Note: This review will only concern the base game. DLC is not addressed except where otherwise noted. This review also primarily covers the PC version of the game.

Crossover games can be fun or horrible, but that all depends on the skill of the crossover writers and the gameplay on which the crossover is built. Super Robot Wars Y is a fun crossover on both counts.

For those unfamiliar with the series, Super Robot Wars is a turn-based tactical RPG game that, with only a few exceptions, uses a grid-based movement format. The story uses a mix of licensed mecha anime (and some non-mecha anime with compatible themes) and original material to write a professional-grade fanfiction. You can assemble a mighty army of some of the greatest heroes from multiple media to defeat threats both small and great while enjoying seeing all the included series interact with one another.

The story of Super Robot Wars Y is that the world has experienced great upheavals and many wars since sixty years ago. A year before the game begins brings about what seems to be actual peace. Sadly, the peace is shattered once more, barely a year later. Threats from the prior wars thought gone re-emerge and new threats from other places both near and far arrive to scourge humanity further. The only hope left is a secret project left to a young girl named Echika, who will have to rise up, unite the various parts of the world struggling against these threats, and ultimately triumph against all evils in a new Super Robot War.

The following series are included in the base game (not including DLC):

Spoiler
Aura Battler Dunbine (TV Series)
New Story of Aura Battler Dunbine (OVA)
Code Geass: Lelouch of the Rebellion III – Glorification (Movie)
Code Geass: Lelouch of the Re;surrection (Movie)
Godzilla: Singular Point (TV Series)
Getter Robo Arc (TV Series)
Mobile Suit Zeta Gundam (TV Series)
Mobile Suit Gundam: Char's Counterattack (Movie)
M-MSV (units only)
Mobile Fighter G Gundam (TV Series)
Mobile Suit Gundam Wing: Endless Waltz (Movie)
Mobile Suit Gundam SEED Destiny (TV Series)
Mobile Suit Gundam: The Witch from Mercury (TV Season 1 only)
Heavy Metal L-Gaim (TV Series)
Macross Delta (TV Series)
Macross Delta: Passionate Walkure (Movie)
Majestic Prince (TV Series)
Mazinkaiser vs. The Great General of Darkness (Movie)
Mazinkaiser (Super Robot Wars version)
Mazin Emperor G (Toy, adapted as a unit)
Brave Raideen (TV Series)
SSSS.DYNɅZENON (TV Series)
Super Electromagnetic Robot Combattler V (TV Series)

Most of the gameplay loop is very standard for any turn-based tactical RPG. You will have to move your units across certain levels like chess pieces. Much like chess, you must exercise strategy, taking into account unit strength, terrain advantages, abilities of both your unit and the enemy, and many other factors. These levels are beaten after completing any stated objectives, such as "destroy all enemies". In between these levels is an intermission screen where you can spend money and other rewards gained from the levels to upgrade units. The story is told using visual novel-style cutscenes, sometimes including voice-overs for certain scenes.

This game does include a new system worth mentioning. Much like the previous game, there is a party-wide upgrade system where, in exchange for MxP (Mission Experience) points, you can buy minor upgrades that provide buffs to various stats, decreasing the price of all upgrades, and other benefits that will aid your team long-term. There are also some semi-repeatable battles for a limited degree of grinding for experience, money, and MxP.

While the more modern Super Robot Wars games have been available in official English translation since 2015, Super Robot Wars Y is the first one that is available in English on both consoles and Steam (the prior SRW 30 was only available on Steam internationally and via Asia English import for consoles). Another trend this latest title breaks is that, compared to all entries since Super Robot Wars V (2017), this game is a lot harder, even on lower difficulties. Actual strategy is far more important, and levels cannot be brute-forced through overpowered units anymore.

Graphically, Super Robot Wars Y remains excellent. While there is some moderate reuse of older animation and other assets from prior titles, most of it is of good quality. There are a lot of new animations for some returning series (Endless Waltz Wing Zero is where most of this can be seen). The new inclusions are generally well animated as well. It's worth noting that this game cannot render higher resolutions wider than 1920 x 1080 without third-party workarounds, especially for non-console players. Aspect ratios above 16:9 are also pillarboxed to fit.

