8Bit/Digi

History is Much Like an Endless Waltz

Super Robot Wars has always been one of those franchises I’ve heard about in passing, but never had the chance to play a single entry. Not helping is that barely any entries in the series have launched in North America, and I haven’t seen any Japanese versions available to play at an anime con. Even with one available entry, I’ve not had the chance to give the series a playthrough. Thankfully, the launch of Super Robot Wars Y has changed all that.

Super Robot Wars Y is the 55th entry in the iconic series and only the second to launch in North America. On the surface, it brings together every major mecha franchise into a single story. However, it shouldn’t be dismissed as mere fan service, as the game offers much more depth, including engaging strategy, character interactions, and a thoughtfully crafted narrative that rewards both longtime fans and newcomers alike.

Now is the Time

Prior to the game’s events, humanity repelled an alien invasion and entered a new era of space colonization. Over time, tensions between Earthnoids (humans on Earth) and Spacenoids (humans in space) escalated into open conflict. The Spacenoid faction was led by Haman Karn, Gilbert Durandal, Milliardo Peacecraft, and Char Aznable. Meanwhile, the Earthnoid faction was commanded by Treize Khushrenada and Lelouch vi Britannia. This conflict comes to an end when Lelouch is assassinated by Zero in front of the world during a victory parade. This results in the world being reorganized into a new government seeking peace with the Spacenoids.

One year after the assassination, the floating commonwealth A. Advent enters global politics under Echika Y. Franburnett’s leadership. Players assume the role of either Cross or Forte, traveling across the universe to stop those threatening the fragile peace. Along the way, they are joined by allies who share their mission, as well as adversaries determined to drag humanity back into darker times.

Super Robot Wars Y feels like a masterful work of fan fiction by someone who did their homework, and I say this as a compliment. The game introduces original characters and a unique story while also featuring beloved figures from a variety of mecha series. Players witness a war between Char Aznable and Lelouch vi Britannia, all while their faction teams up with Kallen Stadtfeld and Relena Peacecraft. Is it ridiculous? Yes! Is it something fans will enjoy? Absolutely! Its appeal lies in satisfying longtime fans while also introducing them to other mecha titles, leaving me with a growing backlog of anime to watch.

Ace in the Hole

Super Robot Wars Y blends visual novel storytelling with turn-based mecha combat, creating a unique hybrid experience. The story primarily unfolds through visual novel segments, where dialogue drives both narrative and character development. Players must read carefully, as skipping conversations risks missing essential details that shape the overarching plot. At the same time, rushing through these exchanges diminishes your appreciation for the narrative while missing out on some interesting exchanges.

The gameplay adheres to the classic turn-based JRPG format. Players will command a squad of mechs across a grid-based battlefield. Your team consists of the main character supported by iconic pilots from various mecha franchises. Battles unfold through a wide range of weaponry, from short range strikes to long range attacks. Each attack can be viewed through a cinematic animations or displayed quickly as simple results, depending on player preference. After exhausting available moves, the turn shifts to enemy forces, who retaliate with their own strategies. Victory is most often secured by eliminating all enemy units on the map, though certain scenarios introduce alternate objectives. After each battle, players could upgrade their characters and their respective mechs.

One Shot’s All I Need

The best way to describe Super Robot Wars Y is as a love letter to the mecha genre and its rich history. Not just Gundam, but also series like Code Geass and Macross. You’ll want to pick this up because at least three of your favorite mecha series are featured, and that alone is reason enough. It’s not just limited to mechs and characters, but also a soundtrack with some of the most iconic songs. Yet, that’s just the surface, as there is much more to the game than simple fan service.

Oftentimes, when a game attempts to merge two different elements, one tends to suffer at the expense of the other. That isn’t the case with Super Robot Wars Y, which succeeds as both an excellent turn-based mecha strategy game and a compelling visual novel. Neither side overshadows the other in quality, as both stand confidently on their own. This makes it clear that Super Robot Wars Y was crafted by mecha fans for mecha fans who wanted to tell a fun story told within the framework of a thrilling game.

Finally, one can’t overlook the game’s visual design in its main battles and the anime inspired visual novel segments. Each shines in its own way, bringing the world to life with impressive detail. Just as importantly, the game preserves the distinct artistic style of each franchise while seamlessly blending them together into a cohesive whole.

I Came Here to Laugh at You

An issue many mecha fans will notice in Super Robot Wars Y is the imbalance in franchise representation. Some series are heavily featured, receiving extensive attention, while others are barely mentioned or play a minor role in the overall story. The game includes characters, lore, and mechs from 22 series, but the majority come from the Gundam franchise. As a Gundam fan, I appreciate this, yet it’s clear that other series lack the focus they deserve, which could be disappointing for their respective fandoms. It also leaves me disappointed, as I wanted more from those franchises that I’m not too familiar with.

Fighting Spirit is in Your Nature

Super Robot Wars Y is a love letter to mecha in the form of a game featuring some of the most iconic characters of the genre. This is a game best suited for fans who already enjoy mecha and recognize at least three of their favorite series in the roster. Its story feels like pure fan fiction in all the right ways, while the overall experience celebrates the genre’s legendary heroes and villains. Be warned, it may inspire you to dive into other mecha series afterward.

Disclaimer: The publisher, through a PR representative, provided the game used for this review.

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 insight into the gamer community of the San Francisco Bay Area.

Super Robot Wars Y (PC)

9

Excellent

9.0/10

Pros

• It's a love letter to the rich history of mecha.
• Story is a work of pure fan fiction in all the right ways.
• It strikes a balance between being a strategy game and a visual novel.
• Its artistic style allows for every series style to work with each other.

Cons

• There is an imbalance in franchise representation.