Shin Super Robot Wars - A Game Filled With Decisions

[KitsuneRagnell]

Welcome to Shin Super Robot Wars. The kanji used for "Shin" means "New". It's also sometimes called Neo Super Robot Wars, but not by me. I don't want to cause any confusion with Super Robot Wars NEO for the Wii.

What is this game?
Shin Super Robot Wars is a turn-based strategy RPG for the Playstation 1 that came out only in Japan on December 27, 1996.

What series are in this game?
There are quite a few series that are in this game and some of them even feature their own plots that intertwine together in interesting ways. Other series’ plots have already happened and they’re just sticking around to help.

• Mobile Suit Gundam: Char’s Counterattack
• Mobile Suit Victory Gundam
• Mobile Fighter G Gundam
• New Mobile Report Gundam Wing
• Super Beast Machine God Dancouga
• Blue Comet SPT Layzner
• Mazinger Z
• Invincible Robot Trider G7
• Shin Getter Robo (Manga)
• Super Electromagnetic Machine Voltes V
• Dino Mech Gaiking
• Brave Raideen
• Super War Machine SRX (Banpresto Original)

Of these, Layzner, Gundam Wing, Trider G7, Voltes V, and Gaiking all make their Super Robot Wars debut in this game. Gundam Wing was airing on Japanese TVs at the time of development, so its involvement is super limited. This is also the debut of the manga version of Shin Getter Robo and the SRX team.

This will be my seventh screenshot LP, having already done SRWs D, R, BX, K, Compact 3, and Impact. Posts will be accompanied by the raw, unedited video footage of my gameplay, for better or for worse, and a link to a version of the same chapter in the test poster, which is for archival purposes. Do not expect perfect gameplay or playing animations for every attack. I will also be pointing out the voice actors for the characters who appear, should they have one, even if they don't have a voice in this game.

Half of this game features a very large route split, of which you have to complete both in order to get the true ending. I'll be doing these one at a time, though they do occur concurrently.

Barring any direct questions in the LP thread, I’m not going to go too in-depth into the game mechanics. The primary focus for this LP is to deliver the story to an English reading audience.

Disclaimer: Do not use this LP or any text within it for the basis of any romhacks or patches, especially without permission.

As always, any thoughts, feedback, or pointing out spelling errors I’ve missed is appreciated.
Special thanks to all the talented people I interact with on Discord for their support.

CHAPTER SELECT

Chapter 1: The Mysterious Invaders | 謎の侵略者

Chapter 2: Trider G7 Apears! | トライダーG7、登場！

Chapter 3: Photon Power Laboratory | 光子力研究所

Chapter 4: League Militaire | リガ・ミリティア

Chapter 5: Ryusei Date | リュウセイ・ダテ

Chapter 6: Point Kasarelia | ポイント・カサレリア

Chapter 7: Cronicle's Counterattack | クロノクルの反撃

Space Route Chapter 8: BESPA and Aliens | ベスパと異星人

Space Route Chapter 9: A Fighter's Radiance | 戦士のかがやき

Space Route Chapter 10: Heart | 心

Space Route Chapter 11: The Gadarl Corps | ガッダール隊

Space Route Chapter 12: Behold! The Shrike Team | 鮮烈！シュラク隊

Space Route Chapter 13: Journey| 旅立ち

Space Route Chapter 14: Voltes Combination Impossible | ボルテス合体不可能

Space Route Chapter 15: Gibraltar Airspace | ジブラルタル空域

Space Route Chapter 16: Reinforce Surfaces | リーンホース浮上

Space Route Chapter 17: Mysterious Enemy Battleship | 謎の敵戦艦

Space Route Chapter 18: Becoming the Blue Comet | 青き流星となって

Space Route Chapter 19: Big Cannon | ビッグキャノン

[[To Be Continued...]]

[KitsuneRagnell]

Video of this chapter.
Archived version of this chapter.

First off, check out this cool opening movie.

The strategy guide I have has a short Engrishy description for this setting's backstory, which I will write verbatim. It has a few spellings that I won't be using.

"A century has passed since the human race ventured out into space. The wars that once between earth and the space colonies have involved into a war between the colonies and among the ruling bodies on Earth. Tired of the endless destruction, a treaty known as the "Lunar-Treaty" was agreed upon among the warring nations. This treaty brought a temporary peace through-out Earth, the colonies and the Moon, by establish each division as a separate entity. This, however, did not bring about an end to the stockpiled weapons. Earth forces established a Tera-Defence Force to defend Earth, and started on the development of large scale manned robots. In space, Neo-Geon and the Zanscull Empire were growing day by day, increasing their military strength. As the tension started to grow once again, a Martian colony was distorted by a beam from an unknown alien source. Before anyone knew that was really happening, Earth was attacked by the same alien force. Thus, was the beginning of the "Super Robot War"..."

See for yourself.


Shin Super Robot Wars - Bird of Fire
I personally find most of the original BGMs in this game to be surprisingly good. Now, let us begin.


What is this energy reaction…? Find out where it's coming from!
(Officer)
Sir! I'm looking into it right now.
(Soldier)
This reading isn't normal. Hurry it up!
It's Mars! There's a colony on Mars that's exploding.
Are you stupid? Colonies just don't explode like that! Check it again!
Double and triple checked! Wait, what!?
What is it now?
Another colony is under attack!
What!? It is?
Yes, sir. This force is destroying one colony after another with a giant beam cannon!
A beam cannon? That's impossible…
We're detecting a massive beam being emitted by that unidentified spacecraft.
You can't identify it!?
Another Martian colony is gone, sir.
I'm going to report this to my superiors. Don't take your eyes off of whatever that is.
Sir!
We didn't make it in time… If only we had a little more time, then we could have gathered our forces… But if they're that strong… Is it even worth trying to fight back?
(???)
Would they even accept our surrender?
(???)
I don't know. But we have no choice. No matter how small the possibility is, we have to go for it. And no matter how despicable the treatment we receive is, we must buy as much time as possible. Time to steal their knowledge and technology.
…
That's the only way humanity can survive.
…
Now that it's come to this, any form of resistance will doom us all.
But the Earth will…
I know. They'll fight to the end, condemning humanity to extinction. I cannot let that happen. Make the call.
Sir.
I know you wish to fight against the Zanscare Empire, but right now, can you descend to Earth for the sake of humanity?
Roger that.
(???)


Unidentified machine approaching!
(Soldier)
Unidentified? Find out what it is, dammit!
(Officer)
This is the Far East Branch of the Earth Defense Force. Please state your affiliation and destination.
[No response]
This is the Far East Branch of the Earth Defense Force! …They're not responding!
No response!? Where is it now?
Current location is 30 degrees north, 140 degrees east, heading straight north.
So it's near Ogasawara. If it continues on its course, it should land near Otorishima. Report it to the Chief.
Roger!


Oh!? A person? That looks like a combat uniform… Is it a soldier? I have to call for help.
(Relena Darlian. Gundam Wing. CV: Akiko Yajima)
…Ugh…
(Heero Yuy. Gundam Wing. CV: Hikaru Midorikawa)
Huh!? It's just a kid…
Ugh…
Stay still. The ambulance just arrived.
[Ambulance siren]
!? Gah! Haa, haa, haa…
You saw me?
What?
…I'll kill you.
[Heero runs towards the Ambulance]
Who was that guy?
Where's the injured person? Ah! W-what are you doing!? Wait! Oh, come on! You can't just steal an ambulance!
(Paramedic. It's just a black square.)
[Door closing sound as the ambulance drives off]
I… I'm Relena Darlian. What's your name?


Chapter 1: The Mysterious Invaders


An unidentified object is approaching from the South Sea!
(Staff Member)
It's an enemy attack! Everyone, to your battle stations!
(Prof. Hamaguchi. Voltes. CV: Seizo Kato)


Shin Super Robot Wars - Song of Voltes V
Activate the barrier! Voltes Team! If you charge straight at the enemy like that, you'll lose!
You think we'll lose!?
(Kenichi Goh. Voltes. CV: Yukinaga Shirashi)
I know you will. You can only win if you Volt In!
First, assume a V-shaped formation with Unit 1 at the center! Then shout "V Together"!!
(Mitsuyo Goh. Voltes. CV: Takako Kondo)
V Together!! I said V TOGETHER!!


Everyone, press the big red button! Say "let's Volt In"!!
LET'S VOLT!


Dammit, we failed.
Do it again, Kenichi. From the top!


Waaaah!
(Hiyoshi Goh. Voltes. CV: Noriko Ohara)
Dr. Mitsuyo? What are you doing!?


…


Mom!?
Ah…
(Daijiro Goh. Voltes. CV: Tessho Genda)
Mom!


…
Get out of there!!
…My sons.


Kenichi! Daijiro! Hiyoshi!


MOOOOOOOOM!!
…
*Crying*
No…
(Megumi Oka. Voltes. CV: Miyuki Ueda)
Everyone! Let's do it right this time!
Chesto! Let's do this!
V TOGETHER!! I said V TOGETHER!!


LET'S VOLT IN!!



Combining animation
VOLTES FIIIIIIIIIVE!!


Lemme just turn on the squares… And now, the game has begun.

First off, our first unit! Better get used to lower damage and HP values compared to the more recent games.


[Voltes V]
In a game full of mediocre units, Voltes is a powerhouse. It's extremely tanky, as all Super Robots are, and is equipped with a loadout focused on close and mid-ranged combat. You won't get to use the combined Voltes much in the early game, but when you do, it'll dominate any enemy you come across with one exception. Just watch out that it doesn't deplete its EN and ammo reserves.

The early game also makes heavy use of Voltes' combination components, which I'll go over now.


[Volt Cruiser]
Kenichi's machine. It's an ok fighter early in the game, but falls off quickly once actual threats start being introduced.


[Volt Bomber]
Ippei's machine. Statistically worse than the Volt Cruiser, but it has a wider variety of weapons.


[Volt Panzer]
Daijiro's machine. The tank of the Volt Machines. Its mobility is awful, making its accuracy awful. Land it to take advantage of terrain bonuses to help it last longer.


[Volt Frigate]
Hiyoshi's machine. It has a repair device, which makes it pretty useful if REPAIR DEVICES DIDN'T HAVE TWO AMMO IN THIS GAME. I swear, this game is full of decisions. It works great in water, so try to submerge it whenever possible.


[Volt Lander]
Megumi's machine. Can drill underground, making it so enemies can't target it.

Like other Winkysoft-made SRW games, a unit's mobility stat is directly tied to its accuracy and evasion.


Right now, it's the lone Voltes against a mysterious invader. Aren't they supposed to be aware of the Boazans before the invasion actually starts? Normally, the thing to do is to rush directly at them (Voltes starts off here at 130 Morale, making this a cakewalk), but Kenichi needs to make a pit stop first.

See, enemies in this game don't drop parts. For the most part, the money they drop is also pitiful. On certain squares on every map are hidden money and part caches that you'll have to put a unit on in order to get them. It's usually a few thousand in currency, but this is also the only way to get parts in the game. I'll be pointing out all of the squares you get these on so you don't have to deal with an annoying coordinate system. There's also the Search Spirit that Pete (the Captain of the Daiku-Maryu) has, which highlights a random square that holds a hidden cache.


On top of Big Falcon, you can get two grand.

As a heads up, this is a game where you cannot skip or turn off combat animations without a GameShark or debug code. There's also no way to change a unit's BGM. Thankfully, the music persists after combat. During the enemy phase, all music is overwritten by the enemy's theme, which for the first part of this game is "Get the Funk Out". These are usually bangers. This song in particular was remixed for Super Robot Wars 30, which is a combination of Get the Funk Out and a later enemy theme, Hell Fire.

For a PS1 game, the load times aren't great either.

Help arrives at the start of the next turn.


Shin Super Robot Wars - Daiku-Maryu Gaiking
Hey, look, more of them.
(Ippei Mine. Voltes. CV: Kazuyuki Sogabe)
No matter how many of you there are, I'll defeat my mother's murderers!
Wait, Kenichi! That's an ally. It's the EDF's Daiku-Maryu. Fight alongside them.
An ally? Roger that.

And here's our first battleship.


[Daiku-Maryu]
Like all battleships in this game, the Daiku-Maryu is very bulky and surprisingly powerful. In fact, the Daiku-Maryu has the highest base defense in the game among playable units. It just has extremely low mobility, which in turn means its accuracy is awful.

Have Voltes and the Daiku-Maryu start rushing towards the enemies. There's a boss among them, but we don't get the chance to interact with him.

Once you defeat your first enemy…


I can't believe they destroyed the Beast Knight Baizanga. I'm pulling out!
(Jeangall. Voltes. CV: Shozo Iizuka)
[Jeangall retreats]

With the boss gone, it's only a matter of time before you clean up the rest. All of the enemies deal minuscule damage to our units, so it's extremely difficult to lose. Two more of their saucers spawn right after Jeangall retreats, but they'll be instantly defeated with counterattacks. It's almost not worth pointing out.

The map ends when all enemies are defeated.


Did Earth always have robots like that? Jeangall! Why wasn't this in the original report?
(Prince Heinel. Voltes. CV: Osamu Ichikawa)
My lord…
Hahahahaha! This is good! What a treat. This invasion just got a bit more interesting. Jeangall, please tell me you're planning your next attack.
Sir, just leave things to me!


Mom, did you see that? We won.
If Mom hadn't done what she did, everyone here at Big Falcon would have died… *Sobs*
Rest in peace.
You're not babies anymore. Quit calling for your mommy. It's embarrassing.
You wanna say that again!?
Wait, Daijiro!
You wanna hit me? I know you do. You don't really need a reason.
I suppose I do. Daijiro, Hiyoshi, stay out of our way.
Gotcha!
Stop it, both of you! This isn't the time for us to fight.
…Fine.
If you're finished, the Daiku-Maryu Squad is waiting for us. Come with me.


That boy!
Quiet down, everyone. Let me introduce you to your new classmate.
(Nun)
My name is Heero Yuy. Please take good care of me.
(There's no doubt about it. It's him.)
Heero, sit next to Relena. If there's anything you don't understand, you can ask her. Now then, let's start today's lesson.
It's nice to meet you, Heero.
…

[BolticThunder]

Ground floor on yet another SRW LP! Shin is also an odd duck, being the only game with realistic sizes for the sprites, having a show that's still airing in it's line-up, and it's interesting final boss. Also, SRX.

[KitsuneRagnell]

Video of this chapter.
Archived version of this chapter.


First things first, a quick rundown of the intermission menu. Going top-down…

• Save Data - Self-explanatory
• Load Data - Self-explanatory
• Combine/Transform - Allows you to spawn as a combined unit or as components (except when forced by the plot)
• Unit Modification - Spend money to upgrade a mech
• Weapon Modification - Spend money to upgrade individual weapons
• Enhancement Parts - Equip parts to your mechs to raise or lower stats (we'll get to that when we actually have parts)
• Status - Lets you see a unit or pilot's stats
• Switch Units - Lets you swap pilots to an appropriate mech. Usually this is for Gundam pilots or Mazinger characters
• Next Map - Continue the game

On the right hand side, you have the name of the last chapter you played, your total turn count, how much money you have, how many units you have, your average pilot level, and how many pilots you have.

In my opinion, the primary focus for spending money should be to max out your Super Robots' EN. You'll want to be fighting for as long as possible, and very few attacks in this game are free. Since this is a Winkysoft game, you'll have to upgrade all of your weapons individually. You should focus on one or two main weapons for each mech and max those out first.

Oh, and since the Voltes Team can't consistently combine yet, they cannot be deployed as Voltes. That was never a problem in the show, but I guess it's a way to force you to use the components

Last time, aliens attacked.


We are the Daiku-Maryu Squad, a unit of the EDF's Far East Branch. I'm glad we were able to make it in time.
(Dr. Daimonji. Gaiking. CV: Hidekatsu Shibata)
It was a close one. We're truly grateful for your assistance. I've already heard about your arrival from Commander Oka.
Professor Hamaguchi, incoming call from Commander Oka.
Professor Hamaguchi, I've heard about what happened to Dr. Mitsuyo. I'm really sorry for your loss. As you know, the EDF is currently not a united front. If an attack like that keeps happening, we'll eventually be taken over by aliens. As such, I've decided to strengthen the Far East's defenses by forming a unit centered around the Daiku-Maryu. Will you allow the Voltes Team to join?
(Commander Oka. Voltes. CV: Hiroshi Masuoka)
But the Voltes Team's training has only just begun. I'm not sure if they'll be of any use.
Actually, the Daiku-Maryu and Gaiking aren't completely finished either. The attack earlier has forced us to hurry things along. We'd really need all the help we can get.
Very well. Voltes Team, it's as you've heard. Will you fight for the sake of humanity?
I'll do it. I need to avenge Mom.
Same here.
We'll defeat every last one of them.
Ippei?
We can't let them do whatever they want with the Earth. Right, Megumi?
I agree.
No objections? Good. From today on, you'll act under Dr. Daimonji's orders. Got it?
Yes!
Dr. Daimonji, the Voltes Team still has trouble combining. Please provide them with training.
Understood. I'll give them whatever training I can.
I'm Tsuwabuki, Gaiking's pilot.
(Sanshiro Tsuwabuki. Gaiking. CV: Akira Kamiya)
I'm Kenichi Goh. It's nice to meet you.
We're both inexperienced with combining, so let's do our best together, eh?
(TL Note: Gaiking is a combination mech of the skull head and two other parts. Unlike Voltes, it cannot be de-combined.)
Hmph. A bunch of amateurs defending Earth? The military has really fallen.
(Pete Richardson. Gaiking. CV: Makio Inoue)
What was that!?
Just ignore him. He's the US Military's Top Gun, and pride's not all he's got.
…


Suhl, is the Beast Knight ready?
Yes. The Beast Knight Dokugaga is ready to go at any time.
(Doh Suhl. Voltes. CV: Hiroshi Masuoka)
Good. I'll go out in the Skull Rook too.
Sir Jeangall. I have an idea, if you'll let me pursue it.
An idea? All right. I'll leave it to you.


