Hi guys! Brett from AnimEVO here on behalf of Bandai Namco. With all the excitement surrounding Gundam Versus for the PS4, we wanted to let people know about the history behind this franchise. A breathtaking game in and of its own, much of the excitement with Gundam Versus’ upcoming US release revolves around its role as the newest in a long running arcade franchise dating back to 2001. So, let’s take a brief look at the history of the Gundam VS series.

Mobile Suit Gundam: Federation vs. Zeon

Developed by Capcom and published by Bandai, Mobile Suit Gundam: Federation vs. Zeon was first released in arcades in 2001, and established many mechanics that would define the VS series, such as 2-on-2 gameplay, a cost system, and the boost gauge. Federation vs Zeon Deluxe (DX) would soon follow, along with a PS2 console port both in Japan as well as in the US.

Mobile Suit Gundam: Gundam vs Zeta Gundam

While the sequel, Mobile Suit Gundam: AEUG vs Titans (2003) would eventually receive a console port for Japan and the US in the form of Mobile Suit Gundam: Gundam vs Zeta Gundam in 2005, it would be the last Western release for many years, forcing fans of the series to import each game in order to keep up.

Mobile Suit Gundam: Extreme VS

Arcade and PS2 console releases continued for 5 years with additions such as Mobile Suit Gundam SEED: Rengou vs ZAFT, and Gundam vs Gundam, slowly refining and innovating mechanics leading up to Mobile Suit Gundam: Extreme VS for arcades in 2010.

Extreme VS pushed the game forward from a competitive angle, introducing monthly balance patches and Live Replay monitors. It quickly rose to be one of the most popular arcades games at the time.

When PS3 launched in 2011, it introduced competitive online play for the first time with a ranking system and player lobbies. While still inaccessible outside of importing, this release would introduce access to that core competitive experience, and alongside its popularity in Japan, brought an influx of new players to the West.

If the first era for Gundam VS fans in the US was a fringe group regulated to those PS2 imports, Extreme VS ushered in a second era introducing competitive play at the forefront. With it’s newfound audience, the first push for a tournament scene was created, which attracted players from other competitive games.

Gundam Versus

The English release of Gundam Versus marks the first major localization in over a decade, and with improved online play, new mechanics, and veteran players armed with resources, the series is more ready than ever to open the flood gates to new players. So what are you waiting for? Jump in and pilot your favorite mobile suit against your rivals and friends! Plus, if you preorder now you’ll get access to the exclusive preorder bonus Hot Scramble mobile suit + two additional mobile suits that will be featured as DLC down the road.

Bandai also has provided fans with a digital preorder bonus, which includes an exclusive theme of the awesome four key art vote pieces + the mobile suits mentioned above.

As we approach the US release, one can’t help but be excited for what will surely become a new era for Gundam in the West. Check out this exclusive character trailer for mobile suits in the Victory series and we’ll see you online when Gundam Versus launches September 29th!