Namco Bandai and Banpresto's Another Century's Episode series will now be going portable on the PSP with Another Century's Episode Portable, a sequel to this year's Another Century's Episode R, which was released on the PS3.

This is a long-running series that is known for featuring different mechs, characters, as well as story elements from various anime titles. Players can, for example, pilot Gundam Exia (seen in Gundam 00) and battle it out against Black Selena from the Nadesico anime.

Famitsu has released a couple of details about the game, one of which is by earning "Ace Points" from completing missions, which you can use to unlock new mechs. Another feature that was revealed is that up to three friends can battle it out with their favorite mechs in the game's co-op mode.

For any gamers wondering just what type of mechs they can expect in the game, check out a list of the confirmed mechs to be included, below:

  • Gundam Exia (Gundam 00)
  • Z-Gundam (Z Gundam)
  • Turn A Gundam (Turn A Gundam)
  • L-Gaim Mk. II (Heavy Metal L-Gaim)
  • Nelly Brain (Brain Powered)
  • Dunbine (Aura Battler Dunbine)
  • Kaiser Fire (Vs. Knight Lamune & 40 Fire)
  • Layzner (Blue Comet SPT Layzner)
  • Lancelot Albion (Code Geass R2)
  • Nirvash -Type Zero Spec. 2- (Eureka Seven)
  • Black Selena (Nadesico)
  • VF-24F (Macross Frontier)

As someone who has played the previous games in this series, I can vouch that each game brings not only intense aerial and ground battles, but all also lets you control mechs that are considered fan-favorites by many. A PSP entry into the series is a good move for PSP owners, as it builds upon the current library of similar titles, like those of the Gundam Battle series.

Namco Bandai certainly has been on top of their game with releasing new entries of their established and well-loved franchises. With the upcoming releases of both Naruto Shippuden: Ultimate Ninja Storm 2 and Dragon Ball Z: Raging Blast 2, there is certainly no shortage of anime-inspired video games.

So what are your thoughts on the mechs that have been revealed so far to be in the game? Are there any mechs that you feel must be included to validate having to import this title? Let us know in the comments below!

Another Century's Episode Portable will release in Japan on January 13, 2011, for the PSP.

Source: Siliconera