Commentary：Commentary on "Mobile Suit Gundam: Phantom of the Silver Gray" - A new "Gundam experience" in VR - What is the silver Gundam?

The VR video "Mobile Suit Gundam: Phantom of Silver Gray" based on the popular anime series "Gundam" has been released for Meta Quest 2, Meta Quest 3, and Meta Quest 3s, and is currently creating a buzz. The VR video gives the feeling of fighting while piloting a mobile suit. We'll explain all about the much talked about "VR Gundam".

◇A modified Delta Plus!

The protagonist belongs to Argent Keel, an unofficial mercenary organization that is neither the Federation nor Zeon. He was once a Federation soldier, but was rescued by Argent Keel pilot Baber Rena after being lost in battle, and became a mercenary himself. He doesn't have any outstanding abilities as a pilot, and feels pressured by being given the special mobile suit, Gundam.

The organization is tasked with assassinating Azami Megine, a high-ranking Federation official who is in collusion with Zeon, but just before the mission, the fleet is attacked by the Federation's Jegan unit, and in the midst of this chaos, the "Silver Gundam" that they secretly own is released into space.

The "Silver Gundam" is a Delta Zyne, a modified Delta Plus machine provided to Argent Keel by AE (Anaheim Electronics). Due to the circumstances of the secret agreement, the machine's exterior is made of non-standard parts. The head is reused from a prototype machine of a different project, the armor shape uses data from a legendary machine that was frozen in the design stage, and the shield is a new, specially prepared item. It is painted silver, the symbol of Argent Keel.

Several Re-GZs were manufactured for technical testing after the Second Neo Zeon War, and Argent Keel acquired one of them and modified it to create the Re-GZ (Argent Keel specs), as well as the Jagd Weise, a modified version of a Jagd Doga that was intended to be given to the Neo Zeon remnants as a spare part. It has also been announced that the Nu Gundam will also be making an appearance.

◇The sense of realism and immersion is incredible!

The film was co-produced by Bandai Namco Filmworks and Atlas V, a French VR production company that has worked on titles such as "Gloomy Eyes" and "Battlescar." It was directed by Suzuki Kenichi, written by Kansai Ryoji, character designed by Kotobuki Tsukasa, and mechanical designed by Akitaka Mika.

Mobile Suit Gundam: Requiem of the Revenge, which will be released worldwide on Netflix on October 17th, is also 3DCG, but while Requiem of the Revenge is more realistic, Phantom of the Silver Gray gives the impression of being closer to 2D animation. It may be easier to get into the world because it is closer to the familiar Gundam.

When you put on the VR headset, the fleet is attacked by the Jegan Corps, you board the silver Gundam, and join the battle... watching the footage, you feel as if you are actually the main character and are caught up in the battle. It is immersive and realistic, and the footage makes you feel like you are experiencing the Universal Century in real life. You should be able to enjoy a new Gundam experience that is different from anime and games.

Although it is a long video like a movie, you may not feel the length. Because it is made with attention to detail, you will probably discover something new no matter how many times you watch it.