Bandai Namco dropped more details about Gundam Evolution gameplay as well as two new playable mobile suits: The Marasai and Exia. At a special livestream event, the development team presented new information about the upcoming free-to-play competitive game [Thanks, 4Gamer!].
Gundam Evolution is a competitive team-based FPS game. At a core level it’s similar to a “hero shooter” like Overwatch, with each mobile suit acting as a unique character with bespoke weapons and abilities. Gundam Evolution gameplay will be available during the planned network test. It’s centered around three modes: Point Capture on the “AA Gun Fortress Map”, Domination on the “Lunar Communications Base” map, and Destruction on the “Mining Quarry” map.
Upon launch, Gundam Evolution will not support cross-platform play, meaning that users will only match with others in the same platform ecosystem. For example, PS4 and PS5 users will only be able to play with other PlayStation-based players. Also, while the game will support service in multiple regions, the Asian region (China and Southeast Asia) will only be supported by the PC edition of the game.
12 mobile suits will be available on launch for players to use, drawn from various Gundam series.
- RX-78-2 Gundam (from Mobile Suit Gundam)
- WD-M01 ∀ Gundam (from Turn A Gundam)
- MSA-005 Methuss (from Zeta Gundam)
- MSN-04 Sazabi (from Char’s Counterattack)
- NRX-044 Asshimar (from Zeta Gundam)
- RX-75 Guntank (from Mobile Suit Gundam)
- RGM-79SP GM Sniper II (from Gundam 0080: War in the Pocket)
- MS-06 Zaku II (from Mobile Suit Gundam)
- ASW-G-08 Gundam Barbatos (from Iron-Blooded Orphans)
- RGM-79 GM (from Mobile Suit Gundam)
- ZGMF-XX09T Dom Trooper (from Gundam SEED Destiny)
- RX-80PR Pale Rider (from Gundam Side Story: Missing Link)
Check out a Gundam Evolution gameplay trailer featuring the launch roster.
Two newly added mobile suits will be unlockable through Gundam Evolution gameplay, or instantly via paying a fee after launch: The MSA-002 Marasai (from Zeta Gundam and Gundam Unicorn) and GN-001 Gundam Exia (from Gundam 00). Both will be playable during the game’s Network Test.
The Marasai is armed with the heavy Fedayeen Rifle and the Sea Serpent grappling weapon. It can cause high damage to single targets and use its Sea Serpent to immobilize enemies it hooks. Its “G-Maneuver” ultimate attack uses the Sea Serpent to shock a large area and temporarily stun enemies.
The Exia is a highly mobile, melee-focused Mobile Suit armed with a GN Sword. It’s built to close the distance and duel enemies at melee range, and equipped with quick-step dodges to stay agile. Its G-Maneuver is Trans-Am mode, which enhances the Exia’s performance, allowing continuous use of the quick-step, and converting its GN Sword attacks to use the GN Beam Sabers.
The livestream also covered other aspects of the game’s structure. Gundam Evolution is free-to-play, but will have a Season Pass that players can progressively unlock. They can also pay to advance tiers in the Season Pass. A loot box-style “Supply Pod” system will allow players to pay a fee to obtain random items and cosmetic unlocks.
The customization system includes skins for the mobile suits. One sample included a color pattern for the Zaku II that made it look like Char Aznable’s personal unit. Gundam Evolution also has weapon skins and accessories, such as a charm that hangs off the MS’s beam rifle. Emotes, player icons, environmental sprays, and special victory screens for when a player ranks as MVP in a match will also be available. All the items are cosmetic and have no effect on Gundam Evolution gameplay.
Gundam Evolution will release worldwide for PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X, and PC in 2022. A closed network test on PC is scheduled for April 8, 2022 to April 12, 2022.
