Federation vs. Zeon is based on the arcade title developed by Capcom. The company was able to do the series justice by creating incredibly well modeled mobile suits and environments. The title runs at 60fps in one player mode and it really helps the series take on a fast-paced action approach. There are three modes in the game – arcade, vs., campaign. Arcade places your mobile suit in various missions, mostly seek and destroy, with the enemy being quite relentless. Versus mode lets you and friend take on two computer controlled mobile suits or do a two on two versus. The frame rate drops to 30 in split screen, but it still does a decent job. Federation or Zeon alliances can be chosen and each changes the mobile suit selection. There are a ton of locals to do battle in as well. Campaign mode is almost exactly like arcade mode, but with a map interface that allows you to choose from various land or space missions.

Players can scroll through targets at the push of a button and fire bazookas, beam rifles, or whatever major weapon you have (depending on what mobile suit you choose). There’s a sub weapon equipped on each mobile suit, and a close combat weapon on most suits. The mobile suit can pull off an evade dash by double tapping any direction. Movement is done with the d-pad or analog pad, but there’s no true analog function. Players can also use triggers do an automatic jump and shoot attack or jumping close range attack.

Moving the mobile suit is sadly still a bit clunky. The 60 fps really ramps up the sensation of speed but the suit moves and turns a bit slow – though nowhere as bad as the first Mobile Suit Gundam. The boost has a bit of a delay, but does refill almost immediately after it’s used up.

Every blast and voice in Federation vs. Zeon is authentic. Classic trumpet tunes and Gundam sound effects are consistent with the series. Fans even get voices from actual TV series actors.

The problem with Federation vs. Zeon is in its hit system. Once an enemy is hit, it is given a lapse time to recover. During this time if you slice or shoot an enemy the shot doesn’t register and your opportunity to kill is missed. You have to wait until your enemy is back on his feet and fully ready for combat until another hit can be registered. It can be difficult because the AI is notoriously good at evading just about any shot you can dish out, if they’re facing you.

Another flaw is in space battle missions. You control the mobile suit as if it’s on land, but enemies seem to have full control in 3D space. It can be a pain to try to boost towards an enemy only to have them constantly shooting and evading you.

Mobile Suit Gundam: Federation vs. Zeon is a decent action game. There are a few flaws and a lack of depth, but it’s definitely playable and fun.