Super Robot Taisen J: A Rare GBA Entry, Opened to English Readers
Of all the Super Robot Wars games on Game Boy Advance, Super Robot Taisen J stands out as a late, polished entry. Developed by A.I and published by Banpresto, it was released in Japan on 15 September 2005, and the English text on this edition comes from a fan translation.
At a glance
- Based on: Super Robot Taisen J (Banpresto, 2005)
- Created by: A.I (developer), Banpresto (publisher)
- Released: 15 September 2005, in Japan
- Genre: tactical role-playing
- What sets it apart: two original protagonists, each with a choice of co-pilot, and a very wide crossover cast
Who you play
The story offers two lead characters: Touya Shiun, a high-school student, and Calvina Coulange, a former pilot with the Alliance Space Forces. Each can be paired with one of three co-pilots: Katia Grignarl, Festenia Muse or Melua Melna Meia. Those choices shape which route you follow. Four original mecha, including Bellzelute and Granteed, sit alongside the licensed machines.
What makes it distinct
- Favorite Series lets you pick a licence whose units get extra upgrade steps and bonuses.
- Relationship Bonuses raise stats for units placed next to emotionally connected characters.
- Unit Switching lets units swap places when they dock with a battleship.
- BGM Change allows you to assign a theme song to each unit.
- Attacks use full animation, and clearing the game unlocks Replay Bonuses for new runs.
The crossover list is huge. Besides several Gundam series it includes Full Metal Panic!, Martian Successor Nadesico, Tekkaman Blade, Dancouga and Mazinkaiser.