Namco BANDAI Games recently released an announcement promotional preview for Gundam: Battle Operation Online, a free-to-play online first person shooter for the Playstation Network.  The game is set to enter a closed beta stage during 29/3 - 31/3 with 10,000 beta testers and will become available for download and play in June.  The game features team battle matches between 4 to 6 players selected to battle either with the Earth Federation or Zeon forces.  The battles features gameplay both inside and outside the Mobile Suits, giving players the ability to commandeer enemy Mobile Suits and vehicles.  Between matches, players are able to customize their pilots appearance and weaponry with currency earned from battle.  There has been no announcement of whether the game will be available in the international Playstation Network stores, but we expect a large number of new Japanese Playstation Network accounts to be made from Australian IP addresses after watching this preview.   You may even be able to spot a Zombster player or two when the game is released.

Recently announced, due for release mid 2012.

I really really want to do a Franky (One Piece) custom of this unit. Those sholders call to me.

From the pages of Dengeki Magazine, both the Earth Federation and the Titans version of the RG RX-178 have been confirmed, with both to be released on the same day. This is to be expected as they are identical other than colour and decals, but great to have confirmation.

And as a bonus, from the same magazine, BANDAI has announced they are continuing the MGF range with models of Tiger and Bunny. Due to come out around the middle of the year, these two figures will use the same style and scaling as the previous Master Grade Figurerise models, such as the Dragon Ball Z, One Piece, and Kamen Rider models that are currently available.

Once we have some good images of these models, we will post them here.

Kotobukiya has outdone itself with the release of their best hobby kit ever made - The Danbou from Yostuba&!




Standing at about the height of a standard HG model kit, it also includes LEDs in the head to light up the eyes (while there is a switch on the side of the head, it apparently does nothing), and can be fitted with standard kotobukiya weapons and accessories due to the holes placed around the body (weapons and accessories are sold seperately), and can fold up to contain all of the parts within the head.

BANDAI has released a series of new product images for GunPla to be released soon.  Included this week are the MG Duel Assault Shroud, the MG AGE-1 Normal, the RG Skygrasper, the HG G-Bouncer, the HG Adele and the HG Zeydra.  Click read more to see the images.

BANDAI has released a series of promotional artwork today featuring a range of new prototypes including new High Grade and Real Grade GunPla currently in the planning and production stages.

BANDAI has posted a video showcasing the 2nd generation of the Gundam AGE model kits through the Gundam.Info YouTube channel.  Despite the typo, we do have to admit that the second generation is looking much better than the first generation units.

Just when you thought you've seen it all, yet another unexpected mash up appears on the internet.  Someone should give it its own rule number or something.

AKB48 is a giant female pop idol group based in Akihabara, Japan (otaku capital of. the. world).  The Nobell Gundams have been modded and posed to replicate the cover of their single, Iiwake Maybe.  As a result of their immense popularity, several spin-off groups have been founded across Japan.

Source

We've collected some images from the Japan BGBWC from last year, to show what the amazing Wing by Tatsuhiko Yamaguchi that won third place in the finals went up against. Click the jump for the images.

Currently under auction on yahoo.jp by seller kmp_style0512, the Gundam ver. Hatsune Miku.  Kitbashed from a HG Nobell Gundam, HG Nobell Gundam Berserker Mode and a HG ReZel, this mod exemplifies what can be done with GunPla with just a bit of thought to produce something outside of the box.