Kidou Senshi Gundam 0083 - Card Builder

Kidou Senshi Gundam 0083 - Card Builder © 2007 Namco Bandai Games, Incorporated.

Kidou Senshi Gundam 0083 - Card Builder is an arcade-based, battle strategy, collectible card game based in the original Gundam universe. Player's build card decks to use on the console playfield to battle against the computer or in networked games against other players at other consoles within the same game center or across Japan.

Players must select which faction to play for, either Earth Federation or Zeon when they buy an IC card from a nearby vending machine. Players can field a deck using only cards from that faction including pilot, mecha, and weapon cards. Custom cards can be used by either faction.

To begin the player must insert his IC card and coins into the console. Then the player must select whether to play against the computer, against another player in the same game center, or against another player anywhere in Japan. Next the player uses a trackball to select his desired battlefield. Then the player must select his deck to use in battle.

Players must place the cards they plan to field in battle on the play field where a sensor reads them. Mobile Suit cards must have a pilot and at least one weapon card to be used in battle. Additional weapon, custom, and mothership cards are optional. Each card has a point value (based on it's utility in battle) and players may only field cards up to a limited point value. Point values usually limit the player to fielding just one or two mobile suits during a game. Once satisfied with his selections, the player can launch into battle.

In battle. Players move mecha cards on the play field of the console to control the positions of their mecha in battle. The trackball is used to move the mothership. Attack strategies are selected by three buttons (offense, defense, and high maneuver) which affect action results in a rock, paper, scissors fashion. When enemy mecha enter into the player's weapon attack range the enemy is targeted and the player can press the action button to attack. Once locked-on the player can wait for other battle systems to lock-on to perform multiple attacks in the same turn, but if a player waits too long the opponent may be able to lock on and deliver their attack first.

Once action is initiated, the scene cuts to a close up of the attack and the opponents response. If attacked the player often has the opportunity to dodge or counter-attack by quickly pressing the action button when prompted. Attacked mobile suits will take damage and custom equipment and weapons may be destroyed in the attack. When a mobile suit is destroyed the player's power gauge goes down but so long as the player's mothership is still on the battlefield the mobile suit will resortie.

Battle continues until the battle timer ends or a player's power gauge is depleted. Once a battle is completed battle results and pilot experience are stored on the player's IC card and a new playing card is dispensed by the console.