The game is turn-based, and plays much like a typical hex-grid wargame on the PC, except of course much simpler. Each turn, you move units around the tactical star map, trying to annihilate all the enemy units (some battles have a different objective, but those are few and far between). When you issue "attack" commands and the enemy units are in range, the 2D overhead view switches to a cool close-up of two mecha units in combat, much like in Gundam anime. As someone who grew up with Gundam and friends, these close-up combat sequences are my favorite part of the game, although I suspect anyone who is not familiar with these robots will find them cool al well ;) In-between battles, you see how the story advances, and get to upgrade your robots and their weapons with funds you receive as a reward for defeating enemy robots.

Compared to a typical wargame on PC, SRW3 is very simple. However, the simplicity in my opinion is a boon in this case given the focus on storytelling – and the story in this one is as fun as the best of Gundam episodes. Although the overall plot is hackneyed, the way it develops is very well-handled, thanks largely to a good translation effort (for once). Gundam fans will find a lot of familiar characters who have a lot of speaking parts. Clashes between characters' motives and agendas, secret conspiracies, and surprise attacks are part of what makes SRW3 a lot of fun to play. If you like mecha, anime, or just fun "beer & pretzel" turn-based wargames in general, check out this fun underdog that never made it outside Japan, but can now be played in English thanks to the efforts of tireless translation group Aeon Genesis. Recommended!