We’ve covered quite a few Gundam or gundam-adjacent games on this site: Cross Rays, Super Robot Wars V, T, X, and Moon Dwellers. This particular title is as pure a Gundam experience as you could hope for, but it’s pretty dated. Is SD Gundam G Generation Genesis Worth Playing in 2023?
Table of Contents
Background
Bandai releases a new Gundam strategy title every few years. This is one of the two “modern” titles, along with Cross Rays. Genesis specifically covers all of the Universal Century storylines, and features guest units from Turn A Gundam, G-Reco, and Iron-Blooded Orphans.
What are the best units in SD Gundam G Generation Genesis?
We’ve already covered the best units and provided some context on unit stats in this article.
What does SD Gundam G Generation Genesis do well?
Each storyline trims a lot of the fat and is a “greatest hits” of important battles. Sometimes certain missions aren’t 100% accurate to the shows, but the intent is the same, and it gets the point across.
I’m not afraid to say that quality varies wildly in the Gundam franchise. Genesis does a good job of telling the stories without dragging them out. It’s also a great way to experience some of the lesser-known narratives, such as Blue Destiny or Missing Link.
All of your favorite UC pilots are here, and frankly, there are almost too many. You can generally field 18 pilots in a mission, but it can be difficult to only choose that many. After completing the Zeta Gundam missions, I wanted to use Quattro, Amuro (Zeta), Kamille, Haman, Scirocco, and Four. That’s already most of a squad.
What could SD Gundam G Generation Genesis do better?
To be fair, this game is six years old, so we can be charitable. Many game mechanics were changed, and it’s clumsy at times.
Many frustrating elements were removed or fixed in Cross Rays. For example, the Get Gauge is less punishing and you can have multiples of the same warship.
However, the single biggest issue is that older units are totally eclipsed by later ones. Any mobile suit developed before ZZ is probably not worth using long term. Unfortunately, that even includes iconic suits like the Zeta Gundam or RX-78.
Is SD Gundam G Generation Genesis fun?
I am unashamedly biased. I played Cross Rays first and thoroughly enjoyed it. However, I am first and foremost a UC fan which does inform my enjoyment with this game. I bought a PS4 with this game in mind, and I double dipped to get it on the Switch as well. I personally prefer the Switch version.
Is SD Gundam G Generation Genesis worth playing in 2023?
If you’re into mecha SRPGs, then you can’t go wrong with this one. It’s available on the Switch and PS4. There is an English physical version for the Switch, but it may be hard to come by at this point.
Alternatives
If you’re looking for a Gundam SRPG, Cross Rays is a newer, more polished option.
If you’re looking for a different mecha SRPG, check out the newer SRW titles, such as V, T, X, and 30. I would specifically recommend Super Robot Wars 30.
Originally I suggested the Front Mission 1st remake or Advance Wars as alternatives. Front Mission 1st Remake ended up being a disappointment and the Advance Wars was delayed to 2024.
In terms of recent releases, you have:
- Fire Emblem Engage launches in January 2023.
- Mario + Rabbids Sparks of Home can already be found at steep discounts.
- Disgaea 7 launches soon in Japan, and will likely be localized soon.
- Triangle Strategy
Currently, there’s no word on when the next console Gundam SRPG will launch. I would personally passing on SD G Gen Eternal unless you’re into predatory mobile games.
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