Kyoukai Senki: Kyokkou no Souki Ep 3 & 4 Review
Alright, now we’re getting somewhere. After the first two episodes showcasing Jin’s amazing combat skills, we finally get to see Chinen in AMAIM combat. However, due to the length of the episodes, the action – while well done – felt a bit unsatisfying. In return, we get some pretty decent character development for Chinen. Of course, since we only have 6 eps, we need to push the pacing to the max. And for better or worse, Kyokkou no Souki is racing through it all.
In ep 3, we see Chinen piloting the Mass-Produced Gouyou with an ILeS inside. The biggest difference of this ONA with the anime series is the AI isn’t the “mascot” of the series and is pretty much just an assistance. There’s no big focus on the cockpit friend compared to the anime series. And also we got 2 Gouyou Customs but it seems only Chinen unit has an AI. Of course, Chinen is still half-in half-out as Jin said. He needs to either commit or leave lest he cause troubles for Hinukan.
And the final push came soon enough. The squad leader – who was piloting the other Gouyou, promptly died in battle after supporting Chinen. This trigger his past PTSD and urged him to lift his other foot and put both over the line. Into battle, Chinen show that he’s a decent enough pilot, but still relatively inexperienced since his first kill shock him to his core. Granted it’s a very, very brutal one.
And the final push came soon enough. The squad leader – who was piloting the other Gouyou, promptly died in battle after supporting Chinen. This trigger his past PTSD and urged him to lift his other foot and put both over the line. Into battle, Chinen show that he’s a decent enough pilot, but still relatively inexperienced since his first kill shock him to his core. Granted it’s a very, very brutal one.
In ep 4, we get a glimpse into Jin’s pass. And sure enough, his past is quite tragic. And this background story hits much harder than anything we’ve seen from Kyoukai Senki. The fact that the commander we saw being all honorable and prideful used to indiscriminately targeted civilians to flush out his enemy? That’s pretty cold blooded. Even Grady admitted that he is too into fighting and that clouded his humanity somewhat. Jin’s wife only appeared briefly in the OP and in ep 4 flashback but we’ve seen plenty to conclude that she was close to a perfect partner.
Chinen learning about Jin’s past further solidified his determination. This sort of trope is a bit cliche and in this situation, doesn’t really make much sense. But as two people who have lost someone close to them, they can relate to each other.
Chinen learning about Jin’s past further solidified his determination. This sort of trope is a bit cliche and in this situation, doesn’t really make much sense. But as two people who have lost someone close to them, they can relate to each other.
As expected, other characters didn’t get much spotlight at all – even Mikazuki’s genderbent expy. I hope it’s a sign that there won’t be any more “sacrifices” but hey, I don’t want to jinx it. The final battle is close at hand and no doubt it’s going to quite an explosive struggle.
At this point, I can say that the ONA’s depiction of an “action mecha” series is better than the anime series. However, the pacing and character development is not the best due to obvious restrictions. I wish Bandai made it a weekly series or extend the episode’s length instead to keep the audience’s attention and a more regulated pacing.
At this point, I can say that the ONA’s depiction of an “action mecha” series is better than the anime series. However, the pacing and character development is not the best due to obvious restrictions. I wish Bandai made it a weekly series or extend the episode’s length instead to keep the audience’s attention and a more regulated pacing.
Animation-wise, the series is still doing very well. Both the Proto Gouyou and the Gouyou Custom fight very well. For the North America army, mostly just Grady unit is cool and the others are pretty much just fodder in the line. The Proto Gouyou just straight up has a chainsaw and discard it after one use is pretty hardcore. If anything, the model kit from this little web series has been absolutely amazing.
Aaron
Aaron
Check our more reviews here:
Family relationship is always awkward for military man, and after Gento, it’s Teruaki’s turn to worry about his relatives. A swarm of emotion floods this episode.
The truth revealed at last. Namidome is stuck between a rock and a hard place. The big shall crush the small, or will there be a spark of hope for them?
Namidome finally catches a break, or do they? A sudden inspection that comes with a promising financial backing, or is there something deeper behind the scene?
The alien Kaiju threat intensifies as Emi and Gento dig deeper into the GGF’s hidden secret. And a fiery ally arrive for a blazing showdown.
