Bandai Namco's new spin on the Gundam franchise is going big on style. Gundam Rogue Orbit is a high-mobility action game designed as a new entry point for players, featuring a fresh setting that doesn't demand prior knowledge of decades of Gundam lore. After hands-on time with a build of Rogue Orbit at Tokyo Game Show, it's clear the game aims for accessibility, feeling like a friendly action experience rather than an overly challenging Soulslike.
The initial reveal of Gundam Rogue Orbit drew comparisons to action-focused series like Armored Core, Monster Hunter, and Devil May Cry. While these comparisons hold some weight, Rogue Orbit distinguishes itself with more melee-centric combat, featuring flashy sword, lance, and "whip sword" attacks reminiscent of the Devil May Cry series.
In practice, Gundam Rogue Orbit feels fun, stylish, and accessible. The game is not overly punishing in combat, nor does it strictly limit player movement or attack options. While mobile suit systems can temporarily overheat from excessive boosting or shooting, the game rarely made players feel like they were overextending.
What is Gundam Rogue Orbit about?
Gundam Rogue Orbit places players in the role of RE-X, pilot of the Gundam Helix, who battles invasive alien creatures known as Apocalypse alongside a Haro companion named Vii. The Helix is equipped for this threat, with three distinct assemblies available in the Tokyo Game Show demo: Assault Sword, featuring a lock-on Anchor skill to attach to enemies; Whip Sword, which combines close-range sword strikes with an extended whip for mid-range attacks; and Sword Lance, focused on mid-range thrust attacks to maintain distance.
Each assembly boasts unique Tactical Skills and AP Units. Tactical Skills are powerful, cinematic attacks that unleash beams, explosions, or rapid melee combos. The Tactical Move provides a high-speed evasion and flanking maneuver. AP Units offer more limited but potent abilities, such as deployable shields, with pilots able to equip two AP-U units simultaneously.
Adding another layer to combat are Over-Rise skills. By filling a gauge through combat, pilots can activate Over-Rise to enhance basic attacks and automatically evade enemy assaults for a short duration. An AP Unit Burst, activated during Over-Rise, unleashes an ultimate attack, capable of filling the screen with destructive energy.
Gundam Rogue Orbit promises extensive mobile suit customization, both in terms of tactical loadouts and visual appearance. While the TGS demo restricted access to pre-built assemblies, the potential for deep customization appears significant for mech game enthusiasts.
Gundam Rogue Orbit is slated for release on March 5, 2027, for PlayStation 5, Windows PC, and Xbox Series X.