Super Robot Wars Y Overview
Released on August 29th for the Nintendo Switch 2 and Steam, Super Robot Wars Y is the latest installment in a long-running series of tactical RPG games centered around mecha. This title continues the tradition of blending characters from various popular mecha series, such as Getter Robo, Mazinger Z, and Gundam, into a singular narrative.
The game allows players to control an original character— a mecha pilot tasked with protecting a young girl who oversees a giant city-turned-battleship. This setup leads to intricate storylines featuring character interactions that span multiple franchises. Players encounter familiar faces, like Domon Kasshu from Mobile Fighter G Gundam, who is recognized for his achievements within the game lore. To facilitate understanding, the game offers an encyclopedia that provides detailed backgrounds on characters and events.
The gameplay primarily consists of tactical combat on a grid. Players engage enemy mechs while managing upgrades and abilities for their characters and mechs. Although the demo covers only the initial chapter, it hints at deeper gameplay mechanics, including various abilities and a skill tree called the “Sacred Tri-Directional Galaxy Memory” that offers overarching team bonuses.
Interestingly, the game’s English releases are a result of fan translations and Bandai Namco’s decision to cater to an expanding global audience, beginning with Super Robot Wars 30 in 2021. This shift suggests a growing recognition of the demand for mecha games outside Japan, raising questions about how licensing complexities might continue to influence future titles. Overall, Super Robot Wars Y combines nostalgia with strategy, appealing to long-time fans and newcomers alike in the mecha gaming landscape.
Source: https://www.theverge.com/games/773191/super-robot-wars-y-impressions-demo-nintendo-switch-2