Line #56 VideoGame/SDGundamCapsuleFighter


1	[[quoteright:350:https://static.tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pub/images/sdgo_logo_eng.jpg]]
2	''SD Gundam Capsule Fighter'' was an online FreeToPlay MassivelyMultiplayerOnline game based on the famous ''Franchise/{{Gundam}}'' franchise. Developed in South Korea by Softmax, ''SD Gundam Capsule Fighter''[[note]]also known as ''SD Gundam Online'' or ''SDGO''[[/note]] had servers in China, Japan, North America, and various other countries. In 2015, all servers shut down, bringing an end to the game's seven year run.
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4	''SDGO'' was an online game that unlike many others, [[NoPlotNoProblem lacks any type of plot whatsoever]]. However, the game allowed players to enter combat with other players using their favorite Mobile Suits (with a SuperDeformed yet surprisingly accurate representation of each Mobile Suit), ranging from the [[Anime/MobileSuitGundam Zaku]] to the [[Anime/MobileSuitGundamAGE Gundam AGE series]], with even some of the most obscure suits between them made available for play. Players got their hands on these Mobile Suits primarily through capsule machines (hence the name) in which they spent in-game currency trying to roll for the unit they wanted. Units could also be gained through quests, events, or even making them via blueprints and the necessary components (consisting of lower-ranked units).
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6	The suits in game were ranked based on their power (and usually prominence in the series), from the [[MechaMooks C-Rank units]] up to S-Ranks, with other "sub-ranks" of sorts to determine the unique properties of the Mobile Suits. The game had a TacticalRockPaperScissors combat style with literal rock, paper, and scissor units. Rock units were usually oriented for fast and close-combat gameplay, papers for long-range firing and even sniping, while scissors were mid-ranged and [[JackOfAllTrades capable in both close-quarters and long-range combat]]. This system, at least on the North American servers, was replaced in favour of simple designations, those being Short-, Mid-, and Long-Ranged.
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8	The gameplay had two primary gameplay types: missions and battle, each having their own unique options. In missions player could either go solo on Single Missions, or join a group of up to three other players in group missions, which often borrowed from the story lines of previous ''Gundam'' series. Battle pitted up to twelve players against each other in several different battle types, including:
9	* "Normal", in which players were split into two teams with infinite lives, and the goal was to get the most points before the time ran out, done so by killing members of the enemy team.
10	* "Single", which was basically Normal with a free-for-all format, in which the player with the most points won.
11	* "Death", where players had a finite number of lives and must defeat the other team to win.
12	* "Tag", where players used up to four predetermined Mobile Suits loaded on their battleships in a Death Match-style battle.
13	* "Grid", which basically combined Tag with an inverted "Normal" format, trying to reduce the other team's points to zero by killing the enemy players.
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15	Not to be confused with ''Anime/SDGundamForce'', which is absent from this game. (''Toys/BBSenshiSangokuden'' is in, though.)
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17	!This game contained examples of:
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19	* AdaptedOut: The only three animated series not represented in this game were ''Anime/SDGundamForce'', ''Anime/GundamBuildFightersTry''. and ''Anime/GundamReconguistaInG''
20	* AwesomeButImpractical:
21	** Some of the higher-ranked suits can fall into this trope, particularly the S Rank units. While very powerful and usually easy to use, they're often expensive to make or difficult to get. In Death Matches they're tied for the least number of lives per match (tied with A Ranks at two lives and the second life starts you out with only 75% HP), and give (or take, in Grid) the most points when taken out. They also take up the most points in Clan Matches and battleships, requiring the other suits used to be much weaker C Ranks. If you're not skilled in using the suit, it's also not unusual to be taken out by someone [[CherryTapping using a much weaker unit]]. But if you can use it properly, expect to be tearing through your enemies like wet paper.
