Gundam Evolution is an iconic and influential anime franchise that essentially birthed the mecha anime genre. Ever since the first Mobile Suit Gundam TV show aired in the late 70s, the series has only grown over time. It has spawned countless merchandise, allowing multiple generations of fans to enjoy and bond over the franchise's penchant for detailed mecha designs and complex stories of politics, as well as war with the occasional hints of coming-of-age drama.

While everything that the Gundam franchise has touched remains as popular as ever, one aspect that it hasn't had tons of success with is video games.

This is what Bandai Namco is aiming to change with Gundam Evolution. The free-to-play 6v6 first-person shooter evokes the Gundam imagery that fans have come to love but has the same sort of gameplay that should attract a wider audience.

With a similar UI and objectives as Blizzard's popular hero shooter, Overwatch, but with its own unique spin, Bandai Namco's risk could pay off.

Here's everything you need to know about Gundam Evolution.

When is the Gundam Evolution release date?