MAXIBOOST ON! An interview with Akihito Chiba, producer of MOBILE SUIT GUNDAM EXTREME VS MAXIBOOST ON

MOBILE SUIT GUNDAM EXTREME VS MAXIBOOST ON is originally an arcade Gundam conducting a closed beta test title, but it is now heading over to the PS4 console! In fact, for Southeast Asia at least, they’re even for players to give those Mobile Suits a good shake. We emailed producer Akihito Chiba with a bunch of questions regarding the title, so strap yourselves in. We’d also like to thank Bandai Namco for providing us with the opportunity to ask these questions to begin with!

GB: We know that Mobile Suit Gundam is a big IP. Why the decision to port MOBILE SUIT GUNDAM EXTREME VS MAXIBOOST ON from arcade to console?

CHIBA: We’ve received many heartfelt requests from the fans of this series, which led us to the decision to develop the game for the console [PS4] platform.

GB: MOBILE SUIT GUNDAM EXTREME VS MAXIBOOST ON and Gundam Versus are both Gundam series fighting games. What’s the difference between these titles?

CHIBA: Versus is a different title from the EXVS series, like for example, the “Boost Dive” system is only available in Gundam Versus, as well as the 3 on 3 battles. MAXIBOOST ON takes from the EXVS series featuring extreme action, a different set of playable Mobile Suits from Gundam Versus, as well as having Mobile Suits from different Gundam series.

GB: For gameplay, MAXIBOOST ON has split screen support, but it can’t be used if people play with friends against online players. Why this decision?

CHIBA: We’ve considered split-screen gameplay in online battles. However, unlike offline battles, the stability of the frame rate has to be considered. It was challenging to maintain a high-speed battle experience, so we abandoned the implementation.

GB: Will MAXIBOOST ON only have Versus mode, or will it have a Story mode for the PS4?

CHIBA: Yes, we are considering it. Please wait for future updates.

GB: Currently, MAXIBOOST ON is planned to launch on the PS4. Is there any possibility of launching it on other platforms?

CHIBA: Right now, yes, we are planning to release the game for the PS4. There is currently no plan to launch it on other platforms.

GB: Will MAXIBOOST ON‘s matching system consider personal player skill to match them with a similar opponent?

CHIBA: Yes, it will be difficult for players with extreme level differences to fight because the game utilizes a matching system that mostly allows you to battle with players of similar level.

GB: Will there be a beta before the launch date? Editor’s note: At the point in time we asked the questions, there was no news on the beta yet.

CHIBA: We will be having a closed network test from 25 to 27 April. You can register for it through the form.

GB: For Gundam Versus, the SEA version of the game only has English language. Would MAXIBOOST ON have support for other languages?

CHIBA: The implementation language for the Southeast Asian version will be English.

GB: Except for Zaku Amazing, there will be 183 suits in MAXIBOOST ON. Will the Mobile Suit specialities or abilities be the same as the arcade version or will it be different for the console? Editor’s note: Klim Nick’s Montero will also be in the game, bringing the total to 185.

CHIBA: It will be the same system as the arcade version. There are no plans for adding abilities or weapons.

GB: Will we be allowed to customize our own Gundam? Will there also be additional new features/differences from the arcade version?

CHIBA: Please wait kindly for future updates. For now, we would like to make the game reach our standards and improve it to be able to enjoyed to the fullest even for single player.

Enthusiasts can look forward to the closed beta to try it out for themselves! What are you most looking forward to in MAXIBOOST ON? We’d definitely want to see that famed high-speed clash of the various Mobile Suits, and who knows, even settle old debates of which mecha is the strongest!

P.S.: We think we can be cautiously excited for all the “future updates”, because, surely, if they weren’t planning on anything, they’d say no, right? Keep your eyes peeled, everyone!

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