22	** This is even more apparent with SR and SS Ranks. SS Ranks can ONLY be obtained through blueprints which cost a good amount more than their S Rank cousins. As for the SR Ranks, they can only be obtained by rolling in Custom Capsule, and since it's entirely random, it could take anywhere from 5 rolls, to '''500''' rolls...
23	** The same goes with Special Attacks. While devastating during PVP matches, in PVE matches, the attacks only take a small percentage off. Even worse, there's a chance that [[GameBreakingBug some Special Attacks will cause the target to lock up]], being unable to attack or be dealt damage. Cases like this has lead it to be an unwritten rule to never use Special Attacks during PVE fights.
24	*** Another problem with Special Attacks is that by using one, [[BroughtDownToNormal you lose all of your skills]] until you can rebuild your Special Gauge.
25	** Certain skills tend to be this way as well. For example, the Infinite Ammo Weapon 2/3 is ExactlyWhatItSaysOnTheTin, but while it's nice to have infinite ammo, you have to be down to 40-35% of your HP to use it, compared to the Quick Reload skill, which speeds up your reload when you activate the skill.
26	** Likewise, Mobile Armors can be this. Very powerful, high defenses, and they often have unique skills. But they're also massive targets.
27	* AceCustom: Being Gundam, naturally a large number of these are present from the canon. Also, players can customize their Mobile Suit in the Factory to better fit their play style, basically allowing them to make their ''own'' AceCustom.
28	* [[BareFistedMonk Bare-Fisted Mech]]: Played with. Some units aren't exactly bare-fisted, but rather use solely close-range weapons, or use the same close-ranged weapons for different attacks. Some Mobile Suits play this trope straight, however.
29	* BackStab: A Mobile Suit's big weak point is its back, thus it's not uncommon for someone's speedy Melee-based unit to attack you in the back.
30	* BeamSpam: Some suits have all kinds of beam weapons at their disposal, including "flashlights", which are widespread long-range beams difficult to dodge, and often rather powerful.
31	* {{BFG}}: It wouldn't be Gundam otherwise. It appears primarily in the form of the aforementioned "flashlight" beam weapons, or Special Attacks that involve firing a massive continuous beam.
32	* {{BFS}}: Remains faithful to the various Gundam series that have said weapons, such as ZZ Gundam or 00 Raiser.
33	* BoringYetPractical: A lot of units have flashy and powerful weapons at their disposal, unique skills to increase their use and ability, and the game offers some room for skill and strategy. But more often than not, you'll find yourself hiding behind cover between shooting at enemies with your basic beam rifle or machine gun, or sneaking up behind them to take them out with critical shots or {{BackStab}}s. It's not very flashy and sometimes criticized by other players, but it's reliable and keeps you from giving the advantage to your opponent if you mess up.
34	* BribingYourWayToVictory: Surprisingly averted in this game. While spending actual cash (called astros in-game) allows you to roll the gashapon for suits that aren't out yet or buy actual units and unit blueprints, they offer nothing that a non-paying player won't be able to get via points with some time and patience beyond some purely cosmetic paints or stickers. The only time you'll really need to purchase anything is if you need to buy more hangar space.
35	* CherryTapping: Some exceedingly skilled players will take the time to improve and expand C-Rank suits, then use them to decimate less-skilled players relying on their high-powered S Ranks to win the game. Some players take it up a notch to level and expand the Training MS, the ''first unit you get and arguably the weakest in the game''.
36	* CombatPragmatist: Some players are perfectly content using "cheap" units [[note]]units with Stun or Bullet Zero, particularly the ones that can dash performing it[[/note]] or methods [[note]]such as the dreaded [=MCA=] - attacking a person in melee range while not allowing them to fall over or fight back[[/note]] in order to get the upper hand, so long as it doesn't actually break rules.
37	* CompositeCharacter: For the sake of simplicity, some units are actually a combination of two versions of that unit. For instance, the [[Anime/MobileSuitGundam0083StardustMemory RX-78GP02A Gundam "Physallis" (Type-MLRS)]] is a combination of the actual Type-MLRS and the Beam Bazooka variant.
