Retro Replay Review

Gameplay

Super Robot Taisen: Original Generation 2 builds upon its predecessor’s solid strategy-RPG foundation, offering tight, turn-based mech battles that demand careful planning and tactical foresight. Players command a squad of iconic mechs—each piloted by unique characters with their own “spirit commands”—to navigate grid-based battlefields and engage alien invaders in a series of increasingly challenging scenarios. The familiar sequence of move, attack, and counterattack remains, but the added depth of morale-boosting spirit abilities ensures every decision carries weight.

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The introduction of chain attacks is a standout enhancement: after positioning a unit, you can trigger linked strikes that let your mech slash through multiple foes in one fluid motion. This mechanic not only accelerates the pace of combat but also rewards smart unit placement and synergy between pilots. Meanwhile, the AI’s improvements keep skirmishes unpredictable, forcing you to adapt your tactics on the fly as enemies coordinate ambushes and counteroffensives.

Spirit commands return to enrich each pilot with temporary buffs—boosting hit rates, evasion, or even unleashing special moves that turn the tide of battle. Coupled with customizable upgrade paths for mechs, these options allow players to mold their roster into a finely tuned fighting force. From the thrill of landing a critical crit to the satisfaction of orchestrating a perfectly executed chain combo, the gameplay loop consistently feels rewarding and engaging.

Mission variety also receives a boost: objectives range from straight-up annihilation of enemy units to timed rescues and defensive holds. This diversity of goals encourages players to think beyond brute force and incorporate defensive formations, decoys, and hit-and-run tactics. As the stakes rise in mid-to-late game stages, you’ll find yourself constantly refining your strategies to counter newer enemy types and battlefield hazards.

Graphics

On the visual front, Original Generation 2 brings notable improvements over the original GBA game. Attack animations are richer and more fluid, with mech strikes morphing seamlessly into dazzling special effects that capture the anime-inspired aesthetic. Explosions and laser beams display crisp pixel art details, making each exchange feel impactful and cinematic.

Character portraits and cutscenes lean heavily into classic anime styling, complete with expressive facial animations and dynamic camera angles during key story moments. While the overall graphical fidelity remains within the constraints of the handheld platform, the enhanced sprite work and background art give battlefields a more immersive and polished appearance.

Enemy designs benefit from the same visual polish, with alien adversaries and mechs from opposing factions rendered in striking detail. The color palette is vibrant without feeling garish, and attention to small touches—like mech shadows on the ground and weapon recoil animations—adds to the sense of weight and scale in combat.

Moreover, the UI overlays for health bars, energy gauges, and command menus strike a fine balance between clarity and style. Information is presented cleanly, allowing you to assess unit statuses at a glance, yet it never distracts from the action unfolding on-screen. In short, the graphical enhancements breathe fresh life into the SRW universe on a portable platform.

Story

The narrative of Super Robot Taisen: Original Generation 2 resumes six months after the climactic events of the first Original Generation, thrusting players back into a world still reeling from the Aerogater threat. Earth’s fragile peace is once again in jeopardy as remnants of the Divine Crusaders foment chaos, determined to manipulate global affairs to suit their fanatical ideology.

As the story unfolds, two brand-new factions—known as the Einsts and the Inspectors—appear with mysterious agendas, raising the stakes beyond mere terrestrial conflict. Their presence injects fresh intrigue into the plot, as you alternate between deciphering alien motives and quelling escalating skirmishes. Interwoven personal arcs for beloved pilots deepen emotional investment, offering heartfelt moments that complement the high-octane mech warfare.

Dialogue scenes are well-paced, striking a good balance between exposition, character banter, and mission briefings. While some plot twists follow genre conventions, the game’s strong ensemble cast and dramatic score elevate key turning points. Fans of anime-driven narratives will appreciate the blend of camaraderie, sacrifice, and ethical dilemmas that unfold over the campaign’s dozen-plus hours.

New chapters not only expand the lore of the SRX and ATX teams but also explore broader themes—trust in the face of unknown adversaries, the cost of war, and the resilience of humanity under duress. These touches give the storyline a sense of weight and direction, making each mission feel like a meaningful step toward an increasingly tense climax.

Overall Experience

Super Robot Taisen: Original Generation 2 stands out as a must-play for strategy-RPG enthusiasts and anime mech fans alike. Its blend of deep tactical combat, refined mechanics, and engaging narrative ensures hours of thoughtful gameplay punctuated by moments of explosive action. Whether you’re chaining devastating combo attacks or fine-tuning your pilots’ spirit arsenal, the game delivers a satisfying balance of challenge and reward.

The technical improvements—ranging from smarter AI to sharper attack animations—coupled with a richer storyline, make this sequel a worthy successor to the original. While newcomers may find the sheer number of mechanics and characters initially daunting, the well-designed tutorials and gradual difficulty curve ease players into the SRW universe with confidence.

On the downside, occasional dialogue-heavy interludes can slow pacing for those eager to dive back into combat. However, these narrative beats also provide essential context and character development that underscore the epic scale of the conflict. Overall, the game’s strengths far outweigh any minor pacing hurdles.

In conclusion, Super Robot Taisen: Original Generation 2 offers a polished, feature-rich tactical experience wrapped in an engrossing anime storyline. It’s an ideal purchase for handheld gamers seeking strategic depth, memorable mech action, and a story-driven campaign that keeps you invested until the final showdown. Highly recommended for anyone looking to pilot legendary robots in the fight for humanity’s survival.

Retro Replay Score

8.1/10