Incoming SOS. An unidentified object has appeared on the Izu Peninsula! The Daiku-Maryu Squad is being requested to deploy.
(Midori Fujiyama. Gaiking. CV: Mami Koyama)
What? They're already here? Mmm… It's going to be quite tough with just Gaiking and the Voltes Team.
Doctor, incoming call from Commander Oka.
Dr. Daimonji, we've just signed a contract with Takeo General Company. Trider G7 is also heading to Izu. Please cooperate with them and fight the aliens.
Thank you. If Trider G7 is coming, then we'll be okay. Deploy!
Launch the Daiku-Maryu!
(Gen Sakon. Gaiking. CV: Keaton Yamada)
Daiku-Maryu, launch!




Chapter 2: Trider G7, Launch!


Shin Super Robot Wars - Trider G7
Enemy spotted!
That's Trider G7. Everyone, hurry up and deploy!
Hehe. You're late. I'm Watta. Nice to meet'cha.
(Watta Takeo. Trider. CV: Kazue Ikura) (Original VA was Satomi Mashima)
You're just a kid. Are you sure about this?
Tch. Even a kid can pilot like a pro. Aren't you the new pilots around here?
You little punk.
Sanshiro, let's do our best not to be outdone by Watta.


Deploy the troops. There are six deployment slots, and the Volt Machines have to be deployed separately. Plus, there are new units we can deploy, so those will get prioritized. I'm deploying Kenichi, Ippei, and all the new units.

Speaking of which…


[Trider G7]
Trider is not that great. Its longer-ranged attacks have limited ammo, but its close-range attacks are decent. It has a lot less bulk than you'd want from a Super Robot. You'll be using Trider since there aren't that many Super Robots in this game to play with, at least early on. Watta does get Aim very early, which is great, since Trider's accuracy needs improvement. As a note, Trider does get access to different forms later in the game, but upgrades aren't shared between the different forms. Not that you'd want to use them anyway.


[Gaiking]
Gaiking is very defensive and powerful at close range, but all of its attacks use up either very limited ammo or EN. Make sure to improve its EN. Like other Super Robots, its accuracy is its biggest weakness, so its mobility will need a little more TLC.


[Bazolar]
Piloted by Yamagatake. A support machine meant for ground combat, but its attacks and movement are terrible. If you want to use it, give it a Minovsky Craft, which you'll get much later in the game. Even so, there are far better recipients for the craft.


[Nesslar]
Piloted by Bunta Hayami. Has a barrier for some reason, but otherwise its main purpose is for aquatic combat. It's below average when on dry land, and even worse when in the air.


[Skylar]
Piloted by Fan Li. The flying support mech, but as you can guess, it's not that good. Its best use is as a dedicated item gatherer due to its speed and movement.

In short, you'll be using the support dino mechs when needed, but they'll also be the first ones on the bench. It's kinda sad that the dino mechs have more armor than Trider.

If you do deploy all the Volt Machines, I have heard that you can combine them into Voltes if you arrange them in the proper formation, but I never got that to work. Not that it's necessary for this early in the game. By the time you need a mech as powerful as Voltes, it'll be able to be formed naturally. In my opinion, at this stage of the game, having more bodies to hunt for items is more valuable than a single strong unit.

Fun fact, when Gaiking is deployed, the Daiku-Maryu loses its head. This does not affect its stats. I did forget to take a screenshot of this.


There are a bunch of saucers to the south, beyond the mountains. In the middle of those saucers is a boss, the Beast Knight Dokugaga, but that boss will be retreating. It's not really possible to catch up to it in time, so don't worry about it. Send some of the Gaiking support mechs after the money locations while bringing the big guns (as well as Kenichi and/or Ippei) southward. Like the previous map, the enemy saucers will deal almost no damage to your mechs, so you would have to try very hard in order to fail.

For item locations, you can find two grand at each of the following spaces:


At the start of the third turn, Hiyoshi notices what the boss is doing.

Huh? Where's that guy going?


When it gets close to the edge of the map, it spawns some reinforcements without dialogue. It's just more saucers.

And when it gets to the edge of the map, it retreats.

Ah! It got away!

This short map ends when all enemies are defeated. Honestly, this map could have just been an email.


Why did it run away?
Let's go after it and kick its butt!
Gotcha!
Wait! It might be a trap. For now, return to the Daiku-Maryu.
Roger.
Wait, what? Just when I was getting warmed up…
President, if you keep fighting, our company's budget will…
(Kakikoji Umemaro. Trider. CV: Ichiro Nagai)
Got it, Director.


Jeangall, what in blazes were you doing?
Well, Suhl said he had an idea…
Suhl! You call running away without fighting a strategy!? It's pure cowardice! Have some shame!
With all due respect, Lord Heinel, the Beast Knight Dokugaga didn't run away for no reason. Doublas M2 and Garada K7 are currently in Aokigahara Forest at the foot of Mt. Fuji. This plan involves luring the enemy there.
What? Are you suggesting that Beast Knight Dokugaga is no match for the Earthlings by itself!?
No, I'm just being cautious.
Fine. But I'll be keeping a close eye on this.

[Bring Stabity]

One of the infamously bad SRW games? Let's go!

[KitsuneRagnell]

Video of this chapter.
Archived version of this chapter.

Last time, the Daiku-Maryu Squad recruited Takeo General Company and its robot, Trider G7.


It's a pleasure to meet you. I'm Kakikoji, Managing Director of Takeo General Company. This is our President, Watta Takeo.
Wow. An elementary student is the Prez?
Is there something wrong with that?
No, excuse me. Your performance in the last battle was very impressive.
I'm honored by your praise.
I'm Kinoshita from sales. Would you be interested in a long-term contract with us?
(Kinoshita Tohachiro. Trider. CV: Yamamoto Aitoki)
Now Kinoshita, we've only just met. Don't be rude.
Actually, we were going to ask you the same thing. I'll pass along the message to Commander Oka.
What? Really? Well done, Kinoshita!
Ahem. Please give your praise in the form of a large bonus.
How wonderful, Kinoshita.
(Ikue Sunahara. Trider. CV: Huizi Ban)
Hehehe.
Doctor, it seems the enemy is heading for Mt. Fuji.
Okay. We'll pursue them in the Daiku-Maryu. Is that okay with you, Kakikoji?
If possible, I'd like you to handle the arrangements for weapons and ammunition. Trider is more expensive than you'd think.
Fair enough. I'll take care of it.
Yay! Now I can fire missiles like crazy!
What a strange company.
(Fan Li. Gaiking. CV: Kan Tokumaru)
Yeah. We seem to attract weirdos.




Chapter 3: Photon Power Laboratory


Unknown machines have appeared in the forest!
(Staff)
What!?
(Gennosuke Yumi. Mazinger. CV: Joji Yanami)
They're heading this way.
Get out there, Koji!
Roger that. Hehe. Perfect timing. I haven't done anything recently, so my skills are rusty. Need to shake it off.
(Koji Kabuto. Mazinger. CV: Hiroya Ishimaru)
Don't get carried away, Koji!
(Sayaka Yumi. Mazinger. CV: Tomoko Matsushima)
Oh, Sayaka, you were here? I'll be right back.
Will he really be all right?
Attention all staff! The enemy is approaching. Put up the barrier!


Shin Super Robot Wars - Mazinger Z

Magma has no chance.


[Mazinger Z]
With 700 base armor, there is only one playable unit that has higher base armor than Mazinger, and it's the Daiku-Maryu. Enemies outside of bosses usually won't be dealing more than double-digit damage to this guy, but as you can guess, his accuracy is below mediocre. Maxing out his mobility stat is practically necessary, along with his EN and the Breast Fire attack. Also, his Rocket Punch attack has the Winkysoft two ammo special.


Right now, the only units on the field are Mazinger and the two classic Kikaijus, Doublas M2 and Garada K7. I had Koji charge into battle, but in hindsight, the best thing to do was to wait for them on top of the Photon Power Lab. As you'd expect, the Photon Power Lab grants some great terrain bonuses.

Anyway, this skirmish escalates at the start of turn 3 with enemy reinforcements.


No dialogue, by the way.

At the start of turn 4…


Whoa, they just don't stop coming.
Is this that new enemy?
I'm going out there!
Just in case, request reinforcements from the EDF.
On it.


Koji, I'll fight with you.
I can handle these guys by myself just fine. You just watch from over there.

You know that feeling when a unit has one job and they can't even do that well?


[Aphrodite A]
It's slow and not suitable for combat outside of the early game. Its main use is as a repair bot. If you recall earlier, repair in this game is a two ammo attack. I also forgot to mention that repairing and resupplying doesn't give any EXP. If you take the Space Route later in the game, the Aphrodite A is the only repair bot you get, which is quite sad. Sayaka does get Trust early on, which will be extremely helpful in keeping our units alive. You'll really end up using Sayaka and the Aphrodite A out of necessity.

Anyway, this is why I suggested you keep Koji back at the lab. With the enemy reinforcements and Sayaka spawning, it's best to have them together. Otherwise, they'll swarm Sayaka. She'll probably be fine, though. There's no real wrong way to play this stage.

Help arrives a few turns later.


Shin Super Robot Wars - Daikyu-Maru Gaiking
We will now begin backing up Mazinger Z and Aphrodite A.
Sayaka, Koji, the Daiku-Maryu Squad is here to help. Team up with them.
Tch. I told you I could handle this on my own.
This isn't a game.
Yeah, yeah.


Deploy the troops. There are 8 deployment slots. I'm using Sanshiro, Watta, Fan, Kenichi, Ippei, Megumi, Hiyoshi, and Daijiro.

There's a hidden item to the west of the Daiku-Maryu's spawn, so have someone who can fly go after that. Everyone else should start heading north to help Koji out. He probably doesn't need it, but there's a hidden item on the way.


For bosses, I guess you could count the two Kikaijus from earlier, along with the Beast Warriors Dokugaga and Baizanga. I wouldn't really call them bosses, but they are a lot tankier than the saucers.

For the hidden items, you can find 2k cash at these locations:



And you can find your first part, a Booster, right here:



The map ends when all enemies are defeated.


Dr. Daimonji, it's been a while. You had perfect timing. Thank you for your help.
It's not a problem. We were chasing the enemy and happened to be in the area. I never imagined they'd end up at your doorstep. If it weren't for Mazinger Z, we might have fallen into an ambush.
Now that you mention it, running here must have been their plan from the start.
It's good that we made it in time.
Seriously, I was worried when enemy reinforcements showed up.
Like I said, I could have easily handled all of them by myself.
So you claim.
To think I got saved by a little brat like him. It's a disgrace to the name Koji Kabuto!
Who are you calling a brat? How dare you insult the President like that!
Huh? President? Really?
Make no mistake, he is the President of our company.
Oh. My bad.
Ahem. Don't underestimate my Trider. It's the invincible robot my dad left behind.
The previous President was such a great man… *Sniff*
Here's a tissue.
Thank you, Ikue. *Blows nose*
I see. So you were also given a robot, just like me…
Our Voltes is also a robot our mother left us.
Well, ain't that good for you. My Borot is handmade, so it's a part of me in a different way.
(Boss. Mazinger. CV: Hiroshi Otake)
But Borot is trash…
How dare you insult my precious Borot!
Yeah! Borot won't be weak forever, you know!
(Mucha. Mazinger. CV: Isamu Tanonaka)
Shhh. That's still a secret, remember?
(Nuke. Mazinger. CV: Kosei Tomita)
Sounds like you guys are having fun.
Just you wait, Kabuto! Mucha, Nuke, let's skedaddle.
Right behind you, Boss!
Doctor, I've heard the story from Commander Oka. Please add Mazinger Z and Aphrodite A to the Daiku-Maryu Squad.
Huh? Really? That would be a huge boon for us.
The aliens' power is far greater than what we've seen so far. We must quickly organize a force capable of countering them.
You're absolutely right. Earth must be protected no matter what.
Please do your best out there. We will help you to the best of our ability.
Pleasure to be working with you.
Hey… Aren't you Sanshiro Tsuwabuki?
Yes, and I pilot the Gaiking. It's nice to meet you.
Oh, I've seen you on TV before! Aren't you a pro baseball player?
That was a long time ago. Now I'm a pro EDF member.
Would you really call that being a pro?
Uh… Maybe semi-pro would be better? It doesn't really matter.


Suhl! What the hell was that!?
Sir! I never imagined that a robot like that would exist at the foot of Mt. Fuji.
I won't listen to your excuses! Have some shame!
Of course, sir.
The Earthlings are more powerful than we expected. There may be other robots like that hiding out there. We should proceed with caution.
Silence! Silence!
Jeangall, surely you haven't forgotten that we are responsible for all Boazan mechs, have you?
(Catherine. Voltes. CV: Noriko Ohara)
You don't need to remind me. It was my mistake to trust Suhl's plan. Next time, I'll defeat them for sure.
You'd better.
Sir!

[KitsuneRagnell]

Video of this chapter.
Table of Contents.

Last time, the Daiku-Maryu Squad picked up Mazinger Z and Aphrodite A.


This is Lieutenant Junko Jenko of the EDF's Nordic Branch! We're currently engaged in combat with aliens! Requesting immediate backup!
(Junko Jenko. V Gundam. CV: Yuko Kobayashi)
Doctor! A transport plane from the EDF's Nordic Branch is requesting reinforcements.
They are? This is serious. Pete, deploy the Daiku-Maryu.
Roger. Daiku-Maryu, launch!




Chapter 4: League Militaire


Shin Super Robot Wars - Stand Up to the Victory
I've confirmed the transport plane! Ah! I see hostiles behind them.


Dammit! Were we too late?


Something jumped out of the wreckage!
Mobile Suits! But I've never seen that kind before. Is it a new model?
What're you muttering about? Aren't we here to help?
Ippei's right. Everyone, deploy!


Deploy the troops. There are 4 deployment slots, and this is a water-only map. Bringing fliers or units with an A rank in water is preferred. With that being said, I'm using Sanshiro, Watta, Bunta, and Hiyoshi.

Hey, aren't those aliens different from the ones we fought earlier?
You're right.
They're still hostile. Don't let your guard down!
Got it!

Why they would give us land-based Mobile Suits in a water-only stage is beyond me. It's like they were planning OG1 this early.


[LM111E02 Gun-EZ]
Generic Mobile Suits. Their greatest feature is that they only cost 300 money to repair if destroyed. Each of the Shrike Team has their own Spirit sets, but eventually, they'll just become fodder for item hunting, drawing enemy fire, and chip damage. Don't bother upgrading them.

There are three Gun-EZs, piloted by Junko, Helen, and Kate.


This is a smaller stage, but as I said before, it is ocean as far as the eye can see. The three Gun-EZs have C-ranks in water, cannot use their beam rifles while underwater, and cannot use their beam sabers against flying enemies. They're limited to using vulcans and a 2-ammo missile launcher, making them more of a liability than an asset. If you're using the Volt Frigate, make sure to submerge it, since it has a higher water rank than in air.

For hidden items, you can find 2k cash in these two locations:



At the start of Turn 2…


What? Enemy reinforcements? All right, let's get rid of them all at once!
(Asimov. Gaiking. CV: Osamu Kato)

Enemy reinforcements, primarily Dlomes, spawn at the start of the second enemy phase.


This is the boss, Asimov in his Grotector. This battleship is extremely strong, with a cannon capable of one- or two-shotting any machine we have, including the Daiku-Maryu. However, this main cannon uses up a lot of EN. It only has enough EN to make 4 shots, so bait it out using the Flash Spirit, which is found on Ippei and Watta.


However, you don't need to fight Asimov. Accompanying the weaker Dlome enemies are slightly stronger Red Baroms. Destroying all of these giant red balls will force Asimov to retreat during the next enemy phase.

Destroy one and Asimov gets pissed.


What are you fools dawdling for!?

And when you destroy all of the Red Baroms…


Mmm. This is bad. They were completely annihilated…
[Asimov retreats]

The map ends when all enemies are defeated.


Jeangall! Explain yourself! You used Sharkin's subordinates! Have you no shame!?
You're mistaken, Lord Heinel. I wasn't in command of that battle.
You weren't? Then who was?
Well… I have absolutely no idea.
Lord Heinel, incoming call from General Asimov.
Lord Heinel, it's been a while.
Asimov, were you in command of that battle just now?
Yes. I apologize for the unsightly spectacle.
Sir Asimov, your mission was to conquer Northern Europe along with Sir Sharkin. Isn't fighting in the Far East outside of that mission?
I was pursuing some Earthlings who were escaping from Scandinavia. I swear we had no ulterior motives.
So Sharkin had nothing to do with this?
That is correct.
I understand the situation now. I'll forgive you this time. However, I won't allow another incursion into my territory. Remember that!
I'll keep that in mind.
[Heinel leaves]
They sure got your number, Asimov.
(Dankel. Gaiking. CV: Kan Tokumaru)
Oh, Dankel. If you can't tell, I'm furious. That upstart Heinel is doing whatever he wants.
Don't get so upset.
Why are we working under people like Heinel and Sharkin in the first place?
Everything we're doing is on behalf of Emperor Darius the Great. We have to be patient.
…You're right.

[KitsuneRagnell]

Video of this chapter.
Archived version of this chapter.

