So, when we say that Gundam fans deserve all the spoiling that they’ve gotten so far this summer 2021, we mean it. Following the launch of the highly anticipated Mobile Suit Gundam Hathaway back in June, Bandai Namco just announced a new Gundam multiplayer title that many are already referring to as Gundam Overwatch.
What is Gundam Evolution?
Gundam Evolution is a free-to-play first-person team-based multiplayer shooter title that fans are already comparing to Overwatch after Bandai Namco announced the game. As for what fans mean by referring to Gundam Evolution as the lovechild of Gundam and Overwatch, it’s because of the gameplay structure. Similar to Overwatch, Gundam Evolution is a 6v6 team-based shooter - although note that Overwatch 2 is going 5v5 - that lets players choose characters with individual classes and abilities. The only difference from Overwatch is that Gundam Evolution lets you select giant mechs that Bandai Namco has carefully handpicked from decades of Gundam media. As is the case with the Overwatch characters like Soldier 76, each Gundam in Gundam Evolution has a unique ability and set of skills that players can use in all sorts of creative manners. Bandai Namco has shared a tentative roster list for Gundam Evolution. It’s safe to say that the Japanese company knows what they are doing. Here is the line-up of gigantic robots that will be available to play in Gundam Evolution at launch:
Gundam ∀ Gundam Gundam Barbatos Zaku II Sazabi Methus Asshimar DOM Trooper Pale Rider GM Sniper II Guntake GM
With a treasure trove of popular Gundam to choose from, Bandai Namco has a deep well at its disposal. We expect Bandai to take full advantage of this as Gundam Evolution shapes up to be the Gundam game that fans have been asking for all these years.
When is the release date of Gundam Evolution?
Unlike Overwatch, Gundam Evolution will be a free-to-play shooter. This puts it in competition against the likes of Call of Duty: Warzone, Fortnite, and Apex Legends. At the moment, Gundam Evolution is exclusive for the PC and in Japan. The former will probably come off as a shock to Gundam fans. Gundam games are very rarely released on the PC platform. When they do, they usually don’t succeed. However, with this being a free-to-play shooter, Bandai might be targeting Korea and Chinese as its main market, with the internet cafe culture still prevalent in the said countries. Still, this isn’t to say that western fans are left salivating for nothing. The goal should be to release the game worldwide. Having said that, a closed beta test for Gundam Evolution is confirmed to start in August. Up to 5,000 players will be able to participate in the closed beta. Hopefully, by then, Bandai Namco can share more about Gundam Evolution.
