TOKYO--Japanese game companies Banpresto and From Software announced today that they are codeveloping a new 3D mech action game for the PlayStation 2 titled Another Century's Episode, or A.C.E.

　　A.C.E. will allow the player to engage in high-speed outer space combat featuring over 100 different mechs (giant robots) from nine different Bandai anime series, including Mobile Suit Gundam and Nadesico. About 40 of the mechs will be playable; the rest will show up as enemy characters. The mechs will keep their true sizes from the anime settings, so some robots will be as small as 7 meters while some will be over 20 meters tall.

　　A.C.E.'s gameplay seems similar to Capcom's popular arcade game Mobile Suit Gundam Z: AEUG vs. Titans, except A.C.E. seems to take place in the air. Each stage starts with a mission briefing, and after each mission the player will be awarded with bonus points in a debriefing screen. The points can be used to power up mechs, but they can also be used for other objectives. Compared to From Software’s Armored Core series, the game will have simpler, arcade-style controls. There will also be a mode for beginner players where the mechs can be controlled with just the directional pad and one button.

　　Another Century's Episode is slated for release in January 2005. The mechs in the game will be culled from the following nine anime series:

　　•Mobile Suit Gundam Z

　　•Mobile Suit Gundam Wing

　　•Mobile Suit Gundam: Char’s Counter-Attack

　　•Aura Battler Dunbine

　　•Heavy Metal L.Gaim

　　•Blue Comet SPT Layzner

　　•Metal Armour Dragonar

　　•Mobile Battleship Nadesico

　　•Brain Powered