Not for the first time, but the recently announced Zone of the Enders sequel has been put on hold. The difference here is that this game was publicly announced compared to the previous attempts at a sequel. What’s also interesting about this announcement is that the HD version (which we reviewed) was also brought up. With Hideo Kojima himself apologising pretty profusely to (Japanese) fans at the sub-standard quality of the port. As such it’s been indicated that Konami themselves have taken matters into their own hands and an internally produced patch for the PS3 version, though no news on anything for the 360 release sadly (though this is likely due to the fact that the PS3 version was the best selling one in Japan, so it takes priority). In some sense it seems that the poor sales performance of the HD release is likely one of the causes of the sequel being put on hold.

It seems the beta/trial version of Gundam Breaker will be getting a fair few updates. From fixing the lock-on system, as well as new customisation and multiplayer options. Considering that the game is out next month is interesting as it’s not obvious how much use these changes will be (in terms of feedback loop and implementation) when it’s likely the game is already in certification at Sony. That aside there are new units announced too, with the RX-93 Nu Gundam (shown above) being notable. You can still pre-order the PS3 version of the game here for it’s June 27th release.

More love for Gundam Sentinel is coming in the form of the Robot Damashii ORX-013 Gundam Mk.V. Scheduled to be released in September 2013, the Gundam Mk.V is being positioned as a Ka Signature product, similar to the Robot Damashii Xi Gundam that will also releasing in June of this year. It will be interesting to see if this is a precursor to a possible cameo in Gundam Extreme Versus Full Boost, just like how the Xi Gundam was announced as a future product before its debut in both the PS3 version of Gundam Extreme Versus and Full Boost in the arcades last year. Regardless, I’m sure we can expect the same quality and articulation for the Mk.V as others within the Ka Signature line. Pre-orders have started April 25 with a price of 8,400 yen.

Whilst we have lost somewhat all hope for Lost Planet 3, this new trailer has re-ignited a modicum of interest on our part. In so far that this trailer covers the multiplayer aspects of the game, it also reveals that the game will have early vital suits (rather than the huge and fugly “rigs” that we’ve seen thus far). Admittedly you still seem to control these VTs in first person (why Spark, WHY?) but the fact they’re here at all is still a blessing. Especially as from a multiplayer standpoint VTs are more comparable in terms of size to that of human players and that makes it more of a fairer and faster paced fight (read: good). The game is still on track for it’s late August release this year and we will be reviewing it once it’s out.

Famitsu has a nice update for Super Robot Wars Operation Extend featuring all manner of new units. From the mighty Billbine (shown above) to the RX-79[G]Ez-8 Gundam Ez8. In addition, the piece talks about armour parts that can be equipped to each unit. These are similar sounding to previous parts in the other SRW games. In terms of the blend of 2D and 3D animation in the battle scenes, it seems this is broken down between character cut-ins (2D) and mecha (3D), which isn’t anything overly new (though Banpresto are spinning it that it is). However, the latter 3D models are more stylised in terms of the texturing compared to the previous 3D SRW games. This is obviously a decent improvement but we’d like to see these in action before relaxing entirely, as generally 3D SRW games aren’t exactly very pretty looking normally.

Over at 4Gamer they have a nice piece on a lot of the new parts for Armored Core Verdict Day. Whilst we’ve seen some of these images, there are a lot of new ones. From the Heat Machinegun, which sounds worrying, as well as a plasma missile. The latter having shades of the Kojima missiles from For Answer. Though the beefy physical blade (shown above) does look awfully boss. The September 26th release is still on track and you can pre-order the (Japanese) collector’s edition here.

Following on from our previous post about a forthcoming E-MF-LZ-00X-2 Layzner Mk2 toy, it turns out in fact that we will be likely getting it as a Soul of Chogokin Spec iteration (something we hoped and suspected). On top of that, it seems that demand is high enough for the suitably bling SPT-ZK-53U Zakarl (shown above) to get the same treatment. What’s interesting about this is that fans wanted continuity from the previous, and thoroughly excellent, Soul of Chogokin Spec Layzner. We wholly endorse this request. No word on pricing or release as yet but once we know more we’ll let you know.

The first livestream for Armored Core Verdict Day has been archived and we’ve linked it below. Whilst there’s a noticeable absence of gameplay footage the new weapon switching animations are pretty damn sexy. As for the collector’s edition figure, it does indeed seem that it isn’t a proper Super Robot Chogokin but instead some nasty ABS monstrosity. For the price tag it does seem somewhat cheeky too. Anyway, enjoy the livestream and it’s nice to be seeing some more Armored Core again.

What with the beta for Gundam Breaker already out, it seems Bandai Namco have also been listening to players in regards to improving the game. So we’ll be seeing operators, voiced by seiyuu, helping you out in game as well as allied wingmen. The latter looks more like these will be non-kitbashed units too, which is interesting. The PS3 version will released on June 27th for 7,980 yen. No word on the Vita release as yet though.

There’s a nice big update for Super Robot Wars Operation Extend over at 4Gamer. Mostly showing lots of new screenshots of the 3D battle animations it also shows the game map (as seen above). This is not like the previous grid base approaches but is instead radial and more along the lines of Super Robot Wars NEO. It’s pretty clear that Operation Extend is likely a re-purposed NEO, with a much larger unit roster. We’re still not sure about the whole download only approach but bear in mind the last few PSP have also been available to download too, so this isn’t something massively new (though the episodic nature may be a bone of contention to some). Either way we’re just happy to see Patlabor finally.