The impact and influence of the Mobile Suit Gundam franchise can not be overstated, be it in Japan or overseas. This extends to the video game medium, with one new indie game inspired by elements of both Gundam games and some major names from Nintendo.
Developed by Midori Games, Banana Kingdom is a new retro-themed strategy game. Featuring sprites that could be straight off the Nintendo Entertainment System in appearance, it derives a lot of its gameplay from video game titles utilizing more diminutive takes on Gundam mechs. Recently released and receiving positive reviews, it’s proof positive of how relevant the influence of older video game titles can still be today.
Banana Kingdom Combines the Best of Gundam and Nintendo Turn-Based Strategy Games
With its digitized in-game graphics and the obviously anime-inspired art for its characters, Midori Games’ Banana Kingdom feels right at home alongside old-school 8-bit role-playing games such as Final Fantasy or Dragon Quest. Unlike those, however, it’s a turn-based strategy game — albeit one that’s been optimized with more stripped-down gameplay to ensure it’s both rewarding for veterans and easy enough for newcomers to be able to get into it.
Random encounters and situations are almost entirely gone, leaving room for pure strategy amid five factions. For those looking for maximum content, there are almost 1,000 battle maps to conquer, with these multiplied to infinity with the map editor mode. Thus, the possible ways to expand territory are endless.
The anime inspiration goes beyond just the art style and designs, with a major mecha franchise’s games influencing the gameplay. On the game’s official listing on Steam, the developer notes the influence of the SD Gundam strategy games. Also known as SD Gundam G Generation, these titles have been almost entirely Japanese-exclusive, though they’ve since begun releasing entries in the West as well.
Another noted influence is Nintendo’s Advance Wars, which is somewhat analogous to a modern warfare version of Nintendo’s fantasy turn-based RPG series Fire Emblem. The resemblance to both of those brands can be seen in the sprites and the overall gameplay, with Advance Wars shining through the most due to the more simplified mechanics.
Another aspect relating to anime is the game’s voice acting, with one newly added part of the acting talent being Kira Buckland. She’s notably voiced 2B in the acclaimed video game NieR: Automata, as well as Mitsuri Kanroji in the ever popular Demon Slayer and Jolyne Cujoh in JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure.
Beyond the more free-range gameplay options, a Story Mode campaign has been added to the current version of Banana Kingdom, with the plot involving the eponymous fruit. Having received multiple positive reviews, Banana Kingdom is now available to purchase for US$3.99 on Steam, and it’s clear that fans of Nintendo and SD Gundam video games will get a kick out of it.
