Fighting games tend to be fast-paced affairs. Using characters or beings that are slow in movement is possible but hard to pull off. When you add giant robots to the mix, it's even harder, but Iron Saga VS does that pretty well.

A bit of background. Iron Saga is a mobile game, while Iron Saga VS is a fighting game. While sharing a universe and plot, Iron Saga VS can generally be played standalone. The basic overarching story is that the world is being invaded by Mimics, aliens that can take the form of whatever military hardware they encounter. This is the justification for fighting fellow allies and otherwise good characters, you are fighting doppelgangers more or less. Included are not only original characters specific to Iron Saga, but licensed characters from several classic mecha anime, including:

Mazinger Z (Iron Saga ver.)
Great Mazinger (Iron Saga ver.)
Boss Borot (Iron Saga ver.)
Getter Robo (Getter Robo Armageddon anime version)
Dancouga (Dancouga anime version)

Planned DLC will add:
Shin Getter Robo (Getter Robo Armageddon anime version)
Zeorymer (Hades Project Zeorymer anime OVA version)

That aside, the gameplay follows the traditional fighting game loop. Throughout several fights with two or more rounds, the player must use various moves and special attacks to defeat opponents. On top of various punches and kicks, various weapons and special attacks can also be used to down opponents.

The interesting part, however, is that Iron Saga technically has more characters than it appears. Each machine (save Getter Robo) has different "stances", or different attacks for whatever stance you pick, effectively making one character two separate characters, each with its own strengths, weaknesses, and special moves. Getter Robo is the exception due to its "combining mecha" theme, as it's three different units in one. Getter Robo can switch between its forms at will during a fight, making it a hard-to-master but versatile Swiss army knife of fight options.

Graphically, this has a hand-drawn anime style with a cel-shaded look. The backdrops and set pieces look very futuristic and the playable machines are well-animated. The licensed properties are all very true to their locations and appearances as well. Story scenes have a visual novel style with still images of the characters.

Sounds and music have a futuristic and synthesized feel. It's competent and helps set the mood, but there is nothing I really considered standout. The licensed series also lacks any sort of music hailing from their home series. The voice-overs are in Japanese and sound decent. Overall, I'd say the music has to be the most underwhelming part of this game.

This game can be played with a keyboard and mouse or with any Steam-supported controller. The game heavily recommends a controller of some sort and I'd concur it plays best with one. The keyboard is usable but is very awkward even with remapping. Also, I highly recommend checking out the game tutorials before you start playing, There is a lot to learn concerning movesets you will want to master, especially given the changeable movesets premise.

Stability is fairly good. It's native to Windows but runs on Linux fine with Steam Proton. It's also Verified for the Steam Deck. It's not an overly demanding game, but I would recommend clearing the minimum settings fairly well at least. There is a very functional online multiplayer and local versus play. So long as you have a decent internet connection, matchmaking is very easy to set up.

Morally, there isn't too much to be overly concerned about.

Violence is fighting game style, with kicks, punches, and various weapons and special attacks utilized by robots. There is no gore or blood and it's fairly sterile otherwise.

Language is mildly earthy. There is not a lot of dialogue outside of brief story scenes, but you may see a rare d*mn or h*ll and a sparse b**t**d. Aside from that, it's pretty clean. There is at least one female character with a lot of cleavage on display, but that's all in the sexuality department.

This is set in a firm science fiction setting, no occult or supernatural influences are present. Morally, the story makes the combat either against alien doppelgangers or friendly competition, so there is nothing to comment on in terms of ethical issues.

Overall, this is a competent mecha fighting game. Technically, the slightly underwhelming music aside, it's well put together and a fun fighter. Morally, it has content only fit for teens on up at the very least. If you are starved for a good fighter where you can fight with big robots, this is a good way to scratch that itch.