Reviews > Dynasty Warrios: Gundam
(360) 5.3
September 20, 2007
Dynasty Warriors: Gundam is exactly what it sounds like. Take the same Warriors gameplay we're already accustomed to, throw in some characters from and references to the various Gundam anime series, and you've got yourself one of the most popular games in Japan. Don't let the huge numbers in the Land of the Rising Sun fool you, though, because this game isn't anything to get too excited about. I know the Dynasty Warrior games are supposed to be based on historical events (I assume that's not the case for this one), but that must be one boring world. How else can you explain moving from swords and bows to giant freaking robots with lightsabers being a purely cosmetic change devoid of any coolness?
Want to know something sad? Reading that previous paragraph is far more entertaining than playing the game. Despite all of the new flashy characters, scripted in-battle cutscenes and custom story mode, Dynasty Warriors: Gundam is just flat-out mundane. The use of Gundams makes the mediocrity of Dynasty Warrior gameplay even more apparent, because blowing shit up in a giant robot suit should be fun and new.
To be fair, though, the game does have some positive aspects. For starters, it can be fun to play with friends, and just about anyone who can hold a controller can jump right into the action. (Whether or not they succeed is another story.) Alone, it may be a mindless chore; toss a friend into the mix, though, and it becomes a Game of the Week candidate. Sadly, even that magic wears off if you play longer than half an hour or so in a single sitting.
Another area where the game shines is in the presentation – at least compared to past Dynasty Warrior games. Before, the cutscenes were randomly thrown in between battles, and General So and So would always be chatting with some other military guy, nothing of value would come of it, and you'd move on. In Gundam, cutscenes actually are integral to the story. (Which you DON'T need to read a multiple-volume novel to understand!) Not only are they pertinent, but during the battles when you meet up with a boss character, you're treated to a little animated fight.
Now, let's get back to the bad, shall we? Specifically, let's get back to the sound. Frankly, I've heard better voice acting on a muted porno. Most of the characters are over-the-top for no reason, and it seems the developers' idea of a good localization meant snagging as many accents as possible to please everyone.
If you can get past the gameplay's tediousness (you ARE interested in a Dynasty Warriors game, so that's a good sign) Gundam really does have a good deal to offer. There are two single player gameplay modes: official and original. What's the difference? Official is based on Gundam canon, and original is a totally (surprise!) original story combining characters in a way Gundam purists will hate.
Like the other DW (or even Samurai Warrior) games, each mission – no matter which mode – involves you capturing certain areas on a map, meeting certain victory requirements while holding off enemy units. Holding them off is very easy to do, as well, because the AI is ridiculously stupid. You can stand there and not move, and guess what? They'll do the same. Attack them, and then they start to take action. It's really no challenge to not die in this game, though; until you meet up with Char, that is.
If you've enjoyed any Dynasty Warrior games, you'll like this one. It does just enough differently to keep it slightly fresh, yet it's familiar enough that you know exactly what you're getting. If you're a Gundam fan you need this game as well. Sadly, this is the best thing Gundam-related we've seen yet in gaming. Poor Gundam...
Design – 5
Visuals – 5
Audio – 3.5
Control - 5.5
Story – 5.5
Fun – 5.5
Value – 6
Style – 5.5
Overall: 5.3 (Mediocre)
