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** The first DLC reveal surprised a lot of fans by revealing that ''VideoGame/SakuraWars'' would be making its mainstream debut with representatives from its first, third and fifth games appearing. While ''Sakura Wars'' appeared in ''X-Omega'' (barring ''VideoGame/SakuraWarsSoLongMyLove'', which makes its debut here after not being included in ''X-Omega''), being set in a steampunk 1920s world made it seem like it was impossible for them to join up, but somehow they did. Then again, SRW is no stranger to attempt CanonWelding of franchises with wildly different [[AlternateHistory Alternate Histories]] or timelines such as ''Anime/CodeGeass'' (which takes place in a world where the United States never existed), ''LightNovel/FullMetalPanic'' (which takes place in a world where the UsefulNotes/ColdWar went on longer than usual), or the aforementioned ''Anime/NadiaTheSecretOfBlueWater'' (which takes place even earlier in history than ''Sakura Wars'').
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** The first DLC reveal surprised a lot of fans by revealing that ''VideoGame/SakuraWars'' would be making its mainstream debut with representatives from its first, third and fifth games appearing. While ''Sakura Wars'' appeared in ''X-Omega'' (barring ''VideoGame/SakuraWarsSoLongMyLove'', which makes its debut here after not being included in ''X-Omega''), being set in a steampunk 1920s world made it seem like it was impossible for them to join up, but somehow they did. Then again, SRW is no stranger to attempt CanonWelding of franchises with wildly different [[AlternateHistory Alternate Histories]] or timelines such as ''Anime/CodeGeass'' (which takes place in a world where the United States never existed), ''LightNovel/FullMetalPanic'' ''Literature/FullMetalPanic'' (which takes place in a world where the UsefulNotes/ColdWar went on longer than usual), or the aforementioned ''Anime/NadiaTheSecretOfBlueWater'' (which takes place even earlier in history than ''Sakura Wars'').
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''VideoGame/SuperRobotWars'' is not above doing this.
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''VideoGame/SuperRobotWars'' is not above doing this. Slowly and slowly things will become less unexpected with how much the series is with branching out.
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** The second DLC introduced ''Manga/{{Ultraman}}'', of all franchises.
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** The second DLC introduced ''Manga/{{Ultraman}}'', of all franchises. In addition, it was specifically the Netflix adaptation of the manga where the Ultramen are human-sized, instead of one of the mainline series where they're giants (which would arguably fit more).
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** The ''third'' DLC went further, adding versions of [[Anime/ArmoredTrooperVOTOMS Chirico's Scopedog]] and Anime/{{Dancougar}} created specifically for the game, but also none other than ''[[Manga/GetterRobo Getter Robo Devolution]]'', which was not only a ''Getter Robo'' manga without any anime adaptation, but also came with "Fragment of the Emperor," an all-new BGM composed by ''Devolution'''s co-creator, Eiichi Shimizu.
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** The ''third'' DLC went further, adding versions of [[Anime/ArmoredTrooperVOTOMS Chirico's Scopedog]] and Anime/{{Dancougar}} created specifically for the game, but also none other than ''[[Manga/GetterRobo Getter Robo Devolution]]'', ''Manga/GetterRoboDevolution'', which was not only a ''Getter Robo'' manga without any anime adaptation, but also came with "Fragment of the Emperor," an all-new BGM composed by ''Devolution'''s co-creator, Eiichi Shimizu.
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* Similar to ''UX'', ''VideoGame/SuperRobotWarsXOmega'' introduces "[[Anime/CrayonShinChan Kantam Robo]]" during a 2016 update; in an earlier Christmas update, ''Anime/IdolmasterXenoglossia'' was put in. The biggest entry, however, was during an August 2016 update: ''Franchise/{{Godzilla}}'', the first {{Kaiju}} entry in [=SRW=] (though for all intents and purposes, it was done to promote the July 2016 release of ''Film/GodzillaResurgence'' rather than for "shock value").
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* Similar to ''UX'', ''VideoGame/SuperRobotWarsXOmega'' introduces "[[Anime/CrayonShinChan Kantam Robo]]" during a 2016 update; in an earlier Christmas update, ''Anime/IdolmasterXenoglossia'' was put in. The biggest entry, however, was during an August 2016 update: ''Franchise/{{Godzilla}}'', the first {{Kaiju}} entry in [=SRW=] (though for all intents and purposes, it was done to promote the July 2016 release of ''Film/GodzillaResurgence'' ''Film/ShinGodzilla'' rather than for "shock value").
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** ''Literature/KingOfKingsGaoGaiGarVsBetterman'' is a major shocker. The light novel had just been completed and the manga is still going on, thus not everything has been solidified. With its appearance in the game, it ends up being a '''''global release''''' of ''everything'' related to the series -- character designs, mecha specs, everything. This even caught the cast of ''Anime/GaoGaiGar'' off-guard, leading to Maiko Itou, Mamoru's voice actress, to actually commit to buying and playing an ''SRW'' to understand how [=GaoGaiGo=] would be animated.
