they're split into rock-paper-scissors classifications. Moreover, damage to an MS will affect certain aspects of its gameplay, such as radar and mobility.
2 New Gundam Breaker (PS4, PC)
Players who love the sheer level of customization in Gundam Breaker Mobile might want to take their adventures to the PC. And thankfully, New Gundam Breaker for the PS4 and the PC adds another layer of strategy into the mix. This time around, the 3-versus-3 team battle system incorporates multiple objectives to spice up the multiplayer aspect of the game.
Moreover, where New Gundam Breaker impresses is with its revamped customization system. Now, Inner Frames exist that come with expected roles and abilities of the Gunpla to be built in them. Moreover, players can now grab parts from fallen enemies to replace their Gunpla's broken parts. This system gives a form of "real-time customization battle" that adds a new dimension in combat.
1 Gundam Extreme Versus Maxiboost ON (PS3, PS4, Arcade)
Players who just want to get in an MS and get into some good ol' Gundam busting should try Gundam Extreme Versus Maxiboost ON. As the recent entry in the Gundam VS series, Maxiboost ON relies on a point-based battle system. Essentially, players form teams that have point values. In turn, the first team to deplete the rival team's points wins the match.
What's interesting here is that all MS have a simple series of controls - jumping, searching, and a dedicated button for melee and ranged attacks. In turn, players need to choose their battles tactically to make the most out of their Mobile Suits. Thanks to its integrated multiplayer component, Maxiboos ON is easily a blast to play with its easy-to-understand mechanics and accessible fast-paced gameplay.