Update: March 27, 2008
«©NCSX» Sunrise launched a new animated series dubbed Gundam OO in Japan on October 6, 2007 and Bandai follows up with an NDS action game based on the new animation. Taking place in the year 2307 A.D., a quartet of mech handlers known as Gundam Meisters lead an initiative to end a war that's wrecking their planet.
The NDS game features 3D action where newtype Gundam mechs speed off into 3D environments and hack/slash/blast at enemy forces. A variety of missions which feature targeted objectives mix up the action so that it's not just run 'n gun. There's also "fight and find" and "escort and protect" missions to contend with.
Bonus Schwag
All preorders will ship with a bonus Gundam EXIA First Grade Roll Out Color 1/144 scale PVC toy which was given out by Bandai in 50% ratio. Since we received enough toys to cover all of our preorders, everyone who submitted a reservation prior to our update will receive the bonus toy. As of 11:07AM EST however, we have given away the bonuses to orders received this morning. The model kit requires relatively high-level assembly skills to put together so expect to invest between 3-6 hours on building the kit.
Region-Free
Japanese NDS games may be played on North American and European NDS handhelds. There is no region-coding on Nintendo DS game cards.
View the back cover and screenshots for this item on the main NCSX website.
NCS Game Notes
» The title screen features the following mode selections:
New Game - Begin a new Gundam action-adventure that starts in the year 2307 A.D. A short intro with still images and background information start the game off.
Load Game - Resume a game from stored save-data. Each game card can store three separate data files.
Gunpla Navi - View four sets of instructions which are accompanied by crisp photos on assembling the bonus toy that was given away by Bandai in 50% ratio. The feature is sponsored by Hobby Japan. If you didn't receive the bonus toy, at least you can check out how it's assembled. The other sections in Gunpla Navi feature shots of the toy figure in assorted action poses. We're not sure why Bandai is including this detailed toy material on the game card when half of their customers in Japan aren't going to be getting the bonus toy.
» Once the proper game begins, the top NDS screen depicts an Earth Map and the touch screen shows interaction sequences with other characters where a mission debriefing takes place. Once the formalities are over, a menu appears which contains the following options:
Start Mission
Save
Load
Button Config
Exit Game
» A blinking marker on the Earth Map shows where each mission takes place and one of four characters and their corresponding mechs may be selected as your onscreen hero. The Celestial Being characters and mechs featured in your team are:
Setsuna F. Seiei and Gundam Exia (GN-001)
Lockon Stratos and Gundam Dynames (GN-002)
Allelujah Haptism with Gundam Kyrios (GN-003)
Tieria Erde and Gundam Virtue (GN-005)
You may choose any character and attendant mech before each mission.
» At the outset of a mission, your Gundam mech is shown on the top screen while the touch screen contains information on Power Relationships, Special Attack Charge, and the Tension Gauge.
» The control scheme is as follows:
X-Button - Lunge forward with a sword slash
A-Button - Fire projectile weapon or perform spin attack
B-Button - Descend
Y-Button - Ascend
R-Trigger - Target enemy
» The action runs fast and fluid on the Nintendo DS for an enjoyable diversion. Note however that Gundam OO offers a gaming experience that is markedly different from the PSP Gundam games. The feel of Gundam OO is modeled after the Another Century's Episode engine where the emphasis is on zooming through 3D environments and projectile based fighting sequences. You can mosey up close to enemies to dole out slashing attacks but even then, you're basically thrusting the mech like a projectile to perform the killing strokes.
» You're given the option of saving your progress after every mission.
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