Macross VF-X 2

Macross VF-X2 (マクロス VF-X2) is a 3D shooting game developed by UNiT for the Sony Playstation, featuring animated scenes by Gonzo, and published by Bandai Visual in September 2, 1999. It is a sequel to Macross Digital Mission VF-X and set ten years after the Sharon Apple Incident, as depicted in the Macross Plus OVA. The game is notable for having many of its story elements being carried over to the Macross Frontier television series.

This is one of the few notable Macross-related games where the player's actions can affect the ending.

An USA version of the game was planned but was never released.

Synopsis

VF-X mission standby... VF-X mission standby... Good luck! 
Macross VF-X2 is a third person shooting game where the player operates a variable fighter (Valkyrie) that's part of a special service unit known as the VF-X Ravens, a similar unit to the one seen in Macross Digital Mission VF-X. Similar to its predecessor, UNiT developed the game mechanics, and the original creators of the Macross series participated in the production, including Shōji Kawamori, Kazutaka Miyatake, Haruhiko Mikimoto, Ichiro Itano. Hidetaka Tenjin, a CG illustrator, was also involved in this production.

New variable attack aircraft were introduced in the game, including the VA-3M Invader and the variable fighter VB-6 König Monster. The König Monster is based on the original Destroid Giant Monster that was designed by Miyatake and Kawamori, but now includes a new three-stage transformation design. This design would later be re-used by the S.M.S. in Macross Frontier.

Plot 
In A.D. 2050, as a result of continuing emmigration of humanity and Zentradi across the galaxy, society had approached a period of relative stability. Riots and revolts suddenly began as political and military tensions arose among the frontier colonies, and domestic terrorist acts and syndicate crimes became more frequent. By August 15th, 2050, The U.N. Spacy deploys special ace squadrons to deal with the unrest. The 727th Independent Squadron VF-X Ravens is established as a special service unit, utilizing the latest AVF (Advanced Variable Fighter). "Genius" pilot Aegis Focker is assigned to "Alpha", but is initially looked down upon as a "Cherry Ace" by Major Gilliam Angreat and Commander Wilbur Garland.

The Ravens race against the clock to stop the terrorist group Black Rainbow, led by Timoshie Daldanton, codename "All Kill Wizard" and the Critical Path Corporation led by Manfred Brando. By December 1st, 2050, the Ravens prevent the enemy from deploying a superweapon known as the "Flagship" against colonies like Eden 3. Along the way, Aegis befriends Gilliam and sparks a romance with his mission controllers Brigitte Spark and Clara Calette. During the battle with Black Rainbow, Gilliam goes missing after his battle with the enemy ace, Mariafokina Barnrose, who happens to be head of another anti-government group, Vindirance. Aegis takes over the Ravens as its leader and leads two new team members, Shun Toma and Suzie Newtlet to stop the terrorists.

As the war rages and the Black Rainbow fleet approaches Earth, Daldhanton is defeated at the hands of Aegis. He reveals the truth about Banrose and Gilliam's loyalties, which depresses Aegis, so he takes Brigitte shopping. Following that, Aegis' Gilliam suddenly appears before him and reveals that the U.N. Spacy is corrupt and that Raven's commander, Wilbur Garland, is in league with terrorist Daldhanton. Aegis is forced to make a decision whether to kill his former Captain or forsake his companions and join the Black Rainbow.

Follow Gilliam (Black Rainbow Route) 
In February 14th, 2051, Aegis joins the Black Rainbow and learns about an Earth supremacist group Latence that has entrenched itself within the United Nations Government and used the VF-X Ravens as a means of suppressing dissent from the colony worlds. They intend to dominate the galaxy with a wide-area weapon Jamming System based on "Di-Zauber Frethe", which utilizes "super-space resonant lens" developed by the Critical Path Corporation. Aegis and Gilliam break through the Earth Defense Network and maneuver through Earth's atmosphere.

As they reach Earth's surface, Gilliam decides to get sentimental with you about Earth, but is suddenly killed by Ravens' commander Wilbur Garland's custom VF-22 Sturmvogel II, which is armed with a special Targetting Jamming device. Eimi Clocks calls in to lend Aegis' her support, as Garland and his force of X-9 Ghost are pushed back. Banrose appears and is saddened by the news of Gilliam's death. Suddenly, the SDF-1 Macross rises from lake where it once rested. The Earth's garrison fleet fires upon the Macross but are ineffective against its defenses and main cannon. Aegis' former comrade, Shun Toma, fires upon your wingmate, Suzie Newtlett and challenges him to a duel. He's easily defeated and Aegis moves in on Garland and his jamming device. Barnrose joins the fight to fend off incoming enemy fighters that are approaching Aegis.

With the help of Aegis' teammates at "Alpha Squadron", they engage in operation "Remember Love" and defeat Wilbur by destroying the SDF-1 Macross' head, which contained the wide-area Jamming System. The SDF-1 falls to the ground and Garland flees to regroup. He then launches his own Macross 13-class vessel stationed in space and moves above Earth's atmosphere and fires upon the rest of Earth's defense fleet. The Earth garrison fleet then launches an attack that completely destroys the Macross 13 in a brilliant explosion. With Latence defeated, Aegis and his friends fly off into space as credits roll.

