8Bit/Digi

The Game of War has no Time Limit and No Points are Awarded

Question: why did Overwatch succeed while so many hero shooters failed? Everyone has a different answer. For me; I believe it was because of how weeb friendly the game was. I bring this up because I’ve been having way too much fun with Gundam Evolution. It’s basically Overwatch but with Gundams and I love it for that. 

Sure; it’s not gonna have the best waifu’s like Soldier 76 or Tracer but you do get to play as the RX-78-02 or the ASW-G-08 Barbatos. While the idea of having your favorite mobile suits going up against each other is not new (looking at you Extreme Vs. Maxi Boost ON). This is the first time you get to live out such a fantasy in the context of a hero shooter. Making it the perfect Gundam game for fans who prefer a multiplayer shooter.

Fly Gundam!

Let’s get the obvious out of the way now, Gundam Evolution is a hero shooter with mobile suits from the Gundam universe. Don’t go in expecting a mech combat simulator. It’s a fast-paced first-person shooter and the mobile suits are more like a character than a tool.  If you prefer a mech combat game, give Battle Operations 2 a playthrough. 

Victory is the Greatest Tribute

If you played a hero shooter before, Gundam Evolution is going to be a familiar game from the start. Players either work as a team to battle the opposing forces and complete the needed objectives. You start by picking your mobile suit and then going into battle. Each match is fast-paced while also fun to play. After each match, you earn your reward and level up your ranking. Overall, the gameplay and combat mechanics are easy to learn. 

The game starts you with a roster of familiar mobile suits with the opportunity to unlock more. While limited in the selection, you do get access to the classics such as the MS-06 Zaku II and the RX-78-02. Tossed into the mix are a few lesser known mobile suits.

Finally; I have to praise it for not being too pushy with the microtransactions. They exist but you’re not pressured into buying them. Players could have a good playthrough without buying any premium currency. When a free-to-play game isn’t pushing the micro-transactions then it’s a sign of a quality experience.

Assumptions Lead to Mistakes

After several matches, it becomes clear that there is no variety when it comes to the levels and they all have a boring designs. They are so much based on memorable settings from the series but generic areas that could be used in any such game. Even though it’s a free-to-play game, a map based on Side 7 or the Victoria Base would have been ideal. Hopefully; we could see these in future updates.

Even though it’s a new game free to play game, the current roster feels limited. Even if you buy all the premium mobile suits, the rooster feels limited currently. You get the classics like the MS-06 Zaku II and the RX-78-02 but Gundam is a franchise rich in choices. Thus, it’s currently limited to the more obvious choices while excluding lesser known ones. While more will be added in the future, having to start with more options would have been favorable.

Despite its shortcomings; Gundam Evolution is already having a solid start and I can’t wait to see it grow over time. 

Your Only Weapon is Your Emotions

Gundam Evolution takes a classic concept and repurposes it into a hero shooter that also hits all the right marks. Fans will be battling each other with their favorite mobile suit in a familiar setup. It has some shortcomings but they are ones that can be resolved over time. 

Disclaimer: This is a free to play game but FortySeven Communications did provide some EVO Coins.

This review is the critique and thoughts of one writer. If you want to see how other critics felt then check it out on OpenCritic.

8Bit/Digi is an independent media outlet that provides an insight into gamer community of the San Francisco Bay Area.

Review | Gundam Evolution (PC)

9

Excellent

9.0/10

Pros

• Another Gundam game that knows the fans all too well.
• Gameplay and combat mechanics are easy to learn.
• Roster of classic and beloved mobile suits from the franchise.
• It's not too pushy with the microtransactions.

Cons

• No variety in levels and they all have a boring design.
• A limited selection of mobile suits (even if you buy the premium ones).