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** ''Literature/KingOfKingsGaoGaiGarVsBetterman'' ''Literature/KingOfKingsGaogaigarVsBetterman'' is a major shocker. The light novel had just been completed and the manga is still going on, thus not everything has been solidified. With its appearance in the game, it ends up being a '''''global release''''' of ''everything'' related to the series -- character designs, mecha specs, everything. This even caught the cast of ''Anime/GaoGaiGar'' off-guard, leading to Maiko Itou, Mamoru's voice actress, to actually commit to buying and playing an ''SRW'' to understand how [=GaoGaiGo=] would be animated.
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** ''Anime/{{SSSS GRIDMAN}}''. Having an anime based off of a ''tokusatsu'' property show up is quite odd, but Gridman did it. However, it is a Creator/StudioTrigger anime, and Trigger works have shown up in the franchise before (''Anime/LittleWitchAcademia'' was in ''X-Omega'' and Trigger has since acquired the rights to ''Anime/TengenToppaGurrenLagann'' following Creator/StudioGainax's bankruptcy).
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** ''Anime/{{SSSS GRIDMAN}}''. Having an anime based off of a ''tokusatsu'' property show up is quite odd, but Gridman did it. However, it is a Creator/StudioTrigger anime, and Trigger works have shown up in the franchise before (''Anime/LittleWitchAcademia'' (''Franchise/LittleWitchAcademia'' was in ''X-Omega'' and Trigger has since acquired the rights to ''Anime/TengenToppaGurrenLagann'' following Creator/StudioGainax's bankruptcy).
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** ''VideoGame/PacMan'' was also a surprise inclusion, though the character is one of Creator/NamcoBandai's mascots and has made similar guest appearances in other video games.
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** ''VideoGame/PacMan'' was also a surprise inclusion, though the character is one of Creator/NamcoBandai's Creator/BandaiNamcoEntertainment's mascots and has made similar guest appearances in other video games.
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** The ''third'' DLC went further, adding versions of [[Anime/ArmoredTrooperVOTOMS Chirico's Scopedog]] and Anime/{{Dancougar}}, but also none other than ''[[Manga/GetterRobo Getter Robo Devolution]]'', which was not only a ''Getter Robo'' manga without any anime adaptation, but also came with "Fragment of the Emperor," an all-new BGM composed by ''Devolution'''s co-creator, Eiichi Shimizu.
to:
** The ''third'' DLC went further, adding versions of [[Anime/ArmoredTrooperVOTOMS Chirico's Scopedog]] and Anime/{{Dancougar}}, Anime/{{Dancougar}} created specifically for the game, but also none other than ''[[Manga/GetterRobo Getter Robo Devolution]]'', which was not only a ''Getter Robo'' manga without any anime adaptation, but also came with "Fragment of the Emperor," an all-new BGM composed by ''Devolution'''s co-creator, Eiichi Shimizu.
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** The ''third'' DLC went further, adding versions of [[Anime/ArmoredTrooperVOTOMS Chirico's Scopedog]] and Anime/{{Dancougar}}, but also none other than ''[[Manga/GetterRobo Getter Robo Devolution]]'', which was not only a ''Getter Robo'' manga without any anime adaptation, but also came with "Fragment of the Emperor," an all-new BGM created by ''Devolution'''s co-creator, Eiichi Shimizu.
to:
** The ''third'' DLC went further, adding versions of [[Anime/ArmoredTrooperVOTOMS Chirico's Scopedog]] and Anime/{{Dancougar}}, but also none other than ''[[Manga/GetterRobo Getter Robo Devolution]]'', which was not only a ''Getter Robo'' manga without any anime adaptation, but also came with "Fragment of the Emperor," an all-new BGM created composed by ''Devolution'''s co-creator, Eiichi Shimizu.
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** The ''third'' DLC went further, adding versions of [[Anime/ArmoredTrooperVOTOMS Chirico's Scopedog]] and Anime/{{Dancougar}}, but also none other than ''[[Manga/GetterRobo Getter Robo Devolution]], which was not only a ''Getter Robo'' manga without any anime adaptation, but also an all-new BGM created by ''Devolution'''s co-creator, Eiichi Shimizu.
to:
** The ''third'' DLC went further, adding versions of [[Anime/ArmoredTrooperVOTOMS Chirico's Scopedog]] and Anime/{{Dancougar}}, but also none other than ''[[Manga/GetterRobo Getter Robo Devolution]], Devolution]]'', which was not only a ''Getter Robo'' manga without any anime adaptation, but also came with "Fragment of the Emperor," an all-new BGM created by ''Devolution'''s co-creator, Eiichi Shimizu.
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** The ''third'' DLC went further, adding versions of [[Anime/ArmoredTrooperVOTOMS Chirico's Scopedog]] and Anime/{{Dancougar}}, but also none other than ''[[Manga/GetterRobo Getter Robo Devolution]], which was not only a ''Getter Robo'' manga without any anime adaptation, but also an all-new BGM created by ''Devolution'''s co-creator, Eiichi Shimizu.
