Following from its suitably kickass introduction in the latest episode of Gundam Unicorn, the souped up RX-160S Byarlant Custom will be getting a limited edition Robot Damashii figure. Priced at 6,090 yen, the toy is at the higher end of the toyline’s price range but it’s a pretty tricky design. The original RX-160 Byarlant from Zeta Gundam, as piloted by the decidedly bouffant Jerid Messa, was definitely one of the more “out there” Kazumi Fujita designs in the series (here’s a nice little video of the classic design). It’s been featured in numerous games over the years too, with the recent Gundam Musou games being notable. Either way we’re happy that a non-standard mobile suit design will be given a modern day toy. It will be released in April of next year.

In the latest issue of Famitsu it’s been revealed that the next Gundam Versus arcade iteration set for release will be called Gundam Extreme Versus Full Boost. Interestingly the new “full boost” name also refers to what sounds like a new boost cancelling mechanic, somewhat similar to the next dash but instead with the ability to counter an enemy’s attack. The timing and the requirements to successfully pull this off sound as though they are suitably tricky, so it shouldn’t be a game breaking mechanic at least. It’s also worth doubly clarifying that this is another arcade iteration, not a console game (as yet at least). Still no word on what sort of architecture the game will run on but we’re guessing it will stick to Namco’s System 357 board, as that’s basically a PS3 in a box (hence ease of porting) and what the last game used.

4Gamer has a new update about the forthcoming Lord of Elemental II: Revelation of Evil God. Showing all manner of units featured in the game, it also hammers home after the recent promo how pretty this game will look. This is especially true of the new maps, as these appear to have had quite a large amount of work poured into them (at least as much as the combat animations). This is quite a surprise as the environments in these games often take a back seat visually.

There’s now a new promo video for Gundam Mokubo no Kiseki out. Apart from showing some rather dated FMV footage, the video does actually show a fair bit of gameplay. It’s very clear that the game’s two modes of battle will work out to be pretty interesting but what’s especially refreshing is how fluid the full battle mode appears. Basically, this looks like it could be a proper little hand-held RTS. The full video is below.

What with the home port of Gundam Extreme Versus literally around the corner, it should come as no surprise then that Bandai Namco are already thinking about the next arcade iteration. Specifically at this year’s Winter New Product Sales Meeting in December the next title in the Gundam Versus may be revealed. Whether this stays as the full fat “every Gundam ever” mobile suit roster or go back to being series specific again remains to be seen. In any case, it gives us an excuse to show the Hi-Nu Gundam again. So at least we’re thankful for that. Seriously, if anyone wants to get us a Christmas present then this would be obviously welcomed.

Now with Gundam Extreme Versus a little over two weeks from release, the PR machine has gone into NT-D mode. Below is a lovely shiny new TV advert for the game. Whilst it shows snippets of fresh footage, it doesn’t really reveal anything earth shattering (but it is in HD). Plus, it also gives us an excuse to show the Hi-Nu Gundam yet again, though this time violating a Geara Doga. If you haven’t pre-ordered the game already, then you really need to do so here.

Famitsu has a new update on the forthcoming PSP Gundam strategy game Mokuba no Kiseki. Specifically it covers some of the game’s commands and in part explains the two battle modes present. In terms of the latter, it seems there is not only a wider battle mode but also a localised battle mode too. The wider battle mode allows the player to move squads of units around, whereas the localised mode allows for micro management of each pilot. Subsequently the commands are broken down between these modes. The wider battle mode commands are as follows; hidden enemy search, accelerating to cover more distance (similar to SRW) and the ability to spread Minovsky particles to cover your squad’s movements (this is what the prior “hidden enemy search” ties into as well). It’s interesting that unlike older RTS games, where the player has to investigate unknown areas this game will allow players to blanket out their presence at will. This is a really nice touch as something that’s always been missing in Gundam games is the whole way the Minovsky particle effectively rendered contemporary warfare obsolete within the context of the narrative. As for the localised commands, these are; supporting nearby allies and evacuate nearby danger. Overall, this is sounding like an interesting little strategy game and one we’ll be keeping a close eye on.

It’s been reported that From Software are around 70% through production on a PS3 exclusive Gundam Unicorn game. Set for release sometime in spring next year, the game apparently has supremely detailed mobile suit models (to the extent that the Sunrise representatives were apparently blinded by their sheer majesty) as well as a large emphasis on using the voice talent from the series with each of the main characters receiving their own chapter. In addition the game will only cover the first three episodes of the animated series, which begs the question as to whether there will be enough content. In terms of actual gameplay there are references to ACE but not which ones specifically, as the newer PS3 entry really wasn’t that great. To be honest, we’re on the fence with this one. As From Software’s ACE series has taken a bit of a functional nosedive and, despite the supposed aesthetic wonders present here, if it plays like manky balls we’ll have yet another Gundam game that will prop up the false meme that they’re all crap.

Over at Game Watch they’ve got an update that says, as of today, the classic Super Robot Wars F and F Final will be added to the (Japanese) PSN game archives for 1,200 yen each. These were some of the toughest and most rewarding of the Winkysoft era games, so to see them in the wild again brings warmth to our cold robotic hearts. As with most PSN archive games, these are playable on both your PS3 and PSP.

Following on from a suitably thorough mission update, the official Gundam Extreme Versus site now holds host to some new trailers. From the full TGS promo video to a new snappy sneak peak at the new aforementioned missions in action. It’s all looking brilliant and we’re just itching to finally play this at home (with one of these in case you’re wondering). Considering that Bandai Namco are raking in around half a billion dollars a year on the Gundam franchise and expect this PS3 port to sell over half a million units (in Japan), this is going to be a pretty big deal come its release at the beginning of December. If you haven’t done so already then pre-order the game here.