Big Robots eh? Who doesn't love big robots? Knocking over skyscrapers, crushing cars underfoot whilst making cool mechanised noises - does it get any better?! Most mech-based games either offer these type of thrills or are strategy-heavy turn-based affairs where the smashing and the crashing is left to your imagination.

This, the latest Gundam game from Japan, offers the best of both worlds; mixing action in the forms of shooting, flying and plasma-sword hacking with some more tactical thinking relating to your enviroment and your colleagues.

Each mission starts with the obligatory briefing, visually giving you an idea of whats expected (note "visually"- there is some Japanese but its easy to make out whats going on). You're then given the chance to give orders to your team before the action begins on the free-roaming battlefields. If your familiar with the Dynasty Warriors series than it isnt a million miles away from that kind of set-up with you taking the fight to the enemy where and how you like. Your comrades can be given updated orders from the pause screen and you can also repair and reload from your bases in the same way. It isnt too complicated but it is effective and it adds a nice balance overall when mixed with the action side of things.

The feel of the mechs is great - heavy, mechanised powerhouses - just as it should be. The controls take a little getting used to, with all the Cube's joypad buttons being utilised, but its worth it when you're able to gracefully guide a 1,000 ton robot through a path of destruction. The different mechs feel suitabley varied in terms of weight and manouevreability and as you get them levelled-up you notice the increased abilities. Special abilities (such as hand-to-hand comboand better flying) can be unlocked and assigned to your character as required by the upcoming mission. There are also special powers which can be activated in-game which boost your attack/defence etc.

Graphically its very sharp. Considering the size of the levels theres little or no fogging and a high vantage point effectively lets you peruse the battlefield(which is pretty much essential). The mechs look fantastic and are as detailed as a Gundam fan could wish for. The levels can be a bit lacklustre in comparison but theres enough variety in them for them not to become stale through their slight blandness.

With nearly a hundred missions (playing both sides of the conflict) and a heap of unlockable pilots, suits, weapons and abilities mean is built to last. It may be a bit tough for the casual player but the ability to go back and further level-up for that next tricky mission means its always do-able (if often requiring more goes than you'd like).

All in all its a complete package which makes the player use their brain as well as their trigger finger. Unlikely to ever see a US/EU release so get that freeloader out now.