From: rcfg@chem.ucsd.edu (Fahey group)
Newsgroups: rec.arts.anime
Subject: Re: Newtype/Gundam query (was Re: Anime in RPGs)
Date: 2 Oct 1992 00:10:32 GMT
Organization: University of California San Diego, Chemistry
NNTP-Posting-Host: chedccf0.ucsd.edu

In article <1992Oct1.171257.19707@yang.earlham.edu> sheris@yang.earlham.edu writes:
>
>That was me, and it was 
>On that note of a Gundam Torg cosm, I am trying to figure out how to 
>create a game mechanic for Newtypes.  My big problem is defining exactly
>*what* a Newtype is!  Are they flat-out espers that work like comic book
>psionicists (Professor X, Marvel Girl, Psylocke, etc.), people who 
>have a kind of heightened awareness, empaths that kick butt in mechs, 
>what?  This message is particularly aimed at Gundam otakus like the 
>Operation X crew, who would probably be the best ones able to answer
>this.  My experience with Gundam is the three compilation movies, 
>Char's CA, 0083, 0080, and little snippets of Zeta Gundam.  If someone 
>could give examples of what Newtypes have been known to do, aside from
>piloting Mecha well, controlling funnels/bits, and establishing mental
>links, please let me know!  I need help on this, and would really 
>appreciate anything one could do.  BTW, I keep hearing the term "Gundam
>Sentinels" being thrown around; is this a line of models/toys that
>never made it to the screen?  Any info here would help too.

1. There is no solid definition for "newtype." Although Tomino described
newtype as the "enlightened one" at AE 92 even he doesn't seems to
have definite answer for what newtype really is. But for the game
purpose, newtype can be defined as a being with heightened senses
and awareness. However, the powers (and the definition) of newtype 
are different from one series to another. So you should modify your
system based on which Gundam you'll use for your campaign.

Newtypes in Z Gundam showed the most diverse range of powers. In
addition to what you mentioned, Camile could make Z Gundam
invincible by forming some kind of psychic barrier, as well
as stretching beam sabers to several hundred meters (NOTE: Camile
was really mad at that time. I don't think he can do this anytime.
Besides, Z Gundam is a mobile suit with biosensors, which is a
type of psychommu system). 

2. Gundam Sentinel is a media-mix project between Bandai and Model
Graphix magazine which ran few years ago. A book compiling all
the designs, visual story and some articles is out from Model
Graphix (novel version also available) for 2,300 yen and this
book is a must for any serious Gundam fans. Sentinel take place
in UC 0088 and it runs pararell to ZZ, although they are not
very compatible with each other. This series is a heaven for 
mecha otakus, featuring sophiscated mecha designs by Katoki "Kou"
Hajime and Katoki became a star among Gundam fans after he started
working on this series. In terms of mecha design and theories
behind them, this is the most complex Gundam ever.

The story is about the battle between the Federation Force and
New Decides, fanatic believers of Titans' ideals who rebelled
against the Federation after the death of Jamitov and the fall
of Titans.

We'll probably do a special on Gundam Sentinel in UC Herald issue 
3 or 4.


*****************************************************************
*                      Tonghyun "Vajra" Kim                     *
*                     Operation X/UC Herald                     *
*                                                               *
*   The First Law of Gundam Universe: The longer you live, the  *
*   more miserable your life will become in the end.            *
*              -After reading "Lightning Hathaway"              *
*****************************************************************