Bandai Namco has revealed a new gameplay trailer for its upcoming hero shooter Gundam Evolution. The free-to-play title currently in development's trailer showcases its various modes, a variety of pilotable Gundam units, and when fans can get their first crack at the game via a playtest.
Gundam Evolution's latest trailer comes from Sony's PlayStation State of Play 2022. The annual showcase gives fans updates on in-development video games, as well as reveals and announcements of new ones. Although Bandai Namco may not have had the biggest studio presence, the Gundam Evolution trailer is undoubtedly one of the livestream's highlights.
Detailed in the roughly 90-second trailer, Gundam Evolution is a first-person team-based shooter featuring 6v6 combat. The mecha title will consist of three game modes: Point Capture, Domination and Destruction. In Point Capture, players will battle in attack or defense teams to claim objectives around the map by surviving long enough for capture. Domination mode has teams fight to control three objectives that are unlocked randomly one at a time. In Destruction mode, players are again divided into attacker and defender teams, only attackers try to destroy objectives with Megacharges, while defenders must try to disarm them.
Gundam Evolution features a wide variety of Gundam units from across the long-running franchise's storied history. Iconic Gundams will be at player's disposal, such as the classic RX-78-2, which Bandai Namco made to-scale with recycled Gundam kits, and the iconic ASW-G-08 BARBATOS. Gundam Evolution is promising a starting roster of at least 12 units, with additional units and customizable cosmetic items unlockable via in-game earned Capital Points or EVO Coins, which cost real-world money. A closed network Gundam Evolution playtest happens exclusively on PC April 7-12, with a console playtest coming at a later date.
This year is shaping up to be a big one for the Gundam franchise. In addition to Gundam Evolution, a new film this summer and new anime set to release this fall, the highly-anticipated GUNDAM PARK is set to open in April. Located in Fukuoka's LaLaport Fukuoka shopping center in Japan, the park will consist of three distinct stores: GUNDAM SIDE-F FUKUOKA, VS PARK WITH G, and NAMCO. GUNDAM SIDE-F FUKUOKA features a dedicated Gunpla construction area, VS PARK is a sports entertainment facility with Japanese variety show-like activities, and NAMCO is essentially an all-ages arcade.
While Gundam Evolution has already drawn comparisons to ultra-popular hero shooter Overwatch. However, not only is that good company to keep, but the signature Gundam look and its free-to-play will likely set it apart and has the potential to be another must-play Gundam game for mecha fans.
Gundam Evolution launches in 2022 for PC, PS4, PS5, Xbox One and Xbox Series X/S.