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Created the page.
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''VideoGame/SuperRobotWars'' is not above doing this.
* In addition to the usual legendary series and hits, any HumongousMecha that exists in any medium, no matter how obscure it is, has a chance to be included. ''Anime/CombatMechaXabungle'' and ''Manga/HadesProjectZeorymer'' are two such examples.
* Prior to ''VideoGame/SuperRobotWarsJudgment'', the term "robot" implied only series featuring HumongousMecha can be included. When ''Anime/TekkamanBlade'' and the subsequent ''Anime/DetonatorOrgun'' in ''VideoGame/SuperRobotWarsW'' and ''[[Anime/{{Iczer}} Iczer-One]]'' in ''VideoGame/SuperRobotWarsL'' made their debut into the franchise, this was totally out of the blue, as these series are centered around PoweredArmor, not robots. In a sense, this was developer Banpresto's way of letting loose with formula, but also their willingness to redefine what exactly encompasses the terms "robot" and "{{Mecha}}".
* ''[[VideoGame/VirtualON Cyber Troopers Virtual-ON]]'' surprised players when it appeared in ''[[VideoGame/SuperRobotWarsAlpha Super Robot Wars Alpha 3]]'', mostly because it was a video game series (and one owned by a [[Creator/{{Sega}} different company]]), yet this was nothing compared to ''VideoGame/SuperRobotWarsUX'' and Fei-Yen HD. This version of Fei-Yen had never appeared before in a game; in fact, it's an action figure based off an official piece of ''artwork''. What really pushes it is that it's actually a HumongousMecha version of [[Music/{{Vocaloid}} Miku Hatsune]]. That's right: ''a Vocaloid has appeared in Super Robot Wars''. Additionally, having the cast of ''Toys/BBSenshiSangokuden'' in the same game wasn't entirely expected, either; yes, the series' visuals are usually SuperDeformed, but this is the first time it was ever ''by default''.
* Played with regarding ''Anime/MobileSuitGundamAGE'' in ''VideoGame/SuperRobotWarsBX'': despite the series' divisive reception, [=SRW=] fans more-or-less anticipated its debut in a future installment. The real question about ''AGE'' was how the inter-generational {{Story Arc}}s would be used in a MassiveMultiplayerCrossover, to wit not everyone believed Banpresto would skip the first- and second-generation protagonists in favor of third-generation protagonist Kio Asuno.
* ''VideoGame/SuperRobotWarsV'' has a large number of surprise series, including ''[[Manga/ShinMazingerZero Shin Mazinger Zero vs. The Great General of Darkness]]'', ''Literature/MobileSuitGundamHathawaysFlash'', ''Anime/TheBraveExpressMightGaine'', and the return of ''Manga/MobileSuitCrossboneGundam'' along with its {{Sequel}}s ''"Skull Heart" and "Steel 7"''. In addition, the Huckebein and Grungust make their first non-''SRW OG'' outing in over a decade, with the Huckebein being extra surprising because it was widely believed to have been ExiledFromContinuity for being a Gundam with the serial numbers filed off. But all of that is nothing compared to '''''Anime/SpaceBattleshipYamato2199''''', the first true non-HumongousMecha SpaceOpera series.
** Besides the obvious example of the Yamato, many figured that with the events of ''Anime/MobileSuitGundamCharsCounterattack'' resolved, all that we'd see of its representation would be the inclusion of Amuro and the Nu Gundam. Lo and behold though, [[spoiler: Nanai, Char's second-in-command, shows up partway through the plot of Unicorn Gundam, and is revealed to be the leader of the Laplace organization.]]
* Similar to ''UX'', ''VideoGame/SuperRobotWarsXOmega'' introduces "[[Anime/CrayonShinChan Kantam Robo]]" during a 2016 update; in an earlier Christmas update, ''Anime/IdolmasterXenoglossia'' was put in. The biggest entry, however, was during an August 2016 update: ''Franchise/{{Godzilla}}'', the first {{Kaiju}} entry in [=SRW=] (though for all intents and purposes, it was done to promote the July 2016 release of ''Film/GodzillaResurgence'' rather than for "shock value").
** And in a September 2016 update, [=MoiMoi=], the mascot for the Super Robot Wars Original Generation-themed radio show "Umasugi Wave", was added.
** And in March 2017, Daizyujin of Series/KyoryuSentaiZyuranger, better known as the original Megazord of ''Series/MightyMorphinPowerRangers'' was added to the game, making it the first live-action mecha included.
** And in 2018, the fans were caught off guard from thinking that Banpresto is going to stop at live-action entries after HumongousMecha and {{Kaiju}}... They included Series/SpaceSheriffGavan, the first live-action PoweredArmor HenshinHero.
