Ingress: The Animation

Ingress: The Animation is a captivating Japanese anime series that debuted on Netflix in 2018-2019. The series is directly based on the eponymous, popular augmented reality mobile game, Ingress. Produced by Craftar Studios and directed by notable anime director, Yuhei Sakuragi, the show combines the elements of sci-fi, thriller, and mystery genre, supplemented by impressive animation quality, a complex plot, and multidimensional characters.

The series’s narrative orbits around the strange and invisible matter known as "Exotic Matter" (XM), which exists throughout the world and can influence human minds. This intriguing concept entirely tickles the fantasy aspect of the anime, providing a solid backbone for the unfolding sequences. The story unravels when a research lab's accident leads to the discovery of XM and its potential. Large corporations, scientists, and individuals who become aware of its existence, seek control over XM, illuminating both the altruistic and the malevolent diversions this energy can have on humanity.

The series focuses on three primary characters: Makoto Midorikawa, Sarah Coppola, and Jack Norman. Makoto, a celebrated character from the original game, acts as the show's primary protagonist. Following a police investigation into a laboratory explosion, Makoto, a talented investigator with a unique ability to read memory imprints left behind on objects, gets entangled in the astonishing world of XM. Sarah Coppola is a mysterious woman whose abduction commences the conflict over the exotic matter. She interacts with XM in ways no other human can, becoming a pivotal character in the process. Jack Norman, on the other hand, is a hardened ex-special forces agent who is on a mission to protect Sarah from those who want to exploit her ability.

The anime shifts between the perspectives of these three characters as they find themselves caught between two factions: The Enlightened, who are intrigued by the powers of XM and believe in its potential to uplift humanity, and The Resistance, who fear its mind-control capabilities and aim to shield humanity from its possible detrimental effects.

Ingress: The Animation has a unique animation style, blending styles from both western and eastern animation. Despite being a science fiction anime, the artists have paid great attention to the real-world settings, making it a visual treat for the viewers. Real-life locations from the original game have been beautifully integrated into the anime, offering a subtle nostalgia to the players of the game.

The show boasts an impressive line-up of Japanese voice actors who bring life to the characters. The English dubbed version championed by Netflix also stands out for its voice acting. The sound design deserves special mention as it brilliantly sets the tone and ambiance for the storyline, shifting smoothly from tranquility to tension, keeping the viewers on the edge of their seats.

The intricate plot, combined with evolving characters and a gripping premise, manage simultaneously to answer and pose questions, promoting thought-provoking discussions. It is as exciting for the fans who played the original game, as it is for individuals new to the Ingress universe.

Each episode of Ingress: The Animation ends with a cliffhanger urging you to continue to the next, and before you know it, you find yourself pulled into the thrilling world of XM, caught up in the battle between The Enlightened and The Resistance, and rooting for your favorite characters' survival and success. The series is a fearless venture into the dimension of augmented reality, blurring the line between the virtual and real world, offering an unforgettable journey to its viewers.

In simple terms, Ingress: The Animation is a thrilling, mind-bending odyssey into the realm of science fiction, a signature spectacle for anime lovers, and a must-watch for fans of the Ingress game. It might take a few episodes to familiarize yourself with the complex world and the characters' purposes, but once you're hooked, it’s a wild, exciting, and thought-evoking ride.