Mobile Suit: Gundam Extreme Versus 2 Overboost has dropped its first trailer, and there's a whole lot to unpack. Unlike other current Gundam games, Mobile Suit Gundam: Extreme Versus series has been a long-running 2v2 arena fighting game series as one of the most popular arcade games in Asia, with the most recent port Mobile Suit Gundam: Extreme Versus Maxiboost ON from 2016 being released to PlayStation consoles in 2020.
However, there have been numerous entries since then that have only been available in Japan, notably being Mobile Suit Gundam: Extreme Versus 2 and the current released updated version Mobile Suit Gundam: Extreme Versus 2: Xboost. Extreme Versus 2 Overboost was announced in December 2022 during the Gundam Game Grand Prix 2022, a yearly tournament of the best Gundam Extreme Versus players battling it out in a tournament. Each new version of the game includes new changes such as new playable units, new ultimates, as well as moveset upgrades and downgrades for numerous characters. With over 200+ playable units across the Gundam TV series, there's bound to be some changes needed.
New Gundam Shows and Playable Suits
Each series' newest addition is also known for having brand-new suits from various Gundam TV anime series being added as the years go by. One of the new playable mobile suits in Mobile Suit: Gundam Extreme Versus 2 Overboost, will be the long awaited PFF-X7/E3 Earthree Gundam, the primary mobile suit piloted by protagonist Hiroto Kuga in 2019's Gundam Build Divers Re:RISE TV anime series. The new Earthree Gundam notably includes the ability to switch between Hiroto's many various Mobile suit forms, each specializing in either range, melee, or both, which allows players to be a jack of all trades for up close battling or helping out their teammate from afar.
In addition to the Earthree Gundam being added, Mobile Suit: Gundam Extreme Versus 2 Overboost's game cover art also seen teases the debut of the new XVX-016 Gundam Aerial, from the new Gundam anime series, Mobile Suit Gundam: The Witch from Mercury. Many Gundam fans are surprised at the tease of the Gundam Aerial, as previous entries of the arcade series would take several years to release playable units from current airing Gundam anime series, such as the new Earthree Gundam, which came from the 2019 series and has no other suits from Build Divers Re:Rise in any Extreme Versus games.
A Change to Gundam's Burst System
Another huge addition to this game is the removal of various bursts. Bursts are an ability that allows players can activate their burst meter when charged which can buff different stats based on their burst choice. Mobile Suit: Gundam Extreme Versus 2 Overboost removes Raging Burst and EX Burst X, and instead replaces both with a new "Vertical Burst", which increases mobility, and allows the player to quickly boost downwards, which allows for more dodging and movement. Movement will play an even more essential and bigger role in the game.
This is very similar to a previous unique console entry to the series, Gundam Versus, which had the ability to boost downward at any time. However, in Mobile Suit: Gundam Extreme Versus 2 Overboost, it seems it will only be allowed when their Vertical Burst is activated, which hopefully aims to balance fairness with fun. Another new addition is that if a player activates their burst individually, it provides a small buff to the player's teammate. Another new system-wide change is that there are no longer assists that will make the player automatically turn toward the enemy, which also can change some player tactics.
Mobile Suit: Gundam Extreme Versus 2 Overboost is set to release in Summer 2023 for arcades in Japan.