A monster from space threatens the city with poisonous gas, and Capt Gento has to juggle between his family, his power as Blazar and his duty as SKaRD commander to watch over Emi.
Namari continues to piss us off, while Nagisa steadily climb the ranks of most precious character. Arumi once again has to be on the receiving end of loss.
A soul hunter seeking to lay a spirit to rest. Blazar team up with a samurai to deliver some amazing beatdown to a familiar “enemy”.
Harassment in the workplace comes in all shapes and forms. This time Bullbuster show us the 2 most common in Japan: unsavory behaviours and abuse of power.
New characters are introduced with a big jump in plot development. Bullbuster is pushing through the plot at a steady pace.
The best way to understand and to defeat someone is to use their deepest, darkest fear. But our heroine always improvise, adapt and overcome!
The double broadcast of Metaverse bring things to a boiling climax…not. A promising OVA cut short by setting up an exciting premise yet never follow through, leaving fans wanting more.
An honest mistake led into a massive incident that kick Tetsurou down to the pit of despair. However, things aren’t quite so grim as everyone banded together to push forward.
A relatively bright and light-hearted episode that shows the unlimited imagination and benevolence of youth. And Gento struggle to be a good “daddy” iykwim 😉
An honest mistake led into a massive incident that kick Tetsurou down to the pit of despair. However, things aren’t quite so grim as everyone banded together to push forward.
It’s Rebrandin’ time! And it’s that time where designers aren’t appreciated for their true worth. And a dark history unfolded on the infested island.
Blazar going even Darker after Nocturne. A crazy plot development involving Gento, Emi and chief Retsu along with a secret kept hidden by the GGF.
Time to fungible your Gunpla! Gundam Build finally reaches the Metaverse – and we’re starting fresh with a new MC and a galore of returning characters.
It’s Bustin’ time! Exterminating giant pest is fun with a giant robot, but not so much when you have to suffer through the administrative process.
The conclusion of Blazar’s first arc. A new power bestowed upon a new bond. This is Blazar’s thunderous return to form!
The Silver storm has passed, but another black storm is raging in the distance. Noir shut herself down to give way to another entity. And the plot thickens for cour 2!
Chinen finally got behind the sticks. Jin shared his tragic past and Grady ready for another war. All happening in a 12-minute breakneck pace spread across 2 weeks.
Tension is running high not just at GGF but also between Gento and Blazar as the two butt-heads during a fight. What lead to Blazar’s first official retreat?
The debut of DaisyOrge Alter! Kanata take to the battlefield with renewed strength and resolve, while Ciel lament her feelings in the background. And Kurokamen for the 3rd save in this series!
A love that transcend size and species. A mother and father’s dearest wish is to protect their child. But what about a Kaiju’s child? Blazar once again raise a concerning question.
The Silver storm is approaching, provoking! Synduality turn up the seriousness with a beginning of an arc that may or may not change the world.
The melody of music can change each one of us, even aliens. A heart-wrenching tale of a symphony born out of love and hate.
Look at me, I’m the protag now! Ep 9 introduces us to the main character from the game, and also to Noir’s possible past.
Part 2 of the Rainbow Saga. Earth Garon Mod 2 first deployed and a question of humanity’s existence was put on the line. Will Blazar win this time?
The childhood friend strikes back! A fan-service episode with lots of swimsuit and even a concert. But amidst it all, Ellie finally found her courage to advance.
The spotlight is back on Gento – our Ultraman. But this spotlight has 7 colors! Another ancient Kaiju that comes with a rainbow might just be Blazar’s first challenge.
The new Kyoukai Senki is here and it’s dead serious! An entirely new battlefield filled with Obari-senesi’s badass aesthetic and a cast that’s more inline with a war story.
A new challenger appear! The triangle is forming! Ciel barged into Kanata’s life and he found his way into her heart. The plot thickens as Ciel’s song resonate throughout the battlefield.
Do you even lift bro? Yasunobu show us what brain and brawn combined looks like. A love for machine that transcend human spirit and electrical signal, a mechanic risk his life to save the world.
A reunion with a beautiful diva and a mysterious man. Kanata saved a girl’s dream while Noir fulfilled hers. A very melodic episode.
Ep 5 crank up the romcom. And we see a returning face from literally the last ep. A sinister plot will test Kanata and Noir’s connection.
