Gundam Extreme Vs Maxi Boost ON a.k.a “Super Gundam Bros. Ultimate”
Squad Goals: Gundam
Gundam is one of the longest running mecha anime and manga franchises in history. With so many different universes, it's no surprise that it had a presence in the video game market over the years. The most reoccurring Gundam game, is the Gundam Vs series, an arcade arena fighter created by Bandai Namco. Most of the series started as an arcade game in Japan, but thankfully, it was ported to the PlayStation. With Maxi Boost On, the latest entry in the Extreme Vs division of the franchise for the PlayStation; Is it a good investment for Gundam fans? Well hop in your mobile suit cockpit, and strap in for my review.
Graphics
Shadow Gundam Initiating Burst Mode
Maxi Boost ON first came out in arcades when the PS3 was still active. For this PS4 port, the graphics have slightly improved. The character models are fantastic and look just as good if not better than the Gundam Versus' series character models. For me, Dynasty Warriors Gundam 3 had the best aesthetics of any Gundam game due to their cel-shaded models. With Maxi Boost ON, its not far behind in this department. The game’s environment and its effects are slightly pixilated with jagged edges in some areas, but it's not enough to distract the viewer from the game.
Sound
With licensed games, getting music from the source material can be difficult. Thankfully, this series has been successful in this aspect. Every game in the Gundam series has had at least one song from their respective anime incorporated into the game. The songs ranged from the opening themes (with the lyrics) to songs played from the action sequences in the anime. In regard to the sound effects, the game literally takes from the anime series and doesn't disappoint. From the specific laser blast sounds, to the iconic Newtype 'ping' sound, to even the hit and explosive sound effects; the sound mechanics in the game makes the player feel like they're actually living an episode of the anime.
Gundam Maxi Boost ON from IGN
Another feature that’s found is the option to customize the music with your own, by importing MP3 files via a USB flash drive. There are two drawbacks to the feature; First, the game seems to have trouble copying every song from the flash drive. Second, the Arcade and Mission Mode music can’t be altered, just the tracks for playing online. There should've been communication somewhere that explained this feature. For fans of English dubbed anime, you’re also out of luck as Japanese audio is the only option for character speech in the game and at the menus. Fortunately, the makers did provide English subtitles for the pre and post battle dialogue. Although English is limited throughout the game, the pre/post battle dialogue does enhance the anime experience by having an idea of what the characters are saying to each other.
Gameplay
Maxi Boost ON is a 3D arcade arena fighter that resembles more towards Virtual On, than to Jump Force or Dragon Ball: Xenoverse. Matches are team based, with the following attack features: There's one main ranged attack with shoulder buttons used for other ranged and melee attacks. For close range, there's one main melee attack, and pressing the directional pad in different directions will change the combo your mobile suit performs. Each mech can enter a super mode, but they have to power up to use their melee, ranged, or evasive abilities. There’s also a special gauge that allows players one chance to use an ultimate attack too.
The hit Japanese Arcade Gundam game is now on PS4. First 9 minutes of the solo missions. From IGN
When it comes to Anime fighting games, they tend to have the reputation of being button mashers. That can't be said for Maxi Boost ON, as there are many different attacks and combos that represent the mobile suits quite well. How the player controls their suit, is the determining skill factor in this game. Boosting allows you to move quickly and also cancel any opposing attacks and movements from your enemy, while allowing the player to change course. If you run out of boost in the middle of a fight, it can leave you open for punishment; so, it's important to keep an eye on the gauge. The gameplay overall is fast, fun, and engaging letting the player feel like they’re in the actual mech, while offering the maneuverability of a jet fighter. The controls are tight and responsive, with the game’s buttoning system responding to every button press and joystick nudge at the player's whim. The only drawback is that you have to jerk the analog stick to do a quick side step or movement and there are attacks that the game doesn't feature in the command list. There is a tutorial, but it doesn't explain everything.
If there was an equivalent of a “Super Smash Bros. Ultimate” roster for a Gundam game, this is it. This game features over one hundred eighty+ mechs to play with as well. The movesets ooze creativity here. For example, the mobile suits from G Gundam having the less than standard projectiles and melee attacks, (due to them not using traditional mech weaponry), whereas Gundam Epyon doesn't have any gauges for ammo. Gundam Unicorn and Banshee, however, have complete transformations that alter their movesets completely.
Full Gundam Roster - From Gundam HQ
Replay Value
While Maxi Boost ON doesn't offer anything groundbreaking, it is an improvement from Gundam Versus. There is an Arcade Mode with many paths, difficulties, opponents, and bosses but it would've been great if there were endings or at least a still image with your pilot saying something. With over 180 different mobile suits, I could see that becoming problematic. Difficulty for this game depends on the path you choose.
A look at the Mission Mode
One of the games highlights feature a Mission Mode (a feature completely missing in the Gundam Versus series). Here, you can take on multiple missions, each taken from the Gundam series, like fighting the Big Zam at A Baoa Qu from the original. This is where the tutorial is incorporated and a necessity. There is customization, but it applies to stat boosting adjustments such as the ranged attack, speed, and health gauge boosts. The game can be challenging, and this feature for power ups can make all the difference.
It would've been fantastic if these games could finally have a story mode. This is a feature that the Gundam vs. Gundam series has lacked for a long time. Dynasty Warrior Gundam 3 had a fantastic crossover story, but that was the last time we saw that. SHAME.
The Mission Mode felt like it had the blueprints to do one due to the recreation of iconic moments from the series (as well as fighting grunt mobile suits). But, even I will admit, story modes have a tendency to be restrictive when it comes to character chosen gameplay. At least the Mission Mode here didn't have that issue too often. In terms of unlockables, while there are no unlockable characters or mobile suits, there are figurines, character costumes, titles, icons, and UI designs. These are unlocked by spending GP (the currency) or playing a particular mobile suits a certain amount of times. This feels like a happy medium, as it gives access to the whole roster while still having an incentive to earn items.
Gundam Harute, one of the more recent additions to Extreme Vs.
With this game’s emphasis on multiplayer. Split screen and LAN multiplayer are novelties for this titlefor all to enjoy. Split screen features such as deathmatch, team battle, and couch co-op are in the Arcade Mode and for the online multiplayer, it lags sometimes. The waiting rooms are well organized and it's easy to find matches; but if you're new to this series, expect to lose…..a lot.
When purchasing the game, the US version is only offered as a digital purchase. The Japanese version has a hard copy with an additional special edition with more tracks from the anime. While this is limiting, if you're from the States, I implore you to purchase the English version, to hopefully send a message to Bandai Namco that there is an audience for these games in the west so that we can have better buying options in the near future.
Overall, if you're a Gundam fan, it's really hard for me to not recommend this game. The game plays great, it has voluminous content, pretty decent graphics, and every Gundam series that’s associated with the game, has at least three mobile suits. The only drawbacks are the lack of a story mode, English voiceovers, and the inability to use custom music tracks in single player mode. Other than that, if you’re itching for a new mech or fighting game, Gundam Maxi Boost ON should scratch that itch for you.
Final Score: 4.5/5
