Series Recommendation: Super Robot Wars: The Inspector
Super Robot Wars is the biggest mecha crossover of all-time. But aside from the myriads of different series that participate in the franchise, Banpresto also created many original designs for characters, mechas as well as a separate timeline for them called Original Generation. The OG timeline has their own games and animes, and among the 3 animes, the Inspectors is no doubt the highest quality of them all.
Inspector adapts the story of the game SRW: OG2, but with a few changes to the plot and units. It is also the latest animation project from the franchise, with far higher production value than the previous series – Divine Wars and The Animation. The story closely follow the ATX team’s aces: Kyosuke and Excellen, while spreading screentime and development to a very diverse cast.
+ Plot: After the Aerogater’s invasion and the L5 campaign, humanity was safe from aliens, but not from itself. The Divine Crusaders remnant after Bian Zoldark’s death has risen up again and began overthrowing the Federation. The war between them seems to have no end when a new threat appears, three to be exact. And now our heroes in their shiny giant robots will constantly do battles on Earth, in space and everywhere else that threaten humanity’s survival.
he plot is a bit complicated with juggling between 4 factions at once, but that’s par for the course with SRW, where multiple threats are imminent and usually comes one after another or even at the same time. The events, however, are quite straightforward since they are focus on one threat at a time so just follow it episode by episode should be good (good thing the enemies are dumb lol). In terms of characters, our main duo Kyosuke and Excellen got the most development (as they should). For fans of OG that have played the game, they should be super familiar with most of the characters in the anime already, so seeing them “act out” their personality, relationship in an animated fashion is a nice treat for the eyes. Especially with Excellen, Lamia and the huge range of hot chicks in here. (Sasuga Obari!)
+ Plot: After the Aerogater’s invasion and the L5 campaign, humanity was safe from aliens, but not from itself. The Divine Crusaders remnant after Bian Zoldark’s death has risen up again and began overthrowing the Federation. The war between them seems to have no end when a new threat appears, three to be exact. And now our heroes in their shiny giant robots will constantly do battles on Earth, in space and everywhere else that threaten humanity’s survival.
he plot is a bit complicated with juggling between 4 factions at once, but that’s par for the course with SRW, where multiple threats are imminent and usually comes one after another or even at the same time. The events, however, are quite straightforward since they are focus on one threat at a time so just follow it episode by episode should be good (good thing the enemies are dumb lol). In terms of characters, our main duo Kyosuke and Excellen got the most development (as they should). For fans of OG that have played the game, they should be super familiar with most of the characters in the anime already, so seeing them “act out” their personality, relationship in an animated fashion is a nice treat for the eyes. Especially with Excellen, Lamia and the huge range of hot chicks in here. (Sasuga Obari!)
Animation: While Divine Wars and the 3-part Animation is slammed for wonky and cheap-looking CG, Inspector just turned every pair of eyes around with their stunning animation. An amazing combination of 2D from Asahi Pro and 3D from Graphinica (who worked on DW and the Animation as well), produce crisp and dynamic looking battles. With Masami Obari at the director’s position, the man knows how to make badass mecha (maybe a bit unrealistic, but super cool nonetheless). And after all, SRW OG is meant to prioritize the rule-of-cool, which they did magnificently. You can tell which mechs use CG if you pay attention, but they flow very well with the other 2D mechs and scenery as well. And the plethora of eye-flashes, attack poses and skills shouting really make this a “super” Robot Wars.
Mecha Design: Well, it’s OG and SRW, so you can expect the best of the best! Most of the units we already see in the games, and they retouch it a bit in terms of proportion to match the real-type body scale. The original mechs were designed by Katoki, Obari, Akitaka, Miyatake and more, since the series feature dozens and dozens of designs. And all of them looks amazing. (Although I have to question Lemon Browning and Bian Zoldark design choices when they made the Angelg and Valsione lol)
Mecha Design: Well, it’s OG and SRW, so you can expect the best of the best! Most of the units we already see in the games, and they retouch it a bit in terms of proportion to match the real-type body scale. The original mechs were designed by Katoki, Obari, Akitaka, Miyatake and more, since the series feature dozens and dozens of designs. And all of them looks amazing. (Although I have to question Lemon Browning and Bian Zoldark design choices when they made the Angelg and Valsione lol)
Music: Another obvious choice for SRW: it’s gotta be Jam Project of course! The MAXON and Ryusei Lover opening are some of the most energetic and hyper mecha songs ever. SRW is also known to feature a BGM for each unit and character (well 99% of them anyway), so you can hear a lot of special theme blaring when a certain mech is the focus (like Steel Beowulf for Alteisen and Variable Formation for SRX). The series also features a vocal version of Fairy Dang Sing which is pretty nice. The endings by Aki Misato – who is known for Muv-Luv’s songs – are softer and more relaxing, which create a nice balance with the rest of the episode.
+ Conclusion: Overall, Super Robot Wars: Original Generation – The Inspector is definitely the best the franchise has to offer. It has everything a giant robot fans love: Real Robots, Super Robots, massive battles with alien hordes, Skill shouting and epic BGM. Obari-sensei knows how to make mecha entertaining without dwelling too much in characterization and exposition (since the games already did that), so OGIN got all the time it needs to showcase badass mecha action! For the franchise’s 30th anniversary coming this April, we are all hoping to continue the OG saga, so this is a great chance to revisit this instant classic.
+ Conclusion: Overall, Super Robot Wars: Original Generation – The Inspector is definitely the best the franchise has to offer. It has everything a giant robot fans love: Real Robots, Super Robots, massive battles with alien hordes, Skill shouting and epic BGM. Obari-sensei knows how to make mecha entertaining without dwelling too much in characterization and exposition (since the games already did that), so OGIN got all the time it needs to showcase badass mecha action! For the franchise’s 30th anniversary coming this April, we are all hoping to continue the OG saga, so this is a great chance to revisit this instant classic.
Check out more recommendations:
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.
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!