Originally an unlockable campaign and enemy faction in the Sega Saturn version of Gihren’s Greed, Casval’s Neo Zeon is a what-if scenario based upon Char embracing his family name and his father Zeon Deikun’s ideas, splitting off from the Principality of Zeon and creating his own faction. In this version of the game, Casval’s Neo Zeon faces off against both Zeon and the Federation in a shorter, less story focused bonus campaign, similar to Garma’s Reborn Zeon.
Universal Century 0079, January 3rd
The battle that would later be called the One Year War began.
The war between the Earth Federation and Zeon forces was extremely fierce, and many lives were lost…
People were tired of the fighting and wanted it to end as soon as possible, but the battle was at a stalemate and it seemed impossible that their hopes would come true.
However, on this day, more than 10 months after the start of the war, things took an unexpected turn.
Suddenly, a rebellion broke out at the Granada base.
The mastermind behind this was Casval Rem Deikun…
He is the orphaned son of Zeon Zum Deikun, who lost his life in a conspiracy by the Zabi family.
Casval’s declaration calling for the overthrow of the Zabi family garners support from many people and quickly propels the rebel army into a powerful force.
Will this hero who has appeared on the stage of history carve out a new era?
The battle is about to enter a new phase.
The opening conversation is between Char, or rather Casval as I’ll refer to him from hereon, and Challia Bull, Newtype pilot of the Braw Bow in the anime. As we’ll see, Casval’s forces are a mix of Newtype pilots and those who were loyal to him throughout the series.
Casval: The Earth is being destroyed by the war between human beings. If we do not return the Earth to the cradle of nature as soon as possible, and if human beings do not become independent in space, the Earth will no longer be a blue planet!
People of Neo Zeon! I would like to take this opportunity to convey the last will of my father, Zeon Deikun, to defeat those who cling to the Earth, and those who would cause the decline of humanity. I ask for your help in protecting Mother Earth, for the future of humanity! For the glory of Neo Zeon!
Challia: Well done, Commander Casval.
Casval: I don’t share the lofty ideas of my father… I just want to see the innovation that will come with the Newtype era. That’s all.
Challia: I’m drawn to the Newtype theory. And as for your father, who advocated the Newtype theory… I can’t help but regret that he was a philosopher instead of a politician.
Casval: People are not omnipotent. Even I understand that. I worry that I might be too ambitious…
Challia: To be frank, I hope it doesn’t end up being fatal, but actions that are too suggestive make people suspicious…
Casval: You are older than me. I hope to learn a lot from you.
There are three factions in this campaign – Casval’s Neo Zeon (Red), the Principality of Zeon (Green), and the Earth Federation (Blue). Neutral areas are gray.
Here’s a quick look at some of our starting pilots. While Casval’s forces lack the manpower of either of the opposing sides, he has the distinction of having multiple Newtype pilots from the start in capable units.
Like in Garma’s Reborn Zeon campaign, what order you capture enemy territory is basically up to you. Other than the Federation’s headquarters at Jaburo and Zeon’s at Side 3, you do not need to activate any plans to attack bases.
At the start, Casval is at a pretty substantial disadvantage territory wise both in space and on Earth. Also, since I went with a law alignment playthrough this run, Von Braun on the right side of the moon is a necessary pain to deal with early on. Occupying this area or Side 6 upsets the residents who wish to remain neutral, and your chaos alignment will increase every turn you do so.
I’ll note the path we took as I go, although it’s not relevant to the story other than the enemies we encounter.
On Earth, we began by heading West to capture Hawaii, Australia, and Peking, eventually moving back to take New York when ready. In space, we decided to capture A Baoa Qu early, then gradually move right towards the Earth.
Lalah: I have someone to protect! That’s why I fight!
Casval: My atonement is to realize my father’s ideals and turn all of humanity into Newtypes!
Challia: Don’t think that understanding each other so much is a blessing…
Casval: From now on, I’m under your command.
Lalah: Eh…!?
Casval: It only makes sense… you’re the superior one.
Lalah: No, that’s not true…
Casval: You’ve shown me you can do more than I taught you. Have confidence.
Lalah: Understood.
Challia: I see. I feel something, like some kind of power…
Lalah: If possible, I want to use this power for good.
Challia: Your powers seem impressive… Let’s fight together for the good of all humanity.
Strangely, this early battle at A Baoa Qu is the only time we encounter Gihren Zabi.
Gihren: The Red Comet was the orphaned son of Zeon… Is this revenge? Or… are you seeking something more?
Casval: This isn’t about revenge… I just want to pave the way for Newtypes to be born as Newtypes!
(Casval is in a Hyaku Shiki, a bonus starting MS if you play the game on the easiest difficulty.)
