Came for the action, stayed for the story.
User Rating: 8.9 | Super Robot Taisen: Original Generation GBA
I came into SRT expecting Advance Wars with mechs but I got a very different and ultimately fulfilling experience. Even though it is technically a turn-based strategy game it relies less on strategic map location (such as in Advance Wars) and more on unit stats. The story in SRT is very lengthy and engaging and overflows into the missions as objectives may change or various surprises may pop up mid-mission. As an older gamer (29) I appreciate a storyline with more depth and sustenance. SRT is very heavily story driven and may upset those looking for pure turn-based strategy action. The game started out slow as I didn’t know what to expect but once I got hooked on the story I played until my eyes hurt.
The game doesn’t tutor first time players very well but this adds to the feel of being a fresh pilot thrown into the fray. The customization of pilots, mechs, and weapons can get confusing and hard to keep track of as there are so many stats and the number of units to control increases greatly.
The fight animations are well-done and although they may get repetitive the smack-talk that takes place between combatants during fights gives the battles a more epic feel and ties all characters to the storyline. I look forward to Super Robot Taisen OG2 and Super Robot Wars DS and screamed in frustration when I realized just how many SRT games are available in Japan but not in the U.S.!
