Those nice people at Plum have announced a new kits of the Power Loader X-4 from Power Dolls. Whilst there was an anime OVA for this series, it actually started out as a successful series of turn based strategy games for various platforms in Japan. At 1/35 scale, the kit will cost around 8,000 yen and be released this November. Thus far, Plum have been making truly excellent mecha kits and this looks like to be no exception. You can pre-order the kits here.

Now that the PS3 version of Gundam Breaker is out, Bandai have announced when the Vita version will hit. Out on October 31st, the Vita version will feature new units (such as the ZZ Gundam and Crossbone Gundam X-1 amongst others). Don’t worry though, as these new units will also be made available in the PS3 version (free of charge) in a forthcoming game update. That said, the Vita version will exclusively get a mass produced Gundam and Zaku set (so you’re not missing much). Sadly, the Vita release won’t have infrastructure multiplayer, instead opting only for ad-hoc. That said, you will be able to transfer your save data between both the PS3 and Vita releases. You’ll also be able to buy both boxed and downloadable versions of the game, at 6,980 yen and 6,280 yen respectively. You can pre-order the boxed version here.

Following on from their AGNI kit, Kotobukiya have revealed Vengeance. This is basically the same design as the Super Robot Chokogin toy but is actually a more faithful representation (in terms of colouring and decals) to an enemy seen at the end of Armored Core V. In short this also means it has the Grind Blade (pictured above), which unsurprisingly requires its own stand. The kit will be released this December and you can pre-order it here

After much wait, Masou Kishin III is now out and about. We’ve ordered our copy and a review will hopefully be forthcoming once we’re done with it. We’re genuinely hopeful that this entry will be rather special, as the previous games in the series have been very good indeed. Fingers crossed that winkysoft are still behind this too obviously. In the meantime, feel free to order either (region free) versions of the game here (PS3) or here (Vita).

What with Gamescom undwerway, lots of games are being shown and available for punters to play. One of which is Respawn’s Titanfall. Considering the fucking idiotic stance by their lead artist, that the titular Titans “aren’t mecha“, we’re very skeptical about how the (very obviously) mecha section of the game will play out. The new footage (shown below) again emphasises this “seamless transition” between Titan and human control – in short, the mecha basically play like people. Weirdly, the on foot mechanics look far more interesting and we’re very keen to try out all the wall jumping and the displayed Titan follow mode looks suitably neat too. In any case, we’ll be picking this up on release and giving it a good once over.

The third episode for Super Robot Wars Operation Extend is now out. If you’ve already bought the combined pack then you can download it for free, otherwise you’ll pay 1000 yen. In addition, you can also buy Cybuster from the Masou Kishin games for a very reasonable 200 yen. This update is also very Gundam heavy too, featuring Gundam 0080 to Wing and 00.

Generally speaking, most Gundam games are very much limited by what they can do functionally due to the host work. However, Bandai took a step back and thought about all the lovely kits associated with the franchise and decided to make a game about that instead.

It was a shrewd decision, not only because it tied into one of the most profitable parts of their business but also allowed a huge amount of design leeway in making an interesting game. Specifically down to the core nature of kits; that they are built from component parts. What transpired was a fascinating game but sadly somewhat mired via a few ill-fitting mechanics from other freemium type games.

The legendary animator Ichiro Itano was involved in a bike accident recently. Quickly hospitalized he appears to be okay but obviously we’re concerned for his well being. The above picture was an impromptu “get well soon” card of sorts from other anime luminaries. For those unaware of Itano’s work, he’s one of the foremost mecha choreographers out there and his signature missile flourish, the Itano Circus, has graced pretty much every Macross series to date. We’ve linked a video below of his greatest hits in case you’re at all curious about Itano’s creative output. Despite his prodigious animation work, his influence has had a palpable effect on gaming too. That aside, our thoughts are with him as well as his friends and family. Naturally, we hope he makes a speedy recovery.

What with the release of Masou Kishin III a few weeks away, we now finally have a nice long and juicy extended promo for the game (shown below). As you’d expected the battle animations are looking consistently fantastic but we’re still hoping winkysoft are involved in this, as they basically made all the Masou Kishin games to date. That aside, you can still pre-order both (region free) versions of the games here (PS3) and here (Vita).

There will be an Armored Core Convention held on the 7th September in Washington DC. Apparently LAN games will be supported as well as the chance to win Armored Core figures (plus the opportunity to drink booze). The convention also marks the series’ 16th birthday, which is nice. More details will be forthcoming closer to the time but you can go to the Facebook page to show your support and interest. Talking of Armored Core, there’s a pretty interesting interview over at 4Gamer about Verdict Day.