The focus character of this week is Anri Minami. She show a lot of personality and determination in this episode. And we revisit the rule #1 when it comes to ancient artifact/god: just leave them alone.
Ep4 show us a new and determined Kanata. But as they say, an overhyped rookie will make rookie mistakes. But thankfully Kanata meet someone new to teach him a thing or two!
Emi shows us why she’s the waifu of the show. Courageous with a sense of justice, but all the while also very much a maiden at heart. And also the first team-up between Blazar and Earth Garron!
Episode 3 introduces us to the Char Clone of the series. However, the place we met him is pretty unorthodox. As well as his Coffin and Magus. Let’s welcome Kurokamen!
Its name is Earth Garron! The debut of SKaRD Mecha Weapon went both awesome and horrible as Blazar swoop in once again. The comic relief is funny though!
Episode 2 of Synduality continues to keep up the interesting plot and decent character development. And a new bond was form between Magus and Master!
With enough passion, you can accomplish anything. Young animator AsH has proven it with his indie mecha anime that blow us away with its potential. That is Volicia of Pluto!
We went from action-packed spec-ops to comedic hi-jinks with a middle-aged man and his team, then back to action-pack again. Blazar is starting off very strong this season.
The new couple is in the house! Synduality: Noir debut with a good episode with great worldbuilding and gorgeous animation. We’ll see if this becomes Bandai’s new money-maker.
The new Giant of Light debut in a dark and violent episode. A unique atmosphere along with a new style of protagonist that send the whole fandom into monke!
The final…magic show? A last episode with no battle but only space magic galore. And the happy forever after ending for everyone that is just like the Tempest.
Brother vs brother! Sister vs sister! And the most dramatic of all: mother-in-law vs wife! The action packed episode once again left us no room to breath.
The Witch from Mercury is real! Take back the bride, ride the Gundam, stop her mother – Suletta is charging through to her family with Miorine in tow!
Strap into your Permet score because the show is going into overdrive! So many things happening at a breakneck pace. However, the debut of Quiet Zero and Suletta’s new resolve are the highlights.
Let loose the horrors. When Prospera told Suletta to live freely at school, surely she didn’t mean a bloody academy with the student bodies dropping like flies.
Ah yes – a peaceful protest and negotiation – a term non-existent in Gundam. Tension run high as Prospera enact her plan and stir up conflict just when Miorine and Guel found out the truth about Shaddiq.
Betrayal upon betrayal. Suletta found her courage thanks to her friends to confront Mio, but what she received was the cold hands pushing her away by her loved ones.
A redemption for the young lion, but it didn’t come for free. A cruel and painful wake-up call is awaiting our precious Tanuki. All the while the fight for Benerit Group intensifies.
The return and revelation. The prodigal son make his comeback while the obedient daughter reveal her true allegiance.
A second fall from grace of our previously most obnoxious character – Guel Jeturk. But his journey through purgatory has made him a man among the fiery battlefield of Earth.
It’s happy time…but trigger-happy. The school is facing a threat that might undo everything. And Prospera is dropping another bombshell on us.
It’s back to school time…or so you thought. Season 2 of G-Witch started off explosively with duels, conspiracies and almost a…casualty?
The final episode that resolve as much as they can, while still leaving a ton of questions unanswered. But as far as the main characters are concerned, this is a happy end!
The finale to a lackluster saga. A mastermind revealed and defeated in the most uninteresting way, and a result that didn’t really carry much meaning.
An episode filled with losses, pain and grief. The loss of one led to change in another. Arshem and Yamato was separated by a wall seemingly insurmountable.
A heartwarming expedition with just 2B and 9S, but it maybe their last. With 9S venturing too far in his quest for truth, he landed himself in hot water.
Our heroine returned to the capital, but accompanied by not-so-bright people. As the capital was surrounded by mindless robots, a sinister plot took place.
Beat the drums of courage and feel love in space! A hot-blooded battle, a passionate romance and a mother’s emotional sacrifice. All in this episode.
More progress to the story and this time it takes us to A2. Along the way, 9S and Pascal ponders about the “heart” of an android and machine.
Lavi survived by the skin of her teeth and experienced what it’s like to be loved and protected. She realized what it means to be a hero for the people around her.
