Series Recommendation: Megaton Musashi Season 2
Beat on the drums of courage!
After a fantastic season 1, Megaton Musashi unsurprisingly announced season 2. Despite the low interest and view counts (there were no streaming services that picked up the series), Level-% still pressed on with the release, with a new season that was longer and better – but not handled more effectively. The series was riddled with delays and was only streamed through YouTube, affecting the overall reception of the anime. However, the meat of the series is still as cool as ever.
Season 2 took place right after season 1, with the Ixia setting on a voyage to recover the hopes of humanity and head towards Sanctuary – the last bastion of humanity. Along the way, we are introduced to new factions, new characters and new enemies – with the Arshem-obsessed Grieffas leading the Dracter army. Yamato and the gang continue to fight despite the losses they suffer in season 1, but they are joined by new allies and also make new enemies. Arshem also fought on to realize her ideals of co-existence between the two races. The journey for Yamato and Arshem is riddled with challenges and opposition, but their unwavering determination will surely see their journeys through.
This season’s plot leans more towards a drama-filled series rather than the Super Robot plot in season 1. There are a lot more dramas unfolding behind the scenes involving the various factions in both races: human and Sidr. Both sides have good and bad factions, and the dynamic between them gave the characters the push they needed to advance the series. There are some predictable and cliche developments, but there are also some genuine twists that viewers really didn’t expect. Furthermore, the changes in our protagonists: Arshem and Yamato – are very apparent. They basically took their old selves in season 1, put on a new coat of paint (but not too much) and rolled with it for the rest of the season. They remain steadfast for most of the season, but the side cast actually got quite a bit of development as well, especially some of the new faces. Season 2 has 15 episodes – 3 more than season 1, but it suffered two delays for several weeks, which really affected the flow of the broadcast, but it has barely enough episodes to cover the main story.
This season’s plot leans more towards a drama-filled series rather than the Super Robot plot in season 1. There are a lot more dramas unfolding behind the scenes involving the various factions in both races: human and Sidr. Both sides have good and bad factions, and the dynamic between them gave the characters the push they needed to advance the series. There are some predictable and cliche developments, but there are also some genuine twists that viewers really didn’t expect. Furthermore, the changes in our protagonists: Arshem and Yamato – are very apparent. They basically took their old selves in season 1, put on a new coat of paint (but not too much) and rolled with it for the rest of the season. They remain steadfast for most of the season, but the side cast actually got quite a bit of development as well, especially some of the new faces. Season 2 has 15 episodes – 3 more than season 1, but it suffered two delays for several weeks, which really affected the flow of the broadcast, but it has barely enough episodes to cover the main story.
Animation: There’s nothing to complain about. Imagine season 1’s quality, but they kicked it up a few levels. The power creep is real in this series, where the hero units are just absolutely crushing for the majority of the series. Lots of amazing special attacks (or Kabuki Functions) are showcased to promote the video game as well. The effects are nicely done, and you can’t really tell the discrepancy between 2D and 3D in this series. There are some action sequences that look a bit too clunky and heavy, but that’s due to the rounded and chunky design of the mechs. You can treat it as an 80s Super Robot series getting animated in 3D.
Mecha Design: We got some awesome upgrades for our Megaton class and even the Sidr’s mechas. All of the mechs are upgraded with new armour, new weapons and new gimmicks. And, of course, the main mech also received a massive upgrade. However, the “upgrades” aren’t completely utilized as they mostly perform their special attacks. There’s a lot to pack into the fight scenes from the game, so it’s understandable. It’s sorta like Super Robot Wars, where one player unit performs their special attacks, and the rest of the enemies just stand there and take it (but without the turn-based thingy). The Musashi-X is among the most hyped combination sequences we’ve seen in a while, with a unique gimmick at the end, too, which was awesome.
Mecha Design: We got some awesome upgrades for our Megaton class and even the Sidr’s mechas. All of the mechs are upgraded with new armour, new weapons and new gimmicks. And, of course, the main mech also received a massive upgrade. However, the “upgrades” aren’t completely utilized as they mostly perform their special attacks. There’s a lot to pack into the fight scenes from the game, so it’s understandable. It’s sorta like Super Robot Wars, where one player unit performs their special attacks, and the rest of the enemies just stand there and take it (but without the turn-based thingy). The Musashi-X is among the most hyped combination sequences we’ve seen in a while, with a unique gimmick at the end, too, which was awesome.
Music: Season 2’s opening is “Eiyuu no Uta” (no, not the Ginga one) by Kodai Matsuura. The song isn’t as hyper and bombastic as season 1’s “Musashi”, but it’s much more heroic and epic – like a hymn to celebrate the courage of a great hero standing against insurmountable odds. Whereas the opening is dedicated to Yamato and the Megaton-kyuu pilots, the ending is for Arshem. A harmony filled with sadness but also full of hope really helps capture her character as the leader of the race that massacred humans but desires co-existence with them. The series also has many insert songs for specific sequences that are very emotional. For an anime with very little marketing and reach, the quality and quantity of the OST are top-notch, which must have been quite expensive.
+ Conclusion: Season 2 is a great continuation of season 1. If only it hadn’t suffered production issues that led to delays, it would have been much better to experience when it was broadcasting. However, if you watch the series now, you can enjoy it to the fullest. It was rushed quite a bit at the end to finish off the main storyline, but all in all, the journey was entertaining and emotional, and despite the rush, they managed to reach a very satisfying conclusion. Megaton Musashi is one of the best video game adaptations that we’ve ever had.
+ Conclusion: Season 2 is a great continuation of season 1. If only it hadn’t suffered production issues that led to delays, it would have been much better to experience when it was broadcasting. However, if you watch the series now, you can enjoy it to the fullest. It was rushed quite a bit at the end to finish off the main storyline, but all in all, the journey was entertaining and emotional, and despite the rush, they managed to reach a very satisfying conclusion. Megaton Musashi is one of the best video game adaptations that we’ve ever had.
Check out more recommendations:
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.
Absolute music, Absolute animation, and…Absolute LIVE! Macross Delta Zettai Live brought the emotional climax of Hayate and Freyja story to a breathtaking conclusion.
A hidden gem of a steam-punk mecha anime. Gad Guard literally start from a hidden “gem”. If you fancy some noir mecha x vigilante style with awesome OST, this is the series for you.
A man who lost everything decided to throw away himself for revenge. A mysterious threat from space with an unthinkable objective. Experience the masterful visual of Argento Soma.
An alternate and expansion of the famous “Doan’s Island” of Gundam 0079, Cucuruz Doan’s Island focus on the characters that further show us the cruelty of war.
The finale of the Sidonia no Kishi animated saga. Ai no Tsumugu Hoshi gives us the climax of the Gauna War and conclude the story between Tanikaze and Tsumugi.
An alternate version of the tv series – Macross Delta Passionate Walkure condense the action, music and plot into one movie to setup for entirely new events.