In his last scene, Aegis leaves a bouquet of flowers and a flight helmet on the ground in front of Gilliam's headstone. He looks back for a second and then walks off into the sunset.

Follow Wilber Garland (U.N. Spacy Route) 
Aegis immediately engages Barnrose. When she is defeated in battle, she tells Aegis why she joined Gilliam and that she fought for her ideals before her Valkyrie explodes. Gilliam then challenges Aegis to a duel, which happens to be the hardest in the game.

Before he dies, he praises Aegis for his skill. Aegis returns to base and is comforted by his communication officer, Eimi Clocks. Aegis' journey is over.

Gameplay 
Players can freely transform into the three modes of the Valkyrie, which are fighter, Gerwalk and Battroid during gameplay. It also allows a number of missiles to be loaded a fired in a manner similar to the dynamic battle depicted by Ichiro Itano in his now infamous "Itano Circus". In addition, the game content and mechanics that poorly received with the game's predecessor were overhauled, and a number of improvements to the control were made. In particular, the game introduced a unique third-person viewpoint movement system called “variable view” which helps create the sense as of the player being in a “valkyrie simulator” that helps sets it apart from general 3D shooting games at the time.

Variable View 
Unlike other 3D shooters whose viewpoints are fixed in the rear of the aircraft and in the cockpit, VF-X2 has an innovative dynamic viewpoint system that keeps the aircraft and enemy aircraft (missile) in the same camera. There are two types, the "Missile" viewpoint, which follows missiles launched by enemy fighters, and the "TARGET" viewpoint, which keeps track of the enemy currently on-target, so players can switch freely during the game. With this variable view, it is possible to avoid the enemy while watching the missile shot and to grasp the movement of the enemy aircraft. This helps players avoid losing sight of the enemy.

In addition to the variable view, the “FORWARD” view from the rear of the aircraft, which is often accessed in normal 3D shooting via the option settings, can be used by the player. All three viewpoint options can be used freely.

Missions

Mission 1: Gigant Lullaby 
 Date - 2050.08.15
 Aegis Focker is put on an simulation test before he is assigned to VF-X Ravens. The mission takes place on a simulated attack of Macross City on Earth. He is given the unit code "Alpha".

Mission 2: Wizard of Oz 
 Date - 2050.09.07
 Aegis and the VF-X Ravens are to annihilate all Black Rainbow reinforcements headed to Hyde City on planet Seffy. The mission code is "Wizard of Oz". Assigned troop unit codes are Dorothy, Scarecrow, Tin Man and Lion.

Mission 3: Die Zauberflote 
 Date - 2050.09.23
 Escort of the U.N. Spacy transport ship Enbaterion. The mission code is from "Magic Flute".

Mission 4: Snow White 
 Date-2050.10.04
 The VF-X Ravens are sent to retrieve the "Magic Mirror", in a communication base of the planet Endevald that had been occupied by Vindirance. The mission code "Snow White". The troop ID is "Sleepy". In this mission, Gilliam Angreat's VF-19A Excalibur is equipped with a limited-range reaction warhead called "Big Apple". Their main opposition is a renegade VB-6 König Monster.

Mission 5: Moby Dick 
 Date - 2050.10.14
 Search and destroy a Vindirance transport fleet. The mission code is "White Whale" and its parody, "Dicky Moe" (Japanese translated title for White Whale)" in Tom and Jerry. The troop ID is Tom and Jerry.

Mssion 5.1: Peter Pan 
 Date - 2050.11.01
 A hostage rescue operation on the planet Neverland, where your mission is to create a diversion. The mission code is "Peter Pan". Troop ID are Tinkerbell and Wendy.

Mission 6: Singin' in the Rain 
 Date - 2050.11.14
 The remnants of Timoshie Daldanton and his Black Rainbow are holed up in Hyde City Your objective is to defeat Timoshie. The mission code is "Singin in the Rain" . Troop ID is Cozmo. Players can finally pilot the VB-6 König Monster.

Mission 7: Pinocchio 
 Date - 2050.12.01
 Critical Path Corporation forces have raided a secret underwater weapons factory on Eden 3. The Ravens will face off against Manfred Brando and his signal interference device. The mission ends and Brando is nowhere to be found. The mission code is "Pinocchio". Troop ID is Gideon, honesty. Players pilot the VA-3M Invader, which has been modified to operate underwater.

Mission 8: King & I 
 Date - 2050.12.26
 Destroy the enemy defense satellites on planet Volacan's orbit. The mission code is "King & I". The troop ID are Anna and King.

Mission 9: Mary Poppins 
 Date - 2051.01.16
 The VF-X Ravens are to support the U.N. Spacy fleet against the Vindirance forces. The mission code is "Mary Poppins". The troop ID is Jane. This is the mission where you're ordered by Commander Wilbur Garland to take out your former comrade, Gilliam Angreat.

