Another Century's Episode Portable is a third-person shooter video game. Players pilot a mecha from one of 20 different anime series, each posing their own unique weapon load-outs and attack styles.[1] Represented series include Mobile Suit Gundam 00, Macross F, and Aura Battler Dunbine, in addition to original mechas created specifically for the game.[1][2] Players use these mechas to complete various mission objectives, which increase in difficulty as the player progresses.[1] Objectives range from destroying waves of enemy mechas to protecting a specified target from opposing forces.[1]Anonline multiplayer mode allows multiple players to complete these missions together.[2]Portable is presented in a more linear format than previous installments, focusing on completing missions as efficiently as possible and lacking a plot.[3]
Mechas can boost, or "dash", themselves forward.[1] Dashing allows players to avoid being hit by enemy projectiles and obstacles, though this drains the gauge meter and must recharge before it can be used again.[2] Mechas can carry a variety of weapons, such as machine guns, lock-on missiles, and other firearms, with them into battle.[1] Most of these weapons have ammo that depletes when used, which can be reloaded by moving over resupply points placed throughout each mission.[2] Locking onto enemies allows players to perform a "combination" attack that deals heavy damage to opponents.[1] Combination attacks can also be used to summon additional mechas and activating a bullet time effect that deals additional damage for a short while.[2] By destroying powerful enemy grunts and completing missions, players are rewarded with chips that can be used to increase the player's weapons, abilities, and strength.[1][2][4]
On release, Famitsu magazine scored the game a 31 out of 40.[5] Cacophanus from Mecha Damashii ranked the game 7 out of 10, praising the game's visuals but comments its lack of environments and draw distance.[6]
In the week of its release, the game sold 70,217 units and ranked first in sales for any game released that week.[7]
^ abcdefghFamily Book Editing Department (January 1, 2011). Another Century's Episode Portable Perfect Guide (in Japanese). Famitsu. ISBN978-4047270916.
