Super Robot Wars Z2 - Hakai-hen (Destruction Arc)
Platform: PSP
Genre: SRPG
Release Date: 4/14/11 Japan;
never anywhere else
SRWZ1 |OT| - http://www.neogaf.com/forum/showthread.php?t=336163
Well after 2 and 1/2 years, SRW is back! The next major entry in the Super Robot Wars saga and the Z universe arrives next week in the first part of a 2-part franchise entry. Thus technically this is Z2-1 and expect Z2-2 anytime from x-mas 2011 to 2013 depending on how they've structured it. Still! Do not be worried about getting only half a game. While this will probably end on a giant cliffhanger of ultimate destruction, the SRW creator/producer Terada has stated that Z2-1 will be a full sized SRW entry with a build up and a final ultimate boss and everything.
The reason this game was split into 2 parts was that several of the new series being included were split into two distinct arcs in their shows; so Z2-1 will contain the first half and Z2-2 will contain the second for these shows. This also allows them to make a huge epic storyline with the largest SRW cast to date (although to be fair I think Z1 still has the largest amount of all new entries).
Gameplay features
-Single unit combat only. Unlike the other large cast srws, there will be no 4 unit squads, 3 unit tri-squads, or 2 person partner groups. This is pure 1 on 1 robo fighting. Apparently this was done to make the series less complex to get into. On the plus side this should speed up the battles as you won't have to take out grunt squads 1 grunt at a time if you don't have available ALL enemy attacks. It also means less time between missions trying to organize your squads so you don't have 3 flying units dragged to the ground by one non-air unit. Now on the negative side this means even though you will have dozens upon dozens of units, you'll only be able to deploy 10-20 per map. But the game is looking to get around that by having lots of route splits where the team breaks into smaller groups so you'll get a chance to use everyone.
-2d overhead map like the other handheld SRWs but with more detailed graphics. It's sad to see the isometric sprites/maps used in the PS2 games go, but there were probably reasons like loading time issues that made this the better choice.
-Btw, game features an install option that makes the loading about the same as SRW Z (close to none)
-New abilities like Zero/Lelouche's commander ability which lets him sacrifice his turn to buff party members in an AoE area. Also new skills such as move twice if your ki is over 120 and you land a kill.
-New off screen rpg system like Peace Walker or Assassin Creed Brotherhood. Assign pilots who you're not using to go on missions and they'll level up, bring back money, and get kills.
Robo Features
-29 ANIME SERIES INCLUDED + 1 ORIGINAL STORYLINE
-of those, 14 are new, and 15 are returning.
-Unlike the previous SRW series where returning units would just be pure sprite rips with an occasional update. All 16 returning series will have new cut-ins for map attacks, possibly 1 or more new attacks (Zeta, Aquarion, Xabungle confirmed so far afaik), and slight alterations to some sprites such as Nu Gundam getting a total rehaul and some cut-ins changed a bit. So basically they put some good effort into the returning series. Note returning series will only be the major characters & units coming over; especially if they finished their plot in Z1.
SERIES INCLUDED
Now what you all came to this thread for
NEW ENTRY SERIES
The Original Storyline
The Good: Our lead in this game is Crow Brust. He pilots the Blaster seen above. Unlike the little kids driving complex machinery in all the latest mecha anime, Crow is a hardened military pilot.
The Bad: His art looks like he only has one leg. No Super Robot original.
The Up in the Air: No word yet on if Rand or Setsuko are back, but they could be since Z is a direct continuation of the Z1 plotline.
The Super Robots:
Shin Mazinger Z
The Good: In case you didn't know, Mazinger is the mascot of the SRW series. For 20 years now, he has been in every SRW game and on the covers. Yet after a while since they did his story so much, he kind of became a background character with no plot and just there to be Mazinger in the game. Now the Shin Mazinger reboot by Giant Robo director Imagawa from a few years ago is allowing Mazinger to return as a center stage star, with a brand new Mazinger and brand new version of the Mazinger plotline. Expect it to be a MAJOR plot in the game.
The Bad: Look at that picture. No bad here.
The Weird: After 20 years of SRW games using this (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bKy7IcufUH0) BGM for Mazinger, it's going to be so weird hearing a different BGM. Also new Kouji voice actor too.
Shin Getter Robo Armageddon
The Good: Just look at that. Pure badass mecha and characters destroying things.
The Bad: Rumor is Z2 will only cover the first 3 eps of the OAV and post-time skip OAV eps will be in Z2-2.