Casval: I must save… humanity… and the Earth!
Like in other campaigns with three factions, enemies can fight each other without any input from you.
True to his position as the commander of Zeon’s attack force on Earth, Garma was waiting for us at their base in New York. However, the enemy side decided to put him in his custom Dopp (one of the worst units in the game) rather than his Zaku. He blew up before I could even get a picture…
Garma: Glory to… the Principality of Zeon!
Meanwhile in space, the battle has finally progressed to Luna II.
Kuzco: Why must you yearn for power?! If people didn’t desire power, they would be happier…
However, it was around this time I noticed something strange. Zeon had attacked the area right next to Granada a few turns ago, but the battle had stagnated. Curious, I turned off auto and investigated.
What you see here is a single Big Zam (piloted by Dozle, of course), encircled and stuck between a bunch of our ships.
The Big Zam is equipped with a I-Field Barrier Generator, meaning it can’t be harmed by beam attacks. Naturally, all of our ships were attacking with beam attacks, resulting in a rather funny stalemate. I wonder if this supply line layout was designed to trap you in such a situation…
Regardless, by sending in some MS with non-beam weapons, he was eventually defeated.
Dozle: I am a soldier… a soldier who will forge the legacy of the Zabi family… I won’t die here!
After all that and capturing Luna II, Lalah got a promotion! This happens when a character receives enough battle honors (the gold shields next to their rank on their profile)
It’s at this point we also unlock the plans for the Elmeth, Gelgoog, Gyan, and Hygogg.
Onto the Federation’s last base in space, Solomon.
Marion: Fighting doesn’t lead to anything… you should know that. But why do you fight?
Lalah: There is… someone I need to protect… someone who is strong but has deep sadness…
Marion: I understand… you love that person. I will help as much as I can.
Lalah: Thank you…
Capturing Solomon means the Federation now only has a base at their headquarters at Jaburo. Technically from this point on, we could capture it at any time, but we’ll be waiting on that for reasons that will become clear soon.
Officer: The Federation Force’s strength has been weakened, and it is now possible to capture their headquarters, Jaburo! We propose a plan to seize Jaburo!
There’s still plenty of Zeon territory to capture on Earth, so one by one we take the bases from India, to Odessa, and Kilimanjaro.
While doing so however, Ramba Ral makes an appearance in a special MS (and with a rather silly line).
Ramba Ral: This is no Dom boy! No Dom!
This is Ramba Ral’s custom Gyan, a unit unique to the Ghiren’s Greed series.
Moving onto Belfast, we’re faced with two more unique units – Kycilia in the Adzam and Ginias in the Apsaras. The Adzam actually has what I think is a unique animation for its attack, which is pretty cool for such a niche unit.
Kycilia: If I do not survive, Zeon will be lost…
Ginias: I’m sorry, Aina…
After taking this base, we finally are able to build Casval’s Gundam, the flagship MS of Casval’s Neo Zeon. Like the Family Zam in Garma’s campaign, this exclusive unit is one of the most powerful you can build in this campaign.
Coincidentally, the plans for Delta Gundam unlock during this turn too. This will allow us to build Hyaku Shiki and all of its successors.
With Zeon wiped out on Earth, all that remains is their headquarters in space at Side 3.
Officer: Zeon’s military strength has been weakened, and we are now able to capture Zeon’s headquarters, “Side 3”! We propose a strategy to seize Side 3!
But before we attack them, something special happens.
Getting to max law alignment in this campaign triggers a unique event, one that can only occur if the Federation is still around.
Casval: Amuro Ray and the Newtype squadron of the Federation… They may respond to my call and cooperate with us. It would mean allowing the Federation forces to infiltrate Granada, but it’s worth a try.
[choice: YES]
Casval: …Can you hear me, Amuro Ray? Can you hear me, Newtypes of the Federation? If us Newtypes continue to fight each other, there will never be peace. I’m sure you understand that. Please cooperate with us…
If you’re familiar with the ending where Amuro joins Char’s Neo Zeon (CCA) in New Gihren’s Greed, this line will probably look familiar.
The screen flashes white for a moment, and then… White Base arrives.
I added all of these screenshots to a gallery to show off both the character and MS/ship they come with. Interestingly, Amuro is in the RX-78-3 G-3 Gundam that first appeared in the novel version of Mobile Suit Gundam. (click on any picture to enlarge)
As expected, the Federation isn’t happy about this. In a scripted story event, they send a small fleet to attack Granada.
Officer: Commander Casval! In response to your call, the Federation’s Newtype forces have arrived, but at the same time, a large Federation fleet has invaded Granada!
Fortunately these units are weak and easy to handle, meaning we can finally move on to Side 3.
