We now have some more details on Super Robot Wars Operation Extend, specifically that it will be released on July 18th and that you can buy all 8 episodes for 5,980 yen. If you decide to buy each episode separately, then the first will cost you 500 yen whereas the remaining installments will be priced at 1,000 yen (so it makes sense to buy them all at once really). The new promo also covers more about the back-end management system in the game too, with parts trading being a pretty cool thing to add. Apart from that we have all manner of sexy new battle animations to look at, including that of the game’s unique OG mecha and pilots. In any case, we’ll be absolutely buying this on its release and we really can’t wait for it either.

In a recent interview with Game Informer, Respawn’s Joel Emslie said something disappointing and worrying in equal measure regarding the mecha in Titanfall. The main quote being “Mech is kind of a dirty word with us, we don’t like it. These aren’t mechs” (screenshot above). Despite the very obvious and widely acknowledged aspects that define the game’s Titans as mecha, it seems that this is another attempt by a game studio to re-brand mecha as something else and new (though with Hawken, Adhesive to their credit did change their tune). This is likely intended as a means to distance the game from any form of Japanese inspiration. Doing the typical American thing of making out that this was some kind of immaculate creative conception, which in itself is still worthy of copious eye rolling. Whilst this is a pretty shitty thing to do, what’s more worrying is how the mecha are being described as a “second skin” for the pilots. In that we may likely see the game with more human controlling mecha, which is basically the same route Front Mission Evolved went down. In short, that didn’t work out too well. Anyway we’re now somewhat skeptical about Titanfall, especially as the lead artist is saying stuff like this. Thanks to Bonk for the heads up.

Following on from the previous promo for Masou Kishin III, we know have a similar brief entry. This time it features Fang Xan Vicias and his mecha Giorias. In addition to this, apparently the game will feature a cross save setup. Allowing Vita and PS3 owners of the gamer to exchange save data via a server. Admittedly, you’ll have to buy both versions of the game but it’s a nice little thing to do. Still no word on winkysoft and it’s looking like we’ll have to wait until the game is released this August before we’ll know for sure. Don’t forget you can pre-order it here.

In an interesting move, Sentinel have announced one of the Blodia variants from Cyberbots to join their Riobot ranks. Specifically that of the Blodia Riot. Like the base unit, the torso is shared but the legs and arms are somewhat different. The latter being the most notable as it has a Rocket Arm. As with the other Riobot toys, this too will be fairly gimmick ridden as well as sporting a good amount of diecast too. However, all this comes at a price and at 16,590 yen it’s considerably more than the standard Blodias set for release this July. In any case, you can pre-order the Riot variant for its October release here.

Whilst we haven’t talked much about Heavy Gear Assault, much of that was down to the fact its Kickstarter has been somewhat of a car crash. So much so that it missed its asking price by such a wide-margin they’ve now resorted to crowd sourced funds via their website. Interestingly, the latter option seems to be netting them more cash so that’s good at least. Personally, we want nothing but this game to get properly funded. These guys really seem to get Heavy Gear and it would be a shame if they weren’t able to bring this project to fruition. So get out your wallets and support them as best you can.

Bandai have done the decent thing and announced a BluRay boxset for Blue Comet SPT Layzner. This will include the TV series and OVA as well as a variety of other trinkets (such as a 32 page booklet). However, all this will come at a price as the boxset will cost pretty close to 50,000 yen when it is released September 18th in Japan. Unlike the recent Macross Plus BluRay Boxset, this release of Layzner sadly won’t come with English subtitles. This begs the question on whether any Western distributor will do the right thing and pick this classic series up. As to why Layzner matters, well when it comes to gaming the series has been consistently and hugely influential. From Anubis to Armored Core For Answer to Omega Boost and even Bangai-O, Layzner’s functional parameters have inspired all manner of mecha games over the years. That aside the series is also thoroughly excellent in its own right and considering that the last release of Layzner (on DVD) was over 10 years ago now, this announcement is very welcome.

Looks like a couple big updates will be on the way for Gundam Extreme Versus Full Boost in the upcoming weeks. The first update is a major unit readjustment that affects around 32 current units, ranging from increased main ammo for Cherudim to several new cancels for many units . This update is included in the June 25th update that introduces the Kapools as playable units. The next update is the Character Battle between the X-3 Crossbone Gundam and the Gerbera Tetra. Like previous Character Battles, they will be voted on through the mobile site and whoever wins will be added in the next game update, which is July 15th. The loser will move onto the next Character Battle and await the results of that round. Until then, check out the video below and see some of the new unit updates in action!

Bandai have announced something I thought I’d never see, a Robot Damashii toy of the wing caliber Fou from Dunbine. This was a support unit that could allow aura battlers to fly greater distances as well as increase their firepower. It also seem this toy will also come with to scale figures as well as a Shoot too. As you’d expect this is a web shop exclusive, with the pre-orders starting today for a release in November. It’s also not exactly cheap either, coming in at 12,600 yen. That said all the previous Robot Damashii Dunbine toys have been nothing short of fantastic so we’ll be picking this up too.

The third livestream for Armored Core Verdict Day has been archived and we’ve linked it below. As you’d expect, a lot more was shown and discussed about the new UNAC AI system and it’s looking quite comprehensive. In addition, the game will also come with a new death animation for all ACs (with them tumbling to their respective dooms). This is somewhat reminiscent to the more ostentatious deaths seen in Last Raven. This new death animation was compiled into a new YouTube video, accompanied by suitably Shaft-tastic music, and we’ve included this below too. If we’re honest, the new rolling death looks a bit odd but maybe this is due to the camera angles they’ve chosen.

We have had a brief but cool promo released for Masou Kishin III, showing Remia off in her Termium Buster. The game is obviously looking lovely but we still don’t know whether winkysoft is behind this. Pride of Justice is still also set for its August 22nd release and you can pre-order it here.