Mobile Suit Gundam IGLOO Review (Anime) June 20, 2008
Posted by mitchfrizzell in Anime, Gundam, Reviews.Tags: MS Gundam IGLOO
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IGLOO is a pair of Gundam movies set in the Universal Century. Each movie consists of three episodes at the normal half hour each. The story revolves around the Jotunheim, the mobile “base” of Oliver May and the 603rd Technical Evaluation unit: a unit that test out various weapons and mobile suits still in the experimental stage. What sets this apart from the other Gundam animes is that it is completely CG.
Beginning Enthusiasm (4/5): I was really hyped to watch a Gundam Anime in CG. I could just imagine the huge battles, all my favorite suits, and just plain Gundam action. However, I very quickly realized that most of the 30 minutes would focus not on the action, but on the characters and the preparation for the short but very sweet battles. The farther I got in, the more I was disappointed with the story lines. Each episode focuses on a new experimental weapon, it’s use in the field (along with Oliver May’s disapproval), and the death of the pilot. Literally, it’s the same for all six episodes. But, the awesome CG fights make up for this.
Characters (3/5): Like I said above, most of the characters are rehashed. The main characters are all pretty cool. Oliver being the best (especially with him piloting the suit at the end). But the pilots of the experimental units are all hashed! Each one has a strong feeling for the weapon, and some background with it. It’s not a big deal, but it did bug me. There are no cameos, except for one scene with Char’s Zaku II (no Char, just the MS).
Ending Emotion (5/5): Despite it’s shortcomings, the series is actually pretty good. It’s main focus is the 603rd unit, but it also outlines the whole history of the One Year War. We see the biggest battles, including Operation British, the battle at Loam, Jaburo, Odessa, and A Baoa Qu. The ending, although very similar to First Gundam’s ending is simple awesome. You’re expecting Oliver to die, but when you see him come back in the hand of the other MS, it’s simply overwhelming. Great ending for a pretty good series.
*Note: MS Gundam IGLOO 2: Gravity of the Battlefront will be out in October! It looks great!
First (0079) Gundam Review (Anime) May 17, 2008
Posted by mitchfrizzell in Anime, Gundam, Reviews.add a comment
It seems I’m in a writing mood lately, so expect to see my review backlog to be reduced a little in the following days, and maybe even an update on my secret FAQ. Without further ado, my first anime review (spoilers galore).
Beginning Enthusiasm (5/5): I normally stray from older anime and cartoons, but when I started this one, I really enjoyed it. The first few episodes start out great with mecha action from the start and some great Char-stealth. Almost every main character is introduced within the first two episodes, and the emotional story line doesn’t take it easy just because we’re only starting. The animation, although old, is really great, and for the most part (aside from some music) the 1979 anime beats the test of time.
Characters (4/5): The characters are all (for the most part) necessary to the story, and they mostly fulfill their parts very well. The interaction between them is somewhat weird at times (Amuro and Lala, anyone?), and at times you wish Amuro would just fall for Fraw, and not every other random woman, but character reltionships (especially on White base) are strong and very necessary to the plot.
The only reason characters get a 4 and not a five is that some characters get better than others really quick. Now, I know Amuro is a New-Type and all, but why couldn’t Hyato get some skills (maybe around the Jaburo arc?)? Instead, he sucks throughout the show, even to the point of killing one of his own teammates! But somehow he gets really great in the last episode. But besides that, I really enjoyed the characters, the somewhat odd relationships, and the strong interaction between them.
Ending Emotion (5/5): The ending is great, it really ties up the ends (sounds painful), but leaves some open enough to have another series (which we all know happens). I really enjoyed the last scene, and although I don’t find it easy to admit I cried throughout the whole thing. The destruction of the base with the broken Gundam, the treason of Char, and the return of Amuro to the crew, it’s all great, and it’s a really exciting ending to the series.
Summary: Now, I know I’m not that good at writing reviews, but know this: First Gundam (or Gundam 0079) is a very great start to an awesome franchise, and an almost perfect series. If you’ve not seen it yet, see it now, it’s one of the elite.
