Bandai/Sunrise Gundam: U.C. Game Releasing October 17 for Western iOS and Android Users
Bandai Namco Entertainment is localizing a Mobile Suit Gundam smartphone strategy game that was originally released in Japan back in 2021.
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A Japanese Mobile Suit Gundam mobile game is soon heading to Western smartphones.
Mobile Suit Gundam: U.C. Engage originally released nearly two years ago in November 2021 in Japan, but it's now finally heading to the West. This news was confirmed by Bandai Namco Entertainment, the parent company of the Gundam franchise. As the name might suggest, it's set in the property's Universal Century timeline, which includes the original Mobile Suit Gundam anime. A strategy/action game, U.C. Engage allows players to take control of over 200 mobile suits and engage in epic 6-on-6 battles.
Mobile Suit Gundam: U.C. Engage will be free to play for iOS and Android users, though like most mobile games of this variety, it will have in-app purchases available. This includes the "Haro Pass," named after the series' circular ball mascot. The Haro Pass gives players several additional diamonds, an increase in experience points gained from battles and other benefits for a month. The battles are further accentuated by animated cutscenes, depicting mobile suits and heroes from across the Gundam franchise.
There have been several Gundam video games over the years, with the first of these being Kidou Senshi Gundam Part 1: Gundam Daishi ni Tatsu, which released for Japanese home computers in 1983. Since then, the series has hit many different platforms, consoles and hardware, including from major developers such as Sony, Microsoft and Nintendo. Likewise, there have been 23 mobile phone Gundam games, with U.C. Engage being the 22nd of these. It's since been followed in Japan by Mobile Suit Gundam Iron-Blooded Orphans G, based on the anime series of the same name.
Gundam debuted in 1979 with the release of the original anime. Since then, it's become one of the biggest and most popular multimedia properties in Japan. Beyond anime and manga, the most prominent form of the franchise is that of "Gunpla," or Gundam plastic model kits. These allow fans to recreate their favorite mobile suits from the anime, as well as some original designs. However, video games have also been a major part of the series, albeit mostly in Japan. A good number of these titles have not received Western or international releases, but the latest mobile title breaks that trend. The localization of this game coincides with a major push in the brand's popularity in the West.
Mobile Suit Gundam: U.C. Engage will be available for Western iOS and Android users beginning on Oct 17, 2023.
Source: Official U.C. Engage website
