The release date for Gundam Evolution is still unknown, but another closed network test is drawing near. Unlike its prior Steam test, this one will run exclusively on consoles, and will considerably expand the number of players who have access. Gundam Evolution is set to offer a great experience for Gundam and first-person shooter fans alike, being a team-based hero-shooter that takes cues from other titles of its ilk and builds upon them with detailed player options and fast-paced, strategic gameplay.
Gundam Evolution is built for Gundam fans and FPS players looking for a new game to try, and developers hope to bridge that gap in different territories by targeting player satisfaction first. For as much consideration that was put into the game's competitive mechanics, fun still played a core part in designing its characters. Game Rant spoke to Gundam Evolution executive producer Kazuya Maruyama and gameplay director Ryota Hogaki about Bandai Namco's design approach for the upcoming game.
Gundam Evolution Strives to Make Every Mech Feel Fun
The most important part of a hero-shooter like Gundam Evolution is its roster. It may feel like there is a deficit of mechs at launch, especially considering there are over 1,000 potential mecha candidates to choose from, but those who made the game were mostly chosen for how they fit into gameplay concepts. However, as Maruyama points out, these robots' intended roles do not define how they are played.
"As this is a team shooter, it is indeed important what role you play in the game, but instead of having set roles, we wanted players to use their favorite units whenever they wanted to. For this reason, we designed all units to be capable of dealing good damage to level the playing field."
There are instances where Gundam Evolution’s design restricts certain styles, like shotguns lacking range and the GM Sniper struggling to land shots while unscoped. That doesn't mean the characters are lacking in versatility, however. The GM Sniper and the Methuss are both technically support units that can heal and buff their allies, but their ability to deal damage does not suffer for this. Similarly, many aggressive units have ways to safely disengage and even heal themselves between fights. If a player likes one given unit enough, Bandai Namco hopes they will be able to find an effective playstyle that feels right.
Individual Enjoyment is a Priority in Gundam Evolution
Gundam Evolution is still a team shooter, but the fact that every character can handle itself in a fight allows player skill to come first. A good pilot using all of their tools effectively can still eke out wins in tough duels and even group battles, according to the developers, allowing a skilled skirmisher or cautious support player to slot into any team. Maruyama said the diverse equipment available to all units sets Gundam Evolution apart from other shooters and makes it rewarding to learn.
“In role-based gameplay, having a shield often automatically designates a unit as a 'tank,' but in Gundam Evolution, shields are part of larger, diverse kits that make every unit’s playstyle unique. Additionally, Methuss can repair allies while also dealing damage, so it is not strictly a healer. This is because we do not make support-only units.”
That's not to say the game's team aspect has been set aside. Rather, the game design encourages people to play the role they feel they need to with whatever character they choose. This sort of flexibility is rare in the hero-shooter space, and Gundam Evolution has seemingly pulled it off so far. Some units will still be better on certain maps or against particular units, but Gundam fans should be able to hone their skills and succeed with their mobile suit of choice.
Gundam Evolution will hold a closed network test on PS4, PS5, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X/S from June 23 to 28.