Fan-Favorite Gaplant Joins Gundam EXVS. Series in New Update, Sparking Joy on Social Media

Bandai Namco Entertainment's popular arcade game "Mobile Suit Gundam EXVS. Series" (commonly known as "EXVS." or "Inibu" in Japan) has announced the highly anticipated addition of a new mobile suit, the "Gaplant," in an update on October 8th, creating a significant buzz on social media.

The Gaplant, which appears in "Mobile Suit Zeta Gundam," is a transformable mobile suit characterized by its overwhelming mobility and ability to transform into a mobile armor form. The official promotional video showcases enhanced human Rosamia Badam piloting the Gaplant, freely soaring through the sky, raising player expectations for how these characteristics will be represented in the game.

Following this announcement, social media was flooded with exclamations of "Gaplant!?" expressing surprise and delight. Comments included praise for the design, such as "Oh, Gaplant looks cool~" and "It's been a while since I saw Gaplant in action," as well as nostalgic remarks about its past appearances in Gundam game series, like "I used it the most in AEUG vs. Titans (Gundam vs. Zeta Gundam)" and "I see it in Battle Operation."

Many fans also associate Gaplant with the blue unit piloted by Yazan Gable, leading to comments like "If I could wish for one thing, I'd want the blue Gaplant piloted by Yazan to appear," and various mentions regarding Rosamia's character.

This new participation coincides with the 40th anniversary of "Mobile Suit Zeta Gundam," prompting some to point out the connection, saying, "Is it because of Zeta Gundam's 40th anniversary? They're really pushing it." This has also led to comments expressing hope for other mobile suits from the same series to join, such as "I hope Asshimar comes too," and "Messala, Hambrabi, and Gabthley are already here." Some fans even expressed creative enthusiasm for physical models, saying, "Alright, I'm going to make a Gaplant model kit," demonstrating the intense focus on the Gaplant.

After the October 8th update, many players are eager, declaring, "I'm going to main Gaplant," and "I'll spend all my time tinkering with Gaplant after work." All eyes are on what kind of sensation the "Gaplant" will create on the new battlefield.

The context

Mobile Suit Gundam EXVS. Series (機動戦士ガンダムEXVS.シリーズ): This is a popular 2-on-2 arcade fighting game series developed by Bandai Namco Entertainment, known for its high-speed action and diverse roster of Mobile Suits from across the Gundam franchise. "Inibu" (イニブ) is a common Japanese abbreviation for the series.

Mobile Suit Zeta Gundam (機動戦士Zガンダム): A classic 1985 Japanese anime television series, it is the direct sequel to the original Mobile Suit Gundam and features a darker tone and more complex political themes. It is celebrated for its iconic mobile suit designs and memorable characters.

Gaplant (ギャプラン): A transformable mobile suit introduced in Mobile Suit Zeta Gundam, known for its distinctive design, high mobility, and ability to shift between Mobile Suit and Mobile Armor forms. Its pilots include enhanced human Rosamia Badam and the ruthless Titans ace Yazan Gable.

40th Anniversary of Mobile Suit Zeta Gundam: The anime first aired in 1985, making 2025 its 40th anniversary. The article implies that the timing of the Gaplant's addition to the game might be a promotional tie-in.