Bandai Namco Studios is charting a new course for the venerable Gundam franchise with Gundam Rogue Orbit, an upcoming title designed to be an accessible entry point for newcomers. Set in an original universe, the game aims to sidestep the complex lore of the 40-year-old series, offering a self-contained narrative focused on humanity's struggle against an alien threat. Producer Yuya Tomiyama explained that this approach was taken to make the game "as appealing as possible" to a broader audience.
While stepping away from the original Gundam concept, Tomiyama emphasized that the game retains the core themes of "war and drama." Players will step into the role of Re-X, one of the few individuals capable of piloting a mech suit in a universe where humanity is on the brink of extinction. This setup is intended to capture the essence of Gundam while providing a clear narrative for new players.
Customization plays a significant role before each mission, allowing players to tailor their mech's appearance and loadout. The choice of weaponry drastically impacts gameplay, with options such as the all-around Assault Sword, the long-range and multi-target Whip Sword, and the close-quarters damage-dealing Sword Lance demonstrated in a hands-on preview. Combat mechanics draw inspiration from the Soulslike genre, incorporating elements such as a replenishable health system, a stamina bar crucial for movement and actions, and a mana-like resource.
Players must carefully manage their stamina during engagements, balancing aerial maneuvers with attacks. The combat loop involves utilizing a combination of flight, melee strikes, and ranged blaster fire. The preview highlighted a boss encounter that escalated in intensity, featuring a towering enemy and fast-paced combat where blocking was critical. A notable combat mechanic allows players to target and sever enemy mech limbs, which temporarily handicaps them and opens them up to increased damage, though these limbs regenerate over time.
Another previewed mission saw the use of the Whip Sword, demonstrating its effectiveness against larger enemies and allowing for engagement from a safe distance. The game features universal controls across different loadouts, ensuring a consistent input scheme regardless of equipped weapons. Director Yoshiyuki Serizawa also confirmed that Gundam Rogue Orbit will include a cooperative multiplayer mode for up to three players, accessible after completing missions.
Gundam Rogue Orbit is scheduled for release on March 5, 2027, and will be available on PC, Xbox Series X|S, and PlayStation 5. The preview suggested that despite its Soulslike inspirations, the game maintains a welcoming feel, empowering players as they pilot their skyscraper-sized mech suits.