Super Robot Taisen: Original Generation 2 is one of those rare GBA strategy RPGs where you actually get to pilot giant robots—and not just any robots, but a whole roster of customizable mechs with wild designs. The first few battles ease you in, but don’t let that fool you. By mid-game, you’re juggling attack combos, terrain bonuses, and pilot skills like some kind of tactical genius.

What’s cool is that it’s not tied to an anime license, so the story’s all original—no weird lore gaps if you’re not already a fan. The dialogue’s a bit cheesy (of course), but the turn-based combat feels surprisingly tight once you get the hang of positioning your units just right. And yeah, it’s the second one to make it to the US, but you don’t need to play the first to enjoy this one. Just expect a lot of dramatic robot showdowns and way too many upgrade choices.