Series Recommendation: Macross Delta Movie: Passionate Walkure
If the blue sky, if the clear wind,
If even the stars were to betray you
you can count on us to never betray you
If even the stars were to betray you
you can count on us to never betray you
As tradition dictates, modern Macross tv series will get a movie (or movies) with a sort-of alternate storyline to change up stuff from the broadcast version, and Macross Delta is no exception. 2 years after the end of the tv series, the first Delta movie – Passionate Walkure (Gekijou no Walkure) – was released. The movie is an alternate retelling of the events of the tv series. The movie is just a first part of two movies planned for Delta (just like Frontier), and with the second movie BluRay getting released this September, now is a good time to check out this movie as well as some new amazing Walkure songs.
Gekijou Walkure starts at a different point compared to the tv series. In the movie, Hayate is already a member of the Delta Flight, accompanying the idol group “Walkure” on their interstellar tour to cure the Var Syndrome. The Var Syndrome is a mysterious disease that can drive people insane and violent, which led Hayate’s team to rescue a certain individual from a Var-infested ship: Freyja Wion – a Windermerian. The fateful meeting of Hayate and Freyja led to the discovery of a new member for the Tactical Sound Unit Walkure – as well as a plan to take control of the whole universe.
+ Plot: There are some changes to the story and characters – mostly for Hayate, but the movie stick pretty close to the main event of the tv series for the first movie. Frontier’s False Songstress has much more drastic changes compared to this movie, but the things that were changed are still significant. The movie essentially cram the tv series into a movie with a brand new finale that setup for the 2nd movie. In terms of relationship, it’s clear as day that who’s gonna claim the throne in Hayate’s heart, so not much change there. The rest of the cast are pretty much the same from the tv series, and they get minimal screen-time (which is just a natural thing for movie), though Mikumo get the better end of the stick this time considering she was also the more developed characters in the series.
+ Plot: There are some changes to the story and characters – mostly for Hayate, but the movie stick pretty close to the main event of the tv series for the first movie. Frontier’s False Songstress has much more drastic changes compared to this movie, but the things that were changed are still significant. The movie essentially cram the tv series into a movie with a brand new finale that setup for the 2nd movie. In terms of relationship, it’s clear as day that who’s gonna claim the throne in Hayate’s heart, so not much change there. The rest of the cast are pretty much the same from the tv series, and they get minimal screen-time (which is just a natural thing for movie), though Mikumo get the better end of the stick this time considering she was also the more developed characters in the series.
+ Animation: Being a movie, Satelight really touched up the animation compared to the tv series. There are some fight scenes that were reused from the tv series, but all of those also get polished with better quality, including some “new” sequence as well. The new addition are all done very well with the same choreograph and animation quality as the BluRay version. What set the movie apart from the series is a fully CGI Walkure song – which can be kinda weird if you havent seen any vocaloid/v-tuber concert before. The decision to use CG was said to be an “experimental” experience for viewers, as character CGI is becoming more and more common – so the studio wanted to try incorporating it into the movie. Being a experiment, only one song is CGI and the rest are still 2D. To be fair, it isn’t perfect and needs a lot of improvement as it still has the same disadvantage as other human CG series.
+ Mecha Design: The design is basically the same in the tv series, which we have discussed here. However, it’s not like the movie doesn’t bring anything new to the table. A new “pack” for the VF-31 Siegfried (2 if you count that weird setup for the 31F at the end). The movie mostly add more to the existing design just like how Frontier’s first movie added the Tornado Pack, while keeping the rest the same as the tv series.
+ Mecha Design: The design is basically the same in the tv series, which we have discussed here. However, it’s not like the movie doesn’t bring anything new to the table. A new “pack” for the VF-31 Siegfried (2 if you count that weird setup for the 31F at the end). The movie mostly add more to the existing design just like how Frontier’s first movie added the Tornado Pack, while keeping the rest the same as the tv series.
+ Music: Well, more Walkure goodness is the gist of it. There are several recurring songs from the tv series, but there are many new songs as well (par for the course for a Macross movie). Some notable songs include “Walkure ga Tomaranai”, “Walkure ga Uragiranai” and “Change!!!” (which is the 3D concert one). If you’ve seen Delta and/or listen to Walkure songs before, the tracks in the movie is basically that but taken up one more level.
