The Super Dimension Fortress Macross (PlayStation 2 game)

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Bandai released The Super Dimension Fortress Macross 3D shooting game (based on the animated science fiction series of the same name) in October of 2003 in Japan for the Sony PlayStation 2 console. Created by the Sega-AM2 team that produced Aero Dancing, the game featured a blend of arcade shooting and realistic aerial combat similar to the Ace Combat series.

In it, players play through the events of either the television series or the movie. In the longer yet less difficult series version of events, players take the fighter pilot role of Skull Seven (スカル７番機 Sukaru Nanabanki) who is then promoted to command of the Purple Team as Purple Leader. In the shorter yet more difficult movie route, the character is referred to as Skull Seven (スカル・セブン Sukaru Sebun) and later on Apollo Leader.

In both versions, the player's wingmen are two original characters named Eddie Juutilainen and Bruce Rudel. In addition, Emma Granger acts as the team's tactical officer from aboard the bridge of the SDF-1 Macross. The player character never utters a word and his face is never seen.

Other differences between routes include the armament of the VF-1 Valkyrie variable fighters (the later upgrades used in the movie route are more well equipped), boss fights (the only constant is a duel with Milia, an ace pilot), and the song that pop idol Lynn Minmay sings during the final battle.

In the course of the game, players will occasionally encounter characters from the series, such as receiving briefings from Roy Focker or duelling with Quamzin Kravshera.

Unfortunately, despite its good points one of the major weaknesses is the fact that the player is on his own for virtually all the battles. Even though the protagonist has a pair of wingmen, they rarely do anything and seem to have been put in for storytelling purposes rather than actual use in combat.