MS Saga: A New Dawn: Difference between revisions

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''MS Saga: A New Dawn'', also known by its Japanese title ''Gundam: True Odyssey'', is a [[PlayStation 2]] [[RPG]] loosely based on the long-running ''[[Gundam]]'' franchise. An odd duck by any standard, ''MS Saga'' marries the iconic [[Humongous Mecha]] of the ''Gundam'' franchise with an entirely new setting and plot, effectively creating an(other) entirely new [[Alternate Universe]] to add to the ''Gundam'' menagerie. The result is predictably [[Troperiffic]], cheerfully combining standard [[JRPG]] tropes with standard ''Gundam'' tropes into something of a [[Cliché Storm]] that may none the less be a [[Guilty Pleasure]] for fans of either (or especially both).

As a departure from most ''Gundam'' video games (which tend to be either arcade-style [[Action Game|Action Games]] a la the ''[[Gundam vs. Series]]'' or [[Turn-Based Strategy]] in the vein of ''[[Super Robot Wars]]''), ''MS Saga'' is a turn based [[Role Playing Game]] in the style of the ''[[Final Fantasy]]'' or ''[[Dragon Quest]]''. The player controls a party of characters each piloting a mobile suit; as they fight, the characters gain levels (which increases their stats and expands the pool of more powerful "[[Special Attack|boost attacks]]" and useful "[[Magic by Any Other Name|techniques]]" that they can perform), while the mecha can be equipped with various combination of weaponry via a [[Grid Inventory]] system. In a hanger with proper facilities, mecha can be upgraded and otherwise modified -- parts from many different mecha can be combined to form one new machine in a robotic form of [[Mix-and-Match Critters]] (incidentally mirroring the [[Real Life]] practice of combining multiple [[Merchandise-Driven|model kits]] into a single, new unit, a process known as "[[Fan Nickname|kitbashing]]"). Of course, you can always just switch wholesale to a shiny new mecha once you get your mitts on one. This multi-tiered system, with the linearly-developing [[Character Level|Character Levels]] of most [[JRPG|JRPGs]] applying to the pilots and the less restricted [[Character Customization]] more typical of [[Western RPG|Western RPGs]] applying to the mecha, can lead to the construction of [[Elite Tweak|absurdly-customized parties]].

As a departure from most ''Gundam'' video games (which tend to be either arcade-style [[Action Game|Action Games]] a la the ''[[Gundam vs. Series]]'' or [[Turn-Based Strategy]] in the vein of ''[[Super Robot Wars]]''), ''MS Saga'' is a turn based [[Role-Playing Game]] in the style of the ''[[Final Fantasy]]'' or ''[[Dragon Quest]]''. The player controls a party of characters each piloting a mobile suit; as they fight, the characters gain levels (which increases their stats and expands the pool of more powerful "[[Special Attack|boost attacks]]" and useful "[[Magic by Any Other Name|techniques]]" that they can perform), while the mecha can be equipped with various combination of weaponry via a [[Grid Inventory]] system. In a hanger with proper facilities, mecha can be upgraded and otherwise modified -- parts from many different mecha can be combined to form one new machine in a robotic form of [[Mix-and-Match Critters]] (incidentally mirroring the [[Real Life]] practice of combining multiple [[Merchandise-Driven|model kits]] into a single, new unit, a process known as "[[Fan Nickname|kitbashing]]"). Of course, you can always just switch wholesale to a shiny new mecha once you get your mitts on one. This multi-tiered system, with the linearly-developing [[Character Level|Character Levels]] of most [[JRPG|JRPGs]] applying to the pilots and the less restricted [[Character Customization]] more typical of [[Western RPG|Western RPGs]] applying to the mecha, can lead to the construction of [[Elite Tweak|absurdly-customized parties]].

Note that this effort will not be wasted; ''MS Saga'' can reach [[Nintendo Hard]] levels even during normal gameplay. Additional extras, including [[Bonus Dungeon|Bonus Dungeons]], [[Bonus Boss|Bonus Bosses]], [[Boss in Mook Clothing]] battles, [[Tournament Arc]] [[Sidequest|Sidequests]], and more are added at nearly all points in the game. Thankfully, these are generally optional, and in fact sometimes become [[Lost Forever]] without [[Guide Dang It|their existence ever really being hinted at]]. Getting true [[One Hundred Percent Completion]] is an impressive feat.

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* [[Eleventh-Hour Superpower]]: The Nu Gundam -- which has the largest possible equipment grid and among the best stats in the game -- is only available after the penultimate boss fight. The Sazabi, similarly powerful, only joins in for the ''second half'' of the [[Final Boss]]. You'll need them both for the [[Post End Game Content]].

* [[Expy]]: In addition to Hal, the obligatory [[Char Clone]], Major Rezner has a strong resemblance to Ms. Matilda from the ''[[Mobile Suit Gundam]]''.

** Tristan is basically an amalgamation of various Gundam protagonists.

** Fritz is a 50/50 mix of [[Mobile Suit Gundam 0083: Stardust Memory|Chuck Keith]] and [[Mobile Suit Gundam|Kai Shiden]]

* [[Fight Woosh]]: The screen breaks into squares that fade out. They're even coloured differently for special encounters.

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* [[Suspiciously Similar Substitute]]: Played straight and averted. While Bazuli and Lapis join the party near when {{spoiler|Gavenger and Aeon leave}} and can take over some of their roles, they cannot do their most pivotal boosts and make up by focusing in other areas.

* [[Too Awesome to Use]]: Engine energy equipment and high-stat boosts can turn the tide in many battles. Too bad you can't buy them.

* [[Wake Up Call Boss]]: The first Gouf will teach you the importance of defending against boost attacks. The Xamel shows the necessity of defensive boosts.

* [["Wake-Up Call" Boss]]: The first Gouf will teach you the importance of defending against boost attacks. The Xamel shows the necessity of defensive boosts.

* [[With This Herring]]: Averted; top-tier (for the time) mobile suits are given to you at multiple points in the game. Don't expect much help upgrading them, though.