The Awesome: Based on previews, expect very awesome animation for Shin Getter.
Gurren Lagann TV ep1-15 + movie #1
The Good: You wanted it for years, now you have it. Gainax's hot-blooded giant robot series will debut in Z2 and be your favorite new mecha. Series includes the additions added in the movie cut of the first 15eps.
The Bad: Going to have to wait until Z2-2 to start throwing Galaxies. This only covers the Earth arc.
The Manliness: Lord Genome's cut-in will be glorious. Kamina; 'nuff said.
Earth Defense Corporation: Dai-Guard
The Good: It's big, it's bulky, it breaks down a lot and is piloted by salarymen getting their 9-5 paycheck.
The Bad: I can't remember if I watched this.
The Usefulness: May be useful, may be useless; time will tell.
Dancougar
The Good: Awesome 80s super robot. Cool big black hulking steel that cuts the sky in half with a sword.
The Bad: Not sure if there will be any actual Dancougar plot. It may just be in the story to be in Dancougar Nova's plot.
The Music: Apparently Dancougar has tons of theme songs, so will be interesting to see which one it gets here.
Dancougar Nova
The Good: Recent update of Dancougar except with kids instead of badass 80s men and women.
The Bad: Recent update of Dancougar except with kids instead of badass 80s men and women.
The Boobs: Apparently there are lots of them; do not google with safesearch off.
Godmars
The Good: Classic old-school super robot.
The Bad: I couldn't find a pic of it drawn in higher than stamp size
The Cute: The show features a bunch of cute little mechs that combine into a badass robot.
Muteki Robo Trider-G7
The Good: Another classic invincible robot series joins the like of Daitarn 3 and Zambot 3. Even has a combination attack with them!
The Bad: From what I gather it may not have any plot in this game and just have the character + mecha.
The really old-school: Has anyone actually seen this?
The Real Robots:
Votoms TV + Votoms: The Last Red Shoulder + Votoms Red Shoulder Document: The Roots of Ambition + Votoms Pailsen Files
The Good: Votoms finally arrives in a SRW game for the first time and every part of the story is included. You Votom fans are getting your long desired wish here!
The Bad: I haven't seen any of it
The Zaku: Not having seen the show, every time I see a Votom it just looks like a Zaku Patlabor to me :X
Gundam OO Season 1
The Good: OO while it didn't suck. You'll get all that stuff along with OO Raiser in Z2-2.
The Bad: There are better gundams out there.
The Awkward: Setsuna x Heero conversations full of "...."
New Mobile Report: Gundam Wing
The Good: It's been a while since we've seen the original Gundam Wing TV series. Last appearance was in SRW Alpha on the PS1.
The Bad: It's Gundam Wing TV; yeah it was my first Gundam too, but who knows if it holds up anymore.
The Forgotten: With Endless Waltz everywhere for the last decade, does anyone even remember what the Wing TV mechs look like?
Macross Frontier + Movie (Units only from movie, no movie story)
The Good: It's Macross?
The Bad: It's baaaaad Macross.
The Wink: Get ready for that cut-in; you know it's coming. Kira Kira
Code Geass: Lelouche of the Rebellion
The Good: Loved by many as a serious piece of post-apocalyptic Tokyo sci-fi war story, Loved by many as the best MST3K show in years, it's here; Evil Eye and all.
The Bad: Wakamoto Emperor may not get any voiced lines since he doesn't pilot anything
The lulz: There will be many.
Eureka Seven: Pocket Full of Rainbows
The Good:
The Bad: Instead of getting the great Eureka 7 TV ensemble cast and mechs, we are getting the Peter Pan rapists.
The What E7 Movie: I don't know what you're talking about. I have never heard of this Eureka Seven movie. I only know about an awesome TV show by that name.
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The Returning Cast:
The Big O
The Good: Roger is the man, Dorothy is hilarious, and Norman is a great batman butler. Always welcome members to any plot.
The Bad: Dunno how much story involvement they'll have since they covered it all in Z1
The Classiest Mech and Pilot: It gets this award.
Muteki Choujin Zambot 3
The Good: Zambot 3 is back and gets combo attack with Trider-G7
The Bad: Can't say I care much for it.
The Beams: It shoots them.
Muteki Choujin Daitarn 3
The Good: Daitarn 3 is awesome. It's about a space pimp saving the day. I like that. It didn't really have much plot in Z1 so maybe it'll get more here.
