The sheer volume of Mobile Suit Gundam games produced ensures that some are at least halfway decent. Some, like the Giren's Ambition and Vs. series, are downright excellent. But more often than not, the majority of Gundam games suck and sell based purely on the merit of the Gundam license.
Gundam Battle Chronicle does not fall under the category of an 'excellent' Gundam game. At best, it's poor design and ill-fitted control is buoyed by it's heaping amounts of fan service into an adequate game that Gundam fans will want to play but non-fans won't need to bother with. The basic premise has been done plenty of times before in the Gundam franchise; you pilot your Mobile Suit or Mobile Armor through 3D combat that reproduces the events and scenarios seen in various Gundam series and side stories.
What sets Gundam Battle Chronicle apart from all the other 3D Gundam games is the sheer number of playable units, with over 140 in the game. Missions are divided up by time period and faction (i.e. Federation/Zeon), meaning that there are two sides to play through for every period. Beyond the usual One Year War, Gundam Battle Chronicle includes missions based on the Gundam 0083 and Gundam Sentinel series, neither of which are seen much in Gundam video games.
Also a big focus are upgradeable statistics. Both your character and your mobile suit have a wide range of stats that are improved by points gained through completing missions. The downside of this upgrade-focused system is that most new units you receive are too weak, forcing you to grind through older levels to get enough points to upgrade it's stats until you can turn it into a competent fighter. While it sounds like a cool idea on paper, any depth it adds is countered by the added tedium and repetition.
On the bright side, at least you aren't alone. For each mission you also select a wingman and the wingman's Mobile Suit. Your default wingman is created by you at the beginning of the game, but playing through missions unlocks period-specific wingman characters as well.
The huge number of playable units really is a big plus for Battle Chronicle. Not only are the usual Mobile Suit represented, but a big helping of Mobile Armors are available to unlock as well. Despite many of the games shortcomings, I have a hard time disliking a game that lets me play as the Zakrello.
If the developers had put as much effort into the controls as they had into the huge selection of playable units and familiar wingman characters the game might have a chance of being truly excellent. Right from the start it's easy to tell not much consideration was given to the PSP's limited button layout. The game attempts to overcome some of these limitations with a lock-on system, but unfortunately the lock-on system has a number of flaws. Not only does it stay locked on to dead units for too long after you've destroyed them, but it often locks on to far away units instead of closer enemies that are of more concern. Exacerbating these frustrations is the fact that it will only lock on to one type of unit at a time. By default it will only lock on to enemy MS units, ignoring any capital ships, tanks or planes. In order to switch over to capital ships or tanks (as is often required by mission objectives) you'll have to take your thumb off the direction pad and toggle through lock on settings with the analog nub. Not only is this clumsy, but leaves you open to attack as you are immobile.
The game is relatively bug free, although there does seem to be a slight glitch causing units to get stuck on the side of buildings or cliffs. A couple seconds of boosting can usually get you free, but it's still an annoying quirk. On the other hand, I've seen the same thing happen to computer-controlled units, so it's not just the player that's getting screwed.
There is a considerable learning curve to the game, a combination of having to figure out what to upgrade on your units and struggling with the frustrating control scheme. The result for me was that in certain levels I was absolutely furious at the game (a couple times I must have played the same level over a dozen times to complete it) and other times I positively loved it. Luckily the developers weren't completely cruel, and even when you fail missions you're still awarded some upgrade points. Piloting some of the more obscure mecha (like the awesome Hygog) through missions brought a smile to my face, although I wouldn't expect that particular kind of enjoyment to be shared by non-fans.
The graphics are average for a PSP game and get the job done. The Mobile Suits have some nice lighting effects on them, although the levels are a little plain both in detail and layout. The HUD is clear and easy to read. Visually the game can't be complained about.
For most people Gundam Battle Chronicle will be an average 3D action game on the PSP, one that's probably not worth their time. Gundam fans will find an average 3D game with a lot of Gundam fan service. Assuming they can power through the frustrating learning curve, they'll find a rewarding Gundam game with plenty of things to unlock.
Gundam Battle Chronicle is available on the PSP in Japanese, Asian and Korean flavors. The game has not been released in the United States. Play-Asia has all three versions available for purchase.
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