+ Conclusion: The first Delta movie is basically a soft reboot of the series, with characters largely unchanged, just the main plot as a setup for the 2nd movie to deviate completely from the series. It does a good job of establishing a standalone cast and storyline that doesn’t rely too heavily on watching the tv series to understand. Furthermore, the music is a cut above (which is similar to Frontier’s case). The animation quality is basically the same as the tv series so nothing to debate over. Overall, watching this movie is a good alternate way to experience Delta and prepare for the upcoming second movie.
+ Conclusion: The first Delta movie is basically a soft reboot of the series, with characters largely unchanged, just the main plot as a setup for the 2nd movie to deviate completely from the series. It does a good job of establishing a standalone cast and storyline that doesn’t rely too heavily on watching the tv series to understand. Furthermore, the music is a cut above (which is similar to Frontier’s case). The animation quality is basically the same as the tv series so nothing to debate over. Overall, watching this movie is a good alternate way to experience Delta and prepare for the upcoming second movie.
Check out more recommendations:
The fruit of collaboration with Japan Air Self-Defense Force, the air combat scenes of this anime is what set it apart
Despite often being overlooked by newer fans, After War Gundam X is a must watch for any Gundam lovers.
Passion makes satisfaction. A group of student show what they can accomplish with a mecha short film that leaves you desperately wanting more!
A seemingly impossible task of building Mazinger Z hangar in real life. A ragtag team of a planning company assembled the Fantasy Division to turn fiction into reality.
A light-hearted series that turned into intense space opera. The Girl Who Leapt Through Space leaps through many genre to deliver a unique experience and turn everyone’s expectation upside down.
A desolate planet now submerged in liquid. A totally unique and fresh mecha series where all the robots are underwater. Oh and there’s also a talking whale.
A love story that spans through 12000 years. The war between Angels and humans fueled by passionate emotions. Shoji Kawamori shows us why he’s the master of the sky.
What happens if we mix Mahou Shoujo, Mecha and Battle Royale into one? We get Granbelm – an emotional story about the lives of young girls entangled in an ancient war.
In the city of smoke and steam, a young kid works as a detective alongside his nurse and butler to protect the peace. An old classic for fans of the steampunk style.
The 2nd season of the lovely Mass-Produced Riko series. Join Riko and co as they embark on an all new venture, while drawing interesting lesson from building plastic models.
The long-awaited continuation of the mecha isekai of pain. Season 2 of Muv-Luv Alternative is definitely trying to woo you by slamming intense scenes at you – but is it worth it?
One of the most difficult to adapt Mecha series, Muv-Luv Alternative anime started off with a questionable season, but you should still check it out.
A remake of another Tatsunoko hero. The Space Knight returns with a completely new story, design and brings us on an emotional journey of a tragic hero.
The continuation of the hot-blooded saga, this time filled with emotional drama and even more badass action. A great video game adaptation but not without flaws.
The long awaited legend’s return that satisfy all mecha fan’s longing for a good game. Armored Core 6: Fires of Rubicon is an experience you have to play to believe.
Universes collide as the cast of Gridman and Dynazenon is caught in a dimensional anomaly. But what’s more troubled is Yuuta – who has to become Gridman again with a troubled heart.
When you talk about the most badass mecha, you have to mention SRW OG and Masami Obari. And when these two combine, you get the best SRW anime of all time.
A unique series where the true pacifism versus justice. A bold premise and interesting gimmick make Planet With a very selective series in terms of audience – but it definitely deserves a chance.
From the studio that created Buddy Complex and Valvrave, Cross Ange is another Sunrise’s original that challenges the limit of its audience once more .
What will you do if you’re teleported to a time with giant grotesque monsters? For teenage student Daisuke Doujima, it’s a perfect chance for him to become a hero, and a saviour. But can he?
After 2 lukewarm series, Gundam Build rose to form again with Re:Rise. A story with deep characterization for a diverse and likeable cast and awesome Obari action.
