It seems that if you buy Steel Battalion Heavy Armor’s on its release, you’ll also be graced with a Chrome Blitzer Pack download code that will allow you to customise your VT with new types of camouflage (pictured above). In addition to this, a new video has also been going the rounds. The more we see of the game in action the more we think that this will be pretty disappointing. Parochial narrative jingoism aside, the whole functional setup looks to be horridly unwieldy. Whilst the original games were by no means intuitive, they were far more precise in terms of input (probably to the extent of being too precise). This looks frustratingly vague by comparison. Considering the game’s nascent production problems, we’re not holding out hope for this to be any good.

A fair while back it was revealed that a game would be released alongside the forthcoming anime series Eureka Seven AO. We now know that this will in fact by a game packaged on the Blu-Ray release of the anime itself, basically yet another hybrid game/anime setup. Considering this will be a long running series, rather than a one shot movie, it will be interesting to see whether the game will become similarly episodic. In any case, still no details as to what type of game this will be but due to the format we do now know that it will be a PS3 exclusive.

Gundam Extreme Versus Full Boost, the much anticipated follow on to Gundam Extreme Versus, will be released tomorrow in arcades across Japan. Whilst details as to whether Byking are still helming the game are unknown, it remains likely (even with Gunslinger Stratos in development already). Again, the hardware is also touted to be System 357 and that means a another PS3 port is likely down the road. Either way, we’re happy to see another entry into this excellent versus series finally at large.

Finally we have a decent promo for the soon to be released Gundam Seed Battle Destiny. Despite using music from Zeonic Front in the trailer, the footage confirms again that the game looks be very much like the older Gundam Battle series on the PSP. In addition to the promo, it’s been revealed that a free PS Vita skin and wallpaper will be released with the game. In any case, the full promo is shown below and you can pre-order the game here.

Bandai have finally updated their product page for the forthcoming Robot Damashii Billbine toy, set for release this July. As revealed recently, the toy will indeed transform into wing caliber mode as well as afford a nice effect for the aura sword (pictured above). What’s not clear at present is whether the cockpit will contain a figure of Show Zama (or even if it will open) and if the aura cannons at the rear will fold down as they do in the series. We still love the sculpt of this toy though, especially as it’s been posed pretty consistently as per our favourite piece of Yuji Kaida box art for the old 1/48 kit (as seen here). To be fair we are huge fans of Aura Battler Dunbine and especially of Yutaka Izubuchi’s mecha design for the series, of which the Billbine is one. So we really can’t wait for this toy. As always, you can pre-order it here and it will be retailing at around 4,500 yen at release.

Whilst we don’t normally cover the D-Style kits from Kotobukiya, this two kit set from Armored Core 4 and For Answer is pretty sweet. Featuring both White Glint and Orleans, the latter being an interesting design as it was piloted by a LINX called Anjou who did very much enjoy using the Moonlight laserblade. The set also comes with a nice transfer sheet, allowing you to affix a variety of emblem’s (even Berlioz’s too). This is also a limited edition set that has to be ordered through Hobby Japan (to be released this summer). Thankfully the pricing is a very reasonable 4,500 yen.

Both 4Gamer and Famitsu have posted their reports of the recent and now finished closed beta on Gundam Battle Operation. Despite a reassuringly good time had by all, it sounds like the game will need some further balancing work. Mainly because both sites openly state that the moment the MS-07B Gouf came on the scene, much fraping of the Feddie forces did ensue. However, on foot human players were also able to make a difference as blowing up an enemy’s base was in some ways easier on foot. In addition, 4Gamer made a big point of citing how similar the game looks and feels to Gundam Senki 0081. This is very much a good thing. Still no precise details on the game’s release date, bar sometime this June, but by all accounts the game could end up being actually quite decent.

What with another Tamashii Features event set for this weekend, both Hobbystock and GA Graphic have had the chance to get a sneak peak. From the off, it seems that the Robot Damashii line is really in ascendance. From all manner of classic Gundam mobile suits, with a very odd appearance of the PMX-002 Bolinoak Sammahn being notable, to mecha from the suitably new Rinne no Lagrange. What’s also interesting is that there will be a new sub-line of toys called “Ka Signature”, featuring styling and decals by Hajime Katoki. What’s especially interesting for us though is the appearance of a new Dunbine toy (pictured above) and the news that previously announced Billbine will indeed be able to transform into wing caliber mode as well as sport a large aura sword extension. Even the Super Robot Chogokin Armored Core V toy was on show, but the Grind Blade looks a bit wobbly if we’re honest.

A second alpha test for the upcoming Mobile Suit Gundam Online has been announced and outline over at 4Gamer. Set within the caves and jungles of Jaburo, players will have access to 6 new mobile suits as well. Whilst you can’t sign-up for the new alpha as yet, the report says that the official site will afford this sometime soon. It’s still looking pretty solid but what with the newly announced Gundam Battle Operation already undergoing it’s first closed beta, it will be interesting see how this visually bland version will fare.

What with the release of Super Robot Wars Z 2 Saisei-hen barely a week away, 4Gamer has done a repost of Famitsu’s prior screenshots as well as done a piece on the official Super Robot Wars site getting a makeover (making it more compatible with mobile browsers, amongst other things). We’re still super excited about this game, so a review will be forthcoming after we receive our copy. Don’t forget you can still preorder it here.