Last time, the Daiku-Maryu saved some women from an alien attack.


Thank you so much.
You pilot an unfamiliar Mobile Suit. Is it a new model from the Nordic Branch?
Actually, I lied about our affiliation with the EDF. I'm sorry about that. We belong to a private organization called the League Militaire.
The League Militaire? I've heard of it. It's an organization that exists to resist Zanscare's rule, correct?
Exactly. We oppose all of the Zanscare Empire's tyrannical acts in the colonies.
What's the Zanscare Empire?
Never heard of it.
It's one of the nations up in the colonies.
So what brings the League Militaire to Earth?
You know the EDF has requested assistance from the colonies for the alien invasions, correct? The Zanscare Empire responded to that request by sending their elite BESPA forces to Europe.
Right under our noses… Who's the dumbass that sent such a request?
Dunno. It must have been some high-ranking officer in the EDF. I mean, how stupid can you be?
(Kate Bush. V Gundam. CV: Yuko Kobayashi)
So that's why Commander Oka organized our group so quickly.
I'm starting to see the bigger picture.
Using BESPA's base at Lagane as their HQ, they completely ignored the aliens and took over Europe for themselves.
And they're doing the same evil things as they did in the colonies. You gotta wonder who the real bad guys are.
(Helen Jackson. V Gundam. CV: Rica Fukami)
Mmm. Are you gals from the colonies too?
Of course not. We were born and raised on Earth.
People who resent BESPA have gathered together and started cooperating with the Colony and Lunar Branches of the League Militaire.
Is it really that bad in Europe?
It's worse than you think. If we don't do anything about it, all of Earth will be under their control.
What's the EDF's Nordic Branch doing?
They're completely useless.
Their soldiers have no combat experience, and their commander is a civilian with no backbone. We can't rely on them. We even contacted the EDF headquarters in America.
Them too? What did they say?
They won't take us seriously because we're civilians.
Figured. That's what the military is like, after all.
So why did you come to Japan?
We heard rumors about the Daiku-Maryu Squad.
We thought that you guys might be able to do something.
By "something", do you mean heading to Europe?
That would be ideal.
Mmm. I can't make that decision on my own. I must consult with Commander Oka.


I understand. The alien invasion is a problem, but we can't ignore BESPA's incursion either. We require accurate intel. I'll authorize your trip to Europe for information gathering purposes.
I doubt the aliens will wait for the Daiku-Maryu to come back from Europe.
Don't worry about it. We can hold our own for a while.
Roger that. We'll return as soon as possible.




Lord Heinel, the Daiku-Maryu has left Japan. This is our chance to attack their base.
Suhl! Since when did you get permission to order an attack?
I haven't.
I, General Jeangall, am the one in charge! Stop overstepping my authority!
Yes, sir.
(Grrrr…)
However, General Jeangall, Sir Suhl's suggestion is a wise one. I agree that we should attack.
Very well, Dankel. I'll let you lead the charge. Any objections, Lord Heinel?
None. Let's see what Dankel can do.
Just leave it to me.


Doctor, enemy forces are heading towards our base.
Contact Commander Oka.
He's connected.
I told you not to worry about us. The Daiku-Maryu is to continue heading towards Europe.
Okay.


Dr. Hamaguchi, the enemy is heading your way. We'll send reinforcements immediately. Hold out until then.
Thank you. We're currently conducting the final tests on a new model. I think he can buy us some time.
Oh, you mean the mech from Project SRX? Is it ready for combat already?
Yes. We've loaded it with live ammunition, so it can be deployed at any time. However, the pilot is…
Is something wrong with the pilot?
He's a bit eccentric, so I can't help but be a bit worried.


Chapter 5: Ryusei Date


Doctor, enemies detected on the radar. Five of them are heading right towards us.
Ensign Date, prepare to launch the R-1.
Roger that. Hehe. Time to show everyone what I got!
(Ryusei Date. OG. CV: Shinichiro Miki)
Reinforcements will be here soon. Don't do anything reckless.
Sure.
(Like hell I won't. This is the moment we've been waiting for. I can't just not go ham.)


Come at me! I'll take you all on at once!
A-are you sure about this, Doctor?
Mmm… I suppose we have no choice but to leave things to him.
Oh, they still had robots left? It's so full of spirit, but its movements are clumsy. I'll crush it!
Crush who? Ha! You shouldn't underestimate the great Ryusei!

So familiar, but so different.


[R-1 (and R-Wing)]
The R-1 is a pretty good Real Robot, but excels in close-ranged combat thanks to its T-LINK Knuckle attack. This is one of the very few instances where a grounded unit can hit flying enemies with melee attacks. The R-Wing only has ranged attacks, but its increased movement and okay stats makes it great for safe item gathering. Don't ask why it loses mobility in its R-Wing form.

Ryusei's battle theme is, as you'd expect, Everywhere You Go. This will also be the theme for his SRX companions, as Ice Man didn't exist until SRW Alpha 1, and Psychic Energy is a map theme later in this game.


I played this map too safely when I recorded it. Transform into R-Wing and go after the cache to the east (which I'll point out in a bit). The enemies are weak enough that you're not in any real danger of dying until the boss appears.

Help arrives at the start of Turn 3.


Shin Super Robot Wars - Reideen the Brave
Who the hell is that? A new enemy?
This is Akira Hibiki, aboard the Reideen. I've come to your aid as ordered.
(Akira Hibiki. Reideen. CV: Akira Kamiya)
Oh, it's Reideen.
Oh my God, it really is Reideen. I'm so glad I joined the military to see the real thing.
I don't mind the gawking, but we still have enemies.
Oh, right. Just let me touch it later.
What a weirdo.
What? Another one? How many robots does Earth have?

It's not a god or a devil.


[Reideen]
Reideen suffers from having low armor, but unlike Trider, has quite a few long-ranged attacks to help it stay out of harm's way. The fact that Reideen has a shield also helps, but you don't want it to be on the front lines. Akira lacks the innate SP Regen he gets in later games too, so it's not like you can fall back on it.

As a bonus, here's the unused version of Reideen's theme found in the game's files. Can't imagine why they didn't use this one.

Have Reideen move towards Big Falcon while getting the item along the way (that I forgot) to back Ryusei up. Don't be surprised if Ryusei shoots down most of the enemies before Akira can get close.

For item spots, look to these squares to get 2k cash in each. I foolishly forgot to get them.



Defeat all the initial saucers to spawn a bunch of Red Baroms. When you defeat all of the Red Baroms…


Dammit. In that case, deploy the Black Monster!




This is the closest thing to a boss this stage has, the Black Monster. It has a hard time hitting the R-1, and Reideen can tank a few of its attacks. Just whittle it down.

Two more Baroms spawn as the Black Monster approaches. Not really worth mentioning.

When the Black Monster is destroyed…


This is bad. I wasn't expecting resistance. Time to make a tactical retreat.
[Dankel retreats]

The map ends when all enemies are destroyed.


Hey! Don't run away, you coward!
Stand down, Ensign Date! You'll be killed if you chase them.
But…
That's an order!
…Roger.


Hehe. Even aliens are quite something, eh?
What were you thinking, fighting so recklessly!? The R-1 is still in testing!
But we defeated the enemy. Isn't that good enough?
You fool! The R-1 isn't a toy. If you can't comprehend that, I'm benching you as its pilot!
What? You can't be serious… Tch. F-fine! I'll be more careful from now on, so please don't do that.
Heh. How shameless.
Hmph. I'll let it slide this once, as a warning. But if you pull a reckless stunt like that again, you will feel the consequences!
Yes, sir!
Moving on…
I'm Akira Hibiki. Commander Oka has assigned me to guard this base until the Daiku-Maryu Squad returns. It's a pleasure to meet you.
I see. How reassuring. I'm counting on you.
I'm Ryusei Date. It's nice to meet you. By the way, I know this is sudden, but could you show me Reideen? Pretty please?
Huh? Absolutely not! Reideen isn't some sort of sideshow attraction.
Come on. It's not like I'll damage it. Please, Akira!
Stay away from me.
It'll just be for a moment.
I said stay away! Ugh. What a creep. You can look, but don't touch.
OK, OK! Let's go see it…
[Ryusei runs off]
Doctor, are you sure about him?
Yes. He has considerable potential as a pilot, even though his personality is a bit…
I figured.

[KitsuneRagnell]

Video of this chapter.
Archived version of this chapter.

Last time, the Daiku-Maryu started heading towards Europe, while the Big Falcon managed to stave off an enemy attack.


Dankel! What kind of pathetic display was that!? "Leave it to me" my ass!
I'm deeply ashamed. I never imagined they left such powerful robots behind.
Sir Jeangall, perhaps this is a job only we Boazans can handle.
Madam Catherine, I cannot let that claim go unchallenged. We're not here because we want to. If you wish it so, we'll leave at once.
(Killer. Gaiking. CV: Keaton Yamada)
There's no need for that. Catherine, watch what you say.
I apologize, my lord.
Prince Heinel, I just got an order for you from Lord Gozzo.
What? From Sir Gozzo? All right, show it to me.


Doctor, I just got word from the base. They've managed to repel the aliens. They're all safe.
Very good. Now we can proceed without worry.


We'll soon be able to see the Alps.




Chapter 6: Point Kasarelia


Shin Super Robot Wars - Stand Up to the Victory
Who are you, brat!? You dare defy BESPA's Yellow Jackets!?
(Cronicle Asher. V Gundam. CV: Tomoyuki Dan)
You're on Earth! This is wrong! Spacenoids shouldn't be coming to Earth! BESPA shouldn't have left the colonies!
(Üso Ewin. V Gundam. CV: Daisuke Sakaguchi)
That's sheer nonsense!


Take this! And this, and this, and this!
Do you really think a mere fighter jet can beat a Mobile Suit?


Huh? I'm out of ammo? What do I do? What can I do?


Can you hear me, Üso?
(Count Oy Nyung. V Gundam. CV: Hirohiko Kakegawa)
I can hear you just fine.
Align your flight axis so that the Hanger, Fighter, and Boots are lined up! Quickly!
Right!
Switch the auto-balancer to V-Mode!
Got it!


Whoa. Did we just dock?
What? They docked!?
Next up is the Boots!
(Marbet Fingerhat. V Gundam. CV: Ayako Shiraishi)
R-right!


Another docking? I won't let you do that!


It got hit!
Üso, do you read me? I'm launching another set of Boots! It's coming south from the flare!


The Boots are right behind you! Üso!
Roger! Aligning axis in V-Mode!


All right! Where is he?
A white Mobile Suit!?
Take this, cat-eyes! Or is it fox-eyes?
Gah! You white punk! You won't get away with this!

Now we can stand up to the victory.


[LM312V04 Victory Gundam]
Well, it's better than the Gun-EZ at least. It does lack the Gun-EZ's missile launcher or any other real finishers, though. There's no Top and/or Bottom Attack in this game either, unlike Alpha 1 or D. I recommend investing a bit into the Victory, since its upgrades carry over to its next upgrade and will continue to outperform the MS fodder you'll be getting on the Space Route. Even as you get the V2 and other, more powerful Mobile Suits, you'll still be using the Victory for a long while.

Üso lacks his Haro as a permanent sub-pilot, like in the later games. He's still a cut above the Shrike Team and will be a mainstay on the Space Route.

Not much to do at the moment but either move Üso into a forest or closer to the river to pick up an item.


This is Cronicle's current MS, the Test-type Shokew. Despite its low HP, it can take a few hits, though that's mostly because of Üso's low level. He'll catch up soon enough.

Cronicle does have a line when he battles Üso.

Hmph. You insolent fool. How do you like this!?

Help arrives at the start of Turn 2.


Shin Super Robot Wars - Daiku-Maryu Gaiking
Is that a Gundam!? Who's piloting it?
Whoever it is, we have to help them, and fast!
You're right. That Gundam is having a hard time moving.
Doctor, the Shrike Team is launching!
Understood. However, we won't be able to provide any support.
Fair enough. Let's go, girls!
OK!


Junko, Kate, and Helen are here to back Üso up. Since the Daiku-Maryu Squad is here for a scouting mission, they won't be able to help the Shrike Team.

Enemy reinforcements arrive during the next enemy phase.


Lieutenant, are you okay?
(Soldier)
Of course I am! Do you really think I would lose to a punk like that?
My apologies. We'll take it from here, so please retreat, Lieutenant.
Like hell I will! I'm just getting started!
Lieutenant, this is an order from the Commander! Return to base immediately!
Mmm… I suppose I have no choice. I leave the rest to you.
Roger that!
[Cronicle retreats]

And then, during the next player phase…


Reinforcements! We need to get out there!
Doctor, give us the order to launch!
Absolutely not! We're strictly forbidden from engaging BESPA forces in any way!
Have you already forgotten the stern warning Commander Oka gave us?
But…
Hehehe. This is my time to shine. Trider isn't officially part of the military.
President! If you do that, we'd be working for free!
But Kakikoji, we can't just let them get away with this, now can we?
Hmm… I suppose you're right.
Hey, Gundam pilot! Who are you?
I'm Üso Ewin. Um… As for why I'm in a Gundam…
Üso, let me explain.
Well, if it isn't Marbet. What happened to you? How did you get those injuries?
One of our secret bases was raided by the Yellow Jackets. I was wounded during the attack, but Üso saved me.
Save the chatter for later! We can talk after we've dealt with these guys!


Let me help you out!
Thanks!

All that's left is some MS cleanup. Watta can take them on his own once he's done getting an item from the nearby cliffs. Have Üso and the Shrike Team take up residence in the forest for added defense and evasion.

For items, look to these squares for this stage's hidden items:


The first one is right at the center of the intersection between the rivers. The second one is from the house/base that Marbet is talking from. The third is in some trees above the cliff. Have Watta go get that last one, which is a Magnetic Coating.

The map ends when all enemies are defeated.


You saved us.
Where's that Gundam's pilot? I believe he said his name was Üso.
It's this guy right here.
Huh? He's just a kid!
Is there something wrong about being a kid?
I never said there was anything wrong with it… I was just surprised, that's all.
It's understandable that you never saw it coming. We felt the same way when we first met him.
(Romero Marvall. V Gundam. CV: Chafurin)
This boy possesses a true talent for piloting.
Talent? You're exaggerating…
Ahem. Would you mind introducing everyone?
Oh! My apologies. Marbet, where's the Count?
He stepped out a few minutes ago.
I see… Well, I'll just introduce him later. Dr. Daimonji, allow me to introduce our comrades, Marbet and Romero.
Pleased to meet you. I'm Marbet Fingerhat.
And I'm Romero Marvall. A pleasure.
I'm Daimonji of the Daiku-Maryu Squad. It's nice to make your acquaintance.
I was hoping you'd be able to meet the Count.
The Count?
He's our leader. He just left to attend a strategy meeting.
Is that so? A pity. We came here to gain a better understanding of the current situation on the ground.

I highly recommend you make two saves after this chapter. At least, unless you want to play the first six stages of this game a second time.

[KitsuneRagnell]

Video of this chapter.
Archived version of this chapter.

This stage is the single biggest turning point of the entire game. We'll get to why shortly. Make sure you're going into this with two saves.

Last time, the Daiku-Maryu Squad made it to Kasarelia and encountered the BESPA Yellow Jackets.


Well? Do you have a better understanding of what's going on?
Mmm. This is indeed a grave situation. However, there's nothing we can do at the moment.
What? Are you seriously giving them the cold shoulder?
Calm down. Just imagine what would happen if we were to piss off BESPA right now. What do you think would happen to Commander Oka? And that's not to mention the aliens!
Sakon's right. For now, we have no choice but to return to Japan and wait for further orders.
…I guess it can't be helped. I know it'll be difficult, but we'll manage Europe on our own.
I'm sorry. Don't view this as us abandoning you. I'll do my best to plead your case.
I'll wait, but I won't be expecting much.


Chapter 7: Cronicle's Counterattack


Well then, this is goodbye.
Please be careful.
See ya.


There's the white one! I won't let it get away this time!
Eyes up, everyone! Üso, don't leave my side!
I'll be fine. Don't worry about me.
You sure are confident, boy.
Don't call me boy! My name is Üso!
That's the spirit! Let's go, boy!
Grrr!
Enemies spotted! Aren't we going to help?
We can't attack them.
I can't just leave them here! I'm going!
Koji! Don't do things on your own!
You can't stop me, Sayaka. Let me out!
Koji!
I'm going too!
Same here!
I guess we have no choice. Megumi, Hiyoshi, let's go! We're a team, after all!
Sure!
Gotcha!
I'm going too!
Oh no you don't, President! Not this time!
What are you saying? Do you really want to abandon them?
No means no! Kinoshita, grab the President!
Let go! I order you to let me go!
I refuse! President, if you go out there, you'll be breaking our contract with the EDF!
I would? …Fine.
Phew.


Oh, you combined.
Yeah. It just worked today.
Crap, they left. Doctor, are you sure about this?
The Daiku-Maryu will return to Japan immediately.
What!?
Doctor, are you really going to leave them behind?
We have no choice. If we stay any longer, we'll be caught up in the battle.
I can't just abandon our comrades! I'm deploying too!
Stop it, Sanshiro! If you stay behind with Gaiking, who's gonna protect Japan?
Oh… But…
You're a professional soldier now. If you let your emotions get the better of you, you'll lose sight of the big picture. Calm down.
Pete…
I'm surprised Pete is giving Sanshiro a pep talk. Next thing you know, the sun will rise from the west.
(Yamagatake. Gaiking. CV: Osamu Kato)
(TL Note: He's been with us all this time and this is when he first speaks? We still haven't heard from Bunta. This game is full of decisions.)
Yamagatake, Pete can show genuine kindness every once in a while. You really shouldn't make fun of him like that.
Huh? M-Midori? I'm sorry…


Which will you choose?
1. Return with the Daiku-Maryu
2. Remain in Europe

This is the turning point of the entire game. The rest of this game is one gigantic route split, stemming from this decision.

