Summary
- Release Year: 2002
- Genres: Role-playing game (RPG), Simulator, Strategy, Tactical
- Platforms: Game Boy Advance
- Developers: Banpresto
- Publishers: 505 Games, Atlus, Banpresto
Super Robot Taisen: Original Generation (2002): A Mecha Strategy Masterpiece
Released in 2002 for the Game Boy Advance, Super Robot Taisen: Original Generation (SRTOG) is a tactical role-playing game (RPG) that quickly became a fan favorite. Developed by Banpresto and published by Bandai, SRTOG is the first installment in the Original Generation (OG) series, which features an original story and cast of characters separate from the main Super Robot Taisen continuity.
Story
SRTOG is set in the year 179 of the Space Era, two hundred years after the beginning of a period of rapid expansion into space. However, in the early 21st century, two meteors struck and devastated much of Earth, plunging humanity into chaos.
In the year 179 SE, the Earth Federal Government discovers secret technology, dubbed Extra-Over Technology (EOT), within a third meteor that hit Earth in the South Pacific. Dr. Bian Zoldark, while investigating the meteor, also discovers that the creators of EOT are on their way to Earth to reclaim it.
To defend Earth, the government begins developing a group of humanoid mecha known as Personal Troopers. However, an alien race called the Aerogaters, who created EOT, attacks an Earth ship sent to investigate their presence in the far reaches of the solar system.
Talks between the Earth Federation Army and the Aerogaters are arranged to take place at a secret facility in Antarctica, but the talks are targeted by a rogue faction called the Divine Crusaders. The Divine Crusaders destroy the Aerogater delegation, then turn on the Federation forces. Bian Zoldark, revealing himself to be the leader of the Divine Crusaders, announces the existence of the Aerogaters to the world and rebels against the Earth Government.
As Earth spins into civil war, a new Aerogater force arrives, seeking to reclaim their lost technology…
Gameplay
SRTOG is a turn-based strategy RPG in which the player controls a squad of mecha units on a grid-based map. The game features a wide variety of mecha units from a variety of anime and manga series, including Gundam, Mazinger Z, and Getter Robo.
Each unit has its own unique stats, weapons, and abilities. Players must carefully consider the strengths and weaknesses of each unit when forming their squad and positioning them on the battlefield.
In addition to the main story campaign, SRTOG also features a number of side missions and challenges. These missions provide a great way to earn experience and upgrade your units.
Characters
SRTOG features a cast of original characters, including:
- Kyosuke Nanbu: The protagonist of the game, Kyosuke is a young man who joins the Earth Federation Army to fight against the Aerogaters. He is a skilled pilot and a natural leader.
- Ryusei Date: Kyosuke’s childhood friend and rival, Ryusei is a hot-headed and impulsive pilot. He is also a skilled swordsman.
- Excellen Browning: A skilled pilot and engineer, Excellen is a member of the Earth Federation Army’s Special Forces. She is a calm and collected individual, even in the heat of battle.
- Maria Friedman: A young woman who joins the Divine Crusaders after her family is killed by the Aerogaters. She is a powerful psychic and a skilled pilot.
- Bian Zoldark: The leader of the Divine Crusaders, Bian is a brilliant scientist and a ruthless dictator. He believes that the Aerogaters are a threat to humanity and that he must use any means necessary to defeat them.
Legacy
SRTOG was a critical and commercial success, and it has since become a cult classic among fans of mecha and strategy games. The game has spawned several sequels and spin-offs, and it has been ported to a number of different platforms.
SRTOG is considered to be one of the best Super Robot Taisen games ever made. It features an engaging story, deep gameplay, and a challenging difficulty. The game is also notable for its original cast of characters and its unique setting.
If you are a fan of mecha and strategy games, then you owe it to yourself to check out Super Robot Taisen: Original Generation. It is a classic game that still stands tall today.
Review Score
9/10
Art
Cover Art
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