The sounds and music are all high quality, with many being lifted directly from their source series. It's worth noting that the Macross Delta songs will be very limited without the Premium Music DLC, as licensing for the songs of Macross is generally quite expensive (especially for the songs with vocals). That aside, the music is very good, with many returning songs from older titles joining the new inclusions. Voice acting is in superb Japanese (with full English subtitles). PC users do have the option to add custom soundtracks to the game, which can be assigned to whichever units (or the entire squad) if they wish as well.

Super Robot Wars Y can be controlled with a keyboard and mouse or any Steam-supported controller. While both playstyles are supported and viable, the controller is highly recommended. This game comes with patient tutorials and clear markings in the user interface for which buttons you need to use for certain actions. A few sections require the use of a keyboard on the PC version (for entering player names), so Steam Deck users will need to invoke the on-screen keyboard for this part.

Stability is pretty solid. This title is native to Microsoft Windows, but will run fine on Linux via Steam Proton. By proxy, it will also run quite well on the Steam Deck, being rated as Verified. The proprietary game engine used since the first Alpha game on the PS1 has been supplanted by a Unity-based game engine (or, to be precise, ported into Unity and upgraded even further since the release of Super Robot Wars 30). This means there is a strong possibility of modding this title, though no mods exist as of the time of this writing. Requirements are rather modest, so this will run on most low-end gaming computers as well.

A final note of warning, especially for those who have bought prior titles in this series. Ordinarily, the lowest difficulty setting was quite easy and merciful even to new players of tactical RPGs. This title can be very hard, even on the Casual difficulty, and requires the player to consider their actions carefully. It's not an unbeatable game, but some levels may be nigh impossible for some players. The difficulty can be adjusted to a lower difficulty as of the time of this writing for certain levels if this is the case.

Morally, there are some concerning elements despite the Teen rating for this title.

Violence is mostly "give orders and watch it happen" in fights against monsters or machines with various robots or robot-adjacent characters. A rather bloody death scene is visible in the prologue, playing out a key moment of the ending of the Code Geass anime. It's only two stills, but blood is very visible from a very fatal stab wound. The player-controlled forces in-game otherwise conform to the laws and customs of war, only initiating combat after any attempt at negotiations fails. They also make a point to work with every lawful force when and where possible.

Language can get moderately earthy. Due to the presence of Getter Robo Arc, a fair amount of strong language can be heard across the PG-13 spectrum. A few mentions of God's name taken in vain are heard as well. Sexual content is mostly limited to a few characters with revealing outfits. They do adapt the canon lesbian relationship from the Witch From Mercury series, though they generally only adapt the bare minimum from its source canon and little else.

The game features a substantial amount of supernatural and occult powers. The villains have access to some necromantic powers (though some are more science fiction-based). Regardless, some like the Mazinkaiser and Reideen villains use explicit demonic abilities. Souls and reincarnation are prominent elements due to the inclusion of the Aura Battler Dunbine adaptations as well. The playable cast and their allies in general find tampering with the dead and the supernatural abhorrent and consider those who do these acts as enemies of peace and the natural order.

Morally, the established world governments are in a chaotic state at the start, and the player character owns and operates a massive ship that doubles as an independent city-state. They do make a point to seek concord with other powers and join in the defense of the helpless against the threats that scourge the world. There are mentions of prejudice against other races, both for mundane and fantastical reasons. While most of this is a background element, there are some depictions in-game, though generally not by the player faction. Finally, there are mentions and some depictions of alcohol use.

Overall, Super Robot Wars Y is a somewhat difficult but very fun and enjoyable tactical RPG. Technically, it's a very solid game and likely to provide a long but fun experience. Morally, this has many themes generally only suitable for older teens on up. If you like Super Robot Wars or tactical RPGs, then this game comes with my highest recommendations.