Returning with the Daiku-Maryu will keep the perspective on the Daiku-Maryu. This will lead you down the Earth Route, focusing on the plots of Gaiking, G Gundam, Reideen, and Layzner. Trider is also here.

Staying in Europe will shift the perspective to the League Militaire. This will put you on the Space Route, focusing on the plots of Victory Gundam, Char's Counterattack, and the beginning of Layzner, with cameos from Mazinger Z, Gundam Wing, and Dancouga.

The Voltes plot starts on the Space Route but shifts to Earth. The SRX Team and Getter Team will appear on both routes, even though that doesn't make any sense since both routes' plots run concurrently.

In order to get the true ending of this game, you need to complete both routes on different save files. Then you load them both for the final stage.

The way this LP will work, I'll cover what happens on this stage no matter what decision you take, but I'll be going down one route entirely before going down the other. If you're reading this LP as it updates, I'll be covering the entire Space Route first.

First, if you choose to stay with the Daiku-Maryu, the stage will end immediately.


Doctor, are you absolutely sure it was the right decision to leave them behind?
I do. The aliens are certainly a problem, but given that BESPA's objectives are now crystal clear, we cannot simply ignore them.
So you left them behind on purpose?
Strictly speaking, I should have consulted with Commander Oka first. However, the situation in Europe demands immediate attention. I trust he'll understand.
You were right, Pete. I nearly let my emotions get the better of me. I could have ruined everything.
Don't worry about it.
You're being awfully humble, Sanshiro. Are you okay? Did you catch a cold?
Yamagatake! You've been mocking me for days now! I'm gonna beat your face in!
Sounds good to me! Go ahead and try!

The stage then ends.

Now, if you choose to stay in Europe, you actually have to fight.


[The Daiku-Maryu leaves]
Hey, wait! The Daiku-Maryu…
Tch! They left us behind!
In that case, I'm gonna go all out!
What the? Who are those guys?
Are you sure about this? The Daiku-Maryu is long gone.
Don't sweat it! Hey, jerks! I don't care if you're Yellow or Red, you're up against none other than the great Koji Kabuto!
Hmph. Perfect. You'll make a fine test subject for this Shokew!


Our forces are greatly reduced to just the Shrike Team, Üso, Koji, and the Voltes Team. On the other side of the map is one very angry Yellow Jacket squad. Thankfully, there's very little Mobile Suits can do to Mazinger and Voltes, so have them lead the charge and our own MSes back them up. There's no battleship, so if you need to heal or resupply, you'll have to separate Voltes first. Thankfully, that shouldn't be necessary as long as you stick to the forest.


The first boss of this stage is Cronicle in a completed Shokew. It's just a slightly stronger Mobile Suit enemy. It's flying, so be careful not to try to use Beam Sabers against it.

Enemy reinforcements spawn during the third enemy phase.


Lieutenant Cronicle!
(Gary Tan. V Gundam. CV: Takumi Yamazaki)
Oh, Gary!
What are those things? They're completely different from Mobile Suits!
I don't know either! Never seen mechs like them before! Proceed with extreme caution!
Sir!


Gary is leading this charge in a Zolo. He's weaker than Cronicle.

You can find items in the following squares. There are two instances of 2k cash, a Chobham Armor, and a Magnetic Coating. The armor parts in this game reduce your mobility and movement as you go up the ranks, so be careful who you give them to.




Neither Cronicle nor Gary says anything when they get shot down. From now on, unless characters actually have dialogue or a boss really does say something when shot down, I'm going to stop pointing it out.

The map ends when all enemies are defeated.


I'm so sorry. We brought you into our mess.
Don't worry about it. But Kenichi, what do we do now?
What to do… It's not like we can chase after the Daiku-Maryu at this point.
Obviously not. Besides, how could we possibly not help out such beautiful ladies?
Beautiful? Well, at least you're honest.
You should watch what you say, Koji. If Sayaka were to find out, she'd be furious.
What? M-Megumi, you wouldn't rat me out…
So much for that. This is why you can't trust men. Right, Sis?
Kate, don't forget that until Zanscare is dealt with, we're warriors before we're women.
I know that, but still…
I feel you, Kate. We're still young.
Then why don't you just quit being a MS pilot?
It's not that simple.
Then why?
Why? I mean, why are you fighting, boy?
I… I don't want to fight. But I have to do what I can in order to protect Shakti and Marbet.
Fight who?
Who? BESPA of course.
And why do you have to protect them from BESPA?
Because… They're evil…
So you do understand. We're the same. If we let Zanscare do whatever they want, a lot of people will suffer.
Wow, Helen. I've changed my mind about you. You're pretty cool.
There's no point in staying here. Let's go back to base.

[KitsuneRagnell]

Video of this chapter.
Archived version of this chapter.

This is officially the start of the Space Route.

Last time, the Voltes Team and Koji stayed behind in Europe to help the League Militaire survive an attack.


Lieutenant Cronicle! What do you mean you were defeated by the guerrillas!?
(Gettle Dupre. V Gundam. CV: Ryuzo Ishino)
My deepest apologies. Besides the new MS, there were two other machines I've never seen before.
Don't give me excuses! How pathetic!
Dupre!
(Fuala Griffon. V Gundam. CV: Ai Orikasa)
Ah… Ma'am.
Lieutenant, can you describe these new machines?
Ma'am. They were larger than normal MSes, and appeared to have a completely different design structure.
So they're Mobile Armors?
No, they weren't like Mobile Armors either. There's nothing to compare them to in the Zanscare military.
Hmmm… What about their combat ability?
They were quite extraordinary.
All right. Lieutenant, you have brought back valuable intel for us. I'd call that an overall success. Go back to the motherland. You now have real combat experience, after all.
Are you sure? The Lieutenant has yet to complete his true mission. Didn't you come here to hunt down the League Militaire?
Captain Dupre is correct.
Then do as you please.
Yes, ma'am.


Space Route Chapter 8: BESPA and Aliens


It looks like our base has been discovered.
Oh no! We have to get there quickly!
Slow down! Something isn't right here.
Ah! Aliens!
Huh? Really? It seems the aliens and Yellow Jackets are fighting each other.
What should we do? Do we hang back and watch?
That might be for the best. They're enemies, after all.
I don't think it'll be that easy for us. Look, do you see that AA fire? Our base is under attack too. We need to get in there!


How are you ingrates having so much trouble against mere Earthlings? Finish them off already!


Who are these guys? Why are people like that on Earth?
Gary! Ensign Gary! Do you read me?
Y-yes. Loud and clear, Lieutenant.
Listen carefully. You see that large battleship? Focus fire on it. That's where their Commander is!
Sir! Roger that.
You think you can target me? Arrogant fools. I'll teach you a lesson.


Start making your way towards the BESPA troops. Have a flier or two head east to pick up some items before sending them back north to assist in the fighting.


Once again, we've got Cronicle in a Shorkew and Gary in a Zolo as bosses. He's in the same MS as the grunts. Don't worry about the aliens, because a scene plays after you have a single round of combat against anyone.


What's going on? Are the humans turning on each other? Or is this some sort of scheme? Hmm… Let's retreat for now.
[All yellow troops retreat]

You can have BESPA and the aliens fight each other for longer, but that would just be an unnecessary loss of EXP and cash, so I don't recommend it.

Enemy reinforcements spawn on turns 3 and 7 (enemy phase).



There's nothing but cash on this map, and you can find it in the following spaces. Don't defeat all the enemies before you get the 10k cash in the northeast base.




I've started a running trend of trying to one-shot Cronicle with Breast Fire. So far, I'm 2/2.

The map ends when all enemies are defeated.


I'm back.
General Asimov, how did it go?
(Sharkin. Reideen. CV: Osamu Ichikawa)
Well, you see… While we were fighting some Earthlings, another Earthling force suddenly appeared. They didn't attack us, but the first Earthling group.
What, Earthlings are fighting each other?
Yes. It took me by surprise too. I retreated in order to find out more about the situation.
Hmm. How interesting. General Agyar! Look into this immediately!
Sir!
(General Agyar. Reideen. CV: Michihiro Ikemizu) (Original VA was Taro Sagami)

[KitsuneRagnell]

Video of this chapter.
Archived version of this chapter.

Last time, the gang fought off enemies attacking a League Militaire base.


Shakti!
Thank goodness… *Sobs*
(Shakti Kareen. V Gundam. CV: Yumi Ichihara)
Don't cry. Nothing happened.
Marbet, how bad is the damage?
It's nothing serious, but now that they know where we are, we can't use this base anymore.
We've been ordered to move. I wanted to leave this place anyway, so don't consider it a loss. More importantly, who are those guys?
Ah, let me introduce them. These are the members of the Daiku-Maryu Squad, part of the Far East Branch of the EDF.
You call us part of the Daiku-Maryu Squad even though they left us behind.
Hey, don't say that. Hi, I'm Koji Kabuto, pilot of Mazinger Z. Nice to meetcha.
I'm Kenichi Goh. These two are my younger brothers, Daijiro and Hiyoshi.
I'm Daijiro.
It's nice to meet you.
I'm Ippei Mine. This is my girlfriend, Megumi Oka.
Since when did I become your girlfriend, Ippei? You're so annoying!
I know you're just playing hard to get.
Hmph!
Count, you mentioned we have orders to move. Where are we going?
We've been ordered to launch our Mobile Suits into space. To do that, we have to go to Gibraltar. Our first move is crossing the Alps.
That's impossible. We'd have to go through BESPA-controlled territory.
I know. That's why in order to cross the Alps, we'll go to an old airfield in Becheyne. The arrangements have already been made.
Roger that.
I want you three members of the Shrike Squad to go to our second base, which is about 10 klicks to the east.
But that would leave you defenseless.
We can handle ourselves. There are some new parts at the second base that must also be sent into space. Got it?
Got it. Shrike Squad, move out!
Roger!
I'm sorry I'm not giving you time to rest.
I can't believe aliens are real, Üso.
(Odelo Henrik. V Gundam. CV: Masayuki Nakata)
Same here, but why was BESPA fighting the aliens?
I don't know. I heard the beam rotors and, before I knew it, the battle started.
Yeah. The fighting started a ways away from the base, but they kept getting closer and closer, eventually fighting right above us.
(Warren Trace. V Gundam. CV: Rica Matsumoto)
Then a Zolo found one of our weapons encampments, so we had no choice but to fight back. That's when you guys showed up.
You had great timing. If you had shown up any later, things would have been a lot worse.
Üso, have you memorized the docking procedure yet?
Yes, I got it.
You have a lot of potential. I have high hopes for you.
Üso, aren't we going back to Kasarelia? Why are we still here?
Let's go home, Üso.
(Katejina Loos. V Gundam. CV: Kumiko Watanabe)
Katejina!?
You don't want to fight, do you? Please tell me the truth.
Um…
If so, you and Shakti should go home.
Katejina… Let me think about it.


Lieutenant, you found a guerrilla base, and yet you returned without destroying it… Care to explain?
Before we found the base, we got caught up in a battle with the aliens.
Excuses.
It's not. Read the report.
Your mission was to find and destroy the guerrilla base, correct?
It was, yes.
You found it, but you couldn't destroy it, correct?
That is correct.
Dupre, that's enough. Are you going to leave the base the Lieutenant found alone?
Ma'am, I'm currently having Captain Wattary prepare a squad to deal with it.
Please let me join them on this attack!
Lieutenant… There's no need to rush. Go and rest.
As you command, Ma'am. Excuse me.
The aliens interest me. Metchet, prepare the Recarl! We're deploying!
Ma'am!
(Metchet Rubence. V Gundam. CV: Tomoyuki Morikawa)


[Some time later]
Has Commander Fuala Griffon left yet?
Yes, she just left. Ah, Lieutenant Cronicle!
What is it now?
Lieutenant Cronicle just left in a Zolo!
What!? …Well, never mind. I'll ignore it. Just because you're the Queen's brother doesn't mean you can do whatever you want, you pompous punk.


After I was made a fool of like that, there's no way I'm going to sit back and take it… Just you wait and see.


Space Route Chapter 9: A Fighter's Radiance


Our primary objective is to destroy the enemy base. However, if you see anyone escape, make sure to kill them!
(Wattary Gilla. V Gundam. CV: Fumihiko Tachiki)
Roger!
Let's go!


Waaah! It's BESPA!
Count, let us help too.
Thank you. I'll take you up on your offer.
Great. That's basically why we stayed behind, Kenichi.
Yeah, that's right. Don't hesitate to put us to work.
Got it. I order you to sortie. You go too, Üso.
Okay!
Romero! We'll use this opportunity to escape.
I'm ready when you are.


Hmm? Are those the machines Cronicle was talking about?
They're flying around like a dragonfly! Come down here and fight me!
Koji, you protect the truck. We'll take care of these guys.
Tch. Mazinger Z can fight even though it can't fly.


Looks like the battle is starting. Metchet, get closer.


Ma'am!
The video feed is distorted.
Blame the Minovsky Particles. Switching to direct camera feed.
Are those the mechs the Lieutenant was talking about? They're certainly different from Mobile Suits. But why doesn't that one fly? Or maybe it's unable to fly?
Deploy the Hangar and Boots!
Üso, we're sending out the Top Limb from the red smoke. Sorry, but you're going to have to chase after them. Launch!


Aligning V-Mode axis.


Docking complete!
Next is the Bottom Limb! Launch!


Dammit. Did we really let them dock?
Look, that fighter jet combined! Kenichi, we should combine too!
Okay, let's do this. Everyone! V TOGETHER!!
What are they doing?
LET'S VOLT!!
IIIIIIN!
(Said by everyone)


VOOOOLTEEEEEES FIIIIIIIVE!!
We did it! Kenichi, we did it!
What!? Those five mechs combined…
Do you really think that sort of thing would intimidate us!? I'll show you what a true warrior is!

Unfortunately, I forgot to take a screenshot of the map. The map is the exact same as the last stage, but we start at the base in the northeast. For the next few stages, this game is a defense mission. Our objective here is to defeat all enemies, but now we have the added objective of not letting the truck die.


This here is the truck, the Camion (which means truck). It's going to move its full 5 movement towards the right edge of the map. Despite only having 800 HP, it can take maybe three hits before it blows up. You'll need to intercept Zanscare MSes before they can attack it.

Also, from this point on, the Voltes Team can freely combine into Voltes (if they're all adjacent or diagonal to each other) and decombine into their Volt Machines. You may think you'll want to stay combined all the time, but having more bodies on the map has its uses, especially when defending the Camion and collecting items.

Have Koji and Üso escort the Camion east for a few turns before moving them southward to pick up an item. With Voltes, you can either take it out for a proper spin against the BESPA MSes to the west, or split it up so you have multiple flying bodies to both take on the MSes and get the items. I kept it combined because I've barely been able to use it.


The bosses are Wattary in a Zolo and Metchet in a Recarl. Voltes can easily solo both of them.


Enemy reinforcements spawn on turns 1 and 2 during the enemy phase (first image is turn 1, second is turn 2). Make sure you have Koji and Üso near the second set of reinforcements.

Thankfully, when the Camion reaches the edge of the map, it leaves, allowing you more freedom to take on the enemies and items. If its health gets low, you can use Trust on it.

You can find some cash in the following locations. I didn't make it to the last location, unfortunately, as I messed up counting the squares. It was only 2k cash, though.



When Fuala is the last enemy on the map, she hits the bricks. This ends the map.


We've gathered enough data. Metchet, return to base.
Ma'am!


Your machines are incredible. All five of them combine?
Yes. We can only unleash our true power when we combine into Voltes V.
It reminds me a lot of the Victory.
But it's amazing that five mechs can combine simultaneously. I'm struggling with combining one at a time…
It's not like we've always been successful. We've failed way more times than we've succeeded.
He's right. What happened today almost never happens.
I need to train more…
I fought too, remember?
Right. Mazinger Z is quite an amazing robot too. I've never seen a body that tough before.
Of course you haven't. The entire body is composed of Super Alloy Z. Most attacks barely even scratch the paint.
Plus its wide variety of weapons is impressive.
You're very observant. I like you, Gramps.
If it could fly, it'd be unstoppable.
Ugh… Hitting me where it hurts.
[Some time later]
So, how was my piloting?
Well, you didn't get hurt.
Yeah.
How does it feel to fight with your life on the line?
What do you mean?
Exactly what I said… I can't believe that someone like you was able to do what you did out there. It's seriously unbelievable.
I can't believe it either. I'm scared and I don't really know what's going on…
That's normal.
I'm not doing this because I want to.
Just don't become a scary person, Üso.
…Okay.

[KitsuneRagnell]

Video of this chapter.
Table of Contents.

Last time, the League Militaire were forced to abandon their base.


Lord Sharkin!
What is it, General Agyar?
I've learned about the conflict between Earthlings.
Excellent. Proceed.
Well actually…
[Agyar explains it off screen in a fade-away]
…Thus ends my report.
Hmm. So those in space are trying to control the Earth, eh?
Yes. That's correct.
We must succeed before they do. General Desmont!
Sir!
(Desmont. Gaiking. CV: Hidekatsu Shibata)
You heard the report. Attack the base of this group the Earthlings call BESPA.
Sir! I will depart immediately.




