Dynasty Warriors: Gundam

Dynasty Warriors: Gundam (ガンダム無双, Gundam Musou, lit. “Gundam Unrivalled”), known as Gundam Musou in Japan, is a 2007 tactical action video game based on the Gundam anime series. Developed by Omega Force and published by Namco Bandai Games, it represents the first collaboration between the Dynasty Warriors franchise and an anime property, marking a significant milestone as the first Warriors third-party collaboration title and the first Warriors game developed for the seventh console generation.

The game successfully merges the hack-and-slash gameplay mechanics of the Dynasty Warriors series with the rich universe of Gundam, featuring mobile suits and characters from multiple series within the metafranchise. Upon its Japanese release on 1 March 2007 exclusively for PlayStation 3, it achieved remarkable commercial success, becoming the first PlayStation 3 title to sell over 100,000 copies on its launch day and selling approximately 171,000 units in its first week.

Synopsis

Dynasty Warriors: Gundam features two distinct game modes that showcase different aspects of the Gundam universe. Official Mode presents canonical storylines from the Universal Century timeline, specifically recreating key battles and story moments from Mobile Suit Gundam, Mobile Suit Zeta Gundam, and Mobile Suit Gundam ZZ. Players control six playable characters—Amuro Ray, Kamille Bidan, Judau Ashta, Char Aznable, Haman Karn, and Paptimus Scirocco—through missions that faithfully recreate pivotal moments from these series.

Original Mode features an entirely non-canonical crossover storyline where pilots from different Gundam universes unite to investigate a mysterious planet on a collision course with Earth. This mode combines characters from the Universal Century timeline with pilots from alternate universe series including Mobile Fighter G Gundam, Mobile Suit Gundam Wing, and Turn A Gundam. The storyline draws inspiration from the crossover manga Mobile Suit Vs. Giant God: Gigantis’ Counterattack, though substituting the original Musha Gundam for Gigantis.

The core gameplay follows the established Warriors formula of one-versus-many combat, where players control powerful mobile suits to defeat hundreds of enemy units whilst completing strategic objectives across various battlefields.

Development

Conception

The project originated when Bandai Namco sought to expand the Gundam franchise into new gaming genres. Recognising the popularity and success of Koei’s Warriors series, they approached the company to develop a Warriors-style game set within the Gundam universe. The concept for the game began when Bandai Namco wanted to create a new genre for the Gundam series. Seeing the popularity of the Warriors games, they contacted Koei to make a Warriors version of the Gundam universe.

Despite Koei’s developers requesting supervision regarding the game’s presentation, Bandai assured them they wanted to maintain the core Warriors gameplay mechanics with minimal alterations. Though Koei’s developers asked for supervision regarding the product’s presentation, Bandai assured that they wanted to keep it true to Warriors genre with little alterations. The development team aimed to create a title that would appeal to both existing fans of either franchise and newcomers unfamiliar with one or both properties.

Production

Omega Force, Koei’s action game development division responsible for the Dynasty Warriors series, led the game’s development. The team faced the challenge of adapting their established engine and gameplay mechanics to accommodate the unique requirements of mecha combat, including aerial movement capabilities, beam weapons, and the distinct scale of mobile suit warfare.

The game was developed exclusively for PlayStation 3, taking advantage of the console’s processing power to render large-scale battles with improved visual fidelity compared to previous-generation Warriors titles. This technical approach contributed to the game’s status as an early showcase title for the PlayStation 3’s capabilities.

Design Philosophy

Unlike traditional Dynasty Warriors games where character movesets are predetermined for each individual fighter, Dynasty Warriors: Gundam bases combat abilities on the mobile suits themselves. Unlike other Warriors titles, the moveset for a character is determined by the specific mecha they pilot. This design choice reflects the source material’s emphasis on the relationship between pilot and machine, allowing players to experience how different mobile suits affect combat performance.

The game features a unique skill system where Pilots can learn different skills by piloting different MS and each robot type has three different skills to learn. This mechanic encourages experimentation with various mobile suit combinations and adds depth to the character progression system.

Notable design features include the introduction of aerial combat mechanics, enhanced ranged combat options compared to traditional Warriors games, and the Core Block System inspired by the Gundam universe. The game also features the Musha Gundam, a newly designed non-SD version created specifically for the game by renowned mechanical designer Katoki Hajime.

Release

Initial Launch

The game was originally released on March 1, 2007 in Japan exclusively for the PlayStation 3 with the name Gundam Musou. The Japanese launch achieved unprecedented success for a PlayStation 3 title, selling over a 100,000 copies on the first day of its release, making it the first PS3 title to do so on its first day. Within its launch week, the PlayStation 3 version enjoying standout sales of more than 171,000 units in its initial week of availability.

International Distribution

A North American version was released on August 28, 2007, for both the PlayStation 3 and the Xbox 360 under the name Dynasty Warriors: Gundam with English localization by AltJapan Co., Ltd. The international release marked the game as the second next-gen Gundam game released in North America, following Mobile Suit Gundam: Crossfire.

