Super Robot Taisen: Original Generation is a tactical role-playing game developed by Banpresto and published by Atlus for the Game Boy Advance. Released in Japan on November 22, 2002, and later in the United States on August 8, 2006, this title marks a pivotal moment in the franchise as the first Super Robot Wars game to be commercially released overseas. The game distinguishes itself by utilizing entirely original characters and mecha designed by Banpresto, avoiding the licensing complexities associated with other entries in the series that feature licensed anime properties.

Gameplay Mechanics in Super Robot Taisen: Original Generation

As a strategy RPG, Super Robot Taisen: Original Generation offers a deep, turn-based tactical experience played from a cockpit perspective. The gameplay loop draws comparisons to classic military strategy titles, yet it sets itself apart through extensive internal customization. Players can tweak and modify nearly every key character and mech, allowing for personalized builds that suit different combat styles. The game challenges players to lead an elite team of robot pilots against the forces of evil in a war for humanity's survival.

Core Gameplay Systems

  • Dual Protagonists: Players can choose between Ruysei from the East Brigade's SRX team or Kyosuke from America's ATX team, experiencing the conflict from distinct perspectives.
  • Deep Customization: Extensive tweaking options for both pilots and their machines provide significant strategic depth.
  • Turn-Based Combat: Classic grid-based tactics where positioning and unit synergy are crucial for victory.
  • Evolving Narrative: The story unfolds through numerous smaller plot devices rather than a single incident, building a complex world where political relationships and character affiliations shift dynamically.

Story and Setting

The narrative is set in the Space Era, spanning back to the early 21st century when two meteors struck Earth, shaping human history. In the year 179 of the Space Era, a third meteor delivers Extra-Over Technology (EOT) to the surface. This discovery leads Dr. Bian Zoldark to form the Extra-Over Technology Investigation committee (EOTI). Upon investigating EOT, the committee uncovers an alien plot to invade Earth. The game drops the player into this turmoil, where factions like the SRX team and the ATX team must navigate a landscape filled with complex acronyms, shifting allegiances, and high-stakes military operations.

Notable Features and Audience Appeal

Super Robot Taisen: Original Generation appeals to fans of mecha anime, strategy RPGs, and newcomers to the franchise. The US release was made possible specifically because the original cast contains no characters from other media, eliminating legal entanglements. It serves as an accessible entry point for Western players, offering a dense, text-heavy story that rewards attention to detail. The game's success paved the way for the sequel Super Robot Taisen: Original Generation 2 and the enhanced PS2 remake Super Robot Wars: Original Generations, cementing its status as a cornerstone of the series' global expansion.