Gundamfans have been spoiled this summer. Not only did the long-awaitedMobile Suit Gundam Hathawayanimated film launch in June, but now Bandai Namco is announcing a major newGundammultiplayer game. IntroducingGundam Evolution, a first-person shooter and team-based multiplayer game that’s already being compared toOverwatchby fans. For the time being,Gundam Evolutionhasn’t been announced for western localization, but tentative plans exist to bring it worldwide.Gundamfans are sure to encourage Bandai Namco to bringGundam Evolutionwestward sooner, rather than later.
As for what is meant by callingGundam EvolutionanOverwatchwith giant mechs, it starts with its structure.Gundam Evolutionis a 6v6 team-based shooter with class-based characters. Instead of people like Tracer and Soldier 76, however, there are giant mechs taken from decades of popularGundamanime, manga, and video games. Each Gundam offering up unique abilities and actions that complement each other in exciting and creative ways.
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An early roster forGundam Evolutionhas also been shared, which is exactly the kind of content thatGundamfans will be salivating over. The list of 12mechsincludes the Gundam, ∀ Gundam, and Gundam Barbatos. From Zeon, there’s the Zaku II, Sazabi, Methuss, Asshimar, and DOM Trooper. Rounding out the roster are the Pale Rider, GM Sniper II, Guntank, and GM. Suffice to say, there’s a diverse line-up of mechs forGundamfans to choose from.
Another big confirmation forGundam Evolutionfor the moment is that Bandai Namco will be releasing it free-to-play. That means it’ll be joining the competitive scene dominated by battle royale games likeFortnite,Apex Legends, andCall of Duty: Warzone. However, there’s a lot of room to grow between a premium game likeOverwatchand, say, more free-to-play tactical shooters likeValorantorCrossfire.Gundam Evolutioncould fill that explored niche.
For the time being,Gundam Evolutionhas only been announced for PC. That may come as a surprise to fans, since PC is rarely a platform thatGundamgames prioritize. There are theGundam Network Operationgames, as well as some online/MMO titles that are largely defunct, but not much else. That’s partly because PC gaming isn’t as widespread in Japan as internationally.Gundam Evolutionis likely to be targeted towardKorean and Chinese internet cafeculture, more so even than western esports culture.
No release date has been announced forGundam Evolution,even in Japan. A closed beta test is confirmed to start in the next month, however. Sign-ups make clear that only as many as 5,000 players will be able to participate. Hopefully,Bandai Namcowill have more information to share in the months to come.
