Mobile Suit Gundam: Federation vs. Zeon

"Great arcade-based game that should please Gundam/mecha fans everywhere!"

Federation vs. Zeon is one of the few available PS2 Gundam titles in the states (and seemingly the easiest to find, at least to me). Since I have yet to find (and play) Journey to Jaburo and Zeonic Front (two other Gundam PS2 games released in the US), I shall use the only other 3D Gundam game I have played (Gundam 0079 Side Story: Rise from the Ashes for the Dreamcast) for most of the comparisons.

Storyline:

Federation vs. Zeon follows the storyline of the original Mobile Suit Gundam series (The ''One Year War''). The majority of the earth's population has moved to space colonies, each becoming a ''Side''. The colony furthest from the earth, ''Side Three'', declares itself the Principality of Zeon and declares a war of independence against the Earth Federation. Lead by the young ''pilot'' Amuro Ray, the Earth Federation faces off against the ''Red Comet'', Char Azable, and his Zeon forces. The game ends after the fierce battle at A Bao A Qu.

One of the cool features of Federation vs. Zeon is the option to fight the war as either side: the Earth Federation or the Principality of Zeon. You can also ''become'' a pilot from the series by inputting his/her name (ex. fighting for the Earth Federation and putting in your name as ''Amuro'', you will fight as Amuro and ''you'' will converse with others during battle).

Despite that Federation vs. Zeon is an action game that ultimately lets you decide what happens, I find that it closely follows the anime series' awesome storyline.

Storyline: 10/10

Audio:

Great music and sounds. With great BGM and J-pop tracks, the music truly sets a Gundam atmosphere. The sounds of explosions, various weaponry, and the ''Caution!'' bleeps will surround you as you transverse each level.

There's also some voice acting in Federation vs. Zeon. If you ''become'' a pilot for the Arcade mode, he/she will talk with others (allies, foes, etc.). You will also hear a lot of the dialogue from the series when you play through the ''Campaign'' mode (as you encounter important people and suits from the series, such as Dozul and the Big Zam). Please note that if you buy the US version of Federation vs. Zeon, you will only be able to hear the English voices (so if you're against the English voices or something, you should probably get the Japanese version). And, the voices can get annoying. VERY annoying. Especially if you have to do a certain mission in Campaign mode over and over…and over again.

Audio: 9/10

Video:

Very good! The graphics aren't as smooth as they could be, but they still look great. All the suits are well made, as is the weaponry. The space battles are incredible, with great renditions of space colonies, the Earth, and far-away explosions. Water and fire effects are also top-notch, especially with underwater fights.

The graphics and video for Federation vs. Zeon may not exceed today's standards, but it should certainly please any die-hard Gundam fan.

Video: 8/10

Gameplay:

Federation vs. Zeon is split up into three modes: Arcade, Versus, and Campaign.

Arcade, like previously mentioned, generally follows the anime's storyline as either an Earth Federation or Zeon pilot. However, it only goes over the most important parts of the war (it only consists of about 13 stages). By defeating enemy units, you ''unlock'' them for use for whatever side you are playing as. So, if you are playing as Zeon, and you defeat a Guntank, then you can then choose to use a Guntank while still playing as Zeon.

In Versus, you can face off against a friend, battle enemy suits for practice, or kick some robotic butt along with a friend. Your choice of suits includes the suits you have ''unlocked'' during the Arcade mode. So, if your friend forces you to be Zeon/the Federation, you can still use any of the opposite side's suits as long as you have unlocked them.

Campaign mode also follows the anime's story, but you have more control over it. Instead of simply progressing to the next level automatically like in Arcade, you get to choose missions in Campaign. Some missions will disappear after you accept a different mission or two, so it makes every play through unique. You can also ''unlock'' enemy suits in Campaign, but through different methods: instead of simply destroying a suit to unlock it, you have to weaken it as time runs out. If you are successful, you will be notified that your forces have captured that mobile suit.

Unlike Gundam games like 0079: Rise from the Ashes, Federation vs. Zeon isn't first-person; it's third-person action. I personally find third-person better for this kind of game. Also, you are told where an enemy or enemy attack is coming from, and allows you to pull evasive maneuvers on the fly. I found that quite handy, and I think that this will make it easier for beginners.

All in all, good mode selection and tight controls.

Gameplay: 9/10

Replayability:

Each mode features great replay value:
Arcade Mode- At least two play throughs, one as the Earth Federation and one as Zeon.
Versus Mode- If you have friends who are Gundam fans (or will at least play with you), then the replayability is endless. You can still fight the computer for quick practice, also.
Campaign Mode- Again, at least two play throughs as both sides. Plus, you can try to play through and complete all the missions. That should take some time.

Federation vs. Zeon is also a great game to come back to. The replay value is as simple as this: if you're a Gundam fan, you should never tire of playing this.

Replayability: 10/10

Overall Score: 9/10

Federation vs. Zeon is a seriously great game. If you are a Gundam fan, then it is a must. Federation vs. Zeon, the winner of the famous Japanese ''Famitsu'' magazine's Gold Award…and I can see why.

Reviewer's Score: 9/10, Originally Posted: 02/22/03, Updated 02/22/03