* The ''VideoGame/SuperRobotWarsOriginalGeneration'' series mostly features [[OriginalGeneration original cast members]] from other [=SRWs=]. When the bonus "2.5" chapters of the compilation/VideoGameRemake ''Original Generations'' was unveiled, it caught everyone by surprise when it included "Fighter Roar", based on the same-named character from an earlier MassiveMultiplayerCrossover by Banpresto called the ''The Great Battle'' series. Additional characters from ''The Great Battle'' series, "Fighter Emi" and "Dark Brain", would be integrated into this {{Continuity}} via ''[[GaidenGame Original Generation Gaiden]]''.
** In the case of SpinOff ''VideoGame/EndlessFrontier'', the protagonists and antagonists of ''VideoGame/NamcoXCapcom'' along with KOS-MOS and T-ELOS of ''VideoGame/{{Xenosaga}}'' threw [=SRW=] fans for a loop; its {{Sequel}} ''Endless Frontier EXCEED'' continued the trend with M.O.M.O. of ''Xenosaga'', including three characters from ''Original Generation'' {{Continuity}}, but perhaps the biggest surprise was NonPlayerCharacter Mark Hunter from a more obscure Banpresto ActionRPG called ''Gaia Saver'', given his sole appearance was the latter. The time gap between ''EXCEED'' and ''Gaia Saver''? '''20 years'''. From this point on, anyone from any Banpresto-developed game had the possibility to appear in ''Original Generation'', be it the main series or SpinOff.
** ''Original Generation'' {{Sequel}} ''The Moon Dwellers'' decides to have ''Endless Frontier'' come full circle by crossing Haken Browning and Aschen Brodel into its {{Continuity}}, even granting Haken his own HumongousMecha. Furthermore, the same game continues to bring in ''The Great Battle'' characters with Dark Brain's minions Crystal Dragoon, Skull Knight and Debudabide. However, the biggest surprise for the game is [[spoiler:XN-L, the similarly-named entity Zan-El from ''The Great Battle'', who brings in the battleship "Grandread Fenossa", based off of another obscure Banpresto video game ''Grandread'']].
* ''VideoGame/SuperRobotWarsX'':
** ''Anime/NadiaTheSecretOfBlueWater'': while a Creator/StudioGainax series, its approach to HumongousMecha is as unorthodox as ''Anime/SpaceBattleshipYamato2199''. Even more baffling as, unlike other Gainax shows taking place in the future or during the present, this one occurs in the ''19th century''. Finally, take into consideration the main leads, Jean and Nadia, aren't even combatants.
** ''Anime/{{Mashin Hero Wataru|Series}}'' provides an interesting example: it belongs to Creator/{{Sunrise}}, but the rights are shared with Creator/RedEntertainment and show creator, Ouji Hiroi (who also made ''VideoGame/SakuraWars'' with them, as well). Keep in mind Hiroi explicitly detests ''Super Robot Wars'', claiming [[ExiledFromContinuity he would never allow his franchises to appear in this series in any capacity]], but ''X'' seems to have dispelled that notion entirely. Of note is ''VideoGame/ProjectXZone'' and ''VideoGame/SuperRobotWarsXOmega'' had set an earlier precedence regarding ''Sakura Wars''.
** To a lesser extent, the Hi-Nu Gundam in its 2006 redesign. Previous ''SRW'' entries have used the original Izubuchi's design for the novel as the basis for its SD sprites, the same design which was used for Katoki's ''Master Grade'' 2014 model kit release. The change is due to the Manga adaptation of ''Beltorchika's Children'' using this redesign, which followed the standard set by most [[VideoGame/GundamVSSeries other]] [[VideoGame/SDGundamGGeneration games]] and [[Anime/ModelSuitGunplaBuildersBeginningG animations]] to feature the Hi-Nu since 2006.
** The return of the ''VideoGame/SuperRobotWarsAlpha'' version of Anime/{{Mazinkaiser}}: following the GrandFinale in ''Alpha 3'', this version of the Mazinkaiser was shoved aside in favor of its [=OVA=] counterpart. The fact that it's showing up alongside the Mazinger ZERO and Mazin Emperor G is equally surprising.
** Seeing ''[[VideoGame/SuperRobotWarsGaiden Masou Kishin: The Lord Of Elemental]]'' in a non-''VideoGame/SuperRobotWarsOriginalGeneration'' game again, largely because fans were content on having ''Masou Kishin'' elements stay with ''Original Generation'' rather than be part of a licensed installment.
** Since ''New Story of Aura Battler Dunbine: The Tale of Neo Byston Well'' is featured in the series roster, naturally both Shou and Cham later upgrade to the Sirbine. However, [[spoiler:in doing so they are both joined by Silky Mau, the FairyCompanion of ''Tale of Neo Byston Well''.]]
** [[spoiler:[[Anime/CodeGeass Lady Marianne in the Mordred]] getting to be a boss.]]
** Of all the possible recruitable characters, the game gave one almost nobody thought possible: [[spoiler:[[Anime/BuddyComplex Bizon in the Nergal]].]]
