Gundam Archives

Mobile Suit Gundam Side Story 0079: Rise From the Ashes

In the midst of the One Year War, a region in Australia was devastated by a colony drop, leading to catastrophic consequences. Against this backdrop, the game Mobile Suit Gundam Side Story 0079: Rise From the Ashes unfolds, focusing on the activities of the “White Dingo Team,” a mobile suit platoon of the Earth Federation Forces.

Gameplay

Players take on the role of Master Pierce Rayer, leading the White Dingo Team through nine stages set across Australia. The game features a first-person cockpit view, requiring players to employ team-tactics with two AI-controlled teammates. The mobile suits available for piloting include the RGM-79 GM, RGC-80 GM Cannon, and RX-77D Guncannon Mass Production Type.

Weapons and Upgrades

A variety of weapons are at the player’s disposal, including machine guns, rocket launchers, beam rifles, and more. Completing certain missions unlocks special weapons, such as the Prototype Beam Rifle and Hyper Hammer. The game also features an “Extra Options” menu, allowing players to customize their experience with cheats like Lunar Titanium Alloy and special weapons.

Story and Characters

The game’s narrative revolves around the White Dingo Team’s efforts to stop the Principality of Zeon from developing and releasing Astaroth, a biological weapon capable of accelerating plant growth on Earth. Key characters include Master Pierce Rayer, Leung Lee-Fai, Maximilian Berger, and Visch Donahue.

Terminology and Trivia

• Astaroth: A bioweapon developed by the Principality of Zeon to accelerate plant growth on Earth.
• Australia Campaign: The Federal forces’ efforts to retake Australia from Zeon control.
• Staircase to the Moon Operation: A diversion tactic masterminded by Commander Walter Curtis to retreat and gather in Africa.

Mobile Suits and Vehicles

The game features a range of mobile suits and vehicles, including the RGM-79 GM, RGC-80 GM Cannon, RX-77D Guncannon Mass Production Type, and MS-06F Zaku II.

Premium Disc

Released alongside the original game, the Gundam 0079 Premium Disc includes a sound test option, MS artwork gallery, and an Extra Options menu allowing players to unlock special weapons and cheats.

Legacy

Mobile Suit Gundam Side Story 0079: Rise From the Ashes was the first Gundam-related video game to be officially released in the United States. A demo of the game was featured in a disc included with the May 2000 issue of Official Dreamcast Magazine.