Okay, so Super Robot Taisen Gaiden is one of those SNES games where you think, "Oh cool, giant robots," and then suddenly you're three hours deep in spreadsheets trying to optimize your squad. It's tactical RPG goodness with a heavy dose of mecha fan service—lots of familiar faces if you're into classic anime robots.

First thing you'll notice? The battles feel weighty. These aren't just sprites sliding around—when a mech punches another mech, the screen shakes, parts fly off, and you feel it. The strategy isn't just about raw power either. Terrain matters, energy management is a thing, and some units straight-up counter others. Mess up your positioning, and you'll watch your favorite robot get dismantled in one turn.

Story's surprisingly involved for a game this old, with political backstabbing, ancient civilizations, and, of course, pilots screaming attack names at each other. The translation's a bit rough (it's an old fan patch), but you’ll get the gist. If you like Fire Emblem but wish it had more laser swords and less medieval drama, this is your jam.

Just don’t expect it to go easy on you—some of those late-game bosses hit like a truck.