The Bad: Maybe it won't get its plot yet in this game.
The Space Pimp: Why don't they make cool pilots like this anymore??
Space Emperor God Sigma
The Good: Cool giant robot is back.
The Bad: I dunno, what's bad about a space emperor giant robot?
The looking forward to: If he gets a new attack!
Sousei Aquarion
The Good: Great cast, great mecha with tons of moves; always welcome in any party.
The Bad: Story is done.
The Aquarion spinoff, prequel, or flashback?: Coming soon to your anime station and then eventually to your SRW.
Space Warrior Baldios
The Good: Trippy hypnotic space color attacks
The Bad: You may be blinded
ZoE2 owned: Baldios was zero-shifting when Kojima and Murata were still in high school.
Super Heavy God Gravion Zwei
The Good: It's a fun giant super with lots of fanservice
The Bad: Oh man, the fanservice
The fanservice: yeah...just wait until Godanner gets in the future Z games.
Super Dimension Century Orguss
The Good: Orguss is back and maybe time bombing some more stuff
The Bad: I never liked the Orguss units in Z1; kind of boring.
The Usefulness: Apparently they were very good units in Z1 though!
After War Gundam X
The Good: Garrod is one of the few confident and likeable Gundam leads along with Judo from ZZ. Gundam DX has cool whiskers and shoots beams FROM THE MOON.
The Bad: Story finished in Z1.
The Weird: How come the Gundam shows with likeable leads are the most disliked and the ones with I HAVE NO FEELINGS or I AM A PSYCHO are the most popular?
Turn A Gundam
The Good: It's Turn A
The Bad: Story is done. Turn X is probably not going to appear and shining finger Destiny in the face.
The ?: Turn X could always make a comeback appearance!
Gundam SEED DESTINY
The Good: A terrible show with terrible characters was turned into a good show with good characters in the first Z game. Will be fun to have likeable fun Shinn and his overpowered Gundam on the team.
The Bad: If you hate the jesus Yamato/Lacus, they're probably still in
The Fukuda Ownage: Destiny's creator was not very happy with SRW Z rewriting his storyline "why use the name if you're going to change the story"; Terada's response "I just made the SEED Destiny the fans actually wanted"; Fukuda owned.
Mobile Suit Zeta Gundam
The Good: It's debate-able as to whether this should be under returning series or new entries. SRW Z1 used the Zeta movie series, yet in Z2 it's listed as Zeta TV. There are rumors that the game will reboot Zeta and follow the Zeta storyline, thus maybe get the Psycho Gundam fight in the snow.
The Bad: Or the name change has no significance and Zeta will have no plot since it finished in Z1.
The Leadup: If it is a reboot of Zeta to the TV storyline, it may be so that they can lead into ZZ Gundam and then CCA's plot in the later Z games.
Mobile Suit Gundam: Char's Counterattack
The Good: Nu Gundam gets new sprites; Amuro gets a new I'M MAD face.
The Bad: Still not doing CCA storyline yet in this game.
The Sad: No CCA storyline means no Sazabi; maybe they'll throw in a Hi-Nu?
Battle Mecha Xabungle
The Good: Some funky looking mechs
The Bad: They were kind of weak units in Z1
The Comedy: That's basically their role. To be goofy little funky robots.
Overman King Gainer
The Good: Overman's plot was done really well in Z1. The I LOVE YOU SARAH map was especially good.
The Bad: Overman is basically it's plot and cast; with the plot done I dunno what point it'll have the game.
The Dancing: Go watch this for some dancing robos: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tXdTE1YiSs8&playnext=1&list=PL1CA31D1272AACD7C
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The Dropped Entries from Z1:
-Grendizer (whyyyyy; hopefully will be back in Z2-2 or later)
-Mazinger (replaced by Shin Mazinger)
-Great Mazinger (it's time for Shin Mazinger to shine; need no other Mazingers)
-Getter Robo G (replaced by Shin Getter Robo Armageddon)
-Eureka Seven (replaced by something or another)
The Known Series for Z2-2:
-Gundam OO S2
-Code Geass: Lelouche of the Rebellion R2
-Gurren Lagann - Space Arc + Movie #2
My Top 5 Guesses for Z2-2 New Entries:
-Endless Waltz
-V Gundam
-Gunbuster
-Diebuster
-Rahxephon
My Top 5 Most Wanted in Z2-2:
-Giant Robo
-Escaflowne
-G Gundam
-ZoE
-Gun x Sword
