Another Century’s Episode (2005)

by Christopher
written by Christopher 7 minutes read

Summary

Another Century’s Episode: A Real Robot Mecha Mashup Extravaganza

Introduction

Another Century’s Episode (A.C.E.) is a fast-paced action game that brings together characters, mecha, and story elements from nine iconic Japanese anime series. Developed by Banpresto, known for their Super Robot Wars franchise, and From Software, the creators of the Armored Core series, A.C.E. was released in 2005 exclusively for the PlayStation 2.

Gameplay

A.C.E. is a third-person action game where players control giant robots, known as mecha, in intense battles against waves of enemies. The game features a roster of over 50 playable mecha from nine different anime series, including:

  • Gundam Wing
  • Gundam SEED
  • Gundam 0080: War in the Pocket
  • Armored Core: Project Phantasma
  • Macross
  • Martian Successor Nadesico
  • Full Metal Panic!
  • Eureka Seven
  • RahXephon

Each mecha has its own unique abilities and weapons, and players can customize their loadouts to suit their playstyle. The game’s combat is fast-paced and chaotic, with players dodging enemy attacks, firing off weapons, and unleashing powerful special moves.

In addition to the main story mode, A.C.E. also features a variety of other modes, including:

  • Versus Mode: Battle against other players in local or online multiplayer.
  • Mission Mode: Take on specific objectives in short, self-contained missions.
  • Training Mode: Practice your skills and learn new combos.
  • Gallery Mode: View a collection of concept art, character profiles, and mecha data.

Story

A.C.E.’s story is set in the year 2151, where humanity has colonized the solar system and established a number of space colonies. However, peace is shattered by the sudden invasion of an unknown alien force known as the Grappler. The Grappler quickly overwhelm the Earth’s defenses and begin to conquer the colonies one by one.

In the face of this overwhelming threat, the Earth Federation assembles a team of elite mecha pilots from across the solar system to form the Another Century’s Episode task force. The task force is tasked with investigating the Grappler invasion and finding a way to defeat them.

As the task force travels from colony to colony, they encounter a variety of challenges, including:

  • Fighting their way through hordes of Grappler forces.
  • Rescuing civilians and protecting the colonies.
  • Uncovering the secrets of the Grappler and their motivations.

Along the way, the task force also learns more about themselves and their place in the universe. They must come to terms with their own strengths and weaknesses, and learn to work together as a team if they want to have any hope of defeating the Grappler and saving humanity.

Characters

A.C.E. features a large cast of characters from the nine different anime series that it represents. Each character has their own unique personality and motivations, and they all play a vital role in the story.

Some of the most notable characters include:

  • Heero Yuy (Gundam Wing): A skilled Gundam pilot who is haunted by his past.
  • Kira Yamato (Gundam SEED): A young and idealistic Gundam pilot who fights for peace.
  • Bernie Wiseman (Gundam 0080: War in the Pocket): A young boy who is forced to grow up quickly in the midst of war.
  • Nine (Armored Core: Project Phantasma): A mysterious mercenary who fights for her own reasons.
  • Hikaru Ichijyo (Macross): A skilled pilot who fights for the protection of humanity.
  • Ruri Hoshino (Martian Successor Nadesico): A cheerful and optimistic girl who fights for the sake of her friends.
  • Sousuke Sagara (Full Metal Panic!): A skilled mercenary who fights for the protection of his client.
  • Renton Thurston (Eureka Seven): A young boy who discovers his destiny as a mecha pilot.
  • Ayato Kamina (RahXephon): A young man who fights to protect the world from the Dolbies.

Reception

Another Century’s Episode was a critical and commercial success. The game was praised for its fast-paced combat, large roster of playable mecha, and engaging story. It was also one of the first games to successfully combine mecha from different anime series into a single cohesive experience.

The game was nominated for several awards, including “Game of the Year” at the 2006 Golden Joystick Awards. It also won the “Best Original Soundtrack” award at the 2006 IGN Awards.

Legacy

Another Century’s Episode has spawned several sequels and spin-offs, including Another Century’s Episode: R (2010), Another Century’s Episode Portable (2011), and Another Century’s Episode 3: The Final (2015). The series has also been adapted into a manga and a light novel.

The Another Century’s Episode series is considered to be one of the best mecha action game franchises of all time. It has been praised for its innovative gameplay, large roster of playable mecha, and engaging stories. The series continues to be popular today, and it is still one of the best ways to experience the excitement of piloting giant robots from some of the most iconic anime series of all time.

Conclusion

Another Century’s Episode is a fast-paced, action-packed mecha game that brings together characters, mecha, and story elements from nine iconic Japanese anime series. With its large roster of playable mecha, engaging story, and innovative gameplay, A.C.E. is a must-play for fans of mecha action games and anime fans alike.

Review Score

8.5/10

Art

Cover Art

Screenshots

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Christopher has carved a niche for himself as an authority on retro pre-2000 computer games. With a passion that borders on reverence, Christopher delves deep into the pixelated past of gaming, unearthing gems and sharing insights that resonate with both nostalgic players and curious newcomers. His articles serve as a time machine, transporting readers back to an era where gameplay and creativity often trumped graphical fidelity. Cristopher's expertise isn't just in cataloging these classics; he analyzes their design, the context of their creation, and their impact on the gaming landscape, offering a comprehensive look at the evolution of digital entertainment. Beyond mere retrospectives, Christopher champions the relevance of these retro games in today's high-definition world. He skillfully draws parallels between the foundational mechanics of yesteryear's titles and the modern gaming innovations they inspired. His work goes beyond mere preservation; it's an ongoing dialogue between the past and present of gaming. Christopher's content educates, entertains, and ignites discussions within the gaming community. His dedication not only keeps the legacy of pre-2000 games alive but also highlights their importance in shaping the future of video gaming.

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