Anime Review: Yoroi Shinden Samurai Trooper ep 1 – A Twist From The Start
2026 started with a massive comeback! The Samurai Troopers/Ronin Warriors are back on-screen, although in a completely unexpected fashion. The new series take place more than 30 years after the original battle with demons between the original Troopers. Now, in the modern age, the demons has returned from the past to once again try to dominate the world – with a new demon lord. Unexpectedly, our saviour…might also come from the world of the Demons.
The series started off with zero delay – showing the renewed invasion of the demon world after they broke out of their seal. A massive incursion in Japan (of course!) led by a demon general wreak havoc throughout the cities. The normal citizens are no match against the new demon generals as dozens of people got sliced-and-diced to pieces, with blood flowing red in the streets. It was a complete departure from the old aesthetic where as the insane brutality of the demon was shown without reservation. I was really surprised when the casualties started piling up like mountains.
But among the people are their hope – the new Samurai Troopers – now a government-owned defense force against the Demon themselves. But the catch is: they are just for cosmetics! Yes that’s right. The new Samurai Troopers – at least in this ep – couldn’t even put on their Yoroi (Armor Gears) and is basically just a flashy boyband that couldn’t stand up to the demons. Not in the slightest. Among them is one of our main protagonists – Musashi – who is portrayed as a reserved boy, but he has a strong drive to save the people and do good. The Troopers couldn’t do anything, and had to rely on their instructor: a true warrior named Ryuusei. He didn’t even put on any armor, but was able to go toe-to-toe against a demon general. However, that same general was shot…by one of his comrades. Another demon general shot him in the back and the human force captured him. Now this is where the new anime really set itself apart from the old series.
But among the people are their hope – the new Samurai Troopers – now a government-owned defense force against the Demon themselves. But the catch is: they are just for cosmetics! Yes that’s right. The new Samurai Troopers – at least in this ep – couldn’t even put on their Yoroi (Armor Gears) and is basically just a flashy boyband that couldn’t stand up to the demons. Not in the slightest. Among them is one of our main protagonists – Musashi – who is portrayed as a reserved boy, but he has a strong drive to save the people and do good. The Troopers couldn’t do anything, and had to rely on their instructor: a true warrior named Ryuusei. He didn’t even put on any armor, but was able to go toe-to-toe against a demon general. However, that same general was shot…by one of his comrades. Another demon general shot him in the back and the human force captured him. Now this is where the new anime really set itself apart from the old series.
The anime then revealed that the Demon General is actually a human! He has turned back into a young boy named Gai – who has been raised in the Demon World as the prince of the current Demon lord Ramaga. And they have sent him into battle. Gai is our Fire Samurai Trooper – the counterpart to Ryo of the wildfire – and his first kill on screen were…humans! Gai was depicted as a brash, violent and aggressive individual since he was raised as a demon prince. However, he is also the inheritor of the Fire Armor as a Samurai Trooper. It will be very interesting to see how they develop this character when he already has blood on his hands – and not the good kind either.
Furthermore, we get to see how the “poster” Samurai Troopers actually act. Their nature was revealed almost immediately as assholes who are just greedy bastards who were in it for the money and fame. When noone was looking, they instantly deserted their missions and loot the entire populace. Only Musashi – the most timid member – has a good conscience and actually wanted to help and protect others – just like his brother. he will need to learn to fight and not be a scaredy cat all the time now, but his heart is definitely in the right place. From what I’ve seen, Musashi might be one of the more focused characters in the series, but we’ll see.
Furthermore, we get to see how the “poster” Samurai Troopers actually act. Their nature was revealed almost immediately as assholes who are just greedy bastards who were in it for the money and fame. When noone was looking, they instantly deserted their missions and loot the entire populace. Only Musashi – the most timid member – has a good conscience and actually wanted to help and protect others – just like his brother. he will need to learn to fight and not be a scaredy cat all the time now, but his heart is definitely in the right place. From what I’ve seen, Musashi might be one of the more focused characters in the series, but we’ll see.
The anime’s first ep basically turned everything we knew about the Samurai Trooper’s franchise on its head. The new series is extremely bloody and violent, and has a storyline that might not be very family friendly. The mature theme really set this series apart, and the mystery it introduced in the first episode will give it plenty of content and subplot for a 24-ep series. Who are the Ten Warriors that serve Ramaga? Why are they so…human-like? And why did Saizou – a Demon Warrior – shot Gai and deliberately handed him over to the human? How is Ryuusei was able to fight so well without an armor? There are many interesting question to answer. But this first episode successfully set the tone for the series, and I think we’re in for a treat.
The animation was decent – nothing too insane like Ufotable but the snappy action and “gore” SFX was really cool. You can feel the impact and fluidity of the characters, although they kinda wield Katanas and weapons of all sizes like they weigh nothing, but I guess they all have superstrength anyway! There hasn’t been any Armor equip in this ep yet, but we can definitely expect Gai’s in the next episode. In terms of the story, it seems they will slowly recruit the “true” Samurai Troopers (Shin Samurai Troopers if you know what I mean) to fight the demon invasion, as well as uncover Gai’s real identity and secret.
=Aaron=
The animation was decent – nothing too insane like Ufotable but the snappy action and “gore” SFX was really cool. You can feel the impact and fluidity of the characters, although they kinda wield Katanas and weapons of all sizes like they weigh nothing, but I guess they all have superstrength anyway! There hasn’t been any Armor equip in this ep yet, but we can definitely expect Gai’s in the next episode. In terms of the story, it seems they will slowly recruit the “true” Samurai Troopers (Shin Samurai Troopers if you know what I mean) to fight the demon invasion, as well as uncover Gai’s real identity and secret.
=Aaron=
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