* ''VideoGame/SuperRobotWarsT'':
** ''Anime/CowboyBebop'': It's mostly a land-based series, despite the series taking place in space. However, Spike Siegel did pilot a plane called Swordfish, and apparently that's an OK for Bandai Namco to get this series into SRW. This series has also been in the crossover game ''Sunrise Eiyuutan'', but most likely people never heard of that one.
** ''[[Anime/CaptainHarlock Arcadia of my Youth: Endless Orbit SSX]]'': Similarly to ''Anime/SpaceBattleshipYamato2199'', it's part of the Anime/{{Leijiverse}} and the only "machine" there was Captain Harlock's battleship, Arcadia. Despite Captain Harlock's fame as the most famous SpacePirate in all history's fiction, it's still kind of a stretch to include the series in SRW, but it made it anyway.
** ''Manga/MagicKnightRayearth'': This series has been requested by the fans, but fell into here because Creator/{{CLAMP}} was known to be especially ''defensive'' towards its properties (At the very least, ''Anime/CodeGeass'' was co-created by Creator/{{Sunrise}}, who ends up calling the shots. ''Rayearth'' is 100% CLAMP production). Adding to that, the majority of the adventures of the Magic Knights and their important CharacterDevelopment were contained at the ground, and the mecha action were majorly at the 2nd season and they lacked either an allied battleship or command center, the closest one being the sympathetic antagonist (Eagle)'s battleship NSX. Take all those difficulties and ''Rayearth'' still made it with both seasons for the game, which made it a most well-received entry when the majority of the fans were previously claiming it's impossible for them to appear at all.
** All of them were at least credited in the series list. However, some fans grew a bit suspicious when the "Premium Anime Song" edition included one track from the obscure [=PS1=] series ''Getter Robo Daikessen!'', but overall they dismissed it as a chance since it wasn't included in the credits list. The 2nd PV takes the fandom by surprise again that Shin Getter Dragon from that game appears as a playable unit.
* ''VideoGame/SuperRobotWarsDD'':
** No one saw the inclusion of ''Manga/{{Devilman}}'' coming, though it is a Creator/GoNagai series and other related series (that are not ''Anime/MazingerZ'') such as ''Manga/CutieHoney'' have shown up before in ''X-Omega''.
** After the inclusion of both ''Series/KyoryuSentaiZyuranger'' and ''Series/KaizokuSentaiGokaiger'' in ''X-Omega'', many people were left wondering whether or not ''Franchise/SuperSentai'' series would continue to be added outside of that game following its discontinuation or if their inclusion there was just a one-off. To the pleasant surprise of many, ''Series/KikaiSentaiZenkaiger'' was announced to be added to the game as a form of TemporaryOnlineContent.
** ''VideoGame/PacMan'' was also a surprise inclusion, though the character is one of Creator/NamcoBandai's mascots and has made similar guest appearances in other video games.
* ''VideoGame/SuperRobotWars30'':
** Among the past series returning were ''Anime/HeavyMetalLGaim'', the original ''Anime/MobileSuitGundam'' and ''Anime/MobileSuitVictoryGundam'', having spent at least a decade in dormancy proper.
** ''Anime/{{SSSS GRIDMAN}}''. Having an anime based off of a ''tokusatsu'' property show up is quite odd, but Gridman did it. However, it is a Creator/StudioTrigger anime, and Trigger works have shown up in the franchise before (''Anime/LittleWitchAcademia'' was in ''X-Omega'' and Trigger has since acquired the rights to ''Anime/TengenToppaGurrenLagann'' following Creator/StudioGainax's bankruptcy).
** ''Literature/KingOfKingsGaoGaiGarVsBetterman'' is a major shocker. The light novel had just been completed and the manga is still going on, thus not everything has been solidified. With its appearance in the game, it ends up being a '''''global release''''' of ''everything'' related to the series -- character designs, mecha specs, everything. This even caught the cast of ''Anime/GaoGaiGar'' off-guard, leading to Maiko Itou, Mamoru's voice actress, to actually commit to buying and playing an ''SRW'' to understand how [=GaoGaiGo=] would be animated.
** The first DLC reveal surprised a lot of fans by revealing that ''VideoGame/SakuraWars'' would be making its mainstream debut with representatives from its first, third and fifth games appearing. While ''Sakura Wars'' appeared in ''X-Omega'' (barring ''VideoGame/SakuraWarsSoLongMyLove'', which makes its debut here after not being included in ''X-Omega''), being set in a steampunk 1920s world made it seem like it was impossible for them to join up, but somehow they did. Then again, SRW is no stranger to attempt CanonWelding of franchises with wildly different [[AlternateHistory Alternate Histories]] or timelines such as ''Anime/CodeGeass'' (which takes place in a world where the United States never existed), ''LightNovel/FullMetalPanic'' (which takes place in a world where the UsefulNotes/ColdWar went on longer than usual), or the aforementioned ''Anime/NadiaTheSecretOfBlueWater'' (which takes place even earlier in history than ''Sakura Wars'').
