Patlabor The Case Files Revives The Series' Long Lost Place In The Video Game World 1
Image: GOOD SMILE COMPANY

Patlabor has been an iconic franchise for years, delivering the classic mecha action fans know and love through anime and film. Now, a new way to enjoy it is joining the roster; it's time to put yourself in the shoes of the iconic police robot with Patlabor The Case Files, allowing you to relive the events of the famous "Mobile Police Patlabor" in video game form.

Patlabor has a long history not only in anime and movies, but also in video games. It has appeared on the Famicom, Super Famicom, Game Boy, Mega Drive, NEC PC Engine, NEC PC 98, and PSP, so Patlabor The Case Files joins a large roster of previous games, most of which were relatively well received. We haven't had a game since 2005, so it's nice to see it return.

You play through the story using a "dual perspective" in the Special Vehicle Section 2 Patrol Labor Squadron as they go on their mission to fight crime in the city, and then you can indulge in side missions where you play as their enemies.

This allows for different Labors (robots) to be used, of which there are over 20 to pilot, with Type Zero allowing for Labor vs Labor combat and shooting practice to hone your skills to use against the criminals of Tokyo.

Patlabor began as a manga and anime series in 1988, created by artist Masami Yūki, director Mamoru Oshii, screenwriter Kazunori Itō, robot designer Yutaka Izubuchi, and character designer Akemi Takada. Since then, it has been adapted into four movies, three novels and an animated short film compilation.

If you are a fan of Patlabor and want in on all the peacekeeping mecha action goodness, you can pick it up on Steam right now for £32.99.