Revil: Our army will now begin the operation to capture Solomon! Deploy the troops posthaste!
Zeon Space Fortress Solomon
It is a strategic location commanded by the fierce general Dozle Zabi and is the most important base for defending the Zeon mainland.
The Federation Army, which had overwhelmed Zeon on the Earth’s surface, now faced this impregnable fortress with a surefire strategy.
A new battle was about to begin for the Federation Army heading towards the Zeon mainland.
Judging from this dramatic intro, I assumed Dozle and his Big Zam would be here, probably with a decent sized fleet to go with him. Instead…
EFF Officer: Reporting that the Solomon Front Army has succeeded in taking control of the space fortress Solomon. This gives our forces a foothold for invading Zeon.
This is the screen that appears when the enemy faction decides to surrender a base without a fight. I have no idea what triggers this to happen instead of fighting there as usual. If Zeon had decided to put up a fight, the now completed Solar System weapon would have activated during the combat phase, destroying a portion of their forces.
Back on Earth, despite being completely under Federation control, the story event related to the 08th MS Team OVA begins.
EFF Officer: A reconnaissance unit has reported the appearance of a new enemy MA.
This is unconfirmed information, but I have a bad feeling about it…
May we order the 08th MS Team to investigate?
[Choice: NO]
EFF Officer: Understood, we will discontinue the investigation. However, it seems dangerous. Please be exercise caution.
Admittedly the reason I chose NO for this was to make it easier to capture Shiro’s lines for Aina, Ginias, and Norris, who otherwise would be scattered around in Zeon’s forces. And so, a few turns later –
EFF Officer: There’s an emergency situation. An enemy mobile armor unit has appeared in Jaburo. Their numbers are unknown. Please prepare to intercept immediately.
Aina and Ginias are in Apsaras II and III respectively, and Norris is of course in the Gouf Custom, accompanied by a small number of other forces. They directly attack the Jaburo base, making this potentially a dangerous situation if you aren’t ready for it, as losing your main base results in instant game over.
Shiro: Please! Let me launch! I don’t want any more people to die!
Shiro: I want to kill you for tormenting Aina!
Ginias: What are you talking about?! My sister is suffering because of you! I’ll send you to the other side…
Norris: Be afraid! Cower! Die without being able to fully use your mobile suit!
Shiro: This enemy is different from the others we’ve faced so far! If you defend, you’ll lose! Attack!
Shiro: A woman? Hey, are you still alive?
Aina: I will not surrender to the Federation! Just shoot me!
Shiro: Don’t give up! Just focus on surviving!
Aina: I understand… I’m Aina Sakharin…
Shiro: Aina? I’m Shiro Amada!
Aina: Goodbye… Shiro…
Meanwhile, it seems Zeon is busy preparing a counterattack in space as well, working on a super weapon of their own.
EFF Officer: The intelligence department has reported that Zeon is developing a new weapon called the “Solar Ray.” Could this have something to do with the forced evacuation of that colony in Side 3?
On to A Baoa Qu!
Revil: Yes, it’s finally time… “Operation Star One” will now commence!
The final line of defense for the Zeon mainland
This airspace, consisting of the space fortress A Baoa Qu and the lunar city of Granada, is Zeon’s last stronghold.
After capturing Solomon, the Federation Army finally launches an invasion operation of the Zeon mainland.
Meanwhile, the Zeon forces are gathering at A Baoa Qu, the Federation’s primary target, aiming for a full-scale counterattack.
The Federation’s battle for the Zeon mainland is reaching its climax.
As the battle begins, combat is quickly interrupted.
EFF Officer: General, Great Degwin has surrendered in order to negotiate peace.
Revil: Sovereign Degwin? I see, things are tough for Zeon too… Should I agree to these peace talks?
[Choice: YES]
Revil: Any further fighting is meaningless to us. I’ll meet with Sovereign Degwin…
If you’re familiar with the events of the Mobile Suit Gundam anime, you know where this is going. If your enemy intelligence stat isn’t high enough, you get a historical bad end here where both Revil and Degwin perish in the Solar Ray’s blast.
Since we’re playing as Revil in this campaign, he needs to survive in order for us to continue, despite what happens in canon. Here’s how things play out if you have enough enemy intelligence.
EFF Officer: General! Zeon’s new weapon… The true identity of the “Solar Ray” has been revealed. The Solar Ray is… a gigantic laser weapon that utilizes a colony. This airspace is being targeted!
Revil: Inform the troops! We’re withdrawing from this airspace immediately! I also ask that you contact Great Degwin!
[The Solar Ray fires… 10% of our troops in the battle are destroyed]
Revil: Are you trying to drag your allies into this? Damn you, Gihren… What’s the damage report? Is Great Degwin safe?
EFF Officer: Miraculously, the damage was minimal and Great Degwin is safe.
Degwin: General Revil, Gihren is my son, but he is a dangerous man… I no longer have the will to fight. I want you to accept the ceasefire agreement.
Revil: However, even if a ceasefire agreement is signed, Gihren will not give up on his determination to fight to the end.
Degwin: No, General, there must be quite a few people who are upset by Gihren’s violent actions this time. If I, as the Sovereign, was to publicly express my intention to call for a truce, I’m sure something could be achieved…
Revil: I understand, Sovereign Degwin…
From here, the battle progresses as normally. Funny enough, both Gihren and Delaz were at this base, which I assume means ironically either of them had a random chance to be taken out by the Solar Ray.
Revil: Gihren… What do you intend to achieve by winning this war?
Gihren: What has the Earth Federation’s absolute democracy produced? Nothing more than an increase in bureaucrats…and a mass of people who are only capable of wasting resources! Humanity must be managed by the superior people of Zeon!
