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Released during the golden age of the Super Famicom in 1994, Super Robot Taisen EX (also widely known as Super Robot Wars EX) stands as a pivotal entry in the long-running tactical RPG franchise. Unlike its predecessors, which focused heavily on a linear crossover of various mecha anime series, EX took a daring step by centering its narrative around original characters and a specific sub-setting within the franchise. It served as a bridge between the third and fourth mainline entries, offering a deeper look into the "Masou Kishin" or "Lord of Elemental" lore. Despite never receiving an official Western localization, it remains a cult classic among strategy enthusiasts and import collectors due to its innovative systems and high production values for the era.
The narrative of Super Robot Taisen EX departs from the usual Earth-based conflicts or space-faring battles against alien invaders. Instead, the story unfolds in the subterranean world of La Gias, a hollow earth civilization with a high level of magical technology. The plot follows three primary protagonists who find themselves entangled in a civil war within the Holy Kingdom of Langran.
Players can choose to follow the paths of Masaki Andoh, the pilot of the wind-elemental Cybuster; Ryune Zoldark, piloting the Valsione; or the enigmatic Shu Shirakawa, commanding the powerful Granzon. As these characters navigate the political intrigue and mystical threats of La Gias, they summon heroes from the surface world—including iconic units from Mobile Suit Gundam, Mazinger Z, and Getter Robo—to aid them in their struggle. This setup allowed for a more focused, character-driven story that fleshed out the "Banpresto Originals" more than any previous title.
At its core, Super Robot Taisen EX retains the classic turn-based strategy mechanics the series is known for. Players move their units across a grid-based map, engaging in combat that triggers cinematic battle animations. Success relies on managing "Spirit Commands" (special pilot abilities), upgrading weapon systems, and utilizing terrain bonuses.
However, EX introduced the revolutionary "ISS" (Interactive Scenario System). This mechanic allows the player's actions in one protagonist's story to directly influence the events and difficulty of another's. For example, defeating a specific enemy in Masaki’s route might cause them to be absent—or replaced by a stronger foe—in Shu’s route. This encouraged multiple playthroughs and gave the game a layer of strategic depth that was far ahead of its time. The difficulty also varies significantly between the three paths, with Shu’s route often considered a challenging "hard mode" intended for veteran players.
This game was released exclusively in Japan for the Super Famicom, targeting fans of tactical RPGs and mecha anime.
The impact of Super Robot Wars EX is still felt in the modern franchise. It was the first game to prove that the original characters created by Banpresto could carry a game's narrative just as effectively as the licensed anime stars. This success eventually led to the creation of the Super Robot Taisen: Original Generation series, which focuses entirely on these non-licensed characters. Furthermore, the world of La Gias and the Masou Kishin units became staples of the series, eventually spawning their own dedicated spin-off games. For many fans, EX represents the moment the series gained its own unique identity beyond being a simple "all-star" crossover.