38	* CurbStompBattle: If one is not careful, going into a fight with the wrong unit will lead to this and many RageQuit-caused flipped tables.
39	* DefeatEqualsExplosion: Enemies, from battle ships in Mission Mode to other units, will explode on defeat.
40	* DeflectorShields: Played with. Skills based on defensive measures such as Phase-Shift Armor or I-Fields take this appearance when in effect, ColorCodedForYourConvenience. Some units play it straight, however.
41	* DestructibleProjectiles: Various missiles, just as those fired by the Gaw, GINN and even Nuclear Missiles, can be shot down. Sadly, you can't lock on to them, so your aim better be good or you got a flashlight.
42	* TheDitz: Operator K[[note]]The girl dressed up as [[Anime/MobileFighterGGundam Rain Mikamura]][[/note]], at least in the NA servers, is portrayed as this
43	* DoNotRunWithAGun: Units with normal guns can run and gun at the same time. Heavier weapons like buster rifles force you to stand still.
44	* DubNameChange: Actually ''averted'' - [[Anime/MobileFighterGGundam God Gundam, Devil Gundam and Nether Gundam]] all retain their original names.
45	* GratuitousEnglish: Sometimes the attempts to translate Korean words into English can have some very interesting, hilarious, or downright facepalm inducing results. One of particular note would be from when Master Gundam came out; one of its skills was named "Swordsman Master Asia". The mistakes often get fixed a patch or two later, though.
46	* GameBreakingBug: Sadly, SDGO has a good few of these at times. Go on, go to the NA forums and mention "ZOA". Make sure to take some popcorn and a flame retardant suit for when people rage at the very mention of it.
47	** Players often experience multiplayer disconnects/hangups which causes most/all of the other players in the room to stand still when the game starts. This means you can't defend yourself from other players and they can't defend themselves from you.
48	* GirlyRun: The [[Anime/GundamBuildFighters Beargguy III]] runs this way.
49	* GrievousHarmWithABody: There's a version of the [[Anime/MobileSuitGundamThe08thMSTeam Gundam Ez-8]] who will beat you with its left arm.
50	* HandicappedBadass: Outside of the aforementioned Ez-8 variant, the [[Anime/MobileSuitGundam Gundam (Magnetic Coating)]] can enter Last Shooting mode, blowing off its left arm and head, getting considerable damage boosts and a better melee combo at the expense of losing its bazooka and being unable to autolock on enemies.
51	** Actually, it can autolock on to enemies, however you have to be extremely close to an enemy to actually do so. It's second skill, "Newtype Awakening(A)", actually increases its lock-on range, which makes its only downside being the loss of its bazooka.
52	* HoistByHisOwnPetard: [[Anime/MobileSuitGundamSEEDDestiny The Akatsuki Gundams]] and [[Anime/MobileSuitGundamUnicorn Gundam Unicorn (NT-D Mode)]] do this for beam weapons and funnel-type weapons respectively.
53	* InfinityPlusOneSword: SS ranks, improved versions of the already powerful S ranks. Many are often banned by players.
54	** Released in the NA version so far are; Nu Gundam HWS (has the improved funnel weaponry), Infinte Justice Gundam ( has extra melee, and multi-firing long range weapon), Strike Freedom Gundam (has double beam rifles, and better long range than most papers.), 00 Raiser Gundam (primarily melee-based, armed with more swords you can shake at, a special skill that allows you to evade a single attack and reappear elsewhere)
55	* JokeCharacter: The Zeta Zaku. Its states take a massive dive (especially in attack), it can't transform into Waverider mode and its Grenade Launcher (compared to its better counterpart, the Zeta Gundam (Beam Saber)), loses most of its ammo and. On the other hand, it has a lot more defense than the other Zetas and it makes up for its attack loss with a special skill that makes its beam saber stronger.