** The second DLC introduced ''Manga/{{Ultraman}}'', of all franchises.
----
* In addition to the usual legendary series and hits, any HumongousMecha that exists in any medium, no matter how obscure it is, has a chance to be included. ''Anime/CombatMechaXabungle'' and ''Manga/HadesProjectZeorymer'' are two such examples.
* Prior to ''VideoGame/SuperRobotWarsJudgment'', the term "robot" implied only series featuring HumongousMecha can be included. When ''Anime/TekkamanBlade'' and the subsequent ''Anime/DetonatorOrgun'' in ''VideoGame/SuperRobotWarsW'' and ''[[Anime/{{Iczer}} Iczer-One]]'' in ''VideoGame/SuperRobotWarsL'' made their debut into the franchise, this was totally out of the blue, as these series are centered around PoweredArmor, not robots. In a sense, this was developer Banpresto's way of letting loose with formula, but also their willingness to redefine what exactly encompasses the terms "robot" and "{{Mecha}}".
* ''[[VideoGame/VirtualON Cyber Troopers Virtual-ON]]'' surprised players when it appeared in ''[[VideoGame/SuperRobotWarsAlpha Super Robot Wars Alpha 3]]'', mostly because it was a video game series (and one owned by a [[Creator/{{Sega}} different company]]), yet this was nothing compared to ''VideoGame/SuperRobotWarsUX'' and Fei-Yen HD. This version of Fei-Yen had never appeared before in a game; in fact, it's an action figure based off an official piece of ''artwork''. What really pushes it is that it's actually a HumongousMecha version of [[Music/{{Vocaloid}} Miku Hatsune]]. That's right: ''a Vocaloid has appeared in Super Robot Wars''. Additionally, having the cast of ''Toys/BBSenshiSangokuden'' in the same game wasn't entirely expected, either; yes, the series' visuals are usually SuperDeformed, but this is the first time it was ever ''by default''.
* Played with regarding ''Anime/MobileSuitGundamAGE'' in ''VideoGame/SuperRobotWarsBX'': despite the series' divisive reception, [=SRW=] fans more-or-less anticipated its debut in a future installment. The real question about ''AGE'' was how the inter-generational {{Story Arc}}s would be used in a MassiveMultiplayerCrossover, to wit not everyone believed Banpresto would skip the first- and second-generation protagonists in favor of third-generation protagonist Kio Asuno.
* ''VideoGame/SuperRobotWarsV'' has a large number of surprise series, including ''[[Manga/ShinMazingerZero Shin Mazinger Zero vs. The Great General of Darkness]]'', ''Literature/MobileSuitGundamHathawaysFlash'', ''Anime/TheBraveExpressMightGaine'', and the return of ''Manga/MobileSuitCrossboneGundam'' along with its {{Sequel}}s ''"Skull Heart" and "Steel 7"''. In addition, the Huckebein and Grungust make their first non-''SRW OG'' outing in over a decade, with the Huckebein being extra surprising because it was widely believed to have been ExiledFromContinuity for being a Gundam with the serial numbers filed off. But all of that is nothing compared to '''''Anime/SpaceBattleshipYamato2199''''', the first true non-HumongousMecha SpaceOpera series.
** Besides the obvious example of the Yamato, many figured that with the events of ''Anime/MobileSuitGundamCharsCounterattack'' resolved, all that we'd see of its representation would be the inclusion of Amuro and the Nu Gundam. Lo and behold though, [[spoiler: Nanai, Char's second-in-command, shows up partway through the plot of Unicorn Gundam, and is revealed to be the leader of the Laplace organization.]]
* Similar to ''UX'', ''VideoGame/SuperRobotWarsXOmega'' introduces "[[Anime/CrayonShinChan Kantam Robo]]" during a 2016 update; in an earlier Christmas update, ''Anime/IdolmasterXenoglossia'' was put in. The biggest entry, however, was during an August 2016 update: ''Franchise/{{Godzilla}}'', the first {{Kaiju}} entry in [=SRW=] (though for all intents and purposes, it was done to promote the July 2016 release of ''Film/GodzillaResurgence'' rather than for "shock value").
** And in a September 2016 update, [=MoiMoi=], the mascot for the Super Robot Wars Original Generation-themed radio show "Umasugi Wave", was added.
** And in March 2017, Daizyujin of Series/KyoryuSentaiZyuranger, better known as the original Megazord of ''Series/MightyMorphinPowerRangers'' was added to the game, making it the first live-action mecha included.
** And in 2018, the fans were caught off guard from thinking that Banpresto is going to stop at live-action entries after HumongousMecha and {{Kaiju}}... They included Series/SpaceSheriffGavan, the first live-action PoweredArmor HenshinHero.
