SD Gundam Gashapon Senki: Episode 1

Game Details:

Developed by Graphic Research and published by Bandai on December 29, 1999, exclusively for the WonderSwan platform. The gameplay combines turn-based map strategy with real-time combat: players move units on a grid map, occupy towns/factories to gain resources, and then initiate individual battle phases through zone transitions, launching beams, wielding swords, and using ultimate skills to defeat opponents. The game supports up to two-player battles, exchanging mechs via a WonderSwan link cable.

Editor's Recommendation:

"SD Gundam Gashapon Senki: Episode 1" cleverly integrates strategic planning with real-time action combat, offering a rare dual-gameplay experience on handheld platforms. The board resource competition phase tests layout strategy, while real-time battles emphasize reactions and the use of Gundam skills; the process is casual yet challenging, with three faction choices and multiplayer battles adding more replayability. The SD art style lowers the barrier to entry, making it easier to attract Gundam fans and strategy game enthusiasts. If you miss the classic 90s handheld strategy + action combination, this game is worth collecting.

Game Guide:

1. Tactical Strategy: Resource Control as the Core

• Initial Goal: Occupy towns and factories. Towns provide funds per turn, while factories replenish mechs. Prioritize occupying two towns and one factory to build an initial advantage.
• Divergent Front Lines and Concentrated Defense: Multiple lines of advance can exhaust the opponent's resources, but excessive dispersal can be easily defeated by concentration. It's recommended to concentrate the main force on one side for advancement, while secondary forces suppress other battle zones.

2. Unit Selection: Diverse Factions, Strengths and Weaknesses

• Earth Federation: Balanced, suitable for beginners;
• Zeon Remnants: Heavy firepower suppression, suitable for offensive attacks;
• Axis Zeon: High mobility, suitable for surprise attacks;
• Titans: High defense and durability, solid defensive style.

After selecting a faction, deploy mobile, firepower, and defensive squads based on the map characteristics, ensuring control of both map resources and attack routes.

3. Real-Time Combat Phase: Emphasis on Reaction and Skill Output

• Learn each mech's attack methods: Beam rifles have a long range but a slow attack rhythm; melee sword techniques are fast but have high risk up close.
• Reasonably use ultimate skills: When the battle gauge is full, releasing an ultimate skill can quickly reverse the situation. Concentrate on VP reserves, and activate in critical situations.

4. Online Battles: Exchange, Learn, and Practice Tactics

• Use the WonderSwan link cable or emulator save exchange to practice battles with friends, which can significantly improve the real-time combat level.
• Record and review battle replays: Reviewing can reveal positioning errors and attack rhythm control issues, promoting tactical optimization.

 5. Balance Resources and Mech Combinations

• Don't blindly hoard funds; use them reasonably on cost-effective mechs.
• Abundant resources can be used to supplement heavy armored units for late-game defense or breaking through strong defenses.
• Against a tough opponent, you can use light mechs for scouting and consumption before making a decisive blow.