Mobile Suit: Gundam Extreme Versus 2 Overboosthas dropped its first trailer, and there’s a whole lot to unpack.Unlike other currentGundamgames,Mobile Suit Gundam:Extreme Versusseries has been a long-running 2v2 arena fighting game series as one of the most popular arcade games in Asia, with the most recent portMobile Suit Gundam: Extreme Versus Maxiboost ONfrom 2016 being released to PlayStation consoles in 2020.
However, there have been numerous entries since then that have only been available in Japan, notably beingMobile Suit Gundam: Extreme Versus 2and the current released updated versionMobile Suit Gundam: Extreme Versus 2: Xboost.Extreme Versus 2 Overboostwas announced in December 2022 during theGundamGame Grand Prix 2022, a yearly tournament of the bestGundamExtreme 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 theGundamTV series, there’s bound to be some changes needed.
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New Gundam Shows and Playable Suits
Each series' newest addition is also known for having brand-new suits from variousGundamTV anime seriesbeing added as the years go by. One of the new playable mobile suits inMobile 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’sGundam Build Divers Re:RISETV 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 newGundamanime series,Mobile Suit Gundam: The Witch from Mercury. ManyGundamfans 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 airingGundamanime series, such as the new Earthree Gundam, which came from the 2019 series and has no other suits fromBuild Divers Re:Risein anyExtreme Versusgames.
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 Overboostremoves 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, inMobile 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 Overboostis set to release in Summer 2023 for arcades in Japan.
