Kidou Senshi Z-Gundam: Away to the NewType

Kidou Senshi Z-Gundam: Away to the NewType

Introduction

Released during the twilight years of the 16-bit era, Kidou Senshi Z-Gundam: Away to the NewType is a sophisticated tactical strategy game that serves as a love letter to one of the most beloved entries in the Gundam franchise. Published by Bandai in 1996, this title arrived at a time when the industry was pivoting toward 3D graphics, yet it chose to master the 2D capabilities of its hardware to deliver a deep, narrative-driven experience. Also known by its full title Kidou Senshi Zeta Gundam: Away to the NewType or its Japanese designation 機動戦士Ζガンダム AWAY TO THE NEWTYPE, the game offers a refined blend of resource management and turn-based combat that remains a highlight for fans of the Universal Century timeline.

Story & Setting

The game is set during the tumultuous events of the Gryps Conflict, occurring in the year Universal Century 0087. The narrative follows the Anti-Earth Union Group (AEUG) as they struggle against the Titans, an elite and increasingly tyrannical counter-insurgency force of the Earth Federation. Players primarily step into the shoes of Kamille Bidan, a temperamental but gifted teenager who finds himself piloting the cutting-edge Zeta Gundam.

The setting is meticulously crafted to mirror the dark, political tone of the original anime. As players progress, they encounter iconic characters like Quattro Bajeena (the legendary Char Aznable in disguise), Bright Noa, and the formidable Paptimus Scirocco. The game does an excellent job of weaving the personal growth of its pilots with the grander scale of space opera, forcing players to reckon with the consequences of war and the evolution of humanity into "NewTypes."

Gameplay

Kidou Senshi Z-Gundam: Away to the NewType is a turn-based strategy game that emphasizes tactical positioning and pilot development. Unlike some of the faster-paced action games in the series, this title requires players to think several moves ahead. The game is divided into various scenarios that recreate pivotal battles from the series, ranging from skirmishes in Earth's atmosphere to massive fleet engagements in deep space.

Combat takes place on a grid-based map where players command a variety of Mobile Suits. Each unit has distinct stats, weapon ranges, and terrain advantages. When an attack is initiated, the game transitions to a side-view battle animation that showcases the impressive sprite work of the late Super Famicom era. A key mechanic involves the "NewType" abilities of certain pilots; as characters level up, their intuition and reflexes improve, allowing them to perform devastating special attacks or dodge incoming fire with supernatural ease. Managing the energy and ammunition of your fleet is vital, as the game’s difficulty can be punishing for those who rush into enemy territory without a plan.

Platforms

This game was originally released exclusively in Japan for the Super Famicom, targeting a dedicated audience of strategy enthusiasts and Gundam collectors.

Legacy

In the history of Gundam video games, Kidou Senshi Z-Gundam: Away to the NewType is often cited as one of the best examples of how to adapt a complex anime into a strategic format. Because it was released in 1996—the same year the Nintendo 64 launched—it pushed the Super Famicom to its absolute limits in terms of visual presentation and audio quality. It represents a peak of 16-bit Gundam titles, following in the footsteps of the SD Gundam series but offering a much more serious and aesthetically faithful representation of the source material. While it never saw an official Western release, it has gained a cult following among importers and tactical RPG fans who appreciate its depth and narrative fidelity.

Fun Facts

  • The game features a high-quality opening cinematic that was quite ambitious for the hardware at the time, utilizing clever programming to mimic the feel of the anime’s intro.
  • The subtitle "Away to the NewType" is a reference to the evolution of human consciousness that serves as a central theme in the Universal Century Gundam series.
  • Because of its late release date, it is considered one of the more "complete" Gundam experiences on the Super Famicom, featuring a massive roster of Mobile Suits including the Rick Dias, Hyaku Shiki, and the titular Zeta Gundam.

Encontrado 0 artículo(s) en venta

  • No hay artículos en venta actualmente.