Space Route Chapter 10: Heart


Those are some large transport trucks. As a warm-up, let's turn them into a bloody mess. Attack!
Sir!
(Soldier)


What the heck are those?
Oh no! This is bad. Those are the aliens.
Those are the aliens? Count, the aliens are coming!
The aliens!? Koji, Voltes Team, Üso, get out there.
Roger.
Let's go, everyone!
Okay.
Oh no… Don't you realize what you're doing?
Shakti?
You're going to die. If you keep going out there to fight, you're really going to die…
Üso, if you're scared, you can always not go.
But… If I don't, who will?
If we're going to where the resistance is gathered, then someone must be coming to help us.
Marbet's wounds haven't healed yet.
(Ester Chavarri. V Gundam. CV: Ikuko Tatsu)
Üso has nothing to do with this war. Only adults should be allowed to kill each other.
We fight because we have something to protect.
Here, here. I wish arrogant outsiders would stay out of the way.
Üso is just a child!
I… I don't want you, Marbet, or anyone else to die.
[Üso leaves to deploy]
That's the kind of guy he is. His heart is a treasure, Katejina. It's something I want to cherish.
Am I wrong?
You're not wrong, though you are a bit heavy-handed.


What!? That's not an ordinary truck! …It matters not. Attack!


I stupidly forgot to look at the map. Anyway, for the next few maps, your primary objective will be to escort the two Camions to the northern edge of the map. To the south is Desmont's group, which is composed of three saucers, a Black Monster, and Desmont's Grotector. You do not want to fight against Desmont, because his Beam Cannon is just as strong as Asimov's from a few stages ago. You'll want to send a few troops south to both block the enemies and gather a few important items. Megumi's burrowing ability and Hiyoshi's Hide help a lot.


The Camions will move as far as possible along the road northbound. If you have someone stand where they would have moved to, they'll stay in place. You can use this to delay the map ending for a few turns to gather items or beat up some stragglers for money. There's no point in getting into a prolonged battle against the Grotector.

Also, while you can fuse into Voltes freely now, it's recommended to stay split up.

Enemies spawn every turn along the road to the north, which is why an escort is necessary.


Ahhhh! An enemy!
Was that Zolo lying in ambush!?
And right next to the Count's Camion…
Okay… I'm gonna shoot it!
Don't do it, Odelo! If you do that, the Count will get hit by the blast.
But if I don't do anything…
Ah! It grabbed both the Count and Katejina!
Wait, damn you!!
No! Don't shoot! You'll hit him too!
But it's getting away!
Our hands are tied… We have to let them go…
[That one enemy retreats]


[Some more Saucers spawn]

And here are the item spawns. You especially want to get that Anti-Beam Coating (the second-to-last item).



The map ends when both Camions leave the map on the northern edge, or when you defeat all enemies.


Phew. Done and done.
Those guys were a little different from the ones we fought in Japan.
You think so too, Kenichi?
I remember. Those are the same guys who were chasing the Shrike Team when they came to Japan.
You're right, Megumi. I remember now. So that means there are different kinds of aliens.
But they're still the enemy.
We know that much.
It's not just about fighting blindly. We need to better understand who we're fighting.
If you know the enemy and know others, you need not fear the result of a hundred battles. I guess you could call that a close call.
Wow. Koji, you know that proverb?
Isn't it just common sense?
What does it mean?
If you know your own strengths and your ally's strengths, and you only fight battles you can win, you'll never lose.
I mean, that's obvious.
It may be obvious to us, but you can't say that about everyone.
Really? But the fact that you know it means you're an amazing person, Koji.
W-well… Yeah. It's not that big of a deal.
And you're so humble... I respect you even more now.
Actually, the proverb is "know yourself", not "know others"...
Did you say something?
Nothing.
Okay, let's go back to the Camions.

[KitsuneRagnell]

Video of this chapter.
Archived version of this chapter.

Last time, the Camions survived an alien pursuit, but Count Oy and Katejina were abducted.


Great job out there.
Did something happen?
You see, the Count…
The Count was killed during the fighting?
He might as well have.
He was abducted by a Zolo.
He got kidnapped?
They took your idol, Katejina, too.
What do you mean, "they took Katejina too"?
I can't get much clearer than that.
How could you let that happen!?
That Zolo was lying in ambush. We couldn't stop it.
Like heck you couldn't!


General Desmont! What was that horrid display!?
My deepest apologies, sir.
Do you really think an apology will suffice!? I believe I ordered you to attack their base. What do you mean you went after a truck!?
I wanted to warm up a bit…
A warm-up? You came back in defeat during a warm-up!?
I never imagined such a powerful force was accompanying a simple truck…
General Asimov! You and General Desmont are both from the planet Zera, correct?
Yes, that's correct.
Then work together to atone for your combined failures!
As you command, sir.
[Sharkin leaves]
Asimov, I apologize for dragging you into this.
Don't worry about it.
I was seriously surprised by how powerful that group was… Asimov, we must tread carefully. The Earthlings are more powerful than we expected.
I hear you. I've had a painful experience on the Far East front.
Oh right. I recall hearing that Dankel and Killer were having a tough time over there.
Yes. They were complaining about being punished by Heinel, just like us.
We can't keep doing this. We're capable of so much more when all four of us are together. Dividing us in half like this is an insult to the Four Heavenly Kings.
Complaining won't get us anywhere. For the time being, our only option is for us to work together and increase our strength.
Agreed.


Lieutenant Cronicle went on a solo mission? Where did he go?
I don't know. He left before I could stop him.
…Well, that's fine.
But he's clearly violating our orders…
I'm saying it's fine. Or are you going to disobey me too?
I would never… Pardon me for a moment... Enter.
Lieutenant Cronicle sent us a message.
Really? From the Lieutenant? What does he say?
Sir, he's spotted an enemy truck convoy 20 klicks southwest of Berlin. He's requesting reinforcements.
Heh. Those must be the guys who escaped the base. Deploy the Gadarl Corps!
Ma'am!




Space Route Chapter 11: The Gadarl Corps


Marbet, what are we going to do about the Count and Katejina?
I'm sorry, but there's nothing we can do right now. Getting to the airport is our priority.
No… You can't be serious. Don't tell me we're not going to do anything!
Üso, this is war. The Count fought with the expectation that he would die.
What about Katejina? She's just a civilian. I'm not a soldier either.
I feel terrible about Katejina, but she won't be useful for BESPA. Chances are, she'll be spared. Don't worry.
Üso, I know how you feel, but worrying won't change anything. Besides, even if we were to go save them, where would we even go?
Um…
See? This isn't the time to worry. Just focus on what you can do.


Speak of the devil, Koji. The enemy is right on our asses.
What are those? They look like motorcycles.
More like tanks than motorcycles!
I see what you mean. Üso, you know what you must do right now.
…
Hehe. As long as they can't fly, this'll be an easy fight.




We've got bikes on our tail. The objective is to escort the Camions to the top of the map once again. However, to beat the stage, you must defeat all enemies. The Camions escaping to the north just mean you won't have to protect them.


For bosses, we've got the motorcycle enthusiasts Duker and Renda in Galicsons. They're also accompanied by two Battle Bike "Kou"s. They'll be very tough to hit, especially for a Super Robot like Mazinger, but if you give Mazinger an Anti-Beam Coat, they won't be able to damage it. Then it's a matter of time until you hit them… Unless you run out of ammo and EN first.

During the first enemy phase…


Whoa. The aliens are back!
Why do they keep coming after us?
Hehehe. There they are. Stupid Earthlings. Let's kill them all at once.
Wait, Desmont.
Why are you stopping me?
I just got a message from Sharkin.
From Sharkin? What does he want?
He's ordering us to retreat immediately.
What? He wants us to turn back when the enemy is right in front of us?
He does. He's calling off the attack.
What an asshole. I'm going to attack anyway!
Stop, Desmont! He must have a good reason. It would be best if we went back and found out why.
If that's what you think, then let's do that.
Okay, we're retreating.
[Desmont and Asimov retreat]
They're leaving already?
What was that all about?
Dunno.

During the second enemy phase, enemy reinforcements spawn.



You can find items on the following squares. You'll find a bunch of money, a Magnetic Coating (ups mobility and limit slightly), and a High-Performance Radar (increases ranged weapon ranges by 1).



The map ends when all enemies are shot down.


Sharkin, what the hell was that about?
Don't get angry, General Desmont. I just got new orders from Lord Gozzo.
What? From Lord Gozzo directly?
Indeed. We've been instructed not to attack the Earthlings known as BESPA.
Why?
I don't know. If you're so curious, ask Lord Gozzo himself!
…
So we should attack this League Militaire group instead?
Yes. Those are the people who defeated General Desmont.
Defeated? Certainly I was a little careless back then, but I wouldn't call myself defeated.
Just hunt them down already.
Leave it to me.


I'm back.
Lieutenant Cronicle! Whose orders were you following when you went into battle!?
…
You won't answer, huh? You're in clear violation of military regulations.
I believe it was the Lieutenant who spotted the guerrillas near Berlin.
Yes, that is correct.
We sent the Gadarl Corps to hunt them down, but you were nowhere to be seen. What were you doing?
Ma'am, I discovered the guerrillas engaged in combat with the aliens and was observing the situation. When I found an opportunity, I took some of them prisoner and brought them here.
You captured some of them? Who?
One of them is the man they call the Count.
The Count? You mean Count Oy Nyung?
Yes, I believe that's his name.
Hahahaha. What a great souvenir. Thank you, Lieutenant Cronicle Asher.
What's so special about him anyway?
Oy Nyung is the leader of the European Branch of the League Militaire.
I wish to interrogate him. Bring him here!
Ma'am!
[Some time later…]
Phew… He's an old man, but he sure is tenacious.
I was watching you two. He never gave anything up, even on the threat of death.
Hehehe. We have other ways to use him.
Such as?
The guillotine! He will serve as an example for anyone who dares defy BESPA.
I see. So you're going to copy the methods used in the motherland.
Copy? You misunderstand. I come from a long line of guillotine executioners. Using the guillotine is the obvious choice for me.
…
Prepare for a public execution immediately!
Ma'am!

[KitsuneRagnell]

Video of this chapter.
Archived version of this chapter.

Last time, the gang survived another ambush on their way out of Europe.


The heck? BESPA is doing something on TV.
Oh no! The Count is going to be executed live by guillotine…
What's a guillotine?
You don't know? It's a device with a large blade that's used to cut off heads.
They're so mean.
Odelo! Don't let Shakti or Suzy see it! Üso, don't look away. This is war.
(TL Note: I guess Suzy is with them, but hasn't had a line yet.)
We are BESPA from Zanscare. We are the Kagatie Party's Yellow Jackets. This presentation is meant to show everyone what'll happen to you if you defy Zanscare.
[The guillotine falls]
*Sobbing* I can't take it anymore… I'm so tired of fighting.
Üso! You need to pull yourself together. If we don't fight now, the Earth will only get worse.
I'm just a kid. Why does a kid like me have to fight?
You're special, Üso. Your ability to adapt to machines is extraordinary.
…
I hate to admit it, but Romero's right. If I could do what you can, I wouldn't be asking you to fight.
…
Hey, Üso! Why are you complaining so much? A man should do what needs to be done without making a fuss!
Not you too, Koji…
We can't just ignore people who would do such terrible things without a second thought. You know that too, right, Üso?
Even I know that…
Then what's the problem?
…Right…
Anyway, let's get a move on. Are we close to the airport yet?
We'll be there shortly.


Hahahaha. I found you, stupid Earthlings. This time, I'll make you pay.
Desmont, if you mess up, you'll be digging your own grave.
Like I'd make the same mistake again. They're just Earthlings, after all.
If you say so. Let's get started.
Yeah.


Chapter 12: Behold! The Shrike Team


They're back! These aliens are so persistent.
We'll hold them off here. Have the Camions hurry to the airport.
Thanks, Kenichi. I'll gladly take you up on that.
(Otis Arkins. V Gundam. CV: Naoki Bando)
Üso, what are you going to do?
What do you mean what am I going to do? We have no choice but to fight, Koji.
Ah, right. Let's go.
Yes! Core Fighter, launch!
Wait, Üso. Combine on top of the Camion before you deploy. Okay?
Understood.




You're not getting away this time!


Well, this is looking bad. Odelo, get the rocket launcher ready.
Already locked and loaded.
I'll… I'll go out in the other Core Fighter.
Don't, Marbet. If you go out now, the wound on your leg will reopen.
It's better than being killed.
Wait, look over there.


Oliver!
Marbet, are you okay?
(Oliver Inoe. V Gundam. CV: Keniichi Sonobe)
I'm fine, Oliver.
Leave the rest to the Shrike Team.
Thanks for the save.
Junko! Let's wipe out the enemies on their path!
On it, Captain.
What? The enemy got reinforcements too? They're just trash!

First up, we've got a new unit alongside six entire Gun-EZs.


[LM312V06 Victory Gundam Hexa]
It's just another Victory Gundam with a different head.

We've also got the entire Shrike Team available for the rest of the game. Each of them is similar in stats, but have slightly different Spirit lists. Here's a quick rundown of all of them.

• Oliver: Has Accel and the old Winkysoft version of Rouse (gives 10 morale to all adjacent units including enemies). Gets W Move towards the end of the pack at level 41.
• Helen: Starts out with Accel and Valor, making her one of the best Shrikes to use right off the bat. Also gets the rare Shackle Spirit, which reduces all units movement within its range. This includes allied units.
• Junko: No Accel, but does have Spirit. Gets W Move at 38.
• Kate: Has Accel. Also gets W Move the earliest at level 36.
• Mahalia: Somehow the only Shrike to get Focus, and has Trust, but lacks Valor and doesn't get Accel until level 24 and W Move until level 38.
• Peggy: Starts out with Strike, which makes her useful against some of the more dodgy enemies. Also has Accel and Valor, but doesn't get W Move until level 39.
• Cony: One of the few Shrikes that doesn't get Valor, but does get Fortune and Accel. Her stats are also surprisingly good. Also gets W Move at 36.

Having Accel is, in my opinion, their best feature. It allows them to get where they need to be, which are usually item caches. None of them are as good as Üso or Amuro, but they'll serve as usable fodder.

I mentioned W Move, so this is the perfect time to talk about it. Every pilot in the game gets the W Move ability at different levels. W Move allows that pilot to perform two actions per turn. This usually unlocks somewhere in the early 30's to mid 40's, with Real Robot pilots usually getting it sooner. This won't be relevant until the late game, but it's still worth knowing about. For comparison's sake, the earliest W Moves you get are Üso and Amuro at 32 and 31 respectively, while the latest is Watta at 55 (he's not getting it unless you grind a lot).

Might as well cover what level units get W Move that we have now, barring the Shrikes. I'll go over the Earth Route pilots on that route.

• Üso: 32
• Kenichi: 37
• Ippei: 37
• Daijiro: 39
• Megumi: 35
• Hiyoshi: 36
• Koji: 37

One final note, bosses in the late game can also get W move, so watch out for that.


As before, the objective is to get the Camions to the north side of the map. However, until the saucers to the west are eliminated, the Camions won't move. Have Koji move east to slow down the enemies and Üso move to the west to help the Shrike Team destroy the saucers. Keep the Voltes team separated and have them hunt down the items.


Asimov and Desmont both brought their Grotectors. I would not recommend fighting them. If they attack Koji, have him defend. If you've adequately upgraded Mazinger's Breast Fire, HP, EN, and Defense, you could try to fight them for a nice pay day. Using Guard would help with that.

You can find the items in the following locations:




Some enemies will spawn near the Shrike Team's starting location on turn 5 EP, but they won't cause much of an issue.

The map ends when both Camions escape.


The Shrike Team will immediately begin guarding the Camions. Understood?
Sir!
(Why's he acting like such a ladies' man?)
Marbet, it's been too long.
…
Is something the matter?
Not really.
Why are you so angry?
Don't you have better things to do than waste time here?
[Marbet walks away]
What was that about?
I can tell you're in for a rough time ahead, Oliver.
What do you mean by that?
Wait, isn't the Shrike Team only supposed to have three members?
What you see here is the Shrike Team's full lineup.
I'm Mahalia Merrill. Nice to meet you.
(Mahalia Merrill. V Gundam. CV: Mari Maruta)
I'm Peggy Lee. Kate told me she got help from a good-looking guy. Seems she wasn't exaggerating.
(Peggy Lee. V Gundam. CV: Kumiko Watanabe)
Good-looking? She's not wrong. Hahahaha. You're making me blush. I'm Koji Kabuto. Nice to meet you.
I prefer more serious men. The name's Connie Francis. A pleasure.
(Connie Francis. V Gundam. CV: Satomi Korogi)
I'm Kenichi Goh. T-the pleasure is all mine.
What the hell is going on here? Koji and Kenichi are popular with the women, but I'm left out in the cold.
Don't think that. You're more my type.
Really? Glad to hear it. I'm Ippei Mine.
Oh, come on. Everyone's flirting with each other…
Well aren't you a cutie?
Eh?
I said you're cute. Is that strange coming from another woman?
N-no, but…
You good, Megumi?
O-of course.
So your name's Megumi?
Yes. Megumi Oka.
It doesn't look like we belong here, Daijiro.
It can't be helped. I mean, you're still a child.


General Desmont, were you really defeated by the Earthlings again!?
They got some powerful reinforcements…
Not once, but twice now, the Earthlings left you in the dust. How will you make up for this mistake?
…
I asked you a question!
…
If you can't offer anything, then…
W-wait a minute!
What is it, Asimov?
I also bear some responsibility for this battle. Please give us one more chance. I have a plan.
You have a plan, eh? Okay, you may go ahead with it. But know that there won't be a next time!
Sir!


