UlasanAnime.com – The notion first struck me upon seeing the second ending visuals for Gundam Build Fighters for the very first time. I was on my usual commute to work, watching the show on the train. The extra monthly expense for premium LTE coverage along the Northeast Corridor allows me to stream anime seamlessly, eliminating the need for complex auto-torrenting and syncing systems, all thanks to the convenience of simulcasts.
This is akin to my observation about the costumes in the IDOLM@STER movie, which I liken to Gokuseifuku in the style of Kill La Kill. The simple white background adorned with single-colored stars creates a glittering effect. It was during this moment that I began to perceive a connection between these seemingly disparate elements, or perhaps, simply noticed a shared characteristic.
The realization truly solidified after I read the investor report from the Bandai Namco group for the fiscal year 2013. The report highlighted Bandai Namco’s unique intellectual properties, placing IDOLM@STER alongside Kamen Rider and Gundam as significant revenue drivers within their portfolio. This is particularly insightful when one delves into the details, such as:
- In Japan, IDOLM@STER boasts a level of name recognition comparable to Gundam.
- There’s a strategic focus on targeting anime fans through social games.
So, how does Gundam Build Fighters fit into this picture? I believe it perfectly aligns with Bandai Namco’s business vision. It serves as a bridge, effectively connecting the generational gap between children and adults. One of the primary ways it achieves this is by incorporating a video game element directly into the series in a very straightforward manner. This approach yields two key benefits. Firstly, it allows for the tournament/arena structure seen in the show, enabling the presentation of satisfying battles with clear outcomes on a regular basis without necessitating the elimination of main characters. Secondly, it revitalizes the Gunpla aspect by clearly articulating a vision for Gunpla builders. In essence, the Gunpla experience is being gamified, granting individuals the ability to customize their models using official components, which also functions as a lucrative revenue stream.
This suggests that if we were to categorize the genre Gundam Build Fighters aims to represent, it’s not precisely a fighting game, even if the gameplay ultimately leads to such confrontations. It more closely resembles a social-mobile game where players dedicate their time and effort to constructing their Gunpla. This could be for the sheer pleasure of admiration, as Sei was doing before meeting Reiji, or for the purpose of reliving experiences like “proper otaku” do, as Ral-san and the older generation Reiji encountered did. In the context of Gundam Build Fighters, it translates to the exhilarating destruction of master grade++ Gunpla in moments of glorious battle. All these elements exist within a peculiar framework that is also characteristic of mobile games.
The only element conspicuously absent is the seemingly endless financial drain associated with the kuji lottery system.
While it may not be a direct comparison to something like Million Live, the underlying formula is present. In Million Live, players cannot customize their idols, nor can they develop them beyond the framework provided by the game. However, with Gunpla, exceptionally skilled crafters can imbue their creations with unique and special touches. In a digital rendition of such a game, players might find themselves equally constrained.
PS. I have returned. I currently have three posts lined up for writing, in addition to the backlog that now looms over me and the posts I need to complete for other commitments. Truly, an orz moment.
PPS. Regardless of your opinion, I believe Wing Gundam is the top idol.
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PPPS. If it’s with you, Imber.
