Megaton Musashi W: Wired Review

thesixthaxis.com:

Mecha games have an easy path into my favourite games list, whatever form they might take. Whether it’s an emotional, non-linear narrative like 13 Sentinels: Aegis Rim, or a Gundam game packed with smooth combat and an overwhelming amount of customisation like Gundam Breaker 3, or an addictive high-octane competitive combat like Mobile Suit Gundam Extreme VS. Maxiboost On, I’m totally in. So when I heard that Level 5 had released a game that combines all of those qualities called Megaton Musashi W: Wired, I was foaming at the mouth to check it out.

Now, this isn’t technically the grand debut of Megaton Musashi W: Wired. The series kicked off a few years ago with what was originally a Japan-exclusive premium game, which was followed by an alternative free-to-play version that saw seasonal content updates, famous anime robot DLC add-ons, and collabs with Yokai Watch and Hololive vtubers. Alongside those games, a two-season anime version of Megaton Musashi aired globally. Yet despite the anime being available in English, it isn’t until now and this third iteration of the game that overseas fans can experience the mecha action for themselves.

Knowing that this was, at one time, a free-to-play game, I expected there to be a light focus on story and a heavy emphasis on repeatable, grindathon missions. Instead, I was pleasantly surprised to see that Megaton Musashi W: Wired mirrors the slow, peaceful pacing and character-focused interactions of 13 Sentinels: Aegis Rim. Before you set off on combat missions to defend the last bastion of humanity from giant aliens using your rogue Musashi mech, you’ll spend a lot of time wandering around the city, checking in on rivals, companions, mysterious figures and innocent neighbourhood denizens. Just as much of the game is about talking to people and investigating the overarching mysteries of your place in a constantly growing sci-fi conspiracy. As you do so, you’ll fill up a robot-shaped meter at the bottom of the screen, and once