Series Recommendation: Re:visions – Rise Against Destiny
I’m going to be a saviour!
What if we make a mecha series where the main char is a teenage student, but this time he’s not even remotely concerned about the state of the world but just want to pilot the mechs and show everyone who’s boss! Well that is Re:visions – a sci-fi series that features some crazy time-travel stuff with anti-Shinji as the MC. The series’ director is Goro Taniguchi – a big name in the mecha industry. We are all familiar with a lot of his work like Godannar, the Eldran series, Gaogaigar, Code Geass, Infinite Ryvius, Linebarrels, and Gun x Sword…
Re:visions is a Netflix-exclusive anime with 12 episodes. It follows Daisuke “not-Shinji” Doujima in his quest to become a hero and save his friends and neighborhood. His town and school was transported to 300 years in the future, now Daisuke, along with his friend and a mysterious onee-san claiming to be an agent from the future, must fight against the “Revisions” – huge and grotesque mechanical monster to bring everything and everyone back. But those monsters are not their biggest threat – but rather the ones behind them…
+ Plot: Story-wise, it starts out simple but then becomes very complex with many time paradox and plot twist. The characters’ development also contributes a huge part, especially Daisuke and Milo. Daisuke reminds me of Kouichi Hayase with his hero complex and Sousuke Sagara with his militaristic way of thinking. He looks like Shinji but is a 180 of him. His character arc is also quite relatable to many young teenagers – a slightly arrogant and self-confident young man who has his expectations shattered, but was able to regain his composure and do what’s right for his loved ones. The story also has a bit of Valvrave element with how the adults and teenagers’ dynamic is handled.
+ Plot: Story-wise, it starts out simple but then becomes very complex with many time paradox and plot twist. The characters’ development also contributes a huge part, especially Daisuke and Milo. Daisuke reminds me of Kouichi Hayase with his hero complex and Sousuke Sagara with his militaristic way of thinking. He looks like Shinji but is a 180 of him. His character arc is also quite relatable to many young teenagers – a slightly arrogant and self-confident young man who has his expectations shattered, but was able to regain his composure and do what’s right for his loved ones. The story also has a bit of Valvrave element with how the adults and teenagers’ dynamic is handled.
Animation: The anime is produced fully in 3D – and with many Netflix mecha series out, you can sorta have a feel. The series’ animation is quite similar to Yasuke, Knights of Sidonia and Yakitori. The characters is a bit jerky and their face is extremely flat, but not to the point of unwatchable. The action sequence however, is pretty badass. The String Puppets in the series move quite smoothly – as expected of Graphinica. However, it is a different story with character model, which is an industry-wide issue at the moment (saved for studio Orange). All in all, Re:visions’ action sequence is very good, while the “daily life” stuff is a bit rough.
Mecha Design: The mechas featured in the series are called “String Puppet”. It resembles the APU of Matrix and the AMP of Avatar: an exo-skeleton suit with advanced anti-Revision weaponries. The Mechanical design are courtesy of Yohei Arai-san. The Revisions remind me of Tsutomu Nihei’s work in Blame. Yohei Arai – the designer – did a very nice job with the exo-suits. It has many similarity to some other Real Robot series such as Pacific Rim, Full Metal Panic and Armored Core. However, they look distinct enough (a headless mech) to stand as their own unique designs.
Mecha Design: The mechas featured in the series are called “String Puppet”. It resembles the APU of Matrix and the AMP of Avatar: an exo-skeleton suit with advanced anti-Revision weaponries. The Mechanical design are courtesy of Yohei Arai-san. The Revisions remind me of Tsutomu Nihei’s work in Blame. Yohei Arai – the designer – did a very nice job with the exo-suits. It has many similarity to some other Real Robot series such as Pacific Rim, Full Metal Panic and Armored Core. However, they look distinct enough (a headless mech) to stand as their own unique designs.
Music: Music-wise, they really nailed it. The OP is extremely catchy, and the OST are great all-around. The Oral Cigarettes really set the right atmosphere.
+ Conclusion: Re:visions is a pretty good coming-of-age story mixed with a sci-fi thriller. The main cast remind you of Stranger Things or Kids Next Door but teenager. The dynamic between the different age generations in the anime is quite thought-provoking plus the actual realistic depiction of a teenage boy who is (figuratively) on a self-power trip that has to face a harsh reality. Production quality is about 50/50 but the parts that matter was done well. And if you want to see a confident MC like Kouichi Hayase, this is the anime for you.
+ Conclusion: Re:visions is a pretty good coming-of-age story mixed with a sci-fi thriller. The main cast remind you of Stranger Things or Kids Next Door but teenager. The dynamic between the different age generations in the anime is quite thought-provoking plus the actual realistic depiction of a teenage boy who is (figuratively) on a self-power trip that has to face a harsh reality. Production quality is about 50/50 but the parts that matter was done well. And if you want to see a confident MC like Kouichi Hayase, this is the anime for you.
Check out more recommendations:
A combination between Japanese myths and mecha. An intricate relationship between 2 girls and one guy, with intense Super Robot combat in-between.
A chance to see the A.D Police from Bubblegum Crisis in honorable action. Two detectives take on cases of rampage Boomers, unraveling a sinister plot that can change the world.
An apocalyptic tale of burning sand and monsters. A young man set out for vengeance, acquiring the usual hot chick and robot buddy on the way.
A refreshing tale about how the best of friends became sworn rivals. A vibrant, well animated movie where characters shine through their own merits, and bring a new wind to the franchise.
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.
