Traditionally, the Gundam franchise focuses more on military strategy than on one-on-one duels. There are still many amazing mano a mano fights across the franchise, but most of the action is war-like. Mobile Fighter G Gundam completely changed the formula by moving away from war and battles, and instead centered entirely on one-on-one fights between mobile suit pilots. Whereas the majority of the franchise is about the evils of war and the corruption of the military bureaucracy, G Gundam is all about over-the-top fights between giant robots. The fights are a tad silly, yet they are undeniably fun and memorable.
There are many iconic fights in G Gundamwith nearly every episode featuring one close-quarter combat. Some of the fights get repetitive, especially since many of the main characters reuse the same moves. Nevertheless, there are at least seven fights from the anime that stand out above the rest. These are the fights that make the series worth watching, elevating it to become one of the most enjoyable Shonen-type mecha series ever.
7) Shining Gundam vs. Dragon Gundam
G Gundam‘s first two episodes establish the show’s tone, setting up the global Gundam Tournament every world country participates. However, the third episode showcases the show’s first standout fight. The Dragon Gundam utilized its poles and great agility to push back Domon’s Shining Gundam. The fight highlights the Dragon Gundam pilot, Sai, energetic personality, which greatly contrasts with Domon’s more aggressive battle style. The fight ended in a rare draw, where both Gundams were on the verge of losing their heads. The high-energy battle between the Shining and Dragon Gundam sets up the rest of the duels in the series going forward.
6) Rising Gundam vs. Noble Gundam/Walter Gundam
With only one female pilot in the entire Gundam Tournament, there were not many fights in G Gundam where ladies were able to pop. Fortunately, during the Battle Royale with the remaining pilots, Rain finally got the chance to shine. Hijacking the Rising Gundam, Rain makes her way to the Battle Royale to help Domon. She confronts the Noble Gundam, corrupted by the D-Cells from the Dark Gundam (Devil Gundam). The Noble Gundam transforms into the Walter Gundam, a spherical mobile suit. The Rising Gundam’s energy bow-and-arrow weapon makes it really stand out and is utilized in plenty of fun ways in the fight. Rain has always been one of the best characters in the show, so it was cool to see her in the spotlight.
5) Shining Gundam vs. Gundam Rose
The setting elevates the Shining Gundam versus Gundam Rose fight. The chivalrous George de Sand pilots the elegant Gundam Rose. The theme of G Gundam is how the Earth has been damaged and polluted by humanity, with even Paris destroyed by the constant mecha fights. The Gundam Rose holding up a falling Eiffel Tower to save the Princess is one of the show’s best images, establishing George’s noble personality. The fight is also another fun contrast between its two pilots, with George’s polite and stuck-up attitude coming off against Domon’s more brash fighting style. Shining Gundam versus Gundam Rose is likely the most underrated battle in the entire show, rarely getting the credit it deserves.
4) Burning Gundam (God Gundam) vs. Dark Gundam (Devil Gundam)
The climactic original defeat of the Devil Gundam in the series’ midpoint is another high point for the show. However, the final assault against the Devil Gundam at the show’s ending is a much more enjoyable action scene. Domon teams up with his fellow Shuffle Alliance members to fight through the core of the Devil Gundam to rescue Rain. The grand finale is as satisfying as it is epic, with Domon and Rain using their feelings for each other to destroy the Devil Gundam once and for all. While many observers criticize the ending for being cheesy, the show is incredibly sincere and passionate about its messaging. Domon takes everything he learned throughout the series to be open about his feelings to save the woman he loves. It works on a thematic level, with love overcoming everything, despite how silly that reads.
3) Burning Gundam (God Gundam) vs. Master Gundam
Master Asia was the most recurring antagonist throughout G Gundamfighting against his pupil Domon several times throughout the series in his Master Gundam. Nearly all the Master Asia fights are memorable, including the times when he and Domon fought bare-fisted. Nonetheless, the final duel between them at the end of the Battle Royale is probably the most memorable conflict between the two. Like all the best G Gundam fights, the final Burning Gundam and Master Gundam duel features a mix of silly, over-the-top action with genuine pathos. Both mobile suits literally turn gold and fight within a tornado! Yet the conflict has an emotional catharsis, with Domon officially surpassing his master.
2) Dragon Gundam & Bolt Gundam vs. Soaring Raven Gundam (Gundam Heaven’s Sword)
The Gundam Tournament finals make up the latter half of G Gundamintroducing a new group of villains called Four Heavenly Kings. Domon and his fellow Shuffle Alliance members would face them throughout the finals, culminating in the Battle Royale, where the remaining Gundam pilots participate in one last free-for-all. Sai Saici, in his Dragon Gundam, and Argo, in his Bolt Gundam, rescue Domon from the mercy of one of the Heavenly Kings, the Soaring Raven Gundam (Gundam Heaven’s Sword).
Of the main climactic fights with the Heavenly Kings at the Battle Royale, the fight with Heaven’s Sword was the most epic. The Dragon and Bolt Gundam worked in sync, and the music perfectly captured the grand nature of the battle. The strong use of gold and reds in the fight adds an intensity to the scene that increases the stakes. It’s a relatively short fight, but it makes an impact in a brief time.
1) Burning Gundam (God Gundam) vs. Dragon Gundam
In the lead-up to the climactic Battle Royale, Domon needed to face off against each member of his Shuffle Alliance. Each one of these duels is great and memorable in its own right, yet it is the fight between the Burning Gundam and the Dragon Gundam that earns a top spot in our hearts. The Dragon Gundam has always been one of the fan-favorite mechas from G Gundamwith its flag poles and dragon claw moves standing out from the rest of the other Gundams. The Dragon Gundam’s pilot, Sai Saici, is also one of the most recognizable characters from the show.
Domon’s first fight with the Dragon Gundam in his Shining Gundam led to a memorable draw between the two. The rematch between Domon and Sai had plenty of build-up, with both pilots having plenty to prove. Domon holds respect for Sai, who treats him as a friend and calls him bro. When the two do share blows, it’s one of the most spectacular moments in the series. The animation and choreography are on point, with Sai’s new signature move being the true standout of the duel. The golden shine that covers the majority of the fight is also a nice touch that makes the conflict that much more intense. The Burning Gundam and Dragon Gundam fight best exemplify what G Gundam is all about – over-the-top fights with passion.
Agree with out takes or do you think we missed out on some fights from Mobile Fighter G Gundam? Comment below to give us your feedback!
