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Bandai Namco is, once again, venturing into new territory with its Gundam IP. The company recently announced Gundam Assemble, a tabletop board game that combines iconic Mobile Suits plastic models with miniature wargaming mechanics. Using 2-inch-sized figures, this game invites players to engage in battles across the Gundam multiverse. At a glance, I think many Gundam plastic model — or Gunpla — collectors and tabletop gamers can see the immediate appeal.
Why Gundam Assemble Would Be Perfect for Even the Beginners of Two Worlds
First of all, it’s obvious that the miniature figures themselves are the major draw of Gundam Assemble. The joy of snapping pieces together and painting them mirrors the experience of crafting a full-sized Gunpla kit. With little assembly required, starting from mini-Gunpla could be a gateway for newcomers to dive into full-scale model building. For veteran builders, smaller-scaled figures provide a fresh way to engage with the hobby.
While Bandai Namco hasn’t revealed pricing, getting minis with playable rules could be a more economical entry point for most people. Imagine if instead of buying a Master Grade Astray Red Frame for $70, you could get a rulebook and a couple of mini-Gunpla.
More dedicated fans might also be able to adapt Gundam Assemble‘s rulebook with their own High Grade Gunpla collection. Visualize it, a full-blown 1/144 war between Zeon and Federation’s Mobile Suits happening in your backyard.
This news could come as a reprieve for wargaming enthusiasts looking for a greener pasture as well. Late last year, several hobby stores such as Michigan’s Riw Hobbies decided to ditch all Warhammer products because of increasing distribution and sales communication issues. With the right strategy and distributors, Gundam Assemble‘s strong worldwide appeal might be able to take Warhammer‘s Golden Throne in many regions.
Forget the Guncan(n)on, It’s All About Funcanon
However, the game’s execution could raise some questions among die-hard fans. Unlike Warhammer 40,000 or Star Wars: Legion, which operates within a unified lore framework, Gundam is famously fragmented. Its timelines are distinct, with little overlap between series.
Take these universes as an example. There’s the main Universal Century universe, and then there’s G Gundam, Post Disaster, and GQuuuuuuX which ‘might’ take place in an alternate UC timeline. We haven’t even talked about Gundam 00 and Gundam Builders which are supposed to take place in the not-so-far-future of the real-life timeline.
Without unifying lore, the game risks feeling disjointed and challenging to establish cohesive rules or narratives.
That said, many Gundam spinoff media have embraced its expansive universes by making various what-if scenarios. From Dynasty Warriors: Gundam and SD Gundam G Generation to Gundam Evolution and the Extreme Vs series. There’s an undeniable appeal to seeing iconic Mobile Suits like RX-78-2, Barbatos, and Wing Zero on the same battlefield.
The lack of unifying lore might be forgivable if the mechanics and customization options are strong enough to support creative freedom. After all, just like making up your original Space Marine Chapters, tabletop wargaming often thrives on what-if scenarios.
Gundam Assemble Is Not The Company’s First Rodeo (And Probably Won’t Be Its Last)
Bandai Namco’s decision to expand Gundam’s reach into tabletop gaming feels like a calculated move to diversify the brand. After all, Gundam Assemble was not Bandai’s first foray into the tabletop and wargaming battlefield.
Back in the early 2000s, the toy division released a line of miniature trading figures called Gundam Collection. It also comes with the Gundam Collection Tactical Combat companion rulebook in magazines, letting players use the toys as field units. It also had the Gundam War trading card game series that has been running for 26 years since its 1999 debut.
If Bandai Namco plays its cards right again, Gundam Assemble could make a huge splash in the tabletop market. Not just as a game but as a gateway to a deeper appreciation of Gunpla and wargaming. It’s a small step for Gundam minis but could become a giant leap for building new fans.
