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Review of Gundam 0079: The War for Earth on PlayStation

by Hemal Harris Hemal Harris photo May 1997
Cover image of Gundam 0079: The War for Earth on PlayStation
Gamefings Score: 6
Platform: PlayStation PlayStation logo
Released: 02 May 1997
Genre: Interactive film
Developer: Presto Studios
Publisher: Bandai Digital Entertainment

Introduction

Welcome to the thrilling, laser-blasting world of Gundam 0079: The War for Earth, where you, yes YOU, get to finally realize your dreams of stepping into a gigantic mech and asserting your dominance over the galaxy! Apologies to the enemies of Earth... but when giant robots are involved, collateral damage is practically a given. Designed for the PlayStation, this interactive movie blends cinematic storytelling with the high-stakes, adrenaline-pumping action of piloting the beloved Gundam. But beware: it's not all just rocketing around in giant suits of armor; challenge is lurking in every corner, ready to test your reflexes and strategies.

Gameplay

Gundam 0079 is not your typical hack-and-slash arcade style game; rather, it's an interactive film. Picture this: long cinematic cutscenes (cue the dramatic music) interspersed with quick-time events where you, the valiant pilot, must make swift decisions to save your skin and probably a few innocent bystanders, too. As soon as the epic narration invites you into the cockpit, you're thrust alongside the White Base crew, dragging yourself through narratively intense missions where decisions matter. That's right; in case you thought this was just about pressing buttons, excitement lives in your haste! In a first-person cockpit view, your immediate challenge begins. The controls aren't exactly pick-up-and-play; you'll need to balance piloting with strategic decision-making and some luck. The interface is like a battle station's dashboard (minus the snacks; sorry about that). Buff your skills in a flurry of interactive cutscenes where you'll find yourself frantically clicking and mashing buttons to attack, activate shields, or dodge projectiles. Failure isn't just an option; it's an opportunity to learn! Didn't activate your shield in time? Boom, your Gundam is now a giant scrap metal heap. However, there's a silver lining! The game does offer a way to boost your reaction speed if things get too intense. That means your reflexes can be honed from "valiant hero" to "epic, oversized metal sword-wielder" in no time. As far as challenge goes, the game plays like a strategic dance: the faster your fingers, the more enemies you destroy. Nail the timing, and you'll find yourself living your mech-piloting fantasy; screw it up, and well... it's back to your last save.

Graphics

For a game released in the late '90s, Gundam 0079 certainly managed to pull some impressive visuals for its time. The CGI animation feels like a glimpse into the future... about ten years ago. Real actors make an appearance, creating a feeling of merging anime universe with a Hollywood blockbuster (minus the multi-million dollar budget, of course). The graphics might not hold up to modern standards, but given the era, this game was trying its best to impress. The art design, heavily drawn from the beloved Gundam series, lends itself well to the environments and the large mech models-if you squint, you might just remember you're piloting an iconic Gundam while battling foes. There's something oddly retro and charming about navigating through pixelated explosions and heroes donned in big suits of armor. Each frame feels like a moment drilled into the memory banks of die-hard fans of the franchise. It's a visual treat wrapped in nostalgia, although the seamless integration of live-action actors sometimes resembles a clumsy performance art piece-not exactly traditional gaming graphics, but delightful nonetheless. Yet, much like a good sci-fi film, the graphics are still part of the fun, creating a rich atmosphere peppered with epic battles and cinematic storytelling.

Conclusion

Gundam 0079: The War for Earth is a fun dive into the world of mechs and dramatic galactic showdowns. It provides a good mix of excitement and strategy but be prepared for moments where it feels more like an interactive movie than an action-packed game. If your reflexes are quick, you'll enjoy the challenge that comes from the decision-making moments that make the game exciting. However, if you're looking strictly for intense regiments of non-stop action, this game might feel like it's skipping a beat. In the end, Gundam 0079 serves well not just as a video game but also as a stroll down memory lane for fans of the legendary franchise. Plus, with enough practice, you might just become the pilot that "saves Earth." And hey, who wouldn't want to say they've piloted a Gundam? So grab your controller, don your virtual pilot's suit, and let's get this war for Earth rolling-just be prepared for a wild ride through some pixelated nostalgia! Ready, set, Gundam!

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