Game Watch has a new update for a forthcoming Senjou no Kizuna patch. Including tweaks to the Great canyon map, that give improved routes of access to either side of the area, as well as numerous other briefing and HUD improvements. The most interesting addition though is that of the RGM-79FC Striker Custom from the manga Mobile Suit Gundam Katana. This, despite the Gundam head, is actually a souped up GM Striker that’s built for melee combat. This is an interesting mobile suit to add to the game, as much of the game’s battles are pretty ranged (most of the time anyway). So picking basically a melee only unit will be pretty damn ballsy. In addition to the Striker Custom, the suitably yawn-tastic MS-06S Zaku II Johnny Ridden Custom has also been added to the game’s mobile suit ranks. Whilst we do have an affection for the character, the fact that this is basically a standard commander Zaku II (and not the high mobility variant, which is what made Ridden so famous) is a bit underwhelming.

In the latest pages of Famitsu, the wondrous Hi-Nu Gundam has been finally previewed for Gundam Extreme Versus. This is also the version as “seen” in Beltorchika’s Children and not the more recent Gunpla Builders edition. Following on from that, Bandai Namco have been to keen to highlight the fact that mission DLC will be available free on PSN shortly after the game’s launch. This is an interesting and pretty refreshing move, though its likely that the inevitable mobile suit DLC will be charged.

Update: 4Gamer has a piece showing of the Hi-Nu Gundam in all its very shiny glory.

Over at 4Gamer there’s a new update on SD Gundam Generation 3D. Covering the “chance pursuit” and “support sheet” systems, the first sounds like a quick time event after an attacks which allows a follow up attack from another unit. Whereas the latter sets up who gives this kind of support. In addition to all this the main site has been updating its video page pretty consistently as well, so those are worth a gander below.

Following on from their previous coverage, Famitsu have released a new promo on their site for the upcoming Lord of Elemental II: Revelation of Evil God. The promo not only shows footage from the new game but also the re-make of the prior DS port (that in turn was a port of the original SNES game). Overall, both games are looking good. The full promo is available below.

The official Riobot blog has a new entry on the upcoming Gurren Lagann toy they’ve made. Set for an April release next year, they’ve started the PR early on this one. However, it seems warranted as the toy is very impressive in terms of its articulation and is also suitably gimmick ridden (for instance the eyes in the chest follow the head movements). Whilst the retail price of 9,500 yen seems a bit steep for only a figure that’s barely 14.5 cm tall, the guys at Sentinel really do excellent work. Plus the figure comes with the great wing accessory as standard. In any case, we’ll be picking this beauty up on its release next year and you can pre-order yours here.

PC Gamer has the scoop on the fact that the long awaited MechWarrior reboot will be a PC exclusive. Whilst the console gaming crowd maybe a tad miffed about this, the original MechWarrior games were all PC based (as they were pretty technical simulations after all). If we’re honest, we’re a bit surprised at this development. Not only because this was meant as a reboot, which normally means the original IP gets sold down the river, but also because this franchise is licensed from Microsoft (via Smith & Tinker) so to not have a 360 version is refreshing. Either way we’re actually pretty happy about this development and we’re curious to see what more is announced soon. Cheers to Greg for the heads up.

Update: Turns out this will be an online only game using something similar to the freemium model. Move along everybody, the party’s elsewhere.

One of the next Super Robot Chogokin from Bandai is one of our favourite super robots. That of the mighty Zeorymer. One of Yasuhiro Moriki’s most iconic designs, the mecha actually originated in a pretty pervy hentai manga by none other than Yoshiki Takaya (of Guyver fame). Though Moriki’s anime version has quite a different aesthetic, something that would go on to be used on the rather awesome looking RX-105 Xi Gundam. In gaming terms, Zeorymer is possibly one of the most poweful units ever to grace Super Robot Wars. Appearing in both J and MX it basically pwned pretty damn hard (and let’s not even talk about Great Zeorymer). Whilst there have been a few Zeorymer toys over the years, from Gigabrain and Yamato, they’ve all been pretty disappointing. This, on the over hand, will be properly good. For those that want this, it’s set for a February release next year.

Following on from Macross Trial Frontier, Artdink have produced a new mini-game, entitled Macross Last Frontier, as part of the Sayonara no Tsubasa BluRay hybrid pack. Unlike the first entry, this one is more substantial and features a save system now. The latter is a byproduct of the fact the game is more than just a few missions. What follows is our hands-on impressions with the new game.

What with the announcement of a new Gundam RTS, Mokuba no Kiseki, there has been some curious assumptions and feedback from fans it seems. This is because much of the PR seems to counter arguments and concerns that indicate some level of disquiet amongst the Gundam faithful. From statements like it is not a “new genre” or that you won’t need to constantly micro-manage units, makes us think that a Gundam RTS is a step too far for Japanese gamers. To be fair, the RTS genre isn’t that well known amongst mainstream gamers (compared to Korea’s unbridled enthusiasm let’s say), so this reaction is an interesting one. 4Gamer has some nice new shots of the game though and there will be a game system breakdown in the near future. However, it does seem that there are varied “battle modes” with one giving a more holistic view of the battlefield. Overall this is a relatively small release but one we’re very interested in, as the last mecha RTS-esque game we played was Scramble Commander the 2nd and we loved that (though much of that was down to Dunbine being able to literally high-five Dancouga). What with Armored Core V out on the same day, January can’t come soon enough!

Over at 4Gamer they have an interesting update about Level 5’s Gundam AGE RPG. Despite the somewhat insanely large screenshots, the game looks to have a more rigid battle system compared to something like Danball Senki. The big selling point is that fact that the narrative will cover multiple generations, which will in turn help to frame the TV series’ plot. We’re still not sure about the series to be honest but we are looking forward to Level 5’s gaming output. The game is still set for a release next year.