Thank you. You saved me again.
Think nothing of it.
By the way, what's this plan you told Sharkin about?
Think back to the last battle. What was our biggest obstacle?
Those two robots from the Far East. If it weren't for them, we would have squashed them by now.
Yes, those two. We can ignore the one who can't fly, since that one isn't much of a threat.
Indeed. Grounded enemies are no match for us.
The problem is the one who's a combination of five smaller machines, Voltes.
Yeah. That one's really annoying.
Dankel on the Far East Front has sent me a solution to that problem.
What? He did?
He did. Apparently, Heinel has a subordinate named Suhl. This Suhl has created a Beast Knight that was developed solely to counter Voltes, but since Voltes isn't in that region anymore…
He sent it to you?
Yep.
Can we trust this Suhl guy?
According to Dankel, Suhl hates Heinel despite being a Boazan.
Why?
Dunno. But if you consider Heinel's personality, the possibilities are endless.
Makes sense to me.
In any case, Suhl offered the Beast Knight to Dankel in order to get on our good side.
I see.

[KitsuneRagnell]

Video of this chapter.
Archived version of this chapter.

Last time, we got some much-needed reinforcements in the Shrike Team.


Now, let's hurry up and load the cargo onto the transport plane. The enemy might attack at any moment.
Should we help too?
The lovely ladies of the Shrike Team are here. Let's just leave it to them. I need a break.
A break sounds nice every once in a while. Hey, Üso, go help them out.
O-okay!
(I can't seem to say no to him. How annoying.)
Üso is a nice and honest kid.
Yeah, but he's too honest, ya know? He'd be having an easier time if he loosened up.
I see… So that's why he's so attached to you, Koji.
What's that supposed to mean? Are you suggesting I'm irresponsible?
Not that. I'm saying you're more wild than careless.
I'm wild? I guess that's accurate.
That's a nice way of saying he's crude and dumb.
Excuse me!?
Ippei! Why are you always like that!?
Sorry, sorry. I apologize. The last thing I want is for you to hate me, Megumi. Koji, I'm sorry.
Hmph.


You're looking well.
(Arbeo Pippiniden. V Gundam. CV: Junji Kitajima)
Captain Pippiniden? When did you make it planetside?
I just got here.
What can I do for you?
Relax. We're friends from the military academy… Sir Cronicle Asher.
If that's what you want.
You honor me, Lieutenant.
So?
Colonel Tassilo Vago is pissed off.
At Commander Fuala Griffon?
Yes. The fact remains that you guys haven't been able to take control of Europe, and that the guerrillas are still alive.
Regarding that, the guerrillas have finished developing a new model of Mobile Suit. What's more, they've even found collaborators.
Collaborators? Who?
It appears they're members of the EDF's Far East Branch. They're quite annoying.
The Far East Branch? Now that you mention it, I recall hearing they're the most well-equipped branch of the EDF.
In addition, their new white Mobile Suit is quite powerful. I've suffered losses at its hands twice now.
It even got the better of you… This is going to be quite fun. How long do you think they can withstand the Pippiniden Battalion's Tomilats?
Captain, let me take care of the white Mobile Suit.
You've already captured one of the guerrillas' top dogs and earned a medal for it. You can sit this one out.
But…
I'm ordering you to rest, Lieutenant.
Sir…
Our target is the guerrillas gathering at the airport! Don't underestimate real atmospheric combat!
Yes, sir!


Space Route Chapter 13: Journey


Are we still not done loading yet?
All that's left is to load Mazinger Z and Voltes V.


[Enemies spawn all over the map]
It's the enemy!
What!? Dammit! Shrike Team! Protect the plane!


Koji, get Mazinger Z onto the plane quickly!
Why? Oh, right. Mazinger can't fly.
Listen up, everyone. Once Mazinger Z gets onto the plane, we're getting out of here. Hold the enemy back, but follow us when that happens!
Roger!


This map has two victory conditions. You can either defeat all enemies, or you can load Mazinger Z, which will then update the victory condition to load the rest of the units. I opted to do the former for money and EXP, as well as provide more time to get all the item caches.


On our side is Robert Gomez piloting the transport plane. It can't move or attack, but you can use Gomez's Spirits to help out. If you load Mazinger, you lose control of Gomez.

My general plan is to form Voltes and have it solo the eastern enemies while picking up the cash cache in the area. Koji will trudge his way west and solo the southwestern Mobile Suits. The Shrike Team plus Üso will defend the airport from the northern enemies while getting the items around that area of the map.


For bosses, we've got Pippiniden to the southwest and Lupe to the east, both in Tomilats. They don't say anything when shot down, so they're not really worth mentioning. Just don't be surprised if one Mobile Suit is stronger than the rest of the pack.

Here are the items on this stage. An interesting item to get is the last item shown, an EN Regen, which gives the equipped unit 10 EN per turn. Not 10%, 10.



There is one last thing to note. Enemy reinforcements spawn to the north and northeast on turns 4, 8, and 12. The turn 4 reinforcements, which spawn just north of the runway, will hone in on the plane if you don't get in their way. They're also led by Duker and Renda from Chapter 11, still in their Galicsons. If you defeat all enemies on the map before more spawn, the map will instantly end.

Anyway, I ended the map after defeating all enemies before the turn 12 reinforcements.


Phew. That was a close one. Hey, Kenichi, you guys have gotten really good at combining, haven't ya?
It's all because Hiyoshi's finally gotten used to it.
That's mean, Kenichi. You make it sound like I'm the only one holding everyone back.
Wasn't that the case?
Grrr. They're so mean, Taako!
PLEASE DON'T CRY, HIYOSHI.
(Taako. Voltes. CV: Junko Hori)
(TL Note: Taako is a mechanical octopus that Hiyoshi built in the show.)

[KitsuneRagnell]

Video of this chapter.
Archived version of this chapter.

Last time, the gang escaped from Central Europe in a transport plane.


Commander Fuala Griffon's use of the guillotine was a bad move. She's been summoned by Colonel Tassilo Vago to the Keilas Guilie.
She's returned to space?
She's going to be brought before a military court. Could you go and escort her?
…Roger.
Gather all of our damaged Mobile Suits and prepare to head to Arti Gibraltar.
Arti Gibraltar, sir?
Yes.
All locations that can send things to space are in neutral areas.
It'll be fine as long as you go through the proper procedures.
I expect my request will be rejected.
That will give us an opening. Even the former Zeon forces didn't touch Gibraltar.
So we're going to take them over by force, huh…
Can I count on you to do it?




Space Route Chapter 14: Voltes Combination Impossible




That's definitely the transport plane?
It is, sir. We've had them under surveillance from the moment they left the airport.
I believe you. Asimov, are you ready?
Ready when you are.


What? Aliens? Shrike Team, prepare to sortie!
Captain, remember where we are right now.
Oh, right. The Gun-EZs can't fly.
Just leave it to us.
Are you sure?
We're the only ones who can fly. We have no choice but to do this.
Thanks.
Don't worry about it.
Good luck!
Aye-aye, sir.
I guess it can't be helped. We're too high in the sky. Dammit, I wish Mazinger could fly too.


[The Volt Machines combine]
Hehehe. There you are. Go forth, Beast Knight Namazungo! Destroy Voltes' Super EM generator!




What!? Our combination is being undone?
Is it because of that Beast Knight's beam?
AHHHHHHHHH!!
Voltes! What's wrong!? Kenichi! Ippei! Answer me! Megumi! Daijiro! Hiyoshi!
Captain, lower our altitude.
Roger.
(Robert Gomez. V Gundam. CV: Osamu Kato)
Everyone, hang in there! Don't die! Don't you dare die!! You hear me!?


They crashed around here!
At this height, we can safely descend using our verniers. Retrieve the Voltes Team!
Roger! Üso and I will distract the enemy. While we do that, the Shrike Team will rescue the Voltes Team. Got it?
Roger!
Let's go!
Yes.




Say hello to the smallest map in the game. The objective is to rescue all five Volt Machines. To do that, you need to end a unit's turn adjacent to one of the Machines, then they get rescued between phases. Thankfully, there aren't any enemy reinforcements. Just make sure you get all the items before you save the last Machine. Also, Mazinger isn't playable here since it wouldn't be able to return to the plane.


The transport plane is fully playable in this stage only. I'm not even going to write a unit description for it. There's no reason to ever let it fight, since all it has is an extremely weak 1-range machine gun. A Gun-EZ's vulcans are stronger than it.


Bosses are Asimov and Desmont in their Grotectors. I'd also call the Beast Knight Super Namazungo a boss, since it's a unique enemy here. There's no reason to fight the Grotectors, since we lack any sort of firepower, but the Namazungo is fair game.

Here are the items on this stage.



The map ends once you save all of the Volt Machines.


Sis, we're done here.
Roger! We've recovered the Voltes Team!
Excellent. Everyone, get back on the plane!
[Junko boards the plane]
Üso, come on!
Yes!
[Everyone else boards the plane]
Everyone's back!
Roger!
[The plane leaves]
Wahaha. Look at them run. How do you like that, Earthlings? Learned your lesson yet?
Let's pursue them.
Asimov, we've squashed Voltes. This battle is practically over. There's no need to rush.
Mmm… I suppose so. Let's call it a day.
Agreed. It would be a shame to ruin all the fun this early. Wahahahaha!


I have returned.
Mmm. How did it go?
Sir, I've defeated Voltes V.
Well done. What about the rest of them?
The only reason we've been having so much trouble is because of Voltes V. Now that it's taken care of, we can deal with the rest at our leisure.
I see. I'm looking forward to more victories.
Just leave it all to me.


Hahahaha. Asimov, I feel like a weight has been lifted off my chest. I owe it all to you.
No need to thank me. I just did what was natural.
Your friendship is truly invaluable. You'll always have my thanks. Wahahahaha.


Oh, he's awake! He's alive!
Of course he is! They're not going to die that easily. Hang in there, Kenichi.
Ugh… Hmm? Where am I?
Rise and shine. We're inside the transport plane.
What about the aliens? Ugh…
They're gone. Don't worry.
I remember being attacked by a Beast Knight… Ah! Where's my team? Are they safe?
It's okay, they're still alive. Unconscious, though.
Hiyoshi! Owwww…
You need to stay put. You're in the worst shape.
I'm the most injured? That's good to hear…
What are you saying, young one? It's not good that you're that hurt.
Ugh…
Oh, the others are waking up too.
But there's a problem.
What is it?
We can't perform any repairs on Voltes V here. It seems their Super EM generators are shot. The machines can't combine or even move.
W-what!? Voltes V can't move? Please tell me you're kidding!
I can't lie at a time like this. Reality is harsh.
No… Just when we finally managed to consistently combine…
Well… Guess we need to contact Japan.
We can use this plane's radio.
Great. I'll be right back.

If it wasn't made clear, you're no longer able to use the Voltes Team for the rest of the Space Route, as they get sent back to Japan between chapters. Their plot will pick back up on the Earth Route.

[KitsuneRagnell]

Video of this chapter.
Archived version of this chapter.

Last time, we saved the Voltes Team from a sticky situation. They've since gone back to Japan.


Katejina! How are you at Arti Gibraltar? Did you manage to escape from BESPA?
Üso!?
Are you going to space?
Yes. That's just how things have turned out.
Space has become a battlefield. It's dangerous to go there now. You shouldn't go.
Nowhere is safe anymore.
Then let me come with you.
You can't.
Why not?
You're already a member of that group, aren't you? You can't afford to be selfish. Besides, isn't protecting Shakti your mission?
That's…
Can you leave her behind?
…
I'm off.
K-Katejina!
Is something wrong, Üso?
N-no… It's nothing. How did it go, Oliver?
Not well. It's the same as yesterday. They refuse to even consider it. They just keep insisting that they're unarmed and neutral.
We have to do something before the transport plane arrives.
I know.
Hey, is that BESPA!?
Huh?

Attention Arti Gibraltar. I am Commander Fuala Griffon, Commander of the Zanscare Empire's Yellow Jackets. We are about to land.

We're being invaded?
(Mandella Soone. V Gundam. CV: Joji Nakata)
Not at all. She's my superior. I wasn't told she was coming here.
If Zanscare resorts to military force, it'll become all of humanity's enemy.
Mandella, I believe you've already gotten an offer from the Largain Base. Why won't you allow our troops to pass through Arti Gibraltar?
We are a public corporation and will not take sides.
…Might you bend the rules for a moment?
Please leave.
…Oh? You see that transport plane that just landed? I know for a fact that belongs to the guerrillas. Now, what could that mean?
I don't know anything about that.
Don't tell me a neutral organization is actually sided with the League Militaire.
Of course not! We would never do something like that.
It seems that it no longer matters. The Commander has sent out her troops.
Stop her! Please!
I cannot.


Space Route Chapter 15: Gibraltar Airspace


Listen up, everyone! We cannot let the rails get broken.
We know, Sis.
This place is important for sending things up into space.


BESPA is surrounding the facility and we're the only ones who can stop them from ruining everyone's day. Split up and try to intercept the enemies before they get close to the facility. Don't forget to go item hunting as well. Because of our lack of flying units, you'll have to send a Gun-EZ into the water to get one of the items.

Gomez returns in the transport plane, but he's just an uncontrollable NPC here. You can't even use his Spirits.


Our bosses are Metchet in his Recarl, Pippiniden in a Zolo, Cronicle in a Shokew, and Duker and Renda in aquatic Galguyuses. It's very annoying to fight aquatic Mobile Suits.

This stage has a very interesting secret that's not worth going for.

SECRET ALERT
Kate Bush's Death
Have an enemy get to a space adjacent to the rail. Aquatic Mobile Suits don't count.

I actually had to purposefully try to get this secret to trigger for this LP, just to show it off. Of course, I won't let Kate stay dead, but it sure is a decision the devs made to have a secret to permanently kill off a character.




[Kate moves next to the perp]
You can't destroy this. Don't you realize that this is humanity's treasure?
I can hold it like this… Ah!
I commend you. It's a touching sight to see you support the rails like that. Your MS can stay where it is, but you as the pilot must die. Don't worry, this won't hurt for long.
AHHHHHH!!


KATE! How could this have happened?
Üso, what happened?
Kate… Kate died protecting the rails…
She got killed?
Yes… This is all my fault…
Don't be so spoiled! What can you do all by yourself!? Regrets won't bring Kate back!
P-please don't get angry. Junko… I…
Pull yourself together! There are still enemies about!!

Lemme just reload the save so Kate doesn't have to die. If she's shot down before this happens, she'll be spared, ironically.

By the way, enemy reinforcements spawn on Turn 3 to the north of the facility.

The next plot event happens on Turn 6.


Sayaka!? Is that really you, Sayaka?
Koji! I brought you a present.
A present? For me?
We'll talk after we defeat the enemy.
(Shinobu Fujiwara. Dancouga. CV: Kazuki Yao)
Who the heck are you!?
We'll introduce ourselves later. Just don't get in our way!
Yeah. Shinobu has no problem hitting allies in the crossfire.
(Sara Yuki. Dancouga. CV: Yuriko Yamamoto)
Zip it! Get ready, everyone! Let's do this!!

Love is so far away.


[Dancouga]
Dancouga, while pretty good, is a slight downgrade to Voltes. It has one less pilot, and its weapons are more annoying to use. Its long-ranged weapons either have limited ammo or drain its EN, so chances are, you'll be running up to enemies and one-shotting them with a Dancouken instead. Make sure you upgrade that attack, along with its bulk for all the attacks you won't be able to counter.

Also, unlike Voltes, you cannot split up Dancouga into the Beast Machines.

Dancouga has a secret attack. If you upgrade its 1-ammo Daigun attack 8 times, it unlocks a MAP version of Daigun. Some other units have this same property, and I'll be pointing them out when they come up.

Daniel Cougar has four pilots that more or less do the same thing (Spirit, Valor) with some differences in their spirits. The most interesting of which is Shinobu's Rage, which inflicts a random amount of damage to all enemies on the map between 10 and 1000. If this damage would kill a unit, it leaves them at 10 HP, but its main use is to "activate" all units on the map. This will force all enemy units to immediately start moving towards the party with hostile intent, which can make maps easier to clear if you don't care about gathering any remaining items. However, this won't affect enemies and bosses who are scripted to never move.

Shinobu's theme is Love is Far Away.


Sayaka is back in her Aphrodite A too.


Enemy reinforcements spawn during the sixth enemy phase.

Now for the item locations. Of note is the Chip item, which reduces all EN costs by 10%, and HP Regen, which restores 500 HP every turn (which is kinda useful in a low HP game like this). The Chip and its upgrades are just perfect for Dancouga and Mazinger. There's one item I forgot to get, which is 5k money on the mountain peak just northeast of the facility. Oh well.



The map ends when all enemies are shot down.


Sayaka, you said you had a present for me?
It's not for you, Koji.
So who's it for, then?
Hehehe. It's for Mazinger Z.
A present for Mazinger Z? What is it?
Take a look at this.
Before that, please introduce us.
Oh, right. Sorry. These are the members of the Cyber Beast Force, who will be assisting the League Militaire in place of the Voltes Team.
Yup. I'm Shinobu Fujiwara.
I'm Sara Yuki.
I'm Masato Shikibu. Nice to meetcha.
(Masato Shikibu. Dancouga. CV: Shigeru Nakahara)
I'm Ryo Shiba.
(Ryo Shiba. Dancouga. CV: Kaneto Shiozawa)
I'm glad you're here, but the problem now is that we don't know how we're getting to space.
The company here just won't let us use a shuttle.
We have that covered. Commander Oka has arranged a new battleship for us. I think it'll arrive soon.
Wait, really? He's actually sending us a battleship?
Yes, and I know it's happening. We're to wait here for it.
That's great, Captain.
Indeed.
Okay Koji, come this way.
Hehe. I'm looking forward to it.
And here it is. What do you think?
Huh? This is… It's actually finished…
Yep. The Jet Scrander was finally completed.
My wish has finally come true. Now Mazinger is truly invincible. I love you, Sayaka! *Smooch*
Kyaaa! What was that for, Koji!?
I was so frustrated that I couldn't fly. Right now, I'm so happy I could kiss you! *Smooch*
S-stop it, Koji. I know how you feel.