The European release followed on 9 November 2007, completing the global rollout of the title. A Japanese Xbox 360 version, titled Gundam Musou International, was released on 25 October 2007, notably featuring both Japanese and English voice options unlike the original PlayStation 3 Japanese release.

Enhanced Editions

An expanded port for PlayStation 2 called Gundam Musou Special was released on February 28, 2008 in Japan, featuring new scenarios and mobile suits. This version provided accessibility for players who had not yet upgraded to seventh-generation consoles whilst adding additional content for dedicated fans.

Gameplay

Core Mechanics

Dynasty Warriors: Gundam adapts the traditional Warriors combat system to accommodate mecha warfare. Similar to Dynasty Warriors 2, players can attack in four combo chains. A new technique added to the mix is the Boost Charge, a forward rush done by tapping the Boost button after specific combo commands. The Boost Charge system represents a key innovation, allowing for aerial combat combinations that reflect the mobile suits’ capabilities.

The game features a three-gauge system similar to Samurai Warriors 2. In this game, different levels may have different actions from one another; a Level 2 CP Attack looks and acts independently from the Level 3 version. This CP Attack (Charge Point Attack) system, equivalent to the Musou attacks in other Warriors games, provides different tactical options depending on the gauge level.

Mobile Suit Customisation

Players can enhance their mobile suits through a parts collection system. If an ace pilot or a guard is defeated during battle, they may drop extra parts to customize the MS units. Each part is separated into four categories. These categories focus on different combat aspects: Fight (melee attacks), Shoot (ranged combat), Defense, and Special abilities.

Five different mechanics can adjust these parts though their specialty for a particular type varies between them. This system allows players to tailor their mobile suits to specific combat roles and playstyles, adding strategic depth to the otherwise action-focused gameplay.

Game Modes

Official Mode

This mode features six different characters set within the Gundam Universal Century timeline. Events are taken from the Mobile Suit Gundam, Zeta Gundam, and ZZ Gundam anime series. Each character receives a dedicated storyline comprising four missions that recreate pivotal battles from their respective series.

The mode includes an innovative “Outcome” feature that gives you the chance to save or spare certain pilots or allies of their predetermined deaths, for example: Saving Emma Sheen before her Mobile Suit is destroyed or too damaged will allow her to be involved in battles that she originally would not have been a part of. This system allows players to alter canonical events and explore alternative scenarios.

Original Mode

Original Mode, by contrast, features an original, non-canonical storyline in which teams of mobile suit pilots comprised of the three aforementioned Universal Century series and three alternate universe series (G Gundam, Gundam Wing and Turn-A Gundam) investigate a mysterious planet headed on a collision course with Earth.

This mode features 16 playable characters across various Gundam series, allowing for unprecedented crossover scenarios. In both Official and Original Mode, some characters will switch from one mobile suit to another for certain stages. Completing a character’s Original Mode will allow the player to replay any of the stages from that character’s Official Mode using any unlocked mobile suit.

Versus Mode

The game includes a competitive multiplayer component where two players can engage in head-to-head battles using any unlocked mobile suits and pilots. This mode extends the game’s longevity and provides a testing ground for different mobile suit configurations.

Mobile Suits and Characters

The game features a total of 19 playable mobile suits, representing a carefully curated selection from multiple Gundam series. Universal Century mobile suits include iconic machines such as the RX-78-2 Gundam, MSZ-006 Zeta Gundam, MSN-04 Sazabi, and various Zaku variants.

Alternate universe representation includes the GF13-017NJ Shining Gundam and GF13-017NJII God Gundam from G Gundam, the XXXG-01W Wing Gundam and XXXG-00W0 Wing Gundam Zero from Gundam Wing, and the System ∀-99 ∀ Gundam from Turn A Gundam.

The game’s roster includes both protagonist and antagonist pilots, allowing players to experience battles from multiple perspectives. Notable characters include legendary pilots such as Amuro Ray, Char Aznable, Domon Kasshu, Heero Yuy, and Loran Cehack.

Voice Acting and Localisation

Japanese Cast

The Japanese version features the original voice actors from the respective anime series, providing authentic character portrayals that maintain continuity with the source material. This casting choice particularly appealed to dedicated Gundam fans familiar with these iconic performances.

English Localisation

The English version was produced by Ocean Group with voice direction by Brad Belden and James Corrigall. Several notable voice actors reprised their roles from previous English Gundam dubs, including Brad Swaile as Amuro Ray and Michael Kopsa as Char Aznable.

However, several English voice actors who originally voiced characters in their anime appearances did not reprise their roles for the game. (i.e. Mark Hildreth for Heero Yuy, Mark Gatha for Domon Kasshu and Jonathan Lachlan-Stewart for Kamille Bidan). This resulted in some tonal inconsistencies for fans familiar with the previous English dubs.

An option to change voice language between English and Japanese is available in the American and European releases on both PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360, as well as the Japanese release of Gundam Musou International for Xbox 360.

