Kidou Senshi Z Gundam: Away to the Newtype (1996)
Kidou Senshi Z Gundam: Away to the Newtype (literally "Mobile Suit Z Gundam: Away to the Newtype") is a strategy game developed and published by Bandai for the Super Famicom, released on February 23, 1996. It is based on the anime series Mobile Suit Z Gundam, which is set in the Universal Century timeline of the Gundam franchise. The game is a turn-based strategy game where players command a squad of mobile suits, engaging in tactical battles on a grid-based map. Bandai, the master of Gundam licensed games, brought their expertise to this title, creating a game that was both faithful to the series and strategically engaging.
Gameplay and Strategy Mechanics
Kidou Senshi Z Gundam is a turn-based strategy game where players command a squad of mobile suits, including the iconic Z Gundam, on a grid-based battlefield. The game features a deep combat system, with unit stats, terrain advantages, and special abilities affecting the outcome of battles. The game's story follows the events of the Z Gundam anime, with players participating in key battles and making strategic decisions. The game also features a "development" system, where players can upgrade their mobile suits and weapons by collecting resources.
The game's visual style is detailed and colorful, with large, expressive SD sprites and detailed battlefield backgrounds. The soundtrack features remixes of the iconic Gundam themes.
Kidou Senshi Z Gundam: Away to the Newtype received positive reviews for its strategic depth and faithful adaptation, becoming a popular title among Gundam fans. It remains a nostalgic classic for fans of the franchise and a solid entry in Bandai's strategy game catalog.