Whilst we’d seen early toy prototypes of the majestic YF-30 Chronos from the latter part of Macross 30, we weren’t sure if a release would materialise. Now it seems that a DX Chogokin is planned for display at the upcoming Tamashii Nations 2013 event this November, though no news yet of a final release date or price. The above picture is from the CAD render for the figure in case you’re wondering. Considering that the Isamu Dyson YF-29 DX Chogokin was a webshop exclusive, we’re pretty sure this will be too. The YF-30 is an exclusive design featured in the game and is more of a fighter bomber due to it’s longitudinal missile pod. It goes without saying that it’s also one of the best variable fighters you get to play with, so a toy version is most welcomed.

Over at AmiAmi they have a really lovely preview of the forthcoming Super Robot Chogokin Genesic Gaogaigar toy slated to come out in March of next year. Price-wise it looks like it will be in the same range as the other toys from this line, a considerable reduction compared to the Max Gohkin toy released a few years back. Admittedly this will be a smaller figure but the sculpt and accessories are arguably as good if not better. We’re also pretty sure this won’t be a webshop exclusive either. For those unaware, the original Gaogaigar was designed by none other than Kunio Okawara but the later Genesic version was handled by Kazumi Fujita, an interesting parallel to that of the original Gundam designs and their Zeta counterparts. Anyway, this is one of our favourite super robot mecha and to have it made more accessible is a lovely thing indeed.

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.

In a recent issue of Gundam Ace, Bandai revealed that they are indeed making a Robot Damashii figure of the mighty XM-X1 (F97) Crossbone Gundam X-1 Kai Kai “Skull Heart”. This being the improved version of the original XM-X1 (F97) Crossbone Gundam X-1 Kai seen in the rather brilliant Crossbone Gundam manga. Whether this toy will also have the Full Cloth setup as seen in Steel 7 is unclear. Now these aren’t the first Robot Damashii figures from the series, as we nabbed all three at launch, but this will be a very nice addition. No word on release date or pricing and we’re hoping this isn’t another webshop exclusive too. Once we know more we’ll post it accordingly.

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.

Finally, the date we have been waiting for has arrived. Gundam Extreme Versus Full Boost for the PS3 will be released on 30th January next year. This is a lot sooner than most predicted but nonetheless is a welcome confirmation as the sooner, the better. Pricing for the two different versions of the game has also been announced with the normal edition being 7,890 yen and the Premium Sound edition being 10,980 yen (sadly the arcade stick will be sold separately online). Remember that there will also be a PSN version available day one for those who can’t wait for shipping. We will update you with more info as it comes.

On October 22nd, Gundam Epyon will join the current roster of Gundam Extreme Versus Full Boost. Teased during the TGS 2013 show when promoting the upcoming PS3 version of the game, Gundam Epyon returns from its last appearance in Gundam vs Gundam Next Plus. Obviously boasting its melee attack style, its patented heat whip and mobile armor mode are all intact in this new iteration. This will be a nice addition to the current roster which can always use more melee mobile suits. Check out the teaser vid for Epyon below!

In the case of Armored Core’s history as a series, each major shift in functionality has met with a follow on title that polishes and improves the original setup. Sometimes these are just general changes but occasionally they coalesce into something truly great. These games have also normally been the best of that era. Titles like Master of Arena and Silent Line for instance marked the pinnacle of the previous two console generations.

Verdict day is a direct continuation of the previous game and utilises much of the same inherent structure, both for the expansive multiplayer but also the campaign. What’s different are all the substantial low level changes as well as all new systems that sit atop them. It’s quite frankly the best mecha game we’ve played this console generation.

The eight and final 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. This marks the end of the episodic release for Operation Extend and we’ll be likely reviewing this in the next few weeks. In the meantime, enjoy the final promo for the game below.

Over at 4Gamer they have a new piece on Super Robot Wars OG Infinite Battle, specifically regarding new units and gameplay details. In terms of the latter, it seems that the game will support 3v3 battles (as shown above). This is an interesting choice, especially as 2v2 is already quite difficult to manage in an arcade based situation. That aside, it also looks like we’ll be getting to play with R-2 Powered. This is something we’re quite happy about. Don’t forget that you can still pre-order the game here.