Who has ever wanted to combat in intergalactic battles while in giant robots? Yes? Good, I’m glad I’m not the only one. It’s the 30th anniversary of  Gundam and G vs. G Next + (the sequel to Gundam vs. Gundamn) has hit the PSP. G vs. G N+ showcases over 60 Gundams from 17 of the different Gundam series, from the RX-78 Gundam to the latest GN-001 Gundam Exia.

Even though this is a Japanese import, the game is pretty easy to get into. There are five options Arcade Mode (Single, Ad Hoc Play), Free Battle (Single or Ad hoc), Next Plus Mode, Gallery (Movie, Editing, Illustration), and of course Options. No real story line, just pick a Gundam and battle it out; there is dialogue between pilots but all in Japanese. The varieties of Gundams to choose from are the best part of the game and they all have their own special abilities.

Let’s start with Arcade battle, once you pick the Gundam you want; you’ll have to choose which path to take (from A to I). Once you are in that route, there are two paths, you can switch between each path or just stick to one. Each route will have a specific difficulty with more levels. Since this is a team game you will have a partner throughout each battle.  Also depending on who you pick as a partner, which determines which boss you’ll battle.

The PSP always amazes me with the graphics within each title of G vs. G. A fast paced mech fighter without the technical know how like other mech games. There is some strategy involved, making sure that you have your CPU teammate is used correctly. In terms of the waves while battling, you get the first two Gundam enemies and then the main battle comes in. That main fighter is your target, if you defeat him it will end the match, even if there are enemies still on the field. Take out the target objective and you win the game.

Now some might be wondering what are the changes between the first G vs. G and G vs. GN+ ? Yes, there is no longer auto blocking, which is not a big deal and there is a new dash system added, a new weapon reload system, etc.  The dash system gives you the ability to cancel any action performed by using some of your boost gauge.  When talking about the reload system, some of your weapons will start off as zero until your enemies come onto the field and then it will begin to charge. The display will show your weapons and depending on which gundam you have it may vary. The different Gundams was mentioned because some can transform. For example, the Gundam Virture from Double 0, has two forms.  Some of the Gundams even transform into planes but I’ll let you discover that one on your own.

There are also unlockables in Arcade mode and depending on which path you choose, will determine the Gundams you can unlock, like the “Unicorn Gundam”.

Since its an import, G vs. G N+ will probably set you back about 70 USD. Its user-friendly (even if you don’t know Japanese) to navigate through the menus, plus there are tons of FAQs out there to help you out.

Final verdict it is a buy because of the action packed fun and definitely a great buy for Gundam fans. Hopefully if it becomes more popular here stat side.  Hear that Japan, MAKE IT HAPPEN! As always, Stay Frosty.