Reception

Critical Response

The game received mixed reviews from critics, with Metacritic scores reflecting the divisive nature of the Warriors formula applied to the Gundam franchise. Professional reviewers praised the game’s successful integration of Gundam elements into the Warriors framework whilst criticising the repetitive gameplay mechanics inherent to the series.

Electronic Gaming Monthly noted that “Dynasty Warriors: Gundam wins the distinction of being the first game that made me fall asleep while playing it,” highlighting the polarising reception among gaming press. Critics consistently noted that the game primarily appealed to existing fans of both franchises rather than serving as an accessible entry point for newcomers.

However, the game found more positive reception among fans of the source material. User reviews on Metacritic showed greater appreciation, with one reviewer noting: “you get a ton of mechs to pick from and each has there own story mode so they is alot of replay hear. infact i i got a 1000 GS on it and that took me 80 hours to do it and didnt really do it cause i had to have it. i did it because i enjoyed it.”

Commercial Performance

The game’s commercial success exceeded expectations, particularly in Japan. The first day sales of over 100,000 copies represented approximately 70 percent of its 170,000-180,000 launch day shipments, making it rank third in overall sales — after Ridge Racer 7 and Mobile Suit Gundam: Crossfire.

This commercial achievement validated the crossover concept and demonstrated significant market demand for Gundam-themed action games. The success directly influenced the development of multiple sequels and established the template for future Warriors collaboration titles with anime and manga properties.

Fan Reception

The game’s reception among Gundam enthusiasts proved considerably more positive than critical reviews suggested. Fans particularly appreciated the comprehensive representation of mobile suits from multiple series, the authentic voice acting in the Japanese version, and the ability to pilot iconic machines in large-scale battles.

The Original Mode’s crossover scenarios generated particular excitement, allowing fans to create team combinations impossible in the source material. The sight of Universal Century pilots working alongside alternate universe characters provided substantial fan service and encouraged discussion within the Gundam community.

Legacy

Franchise Impact

Dynasty Warriors: Gundam established the foundation for the entire Dynasty Warriors: Gundam series, directly leading to three sequels released between 2008 and 2014. The game’s success proved that Warriors gameplay could successfully adapt to licensed properties beyond Chinese historical settings.

The title’s commercial and cultural impact extended beyond the Gundam franchise, inspiring subsequent Warriors collaborations with properties such as One Piece, Fist of the North Star, The Legend of Zelda, and Fire Emblem. This established licensed Warriors games as a significant portion of Omega Force’s development portfolio.

Technical Innovations

The game introduced several gameplay innovations that influenced later Warriors titles. The Boost Charge system for aerial combat, the mobile suit-based moveset determination, and the enhanced ranged combat options all contributed to the evolution of the Warriors formula.

The success of the mobile suit customisation system through parts collection also influenced character progression mechanics in subsequent Warriors games, demonstrating player appetite for deeper customisation options.

Cultural Significance

For many Western players, Dynasty Warriors: Gundam served as an introduction to the broader Gundam metaseries beyond the previously available Gundam Wing. The game’s comprehensive representation of multiple series encouraged exploration of the source anime and contributed to growing Western awareness of the Universal Century timeline.

The title also demonstrated the commercial viability of niche anime game content in Western markets, influencing future localisation strategies for anime-based video games.

Technical Specifications

Platforms

• PlayStation 3: Original Japanese release (1 March 2007) and international versions
• Xbox 360: International release (28 August 2007) and Japanese International version (25 October 2007)
• PlayStation 2: Japanese-exclusive Gundam Musou Special (28 February 2008)

Game Modes

• Official Mode: 6 playable characters, 24 total missions
• Original Mode: 16 playable characters, crossover storylines
• Versus Mode: Two-player competitive battles
• Gallery Mode: Character profiles, mobile suit data, and unlockable content

Content Scale

• Mobile Suits: 19 fully playable units
• Characters: 16 playable pilots
• Series Representation: 5 different Gundam series
• Mission Count: Over 30 unique battlefields

Credits

Development Team

• Director: Takahiro Sasanoi
• Producer: Hisashi Koinuma
• Developer: Omega Force
• Publisher: Namco Bandai Games
• Mechanical Design: Hajime Katoki (Musha Gundam)
• English Localization: AltJapan Co., Ltd.

Voice Cast

Character	English Voice Actor	Japanese Voice Actor
Amuro Ray	Brad Swaile	Tōru Furuya
Char Aznable	Michael Kopsa	Shūichi Ikeda
Kamille Bidan	—	Nobuo Tobita
Judau Ashta	—	Kazuki Yao
Domon Kasshu	—	Tomokazu Seki
Heero Yuy	—	Hikaru Midorikawa

See Also

• Dynasty Warriors: Gundam series
• Dynasty Warriors: Gundam 2
• Universal Century mecha
• Gundam video games
• Omega Force

External Links

• Dynasty Warriors: Gundam on The Gundam Wiki
• Dynasty Warriors: Gundam on Koei Wiki
• Dynasty Warriors: Gundam Reviews on Metacritic