[KitsuneRagnell]

Video of this chapter.
Archived version of this chapter.

Last time, the League Militaire protected Arti Gibraltar and no one died.


I'm Captain Aya Kobayashi. On Commander Oka's orders, I've come to hand over this battleship, the Reinforce.
(Aya Kobayashi. OG. CV: Yumi Touma)
I'm Oliver Inoe, Captain of the Shrike Team. I'm grateful for Commander Oka's generosity.
Where's Captain Gomez, the guy who was leading this transport operation?
That'd be me.
You are now Captain of the Reinforce, and have orders to ascend into space.
Roger that.
Also, Mazinger Z, Aphrodite A, Dancouga, and I will be coming with you into space.
You as well?
Yes. I'm the pilot of a robot called the R-3.
R-3? Do you know Ryusei?
For better or for worse. We're both part of the SRX Team. How do you know Ryu?
Before leaving Japan, I had the opportunity to spend some time with the Daiku-Maryu Squad.
Oh, right. That's where he got reassigned to.
Who's this Ryu guy?
I'd describe him as energetic and similar to you, Koji. You can't help but like him.
Oh, really? It sounds like you're praising him quite a lot.
Do you wanna know more?
Why do I wanna learn more about a chump like him?
Hmph, fine. Have it your way.
[Sayaka walks away]
Why're you so angry?
She stormed off. Are you sure you should leave her alone?
It is what it is.
Koji, you need to be more aware of a girl's feelings.
A girl's feelings? Huh??
This ship is pretty worn out.
Complaining won't get us anywhere. It's better than nothing, at least.
I mean, sure. But is this ship really space-worthy?
This is a spaceship that defined an era.
We must do whatever it takes to get the job done.
That's the spirit.
All right. Everyone, get to your battle stations!
It's flying! It's actually flying!
We're off to space, eh? Üso, do you think you can fight in 0G?
I won't know until I try.
I'm feeling kinda excited.


Prince Sharkin, I have a new report.
What is it? Proceed.
The Earthlings we've been targeting have just departed for space.
What!? Space!?
Yes.
Desmont! Because of your incompetence, you let your prey escape!
I'll go after them immediately.
You fool! Do you think Sir Gozzo will just let this slide!?
Sir…
We have no choice but to let them go. Dammit all!
My apologies.
(TL Note: We'll be seeing these guys again in the Earth Route.)


All hands, welcome to space! Check the ship for any leaks! Now that we've left the atmosphere, where should we go?
To the Moon. We're to meet up with our comrades in the lunar city of St. Joseph.
Sounds good to me. Adjust our orbit! Minus 70! Chart a course to the Moon!
Look, Sayaka, we're floating. Heh. So this is what 0G feels like.
Koji, you'll hurt yourself if you move around like that.
You need to try it too. It's so much fun. All right, make way!
Dang, that looks fun. Lemme do it too!
Koji is acting like a child.
He's just a big kid.
Just like you said, he's a lot like Ryu.
Shinobu, you should give it a try too. It's a lot of fun.
Tch. Who'd wanna do something like that?
Huh? Did anyone see something flash in front of us?
I didn't see anything.
I definitely saw something… Look! There it is again. Right over there.
Is that a battle? Who's fighting in a place like this? All hands, battle stations!


Space Route Chapter 16: Reinforce Surfaces


Eiji, can you hear me? Respond if you can. You need to surrender quietly. I'm on your side. I can resolve this as peacefully as possible. Why won't you answer, Eiji!?
(Ahmos Gale. Layzner. CV: Hideyuki Hori)
Sorry about this, Gale! Stop chasing me!
(Albatro Null Eiji Asuka. Layzner. CV: Kazuhiko Inoue)
After all we've been through, you still won't surrender?
I can't!
Captain Gale!
(Soldier)
Have it your way. Attack.
Battle mode! Prepare to counterattack!
READY!
(Rei. Layzner. CV: Eriko Hara)


The heck are those? I've never seen machines like that before. They don't look Earth-made.
You mean we've got more aliens?
Incoming communication.
(Ness Husher. V Gundam. CV: Ai Orikasa)
What!?
Who's calling?
They say they're from a "Cosmic Culture Club".
What? Are they Earthlings?
They're requesting backup.
If they're Earthlings, we can't just leave them to die.
Everyone, battles in space are different from those on Earth. Be careful.
Roger that, Sis.


Deploy the troops. There are 8 slots. I'm using Koji, Shinobu, Üso, Oliver, Aya, Connie, Peggy, and Sayaka.

First up, our new units!


[Mazinger Z (Jet Scrander)]
It's funny how the moment Mazinger can fly, we go to space. The Jet Scrander adds a bunch of weapons to Mazinger's arsenal, most notably Iron Cutter (a stronger Rocket Punch with 2 ammo) and Scrander Cutter (a free 1-ranged attack). Scrander Cutter is worth upgrading as your new default attack if you don't want to spend EN on Breast Fire. Besides that, Mazinger gets a small stat upgrade.


[Reinforce Jr.]
Our battleship for the next leg of the game. Its only unique quality is its Beam Ram attack, a 1-ranged melee attack that uses both EN and ammo. Chances are, you won't be using this. I'd be surprised if anyone naturally gets the 130+ morale on Gomez in order to use it. The Reinforce Jr. exists to soak up enemy attacks, ferry slow units around, and replenish the EN of units that go inside it.


[R-3]
A long-ranged sniper with its Strike Shields and beam cannon. It's extremely weak in melee combat and has paper mache defenses. Keep the R-3 near the back line and snipe down weakened units.


[Layzner]
Fast and powerful. It and the other SPTs aren't used much in the Space Route, but they're mainstays of the Earth Route. If you're aware of Layzner's V-MAX ability from either the anime or other SRW games, you'll find it works very differently in this game, but I'll cover that when it becomes available.

Quick note, SPT stands for Super Powered Tracers, which are what the mechs from the anime Layzner are called.


[Baybull]
It's slower, but slightly bulkier than the average SPT. However, its HP and attack power are lacking, especially later in the game.


[Buldy]
A second-stringer SPT that has a long-ranged cannon on its back. Its accuracy isn't that great, but the cannon can deal decent damage should it hit.


[Grados Tripod Carrier]
It has a resupply device, but it's so weak you don't want it to see combat. It's best used to go item hunting.

It's also worth noting that all Gun-EZs gain the Beam Bazooka attack, which is a powerful 2-ammo beam attack.

Also, the Layzner units' theme is Like Melos ~ Lonely Way. The enemy phase theme has been updated to Shout in the Dark. It's another serious banger. Shout in the Dark will be the enemy theme when fighting in space.


I forgot to inspect him, but Gale (in his Greimkaiser) and a few grunts are to the southwest and you need to help Eiji and his friends fight them off. Gale hits hard and is hard to hit, so make sure you use those Spirits or save-reset for better combat rolls.

It's worth noting that the only units we have that have an A-rank in space are Dancouga, the R-3, and the Reinforce Jr. B ranks are fine since that's most of what we got, but if you notice a decrease in performance, that's why. Also, SPT rifles are considered laser weapons, so they're not affected by anti-beam properties.

No dialogue, of course, but enemy reinforcements arrive when Gale is shot down.


He lost to chumps like these? How pathetic.
(Gosterro. Layzner. CV: Masashi Hirose)


There's a new group of enemies to the north, led by Gosterro in his Bullgrenn. He's pretty much a second Gale, at least combat-wise.

Here are the items on the map. The ones worth noting are a Megabooster and a Biosensor, but the cash is very handy.



The map ends when all enemies are shot down.


Thank you so much. I'm Elizabeth Crebly from the Cosmic Culture Club.
(Elizabeth Crebly. Layzner. CV: Keiko Toda)
Why were you aboard an alien shuttle?
We were staying on a Martian station for training. Then, Eiji appeared with this shuttle to warn Earth of the impending crisis.
Are you the one called Eiji?
No. I'm David. This guy's Eiji.
(David Rutherford. Layzner. CV: Hideyuki Umezu)
You're Eiji?
Yes. My full name is Albatro Null Eiji Asuka.
You look like an Earthling.
My father came from Earth. He was involved in an accident during a Jupiter exploration mission and was picked up by a Balmar Empire ship while drifting in space.
Hmm. I seem to recall news of a Jupiter probe disappearing without a trace a long time ago.
If your father is human, does that mean your mother is an alien?
That's correct.
Why were they chasing you?
You see… I'm trying to warn Earth about Balmar's intentions.
What do they want?
This invasion isn't about conquering Earth. Their ultimate goal is the annihilation of humanity.
What? They want to obliterate us? You're kidding.
Why would they want to do that?
I don't know why. I just came to warn Earth about the incoming attack. However, their army advanced faster than I expected, so they caught up to me.
You came all this way, but it's a wasted effort.
That's not true. If Eiji didn't show up, we would all have died.
(Anna Stephanie. Layzner. CV: Hiroko Emori)
Oh, so he saved you guys. Then it wasn't all for nothing. Thank goodness.
Yes, but…
So, what are you guys gonna do now?
For now, we need to go to Earth. I want to send the kids home and take Eiji to the EDF.
That's all well and good, but we need to repair your shuttle first. It's badly damaged.
Yeah. We've suffered considerable damage on the way here. I'd really appreciate it if you could fix it.
Just leave it to me. You won't be able to go anywhere until this is fixed.
Thanks.


If you have something to say, I'm all ears, Commander Fuala.
(Tassilo Vago. V Gundam. CV: Hidetoshi Nakamura)
All failures are my responsibility. I will abide by the court martial's decision.
There's no need to wait for a trial. I am the court martial.
...
Now, your verdict…
Sir.
You're to be set adrift in space. Lieutenant Cronicle Asher will be the witness.
Colonel Tassilo, that's a bit much…
Cronicle, you don't want to make me angry. Even if you are the Queen's brother, I will not hesitate to punish you.
Cronicle, the fact that you'd stand up for me makes me happy. Colonel, thank you for looking out for me all this time.
Cronicle, you have achieved much down there. Your promotion to Lieutenant is effective immediately.
(TL Note: According to my research, Cronicle was a 中尉, or Sub-Lieutenant. Now he's a 大尉, or proper Lieutenant.)
Sir!
Make sure it's all done properly.
Sir. By law, I've attached three days' worth of oxygen and food to her waist.
I'm sorry. It would be extremely disgraceful if someone from a family of guillotine killers was executed by guillotine… This is…for the best.
Salute Commander Fuala Griffon!
[Fuala gets shot into space]
Grrr… Dammit aaaaallllllll!!


Incoming message from the Moon.
On screen.
I am Jinn Gehenam. According to our comrades' investigation, the Keilas Guilie is not for defending Earth, but to intimidate it into submission. Your ship is to proceed immediately to the Keilas Guilie and destroy it.
(Jinn Gehenam. V Gundam. CV: Ginzo Matsuo)
What!? You expect us to attack the Keilas Guilie with this rustbucket? Are you insane?
You fool! Who said you'd be attacking it alone? There are still capable people in the EDF. Don't worry. You will get reinforcements. Got it?
O-okay.
If you got it, then get on with it! I'm hanging up!
[He hangs up]
What was that just now?
I don't like him.
Marbet, was that man the leader of the League Militaire?
Y-yeah. He is.
Is something wrong, Üso?
…No. It's nothing.
So, what's this Keilas Guilie thing anyway?
It's a giant beam cannon that Zanscare is building in orbit.
I see. While it can be used against the aliens, its muzzle is currently being pointed towards Earth, threatening it.
If they complete it, Earth will be at Zanscare's mercy.
Tch. Who gave them permission to build something like that?
The bigwigs on Earth. That's why the League Militaire is needed.
Marbet, what are you wearing?
Can't you tell? It's a pilot suit.
Why?
Did you forget? I'm a Mobile Suit pilot.
I know that, but… Just don't push yourself too hard.
Oliver?
What's wrong, Marbet?
Huh? Oh… It's nothing, Üso.
…Okay.

[KitsuneRagnell]

Video of this chapter.
Archived version of this chapter.

Two notes before we get started. You cannot upgrade any of the Layzner cast, and Marbet is now available as a pilot. You can put her into any of the Gun-EZs, or either of the Victory Gundams.

Last time, the gang went into space and encountered a friendly alien.


The repairs to the shuttle are complete, so we'll be leaving now. Thank you so much.
Safe travels. Be careful out there.
I think it'll safely make it to Earth, but since I've never worked on something like this before, I can't say for certain. Okay?
From what I can tell, you've done a great job.
*Cough* I'm a little embarrassed when you praise me so directly. Not that I mind or anything. Hehehehe.
Well then, we'll be off. Thank you for everything.
Take care.
Yes.
Now that they're gone, shall we get going?


Something's coming on our 11!
Friend or foe?
It doesn't have an ID.
All hands to battle stations! Try to hail it!
It's not responding.
Camera, maximum zoom!
It's massive! Is that an alien mothership?
Captain, this is bad. We don't know how strong that thing is. We should steer clear.
Agreed. Change course! Minus 140! Stay as far away from its path as possible!
Captain! The enemy ship has launched mechs!
So they won't let us go, eh?
Level one battle stations! Release Minovsky Particles at combat concentrations. Open all turrets! Charge the main gun and mega particle cannons!


Hehehe. They seem to be in a hurry.
(Laodicea Judecca Gozzo. OG. CV: Show Hayami)
Sir, it seems the Earthlings have some degree of judgement. Surely they wouldn't try to face the Hermóðr head-on.
(Gresco. Layzner. CV: Takeshi Watabe)
Who did you deploy?
Gale.
Are you sure about Gale? He let Eiji get away.
This is his chance to redeem himself.
Hmm… I guess that's fine.


Those are the same types of machines as Eiji's Layzner. I think they're called SPTs? Dunno what that stands for.
Captain! We should also launch.
Okay. Everyone, scramble!


Space Route Chapter 17: Mysterious Enemy Battleship


Start by deploying the troops. We've got 10 slots. I'm using Shinobu, Koji, Üso, Oliver, Aya, Sayaka, Connie, Peggy, Junko, and Helen.

Okay. Secure this ship's path! As long as enemies are ahead, we cannot move!
Gotcha! I won't let a single mech get in front of you!
Let's do this thing!


Our mission is to escort the Reinforce Jr to safety on the right edge of the map. If an enemy gets in its way, it will not move. While that happens, the enemy ship will slowly advance, taking out anyone in its way. Defeat the enemies as quickly as you can, but be sure to send some Gun-EZs off to the north and south to hunt for some items.


This is what happens you get when someone's in the way

Someone's blocking our path! Get rid of them quickly!!


For additional bosses, we've got Gale. He hits a lot harder in this stage, enough to maybe one- or two-shot anyone not named Mazinger, so watch out.


Here's the enemy ship, the Hermóðr. As this is pretty much the final boss of the Space Route, it's extremely powerful. It has a giant 11-range forward-facing MAP with 9000 power, which will atomize anyone it hits, and a 3-12 range main cannon. Thankfully, it can't attack and move in the same turn, which is why you need to hit the bricks. I'm sure it might be possible to defeat it, but probably only with cheats.

The plot advances at the start of the second turn.


Hey, isn't that the CCC's shuttle?
Why did you come back!?
We can't abandon those who helped us.
You idiot! Your presence here won't change anything!
We came to help, so a little thanks would be nice. Don't you agree, Simone?
(Arthur Cummings Jr. Layzner. CV: Yuji Shikamata)
I won't disagree about us being stupid.
(Simone Reflann. Layzner. CV: Fumi Hirano)
If we're going to do this, let's go all out and be as stupid as possible.
Leave the shuttle's controls to me.
Eiji, Rowan, and I will go out in SPTs. Let's go, Eiji!
Be careful…




Eiji! You…
Gale…
Eiji… This is your last chance.
I'm sorry, Gale.
Then you leave me no choice…


Beat it! That's my prey! I said move it, Gale!


Gosterro is here too. Watch out.


Enemy reinforcements spawn from the Hermóðr at the start of the second enemy phase.

An event happens at the start of the third turn.


[Eiji runs to the edge of the map and leaves]


[Gosterro chases after him]
You're not getting away!!
[Gosterro leaves]

Anyway, here are the items. Items of note are a Magnetic Coating and an I-Field Generator.



The map ends when the Reinforce makes it to the right edge of the map.


Phew. We managed to shake 'em. Good job, everyone.
That ship was incredible. Are we really going to fight something like that?
Would you rather surrender?
Don't joke about that. We'll never surrender to aliens… Right, Shinobu?
I'd rather die.
I won't surrender either.
Captain Gomez, were you able to locate the CCC's shuttle?
Yeah. They fled in the same direction we're going. We'll catch up with them soon.
I hope we do…
Is there something bothering you?
Yes. There were two or three enemies that just wouldn't stop chasing them…

Üso, have you gotten used to fighting in space yet? I think it's time we attached the Overhang Pack to the Victory.
What's the Overhang Pack?
Long story short, we're putting the equivalent of a battleship's main cannon onto the Victory.
So the Gundam will be able to launch a powerful attack?
Yep. However, each shot uses up an incredible amount of energy. You'll have to keep an eye on that when you use it.
Okay.


