Dai-2-Ji Super Robot Taisen Alpha

"Everything old is new again"

At long last, the sequel to one of the most beloved Super Robot Wars games ever is here! Super Robot Wars Alpha 2 (or SRW@2) is the third in this particular continuity, and it proves that an old dog most definitely CAN learn new tricks.

VISUALS: 9

One of the first things that most people pay attention to in a SRW game is the battle animations, and @2 does them like never before. The sprites possess a level of fluidity never before seen in a SRW game, and the multitude of different and creative animations is a sight to behold. Of particular note are the Real Robots, which, unlike most previous titles, are just as entertaining to watch as the Super Robots. The stage maps are crisp and well-drawn, and the map sprites are simply excellent. The only real drawback is the fact that the robots will scroll onto the battle screen before animating, which can be a little odd-looking. Furthermore, the game screen will periodically shake during battle animations for some reason, though this bug has no effect on the gameplay.

AUDIO: 8

The music in the game is comprised of MIDIs of the various themes used by the robots, and clearer tracks used as background music. The tracks are well-done, although one can't help but wish that remixed mp3s could have been used for some of the music. The various quotes throughout the game are done either by the original seiyuu or an impressive soundalike, giving the game a nice impact for those who know these voices. There's nothing quite like executing an attack command and then listening to the pilot scream out the attack before unleashing your chosen rage. The original characters are voiced quite well, although some characters, such as Zengar, occasionally come off just a bit wooden.

GAMEPLAY: 10

This SRW features a dramatic new twist on the gameplay of previous games in the form of the creation of squads for your characters. What seems like an amusing novelty quickly becomes a way of life, as the various advantages of the squad-based system become apparent. In addition to the standard attacks used by the squad leader, players can order a squad to attack all at once, decimating the enemy squad leader. In addition, most units possess at least one attack that can hit every member of an enemy squad, allowing you to progressively weaken a squad's defenses before going in for the kill. The customization of your units has become both simpler and deeper. A unit's weapons are now upgraded all at once, insuring that all your attacks remain viable throughout the game. Pilots possess far more complexity with the Pilot Point system, which lets you earn points to use to customize your aces by giving them skill boosts or purchasing special powers that they can use in battle. The whole thing is really quite elegant, and gives the game some much-needed depth. The issue of balance between Super and Real Robots is still present at times, however. The squad system seems far more beneficial to RR in the long run than SR, though common sense tells us this would be only natural. It does, however, steal a bit of the Supers' clout, as a squad of RRs can often do just as much damage as a SR, with greater overall efficiency. Still, the system is a superb addition to the game, and gives it a new level of strategic depth.

STORY: 8

One of the things that makes a SRW game memorable is the original characters and storyline that help to mesh all of these different series together into one whole. The Alpha series has long held the distinction of having one of the most epic and well-written storylines of any videogame ever. One of the big advantages of @2 is the existence of story paths tailored for the individual characters. The personalities of these people are given a chance to be put in the spotlight, making them just as memorable as any of the licensed characters. Of particular interest is the new RR male character, Arad. The interplay between him and his partner/love interest Zeola provides some of the most humorous and touching moments in the game. Indeed, all of the main characters, from the aloof yet noble Zengar, to the gentle yet determined Kusuha, to the mysterious and troubled Ibis, are portrayed as people, not just simple robot pilots. The relationships between them and their fellow pilots give this story a wonderful, intimate feel. And yet, this also gives the game one of its greatest flaws. Since all of the stories are completely separate from each other, the unpleasant need for canon becomes apparent. Should an @3 become a reality, the designers will be forced to choose one path over the others. In @1, the fact that the characters were by and large interchangeable negated this problem, but such is not the case here. In addition, despite being touted as a sequel to the previous @ games, @2 has very little connection to the events of the previous games. The enemies are, for the most part, unassociated with the threats begun in the previous games, and while mention is made of certain events from the past, many of the loose strings from the first two games remain.

Ultimately, Super Robot Wars Alpha 2 stands as a towering achievement of game design. The nitpicking disappointments are, for the most part, exactly that: minor quirks that do nothing to dramatically take away from the excellence of this game. SRW has come a long way, and if this game is any indication, the future will only be brighter.

Reviewer's Score: 9/10, Originally Posted: 04/02/03, Updated 04/02/03