News: Gundam Mahjong DS

December 22, 2005, 03:57 PM

by chazumaru, via Bandai -
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This went completely under my radar until the latest Famitsu scores were released on tuesday: Bandai is releasing a Gundam-themed mahjong game on December 29th for the Nintendo DS. As its name suggests, Kidou Gekidan Haro Ichiza: Gundam Mahjong DS ~Oyaji ni mo agarareta kotonai noni!~ is part of the Haro Ichiza collection, which we already mentioned last july with Kidou Gekidan Haro Ichiza: Haro no Puyo Puyo. Once again the game will be based on the original Gundam "0079" series starring Amuro Ray, Bright Noah and Char Aznable. Twelve characters in total will be playable, each with their own special attack to upset play if they fill their power meter enough. One of the three different modes is a Mobile Suit model kits collection challenge that should appeal to Bandai's target audience. There is also a huge amount of voice acting involved, and also a bunch of classic songs from the original TV series. The size of these sound files unfortunately prevents Gundam Mahjong DS from being playable in multiplayer sessions with a single cartridge but gives the game a nice atmosphere, as the official trailer shows well (and mahjong-loving Gundam fans probably don't have many friends anyway). Bandai probably has the same costumers in mind as Sunrise did with Oekaki Puzzle Battle! Yuusha-Ou Gaogaigar Hen. The Haro Ichiza website and Gundam Ace magazine are organizing a big contest around the game to celebrate the new year, with prizes ranging from a Gundam-themed 'card mahjong' deck to exclusive autographs from the voice actors.