"The Latest SRW Game on the PS2!!"

BANPRESTO graces our PS2 console once again with the release of this 3rd installment of the SRW Alpha Series: SUPER ROBOT TAISEN ALPHA 3.

The Graphics: 10/10

The quality that we saw during SRWAlpha 2 but with whole new improvements, map environments are much more detailed as well as the mechas on the map, for me it had a ‘DVD Movie-like' feel to it. The mecha's (robots) look much clearer and the animations are flawless. The most noticeable is Kotetsu Jeeg's Special/Death Move: The Maha Drill, in SRWAlpha 2 it was just a simple Maha Drill crash attack, now it's much more grander than ever. Kotetsu Jeeg doubles back after the initial attack and lands another ‘crash' move but this time he watches his foe explode into oblivion. Priceless.

The Sound: 10/10

I know the sound is still like the same as in previous SRW games, they still play either their attack themes or their opening themes and the Voice Acting is still top-notch, but the reason I gave BANPRESTO a 10/10 in the sound department was the BGM Customization Option. Yes you heard me, they added a new feature wherein you can relish other BGM themes of say, Mazinger Z. Hearing Z no Theme during an attack animation or Mazinkaiser theme O_o while playing as Mazinger Z is a welcome change especially since SRWAlpha 3 has a great replayability factor. More on that later.

The Gameplay: 10/10

Traditional gameplay is still the same as it was in SRWAlpha 2, you can attack, defend or evade when the enemy attacks. You also still use SPells to power up your character or allies or power down your enemy with your SPells and some areas on the map can help provide added evasion or EN or HP regeneration. You still use PP (Pilot Points) to improve your pilots skills, Skill Points to determine what level your next enemy will be like, Squad/Platoon Formation enables you to use all robots no matter how weak or strong they are and you still upgrade your Mechas using currency (Supers or Reals).

The Story: 10/10

SRWAlpha wouldn't have this 3rd installment if it weren't for its engrossing tales of demons and aliens and the heroes who use their robots to defend what is good from the forces of evil. For the price of one you get to play 4 stories of different characters in this saga: 2 Super Robot Pilots & 2 Real Robot Pilots.

Replayability Factor:

With Four different main characters to choose from the replayability factor is a definite high. You just gotta play them all and know all of their endings and as a bonus when you restart you gain money and PP on your next game. The secret mechs also gives you some thing to work on, in case you didn't get all of them on the first try. Another plus.

Buy or Rent?

If you don't understand the Japanese language and you don't know about Super or Real robots, then rent this game. But if you're an Otaku of the highest caliber and know your Super or Real Robots then this is a definite buy.

Reviewer's Score: 10/10, Originally Posted: 01/05/06, Updated 03/28/06