* The ''VideoGame/SuperRobotWarsOriginalGeneration'' series mostly features [[OriginalGeneration original cast members]] from other [=SRWs=]. When the bonus "2.5" chapters of the compilation/VideoGameRemake ''Original Generations'' was unveiled, it caught everyone by surprise when it included "Fighter Roar", based on the same-named character from an earlier MassiveMultiplayerCrossover by Banpresto called the ''The Great Battle'' series. Additional characters from ''The Great Battle'' series, "Fighter Emi" and "Dark Brain", would be integrated into this {{Continuity}} via ''[[GaidenGame Original Generation Gaiden]]''.
** In the case of SpinOff ''VideoGame/EndlessFrontier'', the protagonists and antagonists of ''VideoGame/NamcoXCapcom'' along with KOS-MOS and T-ELOS of ''VideoGame/{{Xenosaga}}'' threw [=SRW=] fans for a loop; its {{Sequel}} ''Endless Frontier EXCEED'' continued the trend with M.O.M.O. of ''Xenosaga'', including three characters from ''Original Generation'' {{Continuity}}, but perhaps the biggest surprise was NonPlayerCharacter Mark Hunter from a more obscure Banpresto ActionRPG called ''Gaia Saver'', given his sole appearance was the latter. The time gap between ''EXCEED'' and ''Gaia Saver''? '''20 years'''. From this point on, anyone from any Banpresto-developed game had the possibility to appear in ''Original Generation'', be it the main series or SpinOff.
** ''Original Generation'' {{Sequel}} ''The Moon Dwellers'' decides to have ''Endless Frontier'' come full circle by crossing Haken Browning and Aschen Brodel into its {{Continuity}}, even granting Haken his own HumongousMecha. Furthermore, the same game continues to bring in ''The Great Battle'' characters with Dark Brain's minions Crystal Dragoon, Skull Knight and Debudabide. However, the biggest surprise for the game is [[spoiler:XN-L, the similarly-named entity Zan-El from ''The Great Battle'', who brings in the battleship "Grandread Fenossa", based off of another obscure Banpresto video game ''Grandread'']].
* ''VideoGame/SuperRobotWarsX'':
** ''Anime/NadiaTheSecretOfBlueWater'': while a Creator/StudioGainax series, its approach to HumongousMecha is as unorthodox as ''Anime/SpaceBattleshipYamato2199''. Even more baffling as, unlike other Gainax shows taking place in the future or during the present, this one occurs in the ''19th century''. Finally, take into consideration the main leads, Jean and Nadia, aren't even combatants.
** ''Anime/{{Mashin Hero Wataru|Series}}'' provides an interesting example: it belongs to Creator/{{Sunrise}}, but the rights are shared with Creator/RedEntertainment and show creator, Ouji Hiroi (who also made ''VideoGame/SakuraWars'' with them, as well). Keep in mind Hiroi explicitly detests ''Super Robot Wars'', claiming [[ExiledFromContinuity he would never allow his franchises to appear in this series in any capacity]], but ''X'' seems to have dispelled that notion entirely. Of note is ''VideoGame/ProjectXZone'' and ''VideoGame/SuperRobotWarsXOmega'' had set an earlier precedence regarding ''Sakura Wars''.
** To a lesser extent, the Hi-Nu Gundam in its 2006 redesign. Previous ''SRW'' entries have used the original Izubuchi's design for the novel as the basis for its SD sprites, the same design which was used for Katoki's ''Master Grade'' 2014 model kit release. The change is due to the Manga adaptation of ''Beltorchika's Children'' using this redesign, which followed the standard set by most [[VideoGame/GundamVSSeries other]] [[VideoGame/SDGundamGGeneration games]] and [[Anime/ModelSuitGunplaBuildersBeginningG animations]] to feature the Hi-Nu since 2006.
** The return of the ''VideoGame/SuperRobotWarsAlpha'' version of Anime/{{Mazinkaiser}}: following the GrandFinale in ''Alpha 3'', this version of the Mazinkaiser was shoved aside in favor of its [=OVA=] counterpart. The fact that it's showing up alongside the Mazinger ZERO and Mazin Emperor G is equally surprising.
** Seeing ''[[VideoGame/SuperRobotWarsGaiden Masou Kishin: The Lord Of Elemental]]'' in a non-''VideoGame/SuperRobotWarsOriginalGeneration'' game again, largely because fans were content on having ''Masou Kishin'' elements stay with ''Original Generation'' rather than be part of a licensed installment.
** Since ''New Story of Aura Battler Dunbine: The Tale of Neo Byston Well'' is featured in the series roster, naturally both Shou and Cham later upgrade to the Sirbine. However, [[spoiler:in doing so they are both joined by Silky Mau, the FairyCompanion of ''Tale of Neo Byston Well''.]]
** [[spoiler:[[Anime/CodeGeass Lady Marianne in the Mordred]] getting to be a boss.]]
** Of all the possible recruitable characters, the game gave one almost nobody thought possible: [[spoiler:[[Anime/BuddyComplex Bizon in the Nergal]].]]