Casval: Our forces will now begin the attack on Zeon’s headquarters, Side 3! I look forward to your efforts!
As usual, I tried to screenshot all of the pilot interaction lines I could.
Casval: Lalah is also happy to know that you’ve become my comrade, Amuro-kun.
Amuro: Yes… If we Newtypes fight amongst ourselves, then we’ll merely become tools for killing.
Lalah: I’m glad I could meet you like this. Newtypes can understand each other. I’m glad I always believed in that!
Amuro: That’s right… It’s as you say, people will someday come to understand each other, just as we have.
Casval: Artesia… this battle is dangerous. Please stay back.
Sayla: I’m not the Artesia I used to be. I want to fight to make our father’s dream come true. Please understand, big brother!
Casval: You’ve gotten stronger, Artesia…
Bright: You should fight more effectively, instead of relying so much on the performance of your weapons!
Amuro: What?! Now you’ve said it…! To me, you’re just a…
Bright: Fine, hate me if you want!
Sayla: Good luck, Amuro! I know you can do it…
Amuro: Don’t flatter me!
Ryu: Hey Amuro! How’s it going?
Amuro: Ryu-san! Let’s do our best together!
Amuro: Mirai, why are you still fighting? You could just quit the military!
Mirai: Yes, it would be possible if I used my father’s name… but I wouldn’t do that. This battle is not someone else’s problem. That’s what I think. Is that strange?
Amuro: Not at all. That’s a great way to look at it!
Bright: Hey Mirai… did you meet your fiancé you were talking about the other day?
Mirai: Even if you say fiancé, it was only discussed between our parents… and that person thinks that war has nothing to do with him…
Bright: I see, but… it’s best to cherish your relationships…
Mirai: …Do you mean that?
Bright: I too…want to live as honorably as other people while I’m alive, but I’m clumsy…
Mirai: …you sure are.
Sleggar: Haha! Looks like I’m coming along too. I can’t believe I’m going to be with such a beautiful military woman.
Mirai: Nice to meet you, I’m Mirai.
Kai: Hehe! Sayla-san, please look out for me! I don’t want to die in a war like this!
Sayla: You call yourself a man? You coward!
Kai: W-what was that?! You’re so pretentious!
Sayla: Why you…! Stop talking like a delinquent!
Sleggar: Best regards, Miss.
Sayla: I’m Sayla Mass.
Sleggar: Hmm? Looks like you’re having trouble with men.
Sleggar: Hey there! I’m so lucky to have a Newtype on my side! I’ll take good care of you!
Amuro: Please don’t tease me.
Amuro: Damn! Is he coming at me?!
Garma: You monster! Go down! Go down!
Garma: I never thought I’d end up fighting you… But there’s still time, maybe I can do something. Surrender, Char!
Casval: That’s why I call you a spoiled kid! You and I were good friends… but now we’re enemies, don’t forget that!
Amuro: What immense pressure! Is it Char? No! But it’s strong!
Gato: You, white devil of the Federation! For the sake of those defeated by you, who died in the midst of their ambition… for the sake of those hundreds of heroic spirits… you will pay with your life!
Johnny: Char the Red Comet… I’ve always wanted to fight you!
Casval: I’ve already abandoned that name… but I will grant your wish!
Johnny: Well done, but remember…I’ll be the winner in the end!!
After all that, Zeon is defeated.
…and Lalah got promoted again! (Casval, are you playing favorites?)
On to Jaburo, where the final battle with the Federation awaits.
Casval: Our forces will now begin the attack on Jaburo, the headquarters of the Federation Forces! I look forward to your efforts!
Two massive armies collide!
Bright: Did they notice us…? We have no choice but to attack!
Mirai: It will work out, let’s have faith!
Sayla: I won… but… one day, I too could end up like that…
In a scene that could only exist in this timeline, Casval, Amuro, and Sayla all team up in Gundams and fight together.
With the Federation defeated, the credits roll…
ーNeo Zeon Army Victory一
The Neo Zeon army won the war and succeeded in winning independence for spacenoids.
Why did this conflict occur?
Perhaps the reason is because there are two types of people in this world.
That is, those who live on Earth and those who live in space.
If that is the case, then if the ideas that were conceived when space immigration first began were revived, and all of humanity were to live in space, conflict would surely cease.
The supreme commander of Neo Zeon, Casval Rem Deikun, put this idea into action.
This means dropping the space fortress Axis on Earth, rendering it uninhabitable.
However, this also means slaughtering the people living on Earth.
By bearing that sin upon himself, Casval hopes to eliminate war from the history of mankind.
Will this attempt be successful?
In the end, won’t humanity continue to fight, just on a different battlefield?
