WarTech: Senko no Ronde
A fighter-shmup mashup with giant robots and danmaku patterns.
WarTech: Senko no Ronde is a fighting and shoot 'em up video game developed by G.rev. Originally released in Japanese arcades in 2005 for the Sega NAOMI platform, it was ported to the Xbox 360 in 2006 with enhanced graphics, a more concise story for each character, and network play. Ubisoft localized the game for American and European markets in 2007.
Quick Facts
- Developer
- G.rev
- Designer
- Hiroyuki Maruyama (director)
- Composer
- Yasuhisa Watanabe
- Genre
- Fighting/Shooter
- Modes
- Single-player, Multiplayer
- Arcade system
- Sega NAOMI
- Platforms
- Arcade, Xbox 360
Facts from the source article.
Plot
Centuries after a catastrophe forced humanity to live among the stars, the Aria Federation was formed, extending its influence from Earth to Saturn. In S.D. 1478, terrorists seized an embassy on Earth's moon; the Special Space Service's response ended when the terrorists detonated a self-destruction device, killing themselves and civilians. The game begins six years later, with the player controlling one of eight characters drawn into a scheme to seize the Federation's superweapon. The story and art style were heavily influenced by Keiko Takemiya's science fiction series Toward the Terra.
Gameplay
Two players fight using giant robots called Rounders from top-down and isometric perspectives, blending 2D fighter mechanics with top-down shooter elements. The game resembles Psychic Force but offers more elaborate firing patterns reminiscent of danmaku shooters, reinforced by B.O.S.S. Mode, a super attack that transforms players into screen-filling boss ships. It has been likened to a 2D version of Virtual On mixed with shmup boss encounters. Each of the eight characters has unique weapons, bullet patterns, and two variations (Cartridge A and Cartridge B) with modified stats. Players have a main weapon, a sub weapon, and 3-4 special attacks called Barrages activated via command inputs. Matches begin with two B.O.S.S. Stock, allowing a switch to a larger robot with increased firepower and partial health recovery, though movement is restricted. Losing a match restores one Boss Stock. When health is depleted, Vanish Mode reduces the hitbox; one more hit loses the round. Using a Boss Stock in Vanish Mode triggers Final Boss Mode, which offers additional firepower or mobility and an extra powerful super attack.
Reception
The Xbox 360 version received mixed or average reviews. Critics noted its short length and insubstantial content relative to its full price, and the title quickly dropped to a sixth of its original price in the US. Hyper's Maurice Branscombe praised the successful melding of shooter and fighter and the weapon effects, but criticized the limited single-player content, melee needing work, and the price tag.
Sequels
On May 20, 2010, G.rev released Senko no Ronde: Dis-United Order (DUO) for Xbox 360 in Japan, featuring new characters, assist attacks, updated mechanics, a larger story mode, and replay saving. It included 14 characters with two cartridge variations each and 12 assist characters. The ver.2.00EX update added characters Ernula and Sakurako, allowed mixing characters and assists, and fixed glitches. DUO is noticeably faster than WarTech but retains core strategies. A Commander Style control option was added. DLC included free and paid story scenarios and a music collection, but G.rev halted DLC plans in August 2010 citing unprofitability. Version 2.2 adjusted several characters in April 2011, and the game was added to Japan's Games on Demand service. A version for NESiCAxLive included score attack mode. In March 2012, Hiroyuki Maruyama announced a new Senko no Ronde entry for PlayStation Vita, planned for 2013, but no further news emerged and it is considered vaporware.
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