Dai-2-ji Super Robot Taisen (Japan)

Dai-2-ji Super Robot Taisen is a turn-based strategy role-playing game (SRPG) developed by Banpresto and released for the Famicom (NES) in Japan. It is the second installment in the popular Super Robot Taisen series, immersing players in a fictional universe where giant robots and their pilots from various anime series coexist and battle.

The gameplay of Dai-2-ji Super Robot Taisen takes place on a grid-based map, where players command their army of robots. During each turn, players can move individual robot units within their allowed range and perform actions such as attacking enemies, using special abilities (Spirit Commands), or repairing. When two units engage in combat, a separate battle screen appears, showcasing the attack animations of the robots.

RPG elements are deeply integrated. Each robot possesses unique stats such as HP (health), EN (energy for weapons), and defensive/offensive ratings. The pilots controlling the robots also have their own stats and skills, and can utilize "Spirit Commands" – special commands that consume SP (Spirit Points) to enhance attack power, defense, heal, or boost accuracy/evasion. Strategic use of Spirit Commands is key to achieving victory.

Players will earn credits and experience points (EXP) after each battle. EXP helps pilots and robots level up, improving their stats and unlocking new Spirit Commands. Credits are used to upgrade robot stats like HP, EN, armor, or weapon power. Prudent resource management and team upgrading are crucial for overcoming increasingly challenging stages.

The story of Dai-2-ji Super Robot Taisen unfolds through dialogue sequences between characters before and after each battle. The game is renowned for bringing together robots from classic anime series such as Gundam, Mazinger Z, Getter Robo, and many more, creating unique interactions and battles across different universes. Despite being an NES title, it laid a strong foundation for the gameplay formula of the Super Robot Taisen series that followed.