Thanks to the indomitable Donkey Show, we found out details for an arcade location test happening this weekend for Gundam Extreme Versus Maxi Boost. What with the PS3 port of Full Boost around the corner, Bandai Namco are getting ready for the next arcade iteration. Before we get into details, it’s worth clarifying that the game still appears to be running on a System 357 board (rather than the newer 478, which had been rumoured). Anyway, read on for our impressions.

What with the third installment of the series, entitled Jigoku-hen, released in April we’re now being graced with Best re-releases of both Haikai-hen (review) and Saisei-hen (review) this February. Like with the other games in this range, the Best versions are always considerably cheaper than the original launch versions. As we enjoyed both of the recent PSP games a great deal, we can thoroughly recommend these re-releases for those that missed them the first time around.

Update: The original PS2 game will also be getting a re-release, though only this time via PSN as part of the Classics range.

We now finally have details on the release of threeA’s Metal Gear Ray toy. Released this August, the toy will cost around 46,000 yen (in terms of RRP, though you should be able to find it cheaper). This is a fair bit more than threeA’s Metal Gear Rex that was released at the end of 2012. If we’re honest, we were bitterly disappointed with the Rex toy. For one the colour scheme was entirely wrong, it had nonsensical blue LEDs everywhere and, most damning of all, it lacked any diecast. This absence of diecast, especially in the joints, meant that due to its size the toy was rather delicate (as joints have been reported to sheer clear off). Thankfully this new Ray toy has the right colour scheme but it still lacks any diecast in the joints from what we can make out. Considering the price tag, this oversight is still very unfortunate.

First off, apologies for the lack of updates. We’ve finally moved into our new place in Tokyo and only gained net access yesterday. That aside, Bandai have announced what looks to be the final installment in the Super Robot Wars Z series of games. Released this April, the game will be available on both PS3 and Vita. The game is also using the new updated engine as seen in the last OG and Masou Kishin games. Considering that the last major console release in the “proper” series was back in 2008, this will mark the first and only installment on current gen hardware (XO doesn’t count as that was a port of GC anyway, plus it was in rather manky 3D). Thankfully, Bandai released a nice long promo (shown below) and whilst the line-up is rather decent, the lack of Eureka Seven and Final Dancouga is slightly saddening. There’s even a nice little video that chronicles the Z series of games too. The really lovely news though is that the original 1991 GameBoy game that started the whole Super Robot Wars phenomenon is getting an HD remake. For those that buy the new PS3 and Vita game at launch, they will receive a free download code for the remake. Alternatively, if you miss that then the remake will be released on April 24th via PSN for 1,204 yen. The remake, like the new game, will also be available on both PS3 and Vita.

Now that the Isamu Dyson YF-29 DX Chogokin from Macross 30 is out in the wild, we’ve been graced with a review of the magnificent article. It goes without saying that this is clearly a very nice toy and more than just a simple repaint (as the head sculpt is all new). We may pick this up one day but for the meantime, it seems only fair to link this.

Update: Looks like this version of the YF-29 will also be getting super packs as well.

Courtesy of our good friends at HobbyLink Japan we’ve been sent the Super Robot Chogokin Mazinkaiser as seen in Mazinkaiser (though its origins predate that by quite a bit). In addition, we’ve also included some game and anime footage of the mecha in action at the end of the review.

In case you missed it, Bandai uploaded a helpful tutorial video (shown below) on how to handle and transform your Isamu Dyson YF-29 DX Chogokin from Macross 30 (which was also released today). Naturally, the transformation is pretty much identical to that of the already released YF-29 Durandal DX Chogokin but it’s nice to know that Bandai care. Whilst we passed on this in terms of the pre-order we may pick it up at some point, now that we’re located in Tokyo and amazing toy shops are in ample supply. Especially as this does in fact look like a rather lovely toy indeed.

Following on from the reveal of the MSA-0011[Ext] Ex-S Gundam from Gundam Sentinel as the special DLC for Gundam Extreme Versus Full Boost on PS3, we now have a nice little promo video of the unit in action (shown below). This version also features the full G-Cruiser too, so it looks quite bulky. What is especially surprising is that the mobile suit’s pilot, that of Ryou Roots, has no character art or voice actor in game. Both of which look and sound a little odd compared to the other units. That aside the INCOM attacks, where beam rifle shots are reflected onto your opponent, look suitably pimptastic. Don’t forget you can still pre-order the game here.

For those that have hankered for more in the way Gungriffon gaming, then look no further. We now have a very competent homemade PC version called the HIGH-MACS Simulator that’s very much in-line with the original Saturn games. Both the controls and handling are also refreshingly fluid too. What with the series’ creator passing away a few years ago it’s nice to see the fans keeping Gungriffon alive. We’ve also linked the simulator’s promo video below.

There is a nice little piece over at 4Gamer regarding the Extreme Gundam Leos Type that will be featured in the upcoming PS3 port of Gundam Extreme Versus Full Boost. Covering its various phases, it is pretty clear that this is a potent unit and at only 2500 somewhat of a bargain too. In addition, it seems that the Extreme Gundam bosses from the end of the previous game will also be making an appearance (though sadly these won’t be playable). Bamco have also updated the game’s promo with an HD version, which we’ve linked below. Don’t forget you can still pre-order the game here.