Mission 10: On The Town 
 U.N. Spacy Route
 Date - 2051.01.30
 Vindirance forces have sabotaged one of U.N. Spacy's bases. The mission code is from the film "On The Town". The aircraft ID is Gabey, Chip, Ivy and Aussie.

Mission 11: Love Drifts Away 
 Date - 2051.01.30
 You will now take on your former leader, Gilliam, and Vindirance ace pilot Mariafokina Barnrose. The mission code is based on "Macross".

Mission 10: Easter Parade 
 Vindirance Route
 Date - 2051.02.02
 Penetrate the U.N. Spacy planetary defense on Earth. The mission code is from "Easter Parade". The aircraft ID is Hannah, Hewes and Johnny.

Mission 11: My Fair Lady 
 Date - 2051.02.14
 Break through Macross City's defenses and destroy the head of the SDF-1 Macross. The mission shares similarities with the "Sharon Apple Incident" from Macross Plus. The mission code is from "My Fair Lady". The troop ID is Higgins.

Mission 12: Remember Love 
 Date - 2051.02.14
 Destroy the wide-area Jamming System aboard the Macross 13. The mission code is from "Do You Remember Love?". The troop ID is Minmay.

Characters

U.N. Spacy 
 Aegis Focker
 Gilliam Angreat
 Suzie Newtlet
 Shun Toma
 Wilbur Garland
 Eimi Clocks
 Brigitte Spark
 Clara Calette

Black Rainbow 
 Timoshie Daldanton

Critical Path Corporation 
 Manfred Brando

Vindirance 
 Mariafokina Barnrose

Mechanic

U.N. Spacy

Mecha 
 VF-1X Valkyrie Plus + Armored
 VF-1X Super Valkyrie Plus
 VF-5000B Star Mirage
 VF-11B Thunderbolt + Armored
 VF-17D Nightmare
 VF-19A Excalibur
 VF-22 Sturmvogel II
 VA-3M Invader
 VB-6 König Monster
 MBR-04-Mk VI Tomahawk
 ADR-04-Mk X Defender
 SDR-04-Mk XII Phalanx

Vehicles and Support Units 
 Enbateriyon
 Mother Raven
 SDF-1 Macross
 Macross 13

Black Rainbow

Mecha 
 VA-3M Invader
 Fz-150 Feios Valkyrie
 Regult
 Glaug

Vehicles and Support Units 
 Gnerl

Critical Path Corporation

Mecha 
 VF-1X Valkyrie Plus
 VF-17S Nightmare
 VF-17S Nightmare Manfred Custom + Jamming Sound Attachment Unit
 VF-22 Sturmvogel II

Vindirance

Mecha 
 VF-1S Valkyrie (Mariafokina Custom)
 VF-11 Thunderbolt
 VF-17 Nightmare
 VB-6 König Monster
 MBR-04-Mk VI Tomahawk
 ADR-04-Mk X Defender
 SDR-04-Mk XII Phalanx

Vehicles and Support Units 
 Anthemed
 Vandal

Music

Opening Theme 
 Get Free
 Lyrics - HUMMING BIRD / Kyoko Fukuyama, composer - Yoshiki Fukuyama, song - HUMMING BIRD
 Opening theme. This rock track by HUMMING BIRD involved lead singer Yoshiki Fukuyama, who had been playing Basara Nekki of Macross 7 at the time.

Ending Theme 
 Shoot & Shout
 Lyrics- Satonozuka Mio , Composition / Arrangement- Jimbo Akira , Song- Takao Naoki

Related Products 
 Tokyo Snack Version
 A special limited edition of a thousand copies were available at the Tokyo Snack Foods Corporation via a mail-in sweepstakes in 2002. It has three game modes that were different from the retail version, and included the VF-5000B Star Mirage for players to use. The graphics were also improved.
 Obtaining a copy today is extremely difficult due to its rarity. This edition of VF-X2 has since been nicknamed the Tokyo Snack Version.

Staff 
 Executive Supervisor: Shōji Kawamori
 Script: Katsuyuki Kumazawa
 Game Design: Yoshihiro Koyama, Takeshi Iuchi (Chouonsoku/Supersonic Speed)
 Character Design: Haruhiko Mikimoto
 Mechanical Design: Shōji Kawamori, Kazutaka Miyatake
 Motion Supervisor: Ichiro Itano
 Opening Animation Production: GONZO
 Opening Animation Storyboard: Shōji Kawamori
 Music Composer: Yoshinori Kikuchi
 Producer: Minoru Takanashi, Hiroshi Ueda (UNiT Inc.)

Notes & trivia 
 Many of the mission names are based on movie titles, like Snow White, Peter Pan, Pinocchio, King and I, Singin' in the Rain, etc.
 Several references to Macross Plus are made throughout the game.
 It's been speculated that the fall of the conspiracy involving the United Nations Government and U.N. Spacy paved the way for the establishment of the New United Nations Government and New United Nations Spacy.

References 
 https://gamefaqs.gamespot.com/ps/197819-macross-vf-x-2/faqs/5120
 http://www.macross2.net/m3/macrossga/vf-5000b-vfx2.htm

PlayStation-only games
PlayStation games
1999 video games
Japan exclusive video games
Shooter video games
1990s video games