SD Gundam Battle Alliance Review (PlayStation 5)

Our SD Gundam Battle Alliance Review tells us of the story that takes place in G: Universe, a world where Gundam canon twists and turns in ways no one can predict. To correct this world’s distorted history, the player leads a 3-unit squadron consisting of Mobile Suits and pilots from across Gundam history – a true Battle Alliance.

SD Gundam Battle Alliance Review Pros:

  • Beautiful graphics.
  • 28.22GB download size.
  • Platinum trophy.
  • You get the PlayStation 4 and PlayStation 5 versions.
  • Free playable demo.
  • Action RPG gameplay.
  • Two difficulties – Easy and normal and you select one before a mission.
  • Ray tracing option – prioritize FPS or Graphics.
  • Camera settings – Invert axis and sensitivity sliders.
  • Can rebind controls.
  • Japanese voice with English subtitles.
  • In-game conversations can be fast-forwarded or auto-played.
  • Multiple choice encounters.
  • 3 save slots.
  • Set your name that is used for multiplayer.
  • Excellent soundtrack.
  • MS means Mobile Suit.
  • Initial tutorial area with each lesson having a demonstration video. You can do additional optional tutorials for a reward in the mission select screen at HQ.
  • Main story missions along with optional side missions. (clearly marked)
  • You can do any last-minute changes to your MS before a mission and select partners etc.
  • Combo counter.
  • Melee combat with a mix of limited ranged weapons and blocking.
  • In-game cutscenes blend between gameplay and the cutscenes.
  • Auto saves regularly.
  • The full lock-on system makes combat and ranged weapon use easier.
  • The spa is a fancy way of saying charge up your attacks and fill the bar to unleash a cool intro-laden attack.
  • Back attacks do more damage.
  • End of level breakdown including the award of all earned exp and rewards.
  • Upgrade your character with four upgradable stats – HP, boost, melee, and ranged.
  • Roll back upgrades to get tune points to reallocate to the same character.
  • Headquarters is where you can save/load, set your mission, change MS settings, skill set, items, partner info, library and adjust options.
  • Music can be changed in-game and when you activate Spa, but you can also upload your own music via USB in MP3 format.
  • Destructible elements in the world include buildings, vehicles, and bridges.
  • Red containers can be found and opened for rewards.
  • Blueprints – find 100 percent of an MS unto and you will unlock it.
  • Each MS will specialize in a particular element/style.
  • Two partner slots you fill with your choice of pilot and MS. Build up friendship levels with them to increase Alliance effects.
  • Equip parts to your MS to change or add buffs and abilities. Each part can have up to 3 effects and you have as many part slots as the MS allows.
  • Finishing a level is not always the end as you can not only replay them but they may open up additional side objectives.

SD Gundam Battle Alliance Review Cons:

  • Slow starter.
  • You cannot actually pause the game even in the single-player modes.
  • A lot to take in.
  • The story hits you thick and fast with a lot of text breaks and cutscenes.
  • The combat is not as fluid with blocking being not only important but also planned out in advance.
  • Not all cutscenes and interactions can be skipped or fast-forwarded.
  • The text especially on picked-up items is really small.
  • In the frantic action sections, it’s very hard to follow what people are saying.
  • No English audio setting.
  • A lot of open empty land between action spots.

Related Post: Aniquilation Review (PlayStation 4)

SD Gundam Battle Alliance:

Official website.

Developer: Bandai Namco

Publisher: Bandai Namco

Store Links – 

PlayStation

  • 9/10
    Graphics - 9/10
  • 8/10
    Sound - 8/10
  • 7/10
    Accessibility - 7/10
  • 8/10
    Length - 8/10
  • 9/10
    Fun Factor - 9/10
8.2/10

Summary

Let’s get real, I personally have never watched a Gundam let alone play a game of it. I have however actually heard of it many times and I have some clue as to what they are but I just want to be clear where I am. Gundam games are fucking cool! I mean I liken it to EDF (Earth Defense Force) in that it’s a lot of Japanese-speaking, over-the-top action, no clue what’s going on but you just cannot stop playing! I really did like the action once I got partners in and upgraded a few times, the loop of finding gear, and leveling up is just so satisfying and addictive. The locations are nothing to be sniffed at and nor is the music. I may never know fully what is going on but If I’m having a ton of fun does it really matter? Being able to unlock all these badass-looking robots and upgrading them to my liking will never get old. It was just nice to jump on and do a series of events because let’s face it, no matter what you do it’s going to be brilliant. I honestly believe even if you are not into Gundam you will have fun here, forget the Gundam part and think of it as a Mech game with attitude.

Jim Smale

Gaming since the Atari 2600, I enjoy the weirdness in games counting Densha De Go and RC De Go as my favourite titles of all time. I prefer gaming of old where buying games from a shop was a thing, Being social in person was a thing. Join me as I attempt to adapt to this new digital age!