What with the third installment of the series, entitled Jigoku-hen, released in April we’re now being graced with Best re-releases of both Haikai-hen (review) and Saisei-hen (review) this February. Like with the other games in this range, the Best versions are always considerably cheaper than the original launch versions. As we enjoyed both of the recent PSP games a great deal, we can thoroughly recommend these re-releases for those that missed them the first time around.

Update: The original PS2 game will also be getting a re-release, though only this time via PSN as part of the Classics range.

 

Namco Bandai has updated the Gundam Extreme Versus Full Boost console site with a new page detailing upcoming PS3 DLC. This includes pilot costume changes (300 yen each), new HUDs (100 yen each), and navigators (350 yen each). Two more units will also be added as free DLC as well. Joining the roster will be Johnny Ridden’s Zaku II (2000 cost) and a Lacus Clyne controlled Infinite Justice (1000 cost). These two come as a surprise to us as they have not been part of any rumor mills regarding possible DLC suits for the game. Also, Lacus’ Infinite Justice will come with new moves and apparently a Strike Freedom assist as well. Hopefully we will hear more about the game’s additions as the release date comes to a close at the end of this month.

First off, apologies for the lack of updates. We’ve finally moved into our new place in Tokyo and only gained net access yesterday. That aside, Bandai have announced what looks to be the final installment in the Super Robot Wars Z series of games. Released this April, the game will be available on both PS3 and Vita. The game is also using the new updated engine as seen in the last OG and Masou Kishin games. Considering that the last major console release in the “proper” series was back in 2008, this will mark the first and only installment on current gen hardware (XO doesn’t count as that was a port of GC anyway, plus it was in rather manky 3D). Thankfully, Bandai released a nice long promo (shown below) and whilst the line-up is rather decent, the lack of Eureka Seven and Final Dancouga is slightly saddening. There’s even a nice little video that chronicles the Z series of games too. The really lovely news though is that the original 1991 GameBoy game that started the whole Super Robot Wars phenomenon is getting an HD remake. For those that buy the new PS3 and Vita game at launch, they will receive a free download code for the remake. Alternatively, if you miss that then the remake will be released on April 24th via PSN for 1,204 yen. The remake, like the new game, will also be available on both PS3 and Vita.

For those that have hankered for more in the way Gungriffon gaming, then look no further. We now have a very competent homemade PC version called the HIGH-MACS Simulator that’s very much in-line with the original Saturn games. Both the controls and handling are also refreshingly fluid too. What with the series’ creator passing away a few years ago it’s nice to see the fans keeping Gungriffon alive. We’ve also linked the simulator’s promo video below.

There is a nice little piece over at 4Gamer regarding the Extreme Gundam Leos Type that will be featured in the upcoming PS3 port of Gundam Extreme Versus Full Boost. Covering its various phases, it is pretty clear that this is a potent unit and at only 2500 somewhat of a bargain too. In addition, it seems that the Extreme Gundam bosses from the end of the previous game will also be making an appearance (though sadly these won’t be playable). Bamco have also updated the game’s promo with an HD version, which we’ve linked below. Don’t forget you can still pre-order the game here.

After much speculation, the Ex-S Gundam from Gundam Sentinel will finally be coming to the PS3 version Gundam Extreme Versus Full Boost as free first pressing DLC. Similar to how the Hi-Nu Gundam was a first pressing DLC unit for the home version of Gundam Extreme Versus, players who purchase the game within a certain time frame will get a special code in their copy to download the unit from the PSN. Players who download the game from PSN will more than likely get the code included in their download list, similar to how other games with similar incentives appear on the PSN download list when purchased. If you happen to not get a first pressing copy, don’t fret. If history repeats itself, the Ex-S Gundam DLC might eventually show up available as a free download in the upcoming months similar to how Hi-Nu Gundam DLC showed up as a free download with the first set of DLC packs for Gundam Extreme Versus. It will be interesting to see what kind of gameplay Ex-S Gundam will bring to the roster as it appears to be a transformable suit as well! Another neat update is that the Full Boost Mission Mode (which was originally called Trial Mode in the prequel) will be online enabled. So if you’re having trouble with a particular mission, you can bring along a PSN buddy for the ride. We will update you with more information on the unit and other DLC details as they come.

A nice new indie PC game has been revealed by the name of Reset. Helmed by two former Futuremark employees, Alpo Oksaharju and Mikko Kallinen, (who worked on Shattered Horizon) it features a mecha as it solves puzzles co-operatively with itself across time. It’s nice to have a mecha game that doesn’t shoot things in the face and the puzzling premise sounds fantastic too. There’s a teaser trailer going the rounds as well (shown below) and it’s wonderfully atmospheric, with an almost Silent Running vibe to it. No word on a release date or price as yet but apparently there will be crowdfunding set up for this pretty soon.

The Premium G Sound Edition of Gundam Extreme Versus Full Boost for the PS3 has been confirmed to be on the Japanese PlayStation Network. If you are unaware of what this limited edition entails, it will include over 30 tracks that are not included in the base version of the game, to include several ones that were originally included in Gundam Extreme Versus. There have been questions regarding its availability outside of the recent retail date confirmation of 30th January next year, but you can now grab it day one if you don’t mind forgoing a physical copy. The limited edition will also only be available until April 2014, so if you really want the extra tracks not included in the normal version, be sure to grab either the physical or digital version before then. The Premium G Sound edition will be available on the Japanese PlayStation Network for 10,980 yen. You can also see a current full listing of what songs are available in the limited edition here. As of now, there are no additional units or game modes in the limited edition, but we will update you with more information as it comes. If you prefer a physical copy then you can pre-order the normal and Premium G Sound Edition accordingly.

Now that the Vita version of Gundam Breaker is now out, there has been an update for the PS3 game. Apart from adding the new mobile suits from the Vita release there are all manner of other balancing changes. From boosts to weapons as well as mobility increases, the biggest change though is the increase of drop rates for parts (something that should help alleviate the grind). In addition to this, there will be 30 new missions along with 2 new mission types. There is even a new promo video and some rather comical adverts now too (linked below). Don’t forget you can still buy both the PS3 and Vita versions of the game.

Recently announced at a private trade event, Namco Bandai has announced the sequel to Gundam Extreme Versus Full Boost called Gundam Extreme Versus Maxi Boost. The title will hit Japanese arcades in March 2014 and will more than likely run on the System 478 board based off of the PS4 architecture.  Game mechanics are currently unknown at the moment other than the addition of the F and S Drives (similar to how Assault and Burst works in Full Boost perhaps?), but since Maxi Boost is still carrying the Extreme Versus moniker, we can only assume that the gameplay will iterate on top of the current Full Boost mechanics. The following new suits in a total of 14 will also arrive in the sequel: AGE-01, AGE-02, Avalanche Exia, Char’s Zaku, Perfect Strike, Legend Gundam, Penelope Gundam, Brave Commander Graham Acre Type, and Elpeo Puru’s Quebeley Mk II. We will continue to update as more information comes out.