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The Super Robot Wars franchise, developed by B.B. Studio and published by Bandai Namco, remains a cornerstone of the tactical RPG genre. With a rich history spanning decades, the series has captivated a dedicated fanbase. Super Robot Wars T, the latest installment, continues this legacy, blending familiar mechanics with fresh additions. This review explores what Super Robot Wars T offers, highlighting its strengths and weaknesses.

Classic Gameplay with a Twist

Super Robot Wars T retains the core gameplay that veterans of the series, particularly those familiar with Super Robot Wars X and V, will instantly recognize. Features like Power Parts, Spirit commands, Skill Routes, and Skill Programs return, refined to enhance strategic depth.

The most significant new addition is the “Side Plan” system. Each character progresses through six ranks, unlocking three unique skills per rank. These skills offer a wide array of effects, from granting extra turns and boosting attack/defense to healing and increasing movement range. Side Plans inject an element of surprise into battles, but the limitation of using only one skill per battle encourages careful consideration of your overall strategy.

Newcomers to the series need not be intimidated. The basic gameplay loop is easy to grasp, and within the first three chapters, players will have a solid understanding of the core mechanics. Furthermore, the Beginner’s Mode offers a gentler difficulty curve, allowing new players to acclimate to the game’s intricacies.

Super Robot Wars T Gameplay

A Blend of Old and New Aesthetics

Super Robot Wars T opts for a functional rather than flashy presentation. 2D sprites of mecha units are superimposed on 3D backgrounds, resulting in a visually dated aesthetic. However, the animation quality shines, particularly during combat sequences. Attacks, dodges, and special abilities are rendered with dynamic flair, accompanied by voice acting and impactful visual effects.

The soundtrack is a highlight, featuring a curated selection of iconic themes from the various mecha anime represented in the game. From Getter Robo Armageddon’s “HEATS” to Char’s Counterattack’s “MAIN TITLE” and Gun x Sword’s “Dann of THURSDAY,” the music effectively evokes the spirit of the source material.

A Dated Presentation

While adhering to its roots is commendable, Super Robot Wars T clings to some outdated design choices. The user interface feels archaic, reminiscent of designs from a decade ago. Large, clunky fonts and uninspired layouts detract from the overall presentation. The character portraits, while faithful to their original anime styles, further contribute to the game’s dated feel, particularly for older series like Getter Robo Armageddon, Cowboy Bebop, and Crossbone Gundam.

A particularly frustrating aspect is the intrusive Bandai Namco watermark on screenshots. Capturing a perfect moment only to have it marred by a prominent logo is an unnecessary annoyance.

Content and Pacing Issues

Despite its relatively straightforward gameplay, Super Robot Wars T suffers from excessive complexity in its mechanics. Each turn involves a tedious cycle of reading skill descriptions, managing unit attributes, using items, selecting pilots, and choosing pilot skills. This becomes increasingly cumbersome as enemy numbers grow and strategic countermeasures become crucial. Even battles against weaker foes can become protracted affairs.

The narrative also presents some issues. The writing quality is uneven, with awkward phrasing and clunky dialogue. New characters are introduced abruptly with little explanation, and the overall plot feels underdeveloped. While the characters constantly emphasize the gravity of the war they are fighting, their dialogue often lacks emotional depth and urgency.

The enemy variety is also disappointing. The roster of enemy units is limited, with many sharing similar designs and differing only in color and stats. Even boss battles lack a sense of grandeur and offer limited unique attacks.

Conclusion

Super Robot Wars T offers a satisfying tactical RPG experience, especially for fans of the franchise. The core gameplay remains engaging, and the addition of Side Plans adds a welcome layer of strategy. However, the game is held back by its dated presentation, convoluted mechanics, and uneven narrative. While the soundtrack and animation quality are commendable, the overall experience is hampered by design choices that feel stuck in the past. Despite its flaws, Super Robot Wars T remains a worthwhile entry for dedicated fans of the genre and the mecha anime it celebrates.