Key takeaways
- Modern examples like Titanfall 2 offer mech gameplay but there are mech-focused JRPG options available.
- Games like Sakura Wars and Sand Land offer unique mech experiences intertwined with RPG elements.
- Series like Super Robot Wars and Front Mission offer deep mech customization and tactical combat on classic consoles.
If video game fans were polled on what they'd like to see in the future, what would they say? It's safe to assume that most of them will choose to see either military or some or fully realized mechs in the pilot. This is the dream of many fans who grew up watching anime like the variety Gundam Seasons with a handful of games.
Some modern game examples are included Titanfall 2 and Armored Core 6: Fire of the Rubicon. Those examples are not JRPGs and are available on modern consoles like the Switch and classic systems like the PS2. Let's sort through the best.
6 Sakura Wars (2019)
An alternative history lesson on Japan in the 1940s
Sakura Wars Technically this is the sixth game in the series but to bring in new fans, the 2019 release was simplified to the West with its name. It also turned the game into an action RPG while many previous games were strategy RPGs. It takes place in the 1940s but in an alternate era of Japan where steam is everything and battles are fought with egg-shaped mechs called kobu. Players could take select parties on missions and each character was controlled differently, from blade-heavy Kobu to those who excelled at guns.
There was also a dating aspect to the gameplay as the protagonist could date his female team members. While strategic entries may be more attractive to some, Sakura Wars Did a brave job updating the series and this is definitely one of the easiest games to find and pick up. Overall, if RPG fans like action or strategic gameplay combined with dating sims, the Sakura Wars series is worth exploring even though it may require some import or emulation.
5 Sand land
An open world full of deserts and mechs
Sand land Mech fans will immediately appeal to two types of players. First, it's an open-world game that is almost immediately open to players to start exploring. Two, it's one of the last things Akira Toriyama worked on that many may know from the creation Dragon Ball Like doing character designs in games Dragon Quest and Chrono Trigger. Sandland takes place in a post-apocalypse where water is precious and some humans and monsters have joined forces to find a new source.
The leader, a demon named Beelzebub, can be directly controlled with specific action RPG combat from kicks and punches to spells. Beelzebub can drive a variety of vehicles, from cars to tanks to mechs. So, this is not just a mech-fueled game but there are many and they satisfy the pilot with destructive tanks. Most vehicles can be customized with parts, from new plates to weapons.
4 Super Robot War 30
A crossover event like no other
Super Robot War 30 It is the latest game in the series and the first in a long time to reach North America. The series was built with the idea of crossing over from mech-based games and anime to tactical combat. Gundam Seasons like more obscure classics Mazinger. While the maps are simplified with tiles, the animations used for combat are more detailed. The Super Robot Wars The series never made it big in the West, but fans have been following it since it debuted on the Game Boy in 1991.
Thanks to dedicated groups, others can play these games in English with partial and full fan translations. Some notable examples include: Super Robot Taisen Alpha Gaiden On PS1, Super Robot Taisen Jay On the GBA, and Super robot Taisen a portable on the PSP. This is the ultimate series for Mech fans if only to interact with their favorite characters once, so they're worth tracking down.
3 Mobile Suit Gundam AGE
Japan lost in two matches
- platform: PSP
- issued: August 30, 2012
- developer: Level-5
- publisher: Name making game
There are many great ones Gundam Games to name even in the RPG category Dynasty Warriors: Gundam 3 and MS Saga: New Dawn. But, the best one is exclusive to Japan and there are actually two of them. Mobile Suit Gundam AGE was divided into two entries: The universe excels and Cosmic Drive. similar to Pokemon games, each entry is slightly different from the other, offering exclusive content to entice fans to purchase both.
It was developed by Level-5 which RPG fans may know Dark clouds 2Various Dragon Quest entries, Ni no Kuni: Wrath of the White WitchAnd so on. They are a legendary developer but anyway these games never came out which is a shame. The cel-shaded art style looks great on the PSP and the action-based combat is as engaging as the story. Fans have partially translated these two games for those interested. Also, Level-5 fans can enjoy mech-related games that have come out in North America LBX: Little Battlers Experience On the 3DS and White Knight History on the PS3.
2 Xenosaga Episode 1: Der Wille Zur Macht
The beginning of a trilogy
Xenosaga Episode 1: Der Wille zur Macht is the first entry in what would become a trilogy of RPGs on the PS2. The turn-based combat was split into two parts. Heroes could fight normally without their mechs or they could summon their mechs into battle as well. Like summons in final fantasyMechs helped change the tide of war except that they could be directly controlled.
in mech The Xenosaga There were various names such as ES, AMWS, AGWS and so on Gundam There are many different types of mechs in the franchise and not all of them are called Gundam. Apart from the mech effect, The Xenosaga Also heavily inspired by religion and anime as a genre. It's a wild ride that players need to strap on and see to the end as it will be an unforgettable journey.
1 Mission 4 ahead
The United Nations fights war through strategic mech combat
Super Robot Wars Technically that's what everyone wants, and even more so in a mech-based series. However, the stories are about fan service and they can get repeats thanks to the big fights. That's why the The mission ahead The series is where the real money is. Except for the fifth mainline entry on the PS2, all of the mainline games have made it to North America. Chief among them is Mission 4 ahead As it is the highest rated entry on Metacritic at least.
The story is surprisingly dark and well-acted as the characters wrestle with the concept of war and use their mechs, called Wanzers, as instruments of peace. The tactical combat is challenging but the best thing about this series is the DEEP customization. Players can equip their mechs with new motherboards, weapons, armor, items, skills, and more. They can spend hours tinkering with their designs if they choose and that ability is what many fans are after. Forward Mission 4 iis great but the rest of the core games are also worth experiencing.