56	** Keep in mind, however, that the Zeta Gundam is an A rank, and the Zeta Zaku is a B rank, so its stats are naturally lower for that reason.
57	** There's also the [[Anime/ModelSuitGunplaBuildersBeginningG Beargguy]], which turns the already funny-looking Acguy into an even weirder looking Bear MS.
58	* KillSteal: Ever present in this game and goes into insane levels when players are participating in kill count events. The most common ones are someone landing a LimitBreak while you're attacking someone, especially in close range, or someone shooting at your target when you hit them with your Beam LimitBreak.
59	* LevelGrinding: Common with most MassivelyMultiplayerOnline games. To players, it's known as "Faith Grinding", usually playing either Single Missions or easy stage missions, like [[Anime/MobileSuitGundam Assault on Jaburo Part 1]] to gain big EXP and Point gains via their daily 15-use "Faith" bonus.
60	* LimitBreak: Special Attacks, which can only be used when your SP gauge fills from dealing or taking damage. The SP Gauge is also required to activate your skills, some of which (particularly some of the more powerful ones) require you to be reduced to a certain amount of HP for them to be activated.
61	** Suits used by the main characters from it's respective show always have an alternate version, including an SP attack with their signature or final boss kill move. Such as Gundam(magnetic Coating)'s Last Shooting, or Force Impulse Gundam featuring Shinn's final attack against the Freedom Gundam.
62	* MacrossMissileMassacre: A few suits (primarily of the long-ranged Paper variety) have homing missiles they can fire on their enemies for damage from behind or around cover.
63	* [[MakeMyMonsterGrow Make My Mobile Suit Grow]]: The Boss PVP matches has a random player's unit grow to "boss" size, giving them incredible defense and new skills... and makes them a big target for everyone else.
64	** There's even a PVP item that allows you to grow when activated at any time during the match.
65	* MasterofNone: While it is true that Scissor units are supposed to be the balanced ones out of the Trio, if a player cannot quickly adapt to his situation(whether it be because of lack-of-skill, poor stats or skills on the MS, etc.), some Scissor units may become this.
66	* TheMedic: Some Mobile Suits are capable of healing their teammates. But due to this fact and the fact that almost all "Repair" (as they're identified in-game) units have low HP, it often leads to ShootTheMedicFirst.
67	* NukeEm: About three suits have this as their range-type special attack: The C-rank [[Anime/MobileSuitGundamSEEDDestiny Nuclear Windam]], the [=BS-rank=] [[Anime/MobileSuitGundam0083StardustMemory GP02A Physalis]], and the S-rank [[Anime/TurnAGundam Turn A]].
68	* OvershadowedByAwesome:
69	** The A Ranks to S Ranks, at least in Death Matches. A Ranks and S Ranks have the same number of lives, so unless the room restricts S Ranks, you may as well use an S Rank instead since it will have more power with the same amount of lives.
70	** Also happens to some units with their "Rare" versions (signified by an -R suffix in their rank and yellow name text), which usually have alternate weapons, unit properties, and slightly higher stats. Even morso with "Special" versions (-S suffix on rank and red name text), which are often required to be built in order to obtain and as such almost always have higher performance than their base unit.
71	* PowerCreepPowerSeep: Nigh-invulnerable units such as the [[Anime/MobileSuitGundamWing Wing Gundam]] are somehow the same rank as powerful versions of Universal Century grunt units. Likewise, [[Anime/MobileSuitGundamF91 Gundam F91]] and [[Anime/MobileSuitGundamCharsCounterattack Nu Gundam]], while both are powerful in their series, are nowhere close to being equal to Anime/TurnAGundam or [[Anime/AfterWarGundamX Double X]], but they are all the same rank, with a version of Nu Gundam even being [[InfinityPlusOneSword higher rank]] than either of them.
