Super Tokutsatsu Taisen 2001 (スーパー特撮大戦2001 in Japanese, meaning Super Tokusatsu Wars 2001) is a 2001 Massive Multiplayer Crossover Turn-Based Strategy published by Banpresto and developed by former software company Japan Art Media (JAM) for the PlayStation. It was released only in Japan on September 6, 2001 with a retail price of 6,800 Yen.
It features several characters from Kamen Rider, Metal Heroes, Super Sentai, and Ultraman, although it does feature Super Robot media such as Daitetsujin 17 and Super Robot Red Baron. Like the Super Robot Wars series, it also features original characters who are heroes and villains. However, the characters do not have Spirit Commands to use. Instead, they need to take out enemies in the field in order to change into their hero forms.
In the solar system, astronomers have discovered a tenth planet beyond Pluto. Research organizations have called it "Number 10". While studies are conducted, various alien invaders are reported to be in sight and approaching Earth. To combat this threat, the United Nations established two anti-alien organizations. The Terrestrial Defense Force (TDF) is tasked with Earth-based threats while the Space Investigation and Defense Organization (SIDO) is mandated to investigate threats from space. Among the steps SIDO has taken is to launch a research ship known as Nagar. But SIDO officials have lost contact with Nagar while conducting research into Number 10.
Despite the Nagar being declared MIA for a number of years, the UN has decided to integrate the TDF and SIDO into one command structure. The threats from space were not the only ones the UN faced. They also have to face those from terrorist and criminal groups operating on Earth.
The game is considered a part of the Compati Hero series, except that most of the original characters never made subsequent appearances in a Super Robot Wars-related game.
Super Tokusatsu Taisen 2001 provides examples of:
- Adapted Out:
- Kamen Rider Black RX doesn't have access to Road Sector or Acrobatter.
- The Gorengers don't use the Variblune and Varidreen. They fight the enemy threats on foot.
- All There in the Manual: The game's strategy guidebook has more background on the characters and the game's setting.
- Attack of the 50-Foot Whatever:
- At one point, Annie becomes a 50 foot version of herself and the heroes try to subdue her.
- The various Ultramen grow large after they henshin from human size.
- Draculon and Emperor Guillotine from Giant Robo grow to giant size to fight the heroes in their respective fights.
- Car Fu: Hongo (Ichigo) uses his Cyclone to ram into the enemy as one of his special moves as a rider.
- Diving Kick: The Rider-type characters can do individual rider kicks. Double rider kicks can be done if two riders are near each other before starting an attack phase.
- Driving Question: What's "Number 10?"; what happened to Nagar after it was launched into space?
- Gameplay and Story Segregation: Unlike the actual toku shows, your characters can henshin from their hero to civilian forms in the game map.
- Guide Dang It!: A guide is needed to unlock certain characters/forms like Riderman, Zoffy, Kamen Rider Black changing to his RX form or allowing Kiranger to survive.
- Humongous Mecha: Giant Robo, Daitetsujin 17 and Red Baron and the accompanying villain mecha in them are playable characters in the game.
- Men of Sherwood: Japanese Ground-Self Defense Forces (JGSDF) and TDF soldiers, SSSP and MAT personnel show up in some stages to help the heroes fight off enemy mooks. They can be used to whittle them down and provide backup.
- Original Generation: The game consists of two character types. They include bio-type and metal hero-type.
- Spared by the Adaptation: Kiranger can avoid being killed like in canon if the player has him go to Amigo's curry to eat.
- Turning Back Human: In Scenario 2, "Distorted Life", a Shocker team led by Bat Man turns some soldiers into vampires. You have to use your characters to attack them in order to make them normal.
- Wave-Motion Gun: Shaider's Vavilos can use the Big Magnum form to wipe out enemies in a MAP attack.