Gresco… They managed to escape.
I'm very sorry, sir.
It's fine. Hmmm… Monitor! Zoom in more!
Did you find something?
…A person… They're still moving… Let's pick them up.
You heard him!
Sir!
(Karla Egiel. Layzner. CV: Run Sasaki)
It's a human woman. She's in a weakened state, but she appears to be alive.
Bring her here.
Let her in.
What's your name, woman?
Fu… Fuala… Gri…
She fainted.
Take good care of her.
We're bringing her with us.
Sir!

[KitsuneRagnell]

Video of this chapter.
Archived version of this chapter.

Last time, the gang ran for their lives.


Captain, incoming call from a Neo Zeon battleship.
What? Neo Zeon?
Yes. It's Char from Neo Zeon.
Why would Char… Okay, put him on the monitor.
I am Char of Neo Zeon. Although this is the first time we've met, your reputation precedes you.
(Char Aznable. Gundam CCA. CV: Shuichi Ikeda)
So has yours, Char. Is it true that you defected to the aliens?
I am cooperating with the aliens, but I don't see this as a betrayal.
Helping our enemies means betraying us.
Hmm… How about this, then? What did you think of that last battle?
What do you mean?
Exactly what I asked.
I still don't follow.
It's obvious to anyone that these aliens possess technological capabilities that far surpass human comprehension. There's an immeasurable difference between our knowledge and technical skills. I doubt any of you believed you could have won that battle. In the end, fighting them is futile. No, perhaps it would be more accurate to say it would be more foolish than futile. The more you resist, the more ferocious their attacks become. As a result, human extinction becomes more and more likely. That's why I had Neo Zeon join them. It's solely to increase the possibility that humanity survives.
Shut up, Char!
(Amuro Ray. Gundam CCA. CV: Tohru Furuya)
Who's speaking now? Who just joined this call?
Amuro!?
Is that really you, Amuro?
You always preach justice based on your own selfish values.
…
Who's Amuro?
He's the ace pilot for Londo Bell, an independent unit of the EDF.
Every human being has the right to live. What value is there in justice built on the sacrifices of the many? Isn't it about time you stopped treating human lives like toys?
What do you know? Human history is a history of the strong dominating the weak. Humans are irrational creatures. In every era, they reject domination while simultaneously seeking protection. They're at their happiest when led by a strong leader. People like you, who can't see the bigger picture, use petty arguments based on the immediate situation to manipulate the masses. As a result, you're putting people into more danger while refusing to acknowledge your role. People like you will continue to blame others. What do you know? What could you possibly know that I don't?
But that doesn't mean it's okay for humans to kill each other just because one side is working for the aliens.
Then let me ask you. Is it true human happiness to fight to the last man and become extinct?
We don't know we'll lose yet.
Oh, so you think you can beat them?
That's…
We won't know unless we try.
Exactly. You seem like someone who jumps to conclusions without even trying. It sickens me.
It seems mutual understanding is impossible. In that case, I will show you no mercy.
[They hang up]
Let's kick his ass!


Space Route Chapter 18: Becoming the Blue Comet


Hahahahaha. I've finally cornered you, you little brat! Time to die! Hahahahaha.


Now it's the Layzner crew against Gosterro and a random mook. Right now, the focus should be to hide in the reef to your southeast and gather items on the southern side of the map. You'll see those item locations later in this post. Simone is best for this, as her Grados Tripod Carrier sucks at fighting, has the most movement, and she can cast Accel. Make sure you get the southeastmost item before you trigger the next plot event.


There are several options open to you. If you defeat Gosterro, Gale and some more mooks will spawn. Gale cannot be defeated, as he'll just cling on with 10HP.

To advance the plot, you need to have Eiji reach 20% HP. Eiji will always stay at 10HP if he's going to be shot down, so you needn't worry about that. I did this while fighting Gosterro instead of getting Gale to spawn.




[Gale and two mooks spawn if they haven't already]
Eiji, this is your last chance. Surrender.
I can't do that, Gale. My mission is to protect the Earth.
Very well. As an act of mercy, I will kill you myself. This is for your sister Julia's sake, as her fiancé. Brace yourself.
THRUSTER DAMAGED. DESTRUCTION IMMINENT. RETREAT IMPOSSIBLE DUE TO ENEMY PURSUIT. PILOT, PLEASE EJECT.
Not yet, not yet!
PLEASE EJ--
[Rei turns off]
Rei, what's wrong? Speak to me! Rei! What're you doing, Rei! What's wrong!?
[Something else activates]
Ah. Ahhhhh… AHHHHHHHHHHHH!


Shin Super Robot Wars - V-MAX
What the!? AHHHHHHHH!
Huh!? Ahhhh!?




That was brilliant… Eiji…
GALE! Rei, what just happened?
NO RECORD OF RECENT ACTIONS.
…Julia…
[Gale explodes]


Oh, we get exp and money from a cutscene kill. Finally, a decision that's good.

Gale! Ahhhh! GALEEEE… WAAAAAAAH!


What the hell happened here?
The Layzner suddenly went out of control.
It went out of control? Is Eiji all right?
I don't know. We haven't heard a peep out of the Layzner.
Can you pick 'em up?
We can try.
Incoming heat source on our 6!
Lay down some covering fire! Prepare to intercept!


[The Grados Tripod Carrier picks up the Layzner]
You got the Layzner?
Yes. Retrieval complete.
(Simone Reflann. Layzner. CV: Fumi Hirano)
You need to leave this place.
Roger!
[All Layzner units retreat]


Enemy Mobile Suits launched.
Everyone, launch as soon as you're ready.


By everyone, he means 8 units. I'm using Koji, Shinobu, Üso, Oliver, Sayaka, Aya, Peggy, and Cony.

First up, our new-ish unit.


[LM312V04+SD-VB03A V-Dash Gundam]
It's the same as the Victory Gundam, but it has two new attacks. It has a Beam Trident, which is a replacement for its normal Beam Saber, and the Overhang Cannon. The Overhang Cannon uses 130 EN, so realistically, you only ever get one shot out of it per map. Make it count.

Now we've got Neo Zeon to our north and the Grados SPTs to our southwest. Hold position or hide in the nearby asteroid field to help weather their attacks. Send out any Gun-EZs to gather items.


For bosses, we've got the Rewoola and Rezin in a Gera Doga. The Gera Doga isn't a threat, but the Rewoola totally is. While it's not as strong as a Grotector from earlier in the game, it can and will destroy Mobile Suits in a single hit, and stronger Super Robots/battleships in two or three. I do appreciate how this game makes battleships actual threats.

The plot advances on the next enemy phase after there are three enemies remaining, or you fight the Rewoola once.


This is Londo Bell. Reinforce, we will provide cover for your ship.
(Bright Noa. Gundam CCA. CV: Hirotaka Suzuoki)
The Ra Cailum!? Is that Londo Bell? That was fast… I can't believe they were this close.
Shall we deploy Gyunei?
(Nanai Miguel. Gundam CCA. CV: Yoshiko Sakakibara)
Good idea. This will be a chance to test him in live combat.

First up, our new units!


[RGZ-91 Re-GZ (BWS and MS forms)]
We get two of these, piloted by Amuro and Kayra. In its BWS form, the Re-GZ has the highest base movement of any mech in the game. It also has three decent attacks, though their usage is limited by their low ammo count. It also cannot use any of these attacks after moving. While they're amazing right now, they fall off a bit towards the endgame. It's not unheard of to use them for item collection.

The BWS can be shed either manually or when it is shot down, which fully restores its HP and EN. In Mobile Suit mode, the Re-GZ is still better than a Gunblaster, but not by much. You'll want to avoid using MS mode except when necessary.

Amuro continues to be the best MS pilot in SRW games, and Kayra is on par with the Shrike Team, if not a little stronger.


[Ra Cailum]
An upgrade to the Reinforce Jr. While it lacks the Beam Ram, it does have higher stats. However, you won't notice much of a difference since it'll serve the same role.


[LM111E03 Gunblaster]
We get three of these, piloted by Francesca (Franny), Miliera, and Juca. They're just stronger Gun-EZs, but are still extremely expendable. Instead of costing 500 money to repair when shot down, Gunblasters require 800 money. Still, there's no reason to use a Gun-EZ over a Gunblaster.

Franny, Miliera, and Juca are the last three Shrike pilots you get. Franny never learns Valor, but she does learn Guard. Miliera has the three main Spirits of Accel, Focus, and Valor, making her one of the best Shrike pilots by default. Juca does have Valor and Accel, but she also gets Soul at level 40, which is pretty much the end of the game. It's up to you to decide if you want to stick with her in the long run.

As a note, all Char's Counterattack units' theme is Nu Gundam.


For new bosses, we've got Gyunei in a Jagd Doga. Its funnels will hurt a lot if it hits, so watch out for that.

The Rewoola retreats when it hits 30% HP, or if there are 3 enemies left after Gyunei hits the field. It's possible to defeat it and get a big payday if you max out Dancouga's Dancoukougaken attack.


Nanai, we're retreating.
Roger that, Colonel.
Char! Are you running away?
…There's no point in challenging me with a Mobile Suit of that caliber.
[The Rewoola retreats]

Here are the items on the map. Of note is the Psychoframe in the lower right corner.



The map ends when all enemies are defeated.


Colonel, why didn't you let me sortie?
(Zechs Merquise. Gundam Wing, CV: Takehito Koyasu)
The battle has only just begun. There's no need to rush.
You saved my life. I only want to help you.
I know, but there's one thing I want you to remember. The only reason you survived was your luck. I just happened to be near the colony when it exploded. I did what was expected of a human being. I do not wish for you to serve me out of obligation.
You don't need to force anything. I want to help you, Colonel.
I gratefully accept your kind offer.
Thank you, sir.
However, helping me means helping the aliens who destroyed your colony.
…
Are you really okay with that?
I know you're only working for the aliens to build up the strength to fight back when the time is right.
Heh… If that's what you think.
Try all you like, you can't hide it from me. I'll wait for that time to come.
…


This is the Ra Cailum of Londo Bell. We would like permission to land our shuttle on your ship.
Permission granted.


Captain, I am Lieutenant Robert Gomez, Captain of the Reinforce.
I am Bright Noa of the Ra Cailum. At ease, Lieutenant.
Thank you, Sir.
I've heard about your ship. I believe you carry members of the League Militaire.
We're all members of the League Militaire. I'm Romero, that's Otis, and this is the leader of the Shrike Team.
I'm Oliver Inoe. These lovely ladies are the Shrike Team.
Hmm? You…
Captain Amuro, right? I'm Captain Aya Kobayashi of the EDF's Far East Branch.
By chance…are you a Newtype?
No… I mean, my mental strength is stronger than an average person, but I wouldn't call myself a Newtype.
I see. So I was mistaken… But…
If you're looking for a Newtype, the kid might be the one you're looking for…
Oh?
Hey, Üso!
Coming… Hey, aren't you…
Do you feel it?
Y-yeah… I feel something…
This kid is the pilot of the Victory. He's excellent at it, too.
So he's the Gundam's… Are we in an era that requires Newtypes?
…
Hey, Fujiwara. We never got an introduction.
Just call me Shinobu. When you call me Fujiwara, it feels like I'm being scolded by Dr. Hazuki. It's uncanny.
Their voices do sound similar.
(TL Note: Hazuki and Koji share the same VA.)
They don't seem all that interested in us.
I guess we do give off a different vibe.
Hey, stop moping over there and come here.
And here I thought you forgot about us. Let's go, Fujiwara.
Tch. I told you, it's Shinobu.
These are Koji Kabuto and the Cyber Beast Force. They're here to help us.
I'm Koji Kabuto, Mazinger Z's pilot. Nice to meetcha.
I'm Shinobu Fujiwara of the Cyber Beast Force. These three are my teammates.
Don't just brush us off, Shinobu! I'm Masato Shikibu, and this is Sara and Ryo.
If I recall correctly, you came from the same branch as Captain Kobayashi.
Just call me Aya. We all belong to the Far East Branch.
Hey, Ness, can you get in touch with that shuttle?
Oh, I completely forgot about them.
This is Elizabeth. Is everyone all right?
Everything's fine on our end. What about Eiji?
His life isn't in any danger. However…
However? What happened to him?
He's in a daze. Won't react to any of us.
You say the Layzner went out of control. What happened there?
Eiji fought an enemy he called Gale, and the Layzner ended up taking a lot of damage.
Just when we thought Eiji was defeated, the Layzner suddenly started glowing blue and began to move.
(Rowan Demitrich. Layzner. CV: Katsumi Toriumi)
And then it destroyed the enemy SPT instantly. It was amazing.
But it was also scary. It completely obliterated its opponent. It was as if someone else was piloting it.
After that, Eiji…
Anyway, we'll be heading to Earth now.
Is your shuttle intact?
Yes. It didn't take any damage.
Be careful on your way down. No matter what happens to us, you better not turn around.
Okay.

The Cosmic Culture Club's story will continue on the Earth Route.

[KitsuneRagnell]

Video of this chapter.
Archived version of this chapter.

During this intermission, we also received two more Gunblasters that need pilots, and a new pilot in the form of Hathaway Noa. Also, both the V-Dash and V Gundam Hexa got Mega Beam Rifles, which are stronger ranged weapons than normal Beam Rifles, but with less ammo.

I've shuffled some pilots around as well. Kayra and Marbet are now in Gunblasters, and Hathaway is piloting a Re-GZ.

Last time, the Reinforce Jr. encountered Neo Zeon and joined up with Londo Bell.


By the way, Captain Gomez, the Reinforce is set to attack the Kelias Guilie, correct?
Aye.
Londo Bell has long held suspicions about the Kelias Guilie.
Why don't you join us?
Hmm… We haven't received official orders yet.
Bright, once the Kelias Guilie's Big Cannon is complete, Earth will be powerless.
You're right…
Then why are you hesitating? That's not like you, Bright.
Heh… When you need to do something, you just have to do it, eh?
But Captain, if you go in without official orders from HQ, it could lead to a court martial.
Captain Gomez, wouldn't you face the same if you go in with the Reinforce?
This attack is what I've been waiting for ever since I was chosen to lead this ship.
I can't let you have all the glory.
So then…
Let's get started.
Gotta love Londo Bell.
So they're screwing the rules… Kinda reminds you of us. Eh, Shinobu?
I don't really care.




It seems the League Militaire and Londo Bell have joined forces… Hmph. They're just guerrillas and a single independent unit. No matter how many of them gather, they're no match for the Kelias Guilie Fleet.
However, if you throw in that new white MS and those irregulars from the Far East Branch, we can't afford to let our guard down.
Don't worry. Lions use all their strength, even when hunting the smallest prey.
I'm relieved to hear that. I'll join the fray as soon as my Contio is ready.
Attention Kelias Guilie Fleet! Cease construction on the Big Cannon! Prepare to intercept!


Space Route Chapter 19: Big Cannon


Begin by deploying the troops. There are 12 slots. I'm using Koji, Shinobu, Üso, Oliver, Amuro, Aya, Sayaka, Franny, Mirilia, Kayra, Marbet, and Hathaway.


Huh? Is that Borot? Boss!? Are you piloting that thing, Boss?
Hehehe. 'Tis I, Koji.
M-MUCHA!? Since when can you pilot Borot?
It's a thing now.
I'm surprised Boss allowed it.
Hehehe. There's no way Boss would ever let me.
Whaaaaaat!? So you're doing this behind Boss' back?
I went through a lot of trouble to create this Super Borot. I have the right to pilot it.
When Boss finds out, he's going to kill you.
It'll be fine. Do you really think Boss will chase me all the way to space? Anyway, I have something cool to show you, Koji.
Something cool?
Check this out… Goooo!


W-was that a MAP? Borot has a MAP!?
Hehe. Surprised?
Yeah. I did not see that coming.
Hehehehe…

Speaking of surprises.


[Super Boss Borot]
Exclusive to Shin SRW is Super Boss Borot. Don't let its unique appearance fool you, this thing is ass. 1-range attacks with terrible accuracy, very little armor, and its MAP attack is honestly awful. Its only utility is as a resupply bot, and the fact that it only costs 100 money to repair. If you honestly want to use Super Boss Borot, put Sayaka in it, since she gets Strike.

Mucha, making his SRW debut, is probably the worst pilot in the game. He doesn't even have any Spirits until level 25! That's also not to mention that his terrain rankings drag down Borot even more. There's a reason why he gets demoted to sub-pilot in later games.


Nothing to it but to move north. Send someone with Accel to the west to pick up some items, then book it north to avoid enemy reinforcements.


Speaking of which, enemies spawn during the third and fifth enemy phases. The Turn 3 reinforcements also spawn 3 MSes to the southwest, and the Turn 5 reinforcements include Cronicle, without any dialogue.


Our bosses for this stage are Tassilo in an Amalthea, and Cronicle in a Contio. Like most battleships, take out the Amalthea at close range. If you can, make sure you destroy the Amalthea while under Luck for a massive payday. The Contio is surprisingly a threat, so take it on carefully.

Here are the items for this stage. Of note is a Biosensor and an M-Chip (reduces EN used by attacks by 25%).



The map ends when all enemies are defeated.


By the way, where did you come from?
Hehehe. From the Kelias Guilie.
What!?
Hehehehe.
How did you manage to sneak in?
Borot and I got a part-time gig carrying luggage.
I'm speechless right now.

What's wrong, Bright? You look pale.
Oh, Amuro. I just got orders from EDF HQ.
Figured it was coming. What does it say?
To report to HQ immediately.
Is that all?
Yeah…
That's bad… Do we go?
It's a direct order from HQ. We have to.