72	** There is much hatedom by Wing fanboys on the NA servers over the original Gundams from ''[[Anime/MobileSuitGundamWing Gundam Wing]]'' being B ranks, while ''[[Anime/MobileSuitGundamSeed Gundam SEED]]'' has its original gundams as A ranks. Then the strongest ''[[Anime/MobileSuitGundamSeedDestiny Gundam SEED Destiny]]'' suits are SS Rank, and the Endless Waltz version suits are only S rank.
73	* SendInTheClones: A few types here:
74	** One type is the fact that there are numerous versions of various Mobile Suits. Beyond the -U machines, there are units who come with different payloads. For instance, the RX-78 Gundam has versions with a beam saber and beam rifle, Twin Bazookas, the Gundam Hammer, the Beam Javelin, with Magnetic Coating, a Char Custom, a GOLD variation, etc.
75	** The other type is that it's not unusual to see a room with the same units. Especially new players who just got their first S-Rank unit, the Freedom Gundam.
76	** There are some units who use the same play style, such as the Destiny Gundam and the F-91 being long range attackers who can switch between it and after-image producing melee fighters.
77	* ShownTheirWork: While some players may disagree, the sheer number of Mobile Suits, their unique skills, and their weaponry and capabilities show just how much research and work was put into this game for each Mobile Suit.
78	* SniperDuel: Often happens when opposing teams have one or more unit with sniping capabilities.
79	* TookALevelInBadass: Not a complete case, but units that has to be blueprinted to be made will, more than likely, be better than the base unit itself. For example, the Victory Dash Gundam, a Paper-based attacker with long range "flashlights", Quick Reload and Impenetrable Defense is heads above the base Victory Gundam, which is basically an A-Rank version of the Gundam.
80	* TransformingMecha:
81	** As standard for most Gundam-based mecha, some Mobile Suits will turn from normal to airplane modes. However, a number of them will actually purge a form (usually armor) to take up a brand new form.
82	** Still others involve Mobile Suits (primarily ones with a high degree of relevance/important to their native series' plot) will have alternate modes that let them use additional weapons, such examples including the Nu Gundam and 00 Raiser.
83	** And then still ''other'' Mobile Suits have skill-based transformations, which give them performance boosts, new weapons, and additional capabilities once their HP hits a certain level. Primarily used in units known to have such transformations, like those from ''[[Anime/MobileFighterGGundam G Gundam]]'' and the Gundam Unicorn (NT-D version).
84	* [[TwentyBearAsses Thirty-Five Strike Daggers and Ten 105 Daggers]]: It's not uncommon for many special missions to require you to blow up a certain number of units.
85	* UnskilledButStrong: Almost always the case when a player is using a high-ranked unit, especially if the player's own rank show limited experience. But if [[AvertedTrope the player is skilled AND the unit is strong]], [[CurbStompBattle prepare for a looong fight...]]
86	** The way that the Endless Waltz Gundam were made is built around this concept. They each generally do ONE thing really well; Long Range for Wing Zero, Close Range for Altron, Tanking for Heavy Arms Kai, Stunning for Sandrock Kai, and Stealth for Deathscythe Hell. However, it comes at the cost of versatility, as they are generally really bad at everything else.
87	* VirtualPaperDoll: By purchasing paints, decals and metallic effects, you can effectively make your own custom unit, ranging from turning a grunt unit into your very own "AceCustom" to making the [[Anime/MobileFighterGGundam Noble Gundam]] look like a character from ''Franchise/SailorMoon''. [[http://nforum.ogplanet.com/sdgo/forum_posts.asp?TID=436467 Follow this link and be amazed]].
88	* VisibleInvisibility: Some units have cloaking capabilities that make them capable of sneaking up on opponents. Can fall into type 3 at close ranges though, so it's not absolute.
89	* WeakButSkilled:
90	** Almost always the case when someone is using a lower-ranked unit and doing so effectively.
91	** Played straight when it comes to units with the -U rank suffix, which have alternate coloration and lower stat totals, but said stats are more focused in their distribution to make the unit arguably more effective in its particular field.

Context VideoGame / SDGundamCapsuleFighter