In terms of missions, the figure sounds much more impressive than the reality. There are 300 in total, ranging from story missions to history missions (reenacting events of various Gundam series) but most of the time they all boil down to the same thing: Take command of the map, and destroy enemy ‘X’. How much this will bother you really boils down to your play habits. Dip in and out for an hour or so and the repetition isn’t as bad. Dive in for hours on end and the issue becomes much more apparent. It’s a pity really, as the only real problem this game has is this repetition. It’s a huge game, but one that plays the same song over and over again.

Graphically the Suits themselves are great, with fluid animation and a cel-shaded look. The game engine is also incredibly robust; handling all the enemies, lasers and general insanity without breaking a sweat. The backgrounds are a bit disappointing, but if the choice was lush environments and slowdown or pared back environments and no slowdown, then the right decision was made. One thing that does start to grate, though, is the annoying soundbites. Time and again the characters blurt out the same few lines and after hours of play it just becomes an irritant.

DW:G3 also has a fancy new online co-op element, although I can’t really provide a full verdict on that. This is because, at the time of the review, the Xbox LIVE servers were deader than A-line flares with pockets in the knees. PS3 reviewers were faring better due to the console’s popularity in Japan, but I have tried many times to get a match going, and the one time someone did drop into my game they immediately logged out again (I will hunt him down!). That doesn’t mean I can’t give you a rundown as to what’s on offer, though.

There are 15 co-op mission, designed for up to four players who can drop in or out at any time. I played through some of these on my own to get a feel for the level design, and immediately noticed the difference from the single player; enemies are far more aggressive. One of the levels played tasks you with destroying multiple Gundams before a timer runs out. I can imagine with human players assisting you it would have been fantastic, but on my own I was overpowered and destroyed. It’s a real pity that a more comprehensive test couldn’t be managed.

Pros

• Multiple story arcs.
• Impressive customisation.
• Collecting Suits is addictive.
• Strong, flashy combat.
• Potentially good co-op.
• Rock solid game engine.
• Nice looking Mobile Suits.

Cons

• Although there are 300 missions, repetition does set in.
• Annoying soundbites.

Dynasty Warriors: Gundam 3 has certainly impressed. Whilst Dynasty Warriors games are normally reserved for fans of the franchise, Gundam 3 seems to transcend that. The collect and upgrade element for the Mobile Suits is a genius idea, and provides the incentive to keep playing despite the somewhat repetitive nature of the missions. Fans are in for a treat but newcomers are also welcome.

Score: 8/10