Improved graphics and gameplay is solid.

User Rating: 8.5 | Super Robot Taisen: Original Generation 2 GBA
Classic review time. It is SRT: Original Generation 2.

If you like robots and own a GBA then this game is a must. The game is aptly named Original Generation since all robots are created for the sake of this game. Although the Huckebein and the R-1 look a lot like imports from the Gundam series.

As for the story, its a direct sequel to the first game. Newcomers don't need to worry about the plot first but if you want to fully understand the story and the characters then having the first game is a must since there are lots of reference from the prequel. The setting is on Earth hundred year(s) from our time and which is known as the Space Era or S.E. for short. Months past after a worldwide or spacewide civil war(plus the alien invasion) that shook the Earth and its space colonies ended and still the future of the planet is bleak. Apart from that, there are forces lurking in the shadows plotting their...uhhh..plans.
The story is like that. And it is long and complicated. So I'll leave it just like that. Generally, SRT is a sci-fi game. So expect theories like parallel universe, multiverse, aliens that has the same anatomy as us, etc.

As for the gameplay, there are 40+ missions plus a secret/extra one that gives the true ending. And it's pretty much straightforward. The game is divided in episodes with each having it's own mission/battle. Each episode is heavy on the dialouge but it's not very long that'll leave you bored. Some scenes are cliche but this what you expect from an anime-inspired game. After progressing through the story, you'll have the option to choose from two paths. Characters will split to 2 squads to perform a mission in different locations. This has no effect on the story and its ending but it's still interesting to see each scenarios. You'll be able to choose three times but don't worry about characters leaving since they always reunite after the path's scenario is done.

Battle is turn-based strategy divided into player/enemy phase. You can deploy from 1 up to 20 units depending on the battle condition. Missions varies from defeat all enemies, go to a certain location, survive for n turns, or defeat/weaken the target. Attempt to attack an enemy unit will bring up an interface. In this screen, you'll be able to choose the mechs attack move and be also able to see how much damage and hit percentage you'll inflict as well as the enemy's counterattack. Moves are dependent on what type the mech is and the weapon equipped. Plus if two or three certain mechs(three on the R-series' case) are around within 1 block with each other the ordered mech will unleash their team moves. It's cool to watch and does higher damage than normal attacks. During the enemy's phase you'll have the option to counterattack, evade, or defend. Evading attacks are very useful especially if the mech's mobility is very high. Defend is useful for sturdy mechs or if you don't want to risk evading an attack. You'll receive a much lower damage. There are also support moves. If a pilot driving a mech has the offensive support ability and as long as he/she is idle and just right next to the unit your ordering then you can follow up an additional attack. Its useful since it doesn't cost the supporting unit a turn as long as the supporting unit has energy/ammo left. Likewise, defensive support will let the supporting mech take damage that is meant for the targeted unit. It's manual, so you'll have the option of using it or not.
If a certain pilot has 50 kills on his/her record he/she will receive an ace bonus. This is basically a passive skill and varies among each character. It's a great improvement compared to the first game since in the prequel there is no bonus or whatsoever.
Another thing, each pilot has their own skills that can be activated during the battle. Although it is limited by how many SP(spirit points) they have. Each pilot also have a Will gauge. There are certain attack moves that can't be use if a pilot's will hasn't met the condition.Also the higher is your pilot's will the better he/she will perform.

After the battle, you'll be taking into the RnR screen(idk how it's officially called). Here you'll be able to upgrade your mech and weapons. You'll be able to outfit them with weapons and parts although there's no cosmetic change. Each mech has a limited weapon slot and a weight limit. The customization is not complicated compared to Front Mission or Armored Core. It's standard but I do wished that they improved the interface after the first game 'cause it's still a little confusing at first. Apart from the mech, you can also let your pilots learn new abilities. This range from offensive, passive, or supportive. Learning skills cost PP(pilot point/power point/pokke points idk) which you can only acquire by defeating enemies. PP is rewarded individually. Pilots can also change mechs. Although there are certain pilots that can't operate a certain mech. And of course, in RnR you can also save your game. Let's not forget about that.

As for the graphics and sounds, this time around the battle animations not to mention the quality of the graphics is a step up from the previous game. It's much more colorful and pleasing to the eyes. The bgms are nice to hear. Chaos FTW!!!! You can listen to them anytime but first you must finish game first and then enter some silly button code. I just wished that they put it in extras. But the problem is SRT:OG2 has no extras. In the main menu, there's only New Game, Load, Continue to choose with.

As for the replay value, you can play it all over again. Loading your completed game file will let you choose to play hard mode. This one's tough and provides real challenge. Completing hard will unlock special mode. Think of this as a reward on completing hard mode since one of each weapon/parts is readily available after episode one. Not only that you can upgrade mechs to ther fullest potential. Plus the PP/cash you have on your previous file will be carried over.

All in all, Super Robot Taisen: Original Generation 2 is a fun play. It's straightforward but I found myself playing this again and again. It's not that bad for a handheld game.