Stepping into the mech-filled arena of *Gundam: Battle Assault 2*, players will quickly learn that piloting a giant robot isn't just about looking cool while throwing punches. Oh no! It's a test of skill, strategy, and possibly your ability to not launch your controller out the window when things don't go your way. With a roster of 30 playable characters, each with their own unique abilities, building your fighting prowess here feels a bit like trying to turn a box of random parts into a working robot - challenging but super rewarding when it finally clicks!
At its core, *Gundam: Battle Assault 2* offers a one-on-one fighting experience that tests your reflexes and strategic prowess against both AI and other players. With a six-button configuration at your disposal, you'll be launching special moves faster than you can say "Gundam Wing". Each match is divided into three bouts, so you really have to stay on top of your game: lose two bouts, and it's back to the drawing board. The game also features several modes including Versus, Time Attack, Survival, and Street Mode, which serves as a sort of story mode without much of a story, reminiscent of how after a few margaritas at the beach, you can still dance like a boss but forget where you put your car keys. The gameplay itself has some complexity. You must master the boost gauge that powers your mech's flying capabilities. Think of it like your favorite energy drink - you can use it to zip around the battlefield like a madman, but use it all too quickly, and you're left hugging your ground while your opponent comes in for the kill. If that isn't bad enough, every mobile suit has a Mega Special Attack, which should be reserved for the right moment - like saving dessert for the end of your meal. Charge in too quickly, and you're left open to a counterattack. Dodging attacks costs gauge, and if you're ever out of ammo for projectiles, well, good luck: your fists are about as effective as telling your boss you're "working from home" during a family holiday.
When it comes to visuals, *Gundam: Battle Assault 2* has aged like fine wine-if that wine was bottled in the early 2000s and left uncorked in the garage. The hand-drawn graphics are vibrant and do a good job reflecting the energetic style of the Gundam franchise. While it might not bring home any awards for groundbreaking graphical innovation, it certainly delivers a nostalgic vibe that helps to immerse players in its mechanical mayhem. Watching two Gundams clash in colorful combat really drives home how killer these robots look, even if the background stages mostly consist of destructible scenery, reminiscent of when you accidentally drop your sushi on the living room carpet.
To wrap it all up with a shiny bow, *Gundam: Battle Assault 2* is a fun whirlwind of mechy mayhem that provides enough challenge to keep you engaged without constantly smashing your head into the controller out of frustration. The variety of mobile suits means you're unlikely to get bored, and each character's abilities present different styles of gameplay just waiting to be mastered. Sure, it may not dethrone classics like *Street Fighter* or *Tekken*, but it's a delightful gem worth revisiting, especially for fans of the franchise. So grab your joystick, pop some popcorn, and prepare to rumble in the colorful dystopia of Gundam battles. Just remember, while your virtual robot might be invincible, your temper is not!