Revil: Why do you fight? To go to such lengths… Why are you so loyal to Gihren? Zeon was destroyed a long time ago!
Delaz: What are you saying! Zeon is not destroyed. We will crush the cursed Federation’s malice and surely revive Zeon!
Like with Odessa, capturing A Baoa Qu features its own special cutscene.
A Baoa Qu, a cornerstone of the Zeon homeland defense line, has fallen into the Federation Army’s hands.
After a fierce battle, the Federation forces break through the final line of defense, leaving Side 3, Zeon’s homeland, defenseless.
The final day was fast approaching.
A familiar face contacts us with a proposal – Jamitov Hymen, future founder and leader of the Titans. He proposes a strategy for the Federation to take its research of Newtypes to the next level.
Jamitov: General Revil… Our military’s research into Newtypes is lagging far behind that of Zeon. According to our intelligence, Zeon appears to be conducting research into artificially creating Newtypes, and that technology has been brought to our military. Wouldn’t it be worth putting the “Cyber Newtype Development Plan” to the test?
While agreeing to his proposal does decrease your lawful alignment slightly, it allows you to recruit a special character in a few turns.
Meanwhile, in what must be a final act of desperation and revenge, Zeon launches a second colony drop operation at Jaburo.
EFF Officer: Reporting! The Zeon forces… they’ve carried out another colony drop! There’s no way to stop it now!
Revil: Damn you, Gihren! Have you lost your mind?! Are you planning to repeat that tragedy again?
EFF Officer: Although we were spared a direct hit, the colony crashed near Jaburo!
Revil: What is the damage report?!
EFF Officer: Yes sir, it seems the worst-case scenario has been averted as the dropped colony began to disintegrate in the atmosphere, but the damage to Jaburo is enormous.
In gameplay terms, this means 50% of the units currently stationed at Jaburo will be wiped out.
With Gihren still alive, this version of the One Year War is destined to continue until the final, bitter end. Next up is Granada base on the moon.
Revil: Our forces will now begin the operation to capture Granada! Our target is the “Granada Moon Base”! I look forward to your efforts!
Someone new is joining us for this battle, however…
EFF Officer: General Revil, the Newtype Research Institute has completed the Cyber Newtype “Proto Zero.” Though he is a prototype, he has demonstrated combat capabilities on par with Newtypes in tests, and we can expect him to perform well in actual combat.
Proto Zero, also known as Zero Murasame, is the first Cyber Newtype created by the Murasame Newtype lab, hence his name. He is voiced by Hikaru Midorikawa, who also played Heero Yuy in Gundam Wing.
Zero: You’re Amuro? I heard you’re the strongest Newtype, but you don’t look that strong… or maybe I’m just imagining things?
Amuro: What are you saying all of a sudden?! …Argh. This feeling is dangerous!
Challia Bull: I see, I feel something, some kind of force…
Zero: Of course! I’m a true Newtype! Not like you!
Blex: Henken-kun… What do you think about this war started by the Zabi family?
Henken: Indeed, this war was started by the Zabi family, but there is no doubt that the Federation Government’s policies towards spacenoids were the catalyst.
Blex: Yes, government corruption is the cause of all this. I intend to correct that once this war is over, and when that time comes, I’d like you to help me, Henken-kun.
Henken: Understood, I’m glad I met someone like you. Let’s fight together.
Jamitov: …Bask, I’ll have you protect me.
Bask: You seem to lack confidence… your Excellency, Jamitov.
Jamitov: No, I have a mission to fulfill, so I cannot die so easily. I must be careful!
Ramba Ral: Impressive! However boy, you didn’t win by your own strength! Don’t forget it was thanks to the power of that mobile suit!
Amuro: W-what a sore loser!
While capturing Granada base, I noticed a single enemy unit with a pilot escape off the map and presumably towards Von Braun. I sent forces over to pursue and…say it ain’t so…
Bernie: Al… I won’t die!
Chris: I don’t know why, but… I feel like… I shouldn’t fight this enemy…
Bernie: It’s not over yet… not yet…
With Granada captured, there are no Zeon bases left aside from Side 3. The final battle of the One Year War is about to begin.
Revil: It’s finally here… How I’ve waited for this day…
Side 3, the space colony farthest from Earth
Located on the far side of the moon, this colony group is the capital of the Principality of Zeon.
The Federation Forces recovered from a disadvantageous position, overcame the heavy Zeon defenses, and finally advanced to this point.
Meanwhile, the cornered Zeon gathers their troops and attempts a final resistance.
Will the Federation be able to defeat the Zeon forces, who are determined to fight to the death, and seize victory?
The final battle between the Federation and Zeon, the Battle of Side 3, is about to begin.
Zero: Heh heh heh, the Red Comet? You’re just a human! There’s no way you can stand against me!
Char: What is this? What is this feeling? It’s different from a Newtype! But… What is this pressure?
Sayla: What is this feeling…?
Sayla: I won… but… I too could end up like that one day…
EFF Officer: We have succeeded in taking control of the Zeon mainland! Our forces have won!
一 Federation Forces Victory 一
The Principality of Zeon realizes that it has lost the war and accepts the Federation Government’s recommendation to surrender.
The armistice was decided in accordance with the demands of the Federation, who had achieved an overwhelming victory.
The colonies of Side 3, which were under Zeon rule, came under direct management of the Federation Government.
The Principality of Zeon was effectively wiped out, and peace was restored to Earth once again.
However, there were reports of the remnants of Zeon gathering at the space fortress Axis.
It was a sign that this peace would not last long…
