Summary
- Release Year: 2006
- Genres: Adventure
- Platforms: Wii
- Publishers: Bandai Namco Entertainment
SD Gundam: Scad Hammers (2006): A Japan-Exclusive Wii Gem
Introduction
SD Gundam: Scad Hammers is a side-scrolling beat ’em up video game developed by Cavia and published by Bandai Namco Games for the Wii. It was released exclusively in Japan on December 7, 2006, alongside the Wii console itself. The game is part of the long-running Gundam franchise, but it features the characters in their Super Deformed (SD) style, which gives them a cute and chibi-like appearance.
Gameplay
SD Gundam: Scad Hammers is a side-scrolling beat ’em up game in which the player controls one of several SD Gundam characters as they fight their way through hordes of enemies. The game features both single-player and multiplayer modes, with the multiplayer mode supporting up to four players.
The game’s combat system is simple but effective, with players using a combination of basic attacks, special moves, and super attacks to defeat their enemies. Each character has their own unique set of attacks and abilities, so players can experiment with different characters to find the one that best suits their playstyle.
Story
The story of SD Gundam: Scad Hammers takes place in the year 2035, after the events of the Universal Century timeline. The Earth Federation and the Principality of Zeon have finally achieved peace, but a new threat has emerged: the Scad Hammers.
The Scad Hammers are a group of space pirates who are led by the evil Dr. Hell. Dr. Hell is a brilliant scientist who has developed a new type of weapon that could threaten the peace of the Earth Sphere.
The player takes on the role of a young Gundam pilot who must stop Dr. Hell and his Scad Hammers from carrying out their evil plans. Along the way, the player will team up with other Gundam pilots and visit various locations from the Universal Century timeline.
Characters
SD Gundam: Scad Hammers features a wide range of playable characters, including:
- RX-78-2 Gundam
- ZGMF-X10A Freedom Gundam
- ZGMF-X20A Strike Freedom Gundam
- ZGMF-X19A Infinite Justice Gundam
- MSN-00100 Hyaku Shiki
- MSZ-006 Zeta Gundam
- RX-0 Unicorn Gundam
Each character has their own unique strengths and weaknesses, so players can choose the character that best suits their playstyle.
Graphics and Sound
SD Gundam: Scad Hammers features colorful and vibrant graphics that bring the SD Gundam characters to life. The game’s environments are also well-detailed, with a variety of locations to explore.
The game’s sound is also top-notch, with catchy music and excellent voice acting. The voice acting is in Japanese, but the game includes English subtitles.
Reception
SD Gundam: Scad Hammers received positive reviews from critics, with many praising the game’s fun and addictive gameplay. The game’s graphics and sound were also praised, with many reviewers calling them some of the best on the Wii.
However, the game’s Japan-exclusive release limited its exposure to a wider audience. As a result, the game remains a relatively unknown gem among Gundam fans.
Legacy
Despite its limited release, SD Gundam: Scad Hammers has become a cult classic among Gundam fans. The game’s unique blend of SD Gundam characters and side-scrolling beat ’em up gameplay has made it a favorite among fans of both genres.
The game has also been praised for its high quality, with many fans considering it to be one of the best Gundam games ever made. As a result, there have been calls for the game to be released outside of Japan, but so far Bandai Namco has not announced any plans to do so.
Conclusion
SD Gundam: Scad Hammers is a fantastic side-scrolling beat ’em up game that is sure to please fans of both the Gundam franchise and the genre. The game’s fun and addictive gameplay, colorful graphics, and excellent sound make it a must-play for any Wii owner.
While the game’s Japan-exclusive release is unfortunate, it does not diminish the game’s quality. SD Gundam: Scad Hammers is a true hidden gem that deserves to be discovered by a wider audience.
Review Score
7.5/10
