Here are three ways Super Robot Wars has changed anime, all of which you’ll see in the new game!
More Screen Time for Mobile Suit Variations
Super Robot Wars doesn’t just use robots from anime shows. It also includes robots from manga, like Mobile Suit Crossbone Gundam, and light novels, like Hakaiou GaoGaiGar VS Betterman. Sometimes, it even adds robots based on design ideas, like the Mobile Suit Variations from Mobile Suit Gundam‘s One Year War (1983-1984).
Some of these variations have appeared in shows like Zeta Gundam and Gundam Unicorn. However, the SRW games give players a better chance to see and use these unique units. The games often feature many Gundam robots, which are great for filling out your team and providing support from a distance. It’s exciting to see these variations brought to life and to command them in battle.
The inclusion of Mobile Suit Variations (MSV) in the Super Robot Wars series has significantly broadened the exposure of these lesser-known designs. Originally conceived as design variants for the Mobile Suit Gundam series, the MSV line offered alternative versions of existing mobile suits, often with specialized equipment or roles. By incorporating these MSV units into its games, Super Robot Wars has provided fans with the opportunity to pilot and appreciate these unique mecha, sparking renewed interest in their lore and capabilities.
Furthermore, the popularity of MSV units in Super Robot Wars has sometimes led to their inclusion in other Gundam media, such as model kits, manga adaptations, and even animated appearances. This cross-media exposure has helped to solidify the MSV line as a recognized and beloved part of the Gundam franchise, demonstrating the significant impact of Super Robot Wars on the broader Gundam universe.
Legs for Gekkoei
In Code Geass: Lelouch of the Re;surrection, Lelouch and C.C. used the Gekkoei to save Nunnally. But the robot wasn’t finished yet, lacking legs and strong weapons. In Super Robot Wars 30 (2021), we saw a completed version called the Gekkoei Sui.
Akira Yasuda, the mechanical designer for Code Geass, designed the completed Gekkoei at the request of SRW series producer Takanobu Terada. The Gekkoei Sui will also be in Y, giving us another chance to see what it can do!
The story of the Gekkoei Sui highlights how Super Robot Wars can influence the design and development of mecha in their original series. By commissioning a completed version of the Gekkoei, the SRW team provided Code Geass fans with a glimpse of what could have been, sparking their imagination and enriching the overall lore of the franchise. This collaborative approach between game developers and original creators demonstrates the unique role of Super Robot Wars in expanding and enhancing the world of giant robot anime.
Moreover, the inclusion of the Gekkoei Sui in Super Robot Wars has allowed players to experience the full potential of this Knightmare Frame, showcasing its capabilities in combat and further solidifying its place in the hearts of Code Geass fans. The positive reception of the Gekkoei Sui has also encouraged other creators to explore alternative designs and “what if” scenarios, contributing to the ongoing evolution of mecha design in anime.
A Souped-Up Mazinger
Like a student surpassing their teacher, Mazinger Z has been outdone in the Super Robot Wars series. Back in 1971, Mazinger Z was a powerful robot, the first with a pilot inside and the first of the super robots. But over time, newer robots have made Mazinger Z seem less impressive.
To solve this, Dynamic Pro upgraded Mazinger into Mazinkaiser. First seen in 1998’s Super Robot Wars F Final, Mazinkaiser became a unique unit, not just an upgraded Mazinger. It even has its own anime now, showing how SRW gives back to the shows it features!
The creation of Mazinkaiser is a prime example of how Super Robot Wars can elevate the status of classic mecha and introduce them to a new generation of fans. By reimagining Mazinger Z as a more powerful and imposing machine, the SRW series has revitalized interest in this iconic robot and ensured its continued relevance in the world of giant robot anime. The success of Mazinkaiser has also inspired other creators to revisit and update classic mecha designs, leading to a resurgence of interest in retro anime properties.
Furthermore, the popularity of Mazinkaiser in Super Robot Wars has led to its inclusion in various other media, including model kits, manga adaptations, and its own anime series. This cross-media exposure has further cemented Mazinkaiser’s status as a fan-favorite mecha and demonstrated the significant impact of Super Robot Wars on the broader anime landscape. The evolution of Mazinger Z into Mazinkaiser serves as a testament to the creative potential of Super Robot Wars and its ability to breathe new life into classic anime franchises.
Super Robot Wars Y will be available on August 28.
In conclusion, Super Robot Wars has had a profound impact on the world of giant robot anime, influencing mecha designs, expanding lore, and revitalizing classic franchises. By incorporating robots from various sources, commissioning original designs, and reimagining iconic mecha, the SRW series has enriched the anime landscape and provided fans with countless hours of entertainment. As Super Robot Wars Y prepares to launch, it is clear that the series will continue to shape the future of giant robot anime for years to come.
The game’s influence extends beyond just the robots themselves. The storylines often intertwine characters and events from different anime series, creating unique and compelling narratives that would never have existed otherwise. This crossover aspect is a major draw for fans, as it allows them to see their favorite characters interact and team up in unexpected ways. The game also often explores themes and ideas that are not typically addressed in the original anime, adding depth and complexity to the overall experience.
Moreover, Super Robot Wars has played a significant role in introducing lesser-known anime series to a wider audience. By featuring robots and characters from these series in its games, SRW has helped to raise their profile and attract new fans. This has been particularly beneficial for older or more obscure anime that might otherwise have been forgotten. The game also often includes updated versions of classic anime themes and soundtracks, further enhancing the nostalgic appeal for long-time fans.
The success of Super Robot Wars has also inspired other game developers to create similar crossover titles, further expanding the genre and providing fans with even more opportunities to experience their favorite anime characters in interactive settings. The game’s influence can also be seen in the increasing popularity of mecha-themed anime and manga, as well as the growing demand for model kits and other merchandise related to the series.
As Super Robot Wars continues to evolve and adapt to changing trends in the anime industry, it is clear that its impact on the genre will only continue to grow. The series has not only provided fans with countless hours of entertainment but has also played a significant role in shaping the landscape of giant robot anime as a whole. With its unique blend of action, strategy, and nostalgia, Super Robot Wars is a true celebration of the mecha genre and a testament to the enduring power of anime.