"Robots" are one of the classic genres in anime and video games. Robots in these works come in a wide variety—from giant piloted models to autonomous ones that seem to possess a will of their own, to cute, mascot-like types—and each has its own unique appeal.
The [Gemspa Robo Game Catalog] is a series designed to introduce gamers to wonderful robot games from all eras and regions. This time, we’re featuring *Mobile Police Patlabor: The Case Files*, released on September 17, 2026, for PC (Steam/Epic Games Store) and PS5.
Featuring episodes from the anime, OVA, and theatrical films
*Mobile Police Patlabor: The Case Files* is a title developed by Japan’s Chime. The publisher is Good Smile Company. Chime is a studio founded in 1990 that has been involved in the development of numerous titles, including many anime IP games.
The game was announced on March 23, 2026, with the release of its Steam store page and a trailer. Based on the “Mobile Police Patlabor” media franchise—which spans anime, manga, novels, and movies—this game allows players to relive numerous iconic scenes.
The story is set in the late 20th century, a time when “Laborers”—general-purpose humanoid work machines born from breakthroughs in robotics technology—have become widespread across all sectors.Players take on the role of the Tokyo Metropolitan Police Department’s Security Division, Special Vehicles Section 2—commonly known as “Special Vehicles Section 2”—as they tackle various incidents involving Labor-related accidents and crimes.
The game features missions based on stories from the TV anime, OVA, and theatrical films, including the case involving the “Black Labor,” the Griffin. Additionally, the game includes modes such as “Another Missions,” where you control the side opposing Special Vehicles Division 2, and a simulation mode featuring various Labors and stages.
Furthermore, Yutaka Izubuchi (mechanical design supervisor), Kazunori Ito (script supervisor), and Akemi Takada (character design supervisor) have participated as consultants, and the opening theme features an original song titled “the Case Files” composed by Kenji Kawai.
Aiming for “The Right Stuff”
In this title, which allows players to relive iconic scenes from “Mobile Police Patlabor,” the story is explained at the start of each mission through monologues by characters such as Yuma Shinohara.
There are also exchanges between characters, and the original voice cast has been used for nearly all of the character dialogue (it appears the audio has been sourced from the anime and other media).
At the start, players go through a tutorial where Officer Akira Izumino and the rest of the team undergo Ingram pilot training at the Okutama Branch of the Police Academy.
While learning the basics—such as movement, attacking, defending, and dodging—they eventually face off against Ingram Unit 2, piloted by Kankana Clancy, in a mock battle. This scene is based on Episode 2 of the TV anime, “Kankana Has Arrived.”
The Ingram has health and battery meters; if either number reaches 0, the mission fails. Additionally, timing your evasion and defense to match the enemy’s attacks results in a “Just Action,” making it easier to transition into an attack. Depending on the mission, you can also use a revolver or shotgun, though ammunition is limited and cannot be replenished.
After clearing each mission, you’ll be taken to the results screen. The evaluation on the results screen is based not only on remaining time and health but also on the number of continues used and the number of mission-specific objectives achieved, such as “Do not damage any property” or “Clear with HP at 50% or higher.”Ratings are assigned for each difficulty level, with “Babel” being the highest difficulty.
The early part of the main missions focuses on episodes featuring Shaft Enterprises and the “Black Labor” (including “NEW OVA”), followed by episodes from the theatrical films.
Since you can enjoy story segments with character voices both before and after clearing any mission, there are plenty of features that fans of the series will love.
You can pilot units other than the Ingram!
With a few exceptions, the objective of the missions in this game is to defeat the target Labor units. Your opponents include not only the Griffin but also units like the Brocken and the HAL-X10, so you’ll find yourself battling in a variety of situations.
The mechs you control aren’t limited to the Second Special Vehicles Division’s Ingram; there are also missions where you pilot the Self-Defense Forces’ Helldiver and Shinohara Heavy Industries’ Economy, among others. You can even pilot Fuwa’s mech.
Additionally, the Ingram’s equipment varies depending on the mission. In missions where you can use guns, you’ll appreciate its high firepower!
Health, battery, and ammo recovery items are scattered throughout the map. In combat, taking an enemy attack head-on will deal significant damage, so until you get used to the action, it’s important to focus on dodging and blocking while making good use of these recovery items. Collecting all items may sometimes be a bonus objective for a mission.
Combat primarily consists of close-quarters battles. The direction you face while attacking is quite important—even though there’s a lock-on feature, your shots might miss depending on the distance or your positioning. Since your evasion skills are excellent, dodge enemy attacks while maneuvering into advantageous positions to deal damage reliably.
Also, QTEs may occur during cutscenes after battles. The commands themselves aren’t difficult—there’s plenty of time to input them—but you can’t afford to let your guard down.
A “Fun Mode” is available after clearing the game
“Another Side,” which becomes available after clearing the main missions, is a mode where you play through the game’s missions from the enemy’s perspective. A variety of missions are available, such as using the Brocken to lure enemies into traps or using the Griffin to fight Ingram. Of course, Another Side missions also feature ratings and difficulty options.
Additionally, in this mode, you can use not only standard Labors but also the heavy-attack HAL-X10 and the Hellhound combat helicopter. While these special units have different control schemes, they handle quite well—and the HAL-X10, in particular, lets you enjoy action-packed battles against large groups of Labors with its overwhelming firepower.
In Simulator Mode, you can play under multiple rules, such as shooting practice and combat training, and as you progress, new maps and units will be unlocked. Depending on the unit, you’ll also be able to customize its equipment, so you can play strategically in various competitions to dominate against other units.
Finally, the database lets you browse the game’s world setting, glossary of terms, and descriptions of characters and units. The unit descriptions include details like overall height, weight, minimum turning radius, and armor material, so you’ll find plenty of interesting data to explore.
The new game *Mobile Police Patlabor: The Case Files*, based on *Mobile Police Patlabor*, offers action gameplay rooted in various elements from the original series. It features many details—including voice acting—that cater specifically to fans of the original work.
On the action side, however, the limited variety of equipment—including the Ingram—can make things feel a bit repetitive at times. While the basic strategy is to dodge enemy attacks and counterattack, you’ll realize just how difficult it is to pilot a Labor—since the attack direction is unstable unless you lock on.
In 2026—38 years after the release of the original OVA—a completely new series, *Mobile Police Patlabor EZY*, also launched. We certainly can’t take our eyes off the world of *Mobile Police Patlabor* in the future!
