Kidou Senshi Gundam Vol.1 -Side 7- (J)
What is Kidou Senshi Gundam Vol.1 -Side 7- (J)?
Kidou Senshi Gundam Vol.1 -Side 7- is a strategy game for the WonderSwan, released exclusively in Japan by Bandai. It came out during the handheld's prime years, around 1999, and adapts the early storyline of the original Mobile Suit Gundam anime. The game is a turn-based tactical affair, focusing on the battles that unfold around the Side 7 colony. If you're a Gundam fan curious about how the franchise translated to this quirky little handheld, this is one of the key titles to check out.
You command a squad of mobile suits across grid-based maps, moving units into position and engaging enemy forces. The core loop involves planning your moves carefully, managing ammo and energy, and deciding when to attack or retreat. Missions are tied to the anime's plot, so you'll defend colonies or assault enemy positions. The interface is all in Japanese, but the menus are straightforward once you get the hang of the icon-based layout. It's a typical tactical game of its era, with no real-time elements or flashy graphics.
Today, this game is worth a look for collectors and anyone interested in handheld strategy games from the late 90s. It's not a must-play, but it does a solid job of squeezing a complex genre into the WonderSwan's limited hardware. Compared to similar titles on Game Boy, it holds up reasonably well, though its niche audience makes it a curiosity more than a classic. If you already enjoy turn-based tactics and want a portable Gundam fix, give it a shot.
How to Play Kidou Senshi Gundam Vol.1 -Side 7- (J) Online
Getting Started
When you first load Kidou Senshi Gundam Vol.1 -Side 7-, you'll see a Japanese title screen. Press Start to enter the main menu, then use the D-Pad to select 'New Game' (the first option). The game opens with a narrative intro that sets up the Battle of Side 7. After that, you're placed on a mission map where you control a small squad of mobile suits.
The core loop works like this: examine the terrain, select a unit with the A button (X on keyboard), then move it to a highlighted square. Press A again to confirm movement. If an enemy is in range, you can attack by selecting the attack command from the menu. Each unit has weapon options, and you'll need to manage ammo and hit points. Turns are turn-based, so you move all your units, then the enemy moves theirs. The goal is usually to destroy all enemies or capture a specific area.
Since the menus are entirely in Japanese, you'll need to memorize a few key commands. The icon for attack is a red target, wait is a clock, and retreat is a blue arrow. Saving is done between missions by selecting the 'Save' option from the main menu. Take your time learning the interface, and you'll soon be coordinating mobile suits like a pro.
Kidou Senshi Gundam Vol.1 -Side 7- (J) Keyboard Controls
Controls
- Arrow Keys: D-Pad / Movement
- X: A button
- S: B button
- Enter: Start
- V: Sound
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