Time to go digital! Build series is going full SAO and virtual with Build Divers – a light-hearted series and fun to enjoy without the need to complicate things.
Following GBF, Sunrise wanted to capture the magic with TRY. However, they fell just short of greatness but still create a series with amazing Gunpla battles.
A hobby turned combat sport. Sunrise’s effort to attract new fans turned into a compelling series with gorgeous battles featuring iconic MS from the franchise.
The first animated Build series, Beginning G opened up new venues and excitement for the hobby, with light-hearted yet intense traditional MS battle.
Do you want a Gundam series with a brighter tone but still has banger battles? Then Metal Armor Dragonar is a perfect series for you!
A series about building regular model kit, and using them to find inspiration in life. A very uplifting and chill series for mecha fans to change their perspective on their hobby.
The sequel to SEED – a series that brought Gundam on top of the radar. Destiny is a sequel that earned both the intense love and hate within the fandoms.
An anime adaptation of a sci-fi novel with the same name, Yakitori really stir up the scene with its unusual storytelling and animation style. However, the characters really hold the series up.
A Fafner novel written by Tow Ubutaka – the person who understand Fafner the most. Explore Kazuki’s POV and his relationship in a way you’ve never seen before.
A new Gundam for a new era. Gundam Seed is one of the most popular modern Gundam series that has fans all around the world. And it also received much love from Sunrise as well.
A love letter to commemorate the pioneer of the Mecha genre, Mazinger Z Infinity remind us of the conviction and justice that the Iron Castle had, is, and will stand for.
A badass and action-packed super robot series with an age-gap marriage between the two main characters. A hearth-throbbing and passionate tale about love and perseverance.
A new story of the boy who awoken a machine. Casshern Sins follow a conflicting young man in a world where life seems meaningless, yet everyone yearn for it anyway.
Just when things have calmed down, the Gear Users once again face an apocalyptic threat from a mysterious high order. This put Hibiki and her friends at risk once more.
New threats emerged to threaten the world. But new allies also appear to bring the Gear’s songs to a new level. A new battle await the girls!
Mahou Shoujo x Tokusatsu combined with plenty of mecha references, Symphogear bring us an audio and visual experience that is just the beginning. of a great franchise.
A new nation, a new story, a new battlefield. The reborn Eighty Six must choose between a life of peace or death. Will the Reaper be able to move on?
The depressing, gripping yet hopeful world of Eighty Six brought to life with A-1’s adaptation. The vision of Asato receives a depiction so emotional like no others.
A fun dogfight experience with some mecha combat thrown into the mix, Strike Suit Zero scratches some of that Macross action game that PC gamer has been wanting.
With his life completely smashed apart and turned upside down, teenage boy Ayato had to navigate a new world while being the key to control the winged giant RahXephon.
Not just your usual 70s Super Robot, Zambot 3 is more than just a battle between good and evil, but also about endurance, perseverance and the unyielding heart to do what’s right.
Expanding upon the original work of Yokoyama-sensei, GR: The Day The Earth Stood Still introduces a world where the supernatural and super-technology co-exist. And in the midst of that is a Giant Robo.
If you fancy beautiful girls cladded in sleek power armor fighting cyborg crimes, then Bubblegum Crisis is the choice for you, with amazing 90s cyberpunk dystopia atmosphere!
The Cyber Beast Force may have disbanded, but their burning hearts are still raging. Dancouga combines once again to fight an unexpected enemy. Is it human, or something else much more sinister?
Suit up! It’s time for some Oni hunting! An anime tribute to the Tokusatsu genre, Shikizakura show us the power of hope, willpower and compassion to overcome any darkness.
The bullet-train robot is back! Two young kids take on a new threat to protect the world. Shinkalion Z takes off after its predecessor and set itself apart from other Takara series.
A song that rings during the apocalypse. Vivy is a bold idea involving a century of fighting and yearning. Vivy will bring your visual and auditory sense to the max!
What is a true Ally of Justice? What kind of “Heroism” is worth fighting for? Linebarrels of Iron is a manga that you won’t be able to put down!
Hot-blood, explosive and FIRE! S-CRY-ed tells a badass yet emotional adventure of two youths on their way to unravel the truth of a world changed forever.
