More Mobile Suit Gundam Info from Producer Hirofumi Inagaki

Hirofumi Inagaki, producer of the highly anticipated Mobile Suit Gundam for the PS3, spoke with IGN about the game’s setting, gameplay and things you can expect from this hot, hot, hot title.

The Setting:
According to Inagaki, Mobile Suit Gundam takes place in 0079 U.C. (Universal Century) in the first Gundam era. Over half of humanity lives in orbiting space colonies ruled over by The Earth Federation. As humanity moves deeper into space “The One Year War” breaks out when rebel space nation Principality of Zeon declares war against The Earth Federation. The gameplay  takes players into the later part of the war when The Earth Federation is at the brink of annihilation. Inagaki said this particular timeframe was selected because it is the point when battles become more fierce and intense as the desperate counter attack to take back the Earth starts.

The Gameplay:
The game requires players to complete a series of various missions where they accomplish different objectives to win. But it’s not just about eradicating enemies by brute force. It’s about strategy. For example, cutting off the route of reinforcement slows down the enemy advancement.

The Mission Mode:
In the Mission Mode, players will have the option to join The Earth Federation Forces or the Zeon Forces. There are also other modes in addition to this such as the VS mode. He declined to reveal info on the multi-player mode at this point.

More Mobile Suit Gundam info from Inagaki after the jump!

Hirofumi Inagaki, producer of the highly anticipated Mobile Suit Gundam for the PS3, spoke with IGN about the game’s setting, gameplay and things you can expect from this hot, hot, hot title.

The Setting:
According to Inagaki, Mobile Suit Gundam takes place in 0079 U.C. (Universal Century) in the first Gundam era. Over half of humanity lives in orbiting space colonies ruled over by The Earth Federation. As humanity moves deeper into space “The One Year War” breaks out when rebel space nation Principality of Zeon declares war against The Earth Federation. The gameplay  takes players into the later part of the war when The Earth Federation is at the brink of annihilation. Inagaki said this particular timeframe was selected because it is the point when battles become more fierce and intense as the desperate counter attack to take back the Earth starts.

The Gameplay:
The game requires players to complete a series of various missions where they accomplish different objectives to win. But it’s not just about eradicating enemies by brute force. It’s about strategy. For example, cutting off the route of reinforcement slows down the enemy advancement.

The Mission Mode:
In the Mission Mode, players will have the option to join The Earth Federation Forces or the Zeon Forces. There are also other modes in addition to this such as the VS mode. He declined to reveal info on the multi-player mode at this point.

The Mobile Suits:
There will be over 30 different types of Mobile Suits from both military units. As players successfully complete a variety of missions, they will gain access to more powerful mobile suits.

What Makes Gundam PS3 Different:
Previous Gundam titles focused on the main character from the anime series but in this game, players will take on the role of a pilot for either The Earth Federation Forces or the Zeon Forces and be in control of the Mobile Suits. Players will be able to aim at specific individual parts, such as the head, leg or arms of their opponents and deal damage this way. Choosing to destroy various parts of their opponent’s Mobile Suit will directly affect the outcome of the battle.

Being able to experience the game as a part of either faction and as themselves, without assuming the  roles of any pre-set characters of the animation, is an aspect Inagaki believes players will enjoy most. Even newbies unfamiliar with the Gundam universe. He says this game could be a great introduction to that universe. More importantly, the game heavily deals with the war of the future where highly advanced weapons roam the battle ground. You don’t need to be a Gundam fan to be able to engage in futuristic warfare by piloting powerful Mobile Suits.

The Graphics:
Ingaki said Bandai is doing its best to express the details of not only the Mobile Suits but also everything that exist in the futuristic war zones. The team was able to accomplish this because of the near CG quality graphics of the PS3.

The Release Date:
Inagaki did not mention any specific date but the Japanese and English versions will be released simultaneously.

Via IGN