* ''VideoGame/SuperRobotWarsT'':
** ''Anime/CowboyBebop'': It's mostly a land-based series, despite the series taking place in space. However, Spike Siegel did pilot a plane called Swordfish, and apparently that's an OK for Bandai Namco to get this series into SRW. This series has also been in the crossover game ''Sunrise Eiyuutan'', but most likely people never heard of that one.
** ''[[Anime/CaptainHarlock Arcadia of my Youth: Endless Orbit SSX]]'': Similarly to ''Anime/SpaceBattleshipYamato2199'', it's part of the Anime/{{Leijiverse}} and the only "machine" there was Captain Harlock's battleship, Arcadia. Despite Captain Harlock's fame as the most famous SpacePirate in all history's fiction, it's still kind of a stretch to include the series in SRW, but it made it anyway.
** ''Manga/MagicKnightRayearth'': This series has been requested by the fans, but fell into here because Creator/{{CLAMP}} was known to be especially ''defensive'' towards its properties (At the very least, ''Anime/CodeGeass'' was co-created by Creator/{{Sunrise}}, who ends up calling the shots. ''Rayearth'' is 100% CLAMP production). Adding to that, the majority of the adventures of the Magic Knights and their important CharacterDevelopment were contained at the ground, and the mecha action were majorly at the 2nd season and they lacked either an allied battleship or command center, the closest one being the sympathetic antagonist (Eagle)'s battleship NSX. Take all those difficulties and ''Rayearth'' still made it with both seasons for the game, which made it a most well-received entry when the majority of the fans were previously claiming it's impossible for them to appear at all.
** All of them were at least credited in the series list. However, some fans grew a bit suspicious when the "Premium Anime Song" edition included one track from the obscure [=PS1=] series ''Getter Robo Daikessen!'', but overall they dismissed it as a chance since it wasn't included in the credits list. The 2nd PV takes the fandom by surprise again that Shin Getter Dragon from that game appears as a playable unit.
* ''VideoGame/SuperRobotWarsDD'':
** No one saw the inclusion of ''Manga/{{Devilman}}'' coming, though it is a Creator/GoNagai series and other related series (that are not ''Anime/MazingerZ'') such as ''Manga/CutieHoney'' have shown up before in ''X-Omega''.
** After the inclusion of both ''Series/KyoryuSentaiZyuranger'' and ''Series/KaizokuSentaiGokaiger'' in ''X-Omega'', many people were left wondering whether or not ''Franchise/SuperSentai'' series would continue to be added outside of that game following its discontinuation or if their inclusion there was just a one-off. To the pleasant surprise of many, ''Series/KikaiSentaiZenkaiger'' was announced to be added to the game as a form of TemporaryOnlineContent.
** ''VideoGame/PacMan'' was also a surprise inclusion, though the character is one of Creator/NamcoBandai's mascots and has made similar guest appearances in other video games.
* ''VideoGame/SuperRobotWars30'':
** Among the past series returning were ''Anime/HeavyMetalLGaim'', the original ''Anime/MobileSuitGundam'' and ''Anime/MobileSuitVictoryGundam'', having spent at least a decade in dormancy proper.
** ''Anime/{{SSSS GRIDMAN}}''. Having an anime based off of a ''tokusatsu'' property show up is quite odd, but Gridman did it. However, it is a Creator/StudioTrigger anime, and Trigger works have shown up in the franchise before (''Anime/LittleWitchAcademia'' was in ''X-Omega'' and Trigger has since acquired the rights to ''Anime/TengenToppaGurrenLagann'' following Creator/StudioGainax's bankruptcy).
** ''Literature/KingOfKingsGaoGaiGarVsBetterman'' is a major shocker. The light novel had just been completed and the manga is still going on, thus not everything has been solidified. With its appearance in the game, it ends up being a '''''global release''''' of ''everything'' related to the series -- character designs, mecha specs, everything. This even caught the cast of ''Anime/GaoGaiGar'' off-guard, leading to Maiko Itou, Mamoru's voice actress, to actually commit to buying and playing an ''SRW'' to understand how [=GaoGaiGo=] would be animated.
** The first DLC reveal surprised a lot of fans by revealing that ''VideoGame/SakuraWars'' would be making its mainstream debut with representatives from its first, third and fifth games appearing. While ''Sakura Wars'' appeared in ''X-Omega'' (barring ''VideoGame/SakuraWarsSoLongMyLove'', which makes its debut here after not being included in ''X-Omega''), being set in a steampunk 1920s world made it seem like it was impossible for them to join up, but somehow they did. Then again, SRW is no stranger to attempt CanonWelding of franchises with wildly different [[AlternateHistory Alternate Histories]] or timelines such as ''Anime/CodeGeass'' (which takes place in a world where the United States never existed), ''LightNovel/FullMetalPanic'' (which takes place in a world where the UsefulNotes/ColdWar went on longer than usual), or the aforementioned ''Anime/NadiaTheSecretOfBlueWater'' (which takes place even earlier in history than ''Sakura Wars'').
** The second DLC introduced ''Manga/{{Ultraman}}'', of all franchises.
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