PatLabor The Mobile Police - The New Files OVA Series

PatLabor: The Mobile Police - The New Files OVA Series is a compelling continuation of the PatLabor universe that returns us to the futuristic streets of Tokyo where mechanized police units called “Labors” maintain peace and order. The year is 1999 and giant robots, designed for heavy industrial tasks, are now entrenched in all facets of society. In this intricate and highly technological urban landscape, crime has evolved and taken a drastic leap in sophistication, necessitating a new breed of law enforcement.

Developed by Headgear and released on the Anime Network in 1990, this enthralling Original Video Animation (OVA) series is known for its broad exploration of the social, economic, and political ramifications of mechanized policing — all while delivering thrilling action and engaging character development. The New Files expands the storyline introduced in the earlier installments of PatLabor series, adding greater depth and detail to the world and characters we’ve come to love.

The series revolves around the members of Division 2 of the Tokyo Metropolitan Police Special Vehicle Section 2, a special unit equipped with Patrol Labors or "PatLabors." These are large mechanized suits that are the primary line of defense against any mechanized threats or Labor-related crime. Each member of Division 2 has their own distinct personality and backstory, creating a rich and diverse cast of characters that forms the backbone of the series.

Noa Izumi, the main protagonist, is a plucky and endearing Labor pilot who shows distinct empathy towards her Labor, which she fondly names "Alphonse". Her fellow officers - Asuma Shinohara, Isao Ohta, Mikiyasu Shinshi, and Hiromi Yamazaki - each bring their unique skills and eccentricities to the mix, making for an entertaining dynamic that continually injects humor and rapport alongside the high-stakes situations that they regularly face.

The style of PatLabor: The Mobile Police - The New Files is a remarkable blend of realist-sci-fi and police procedural drama, interspersed with moments of comedy and camaraderie amongst the officers of Division 2. The series delves into the challenges and ethical considerations of technological advancement; it is not just about the flashy mech battles and high-octane thrills, but often highlights the everyday life and bureaucratic hurdles of policing in a highly mechanized society.

Episodic in nature, each episode of this OVA series acts as a self-contained narrative that explores a different aspect of their life, ranging from tackling Labor crimes, dealing with office politics, the bonds between the team members, and even the odd monster attack. Still, each of these stories contributes to a more substantial overarching narrative that gradually unfolds, appealing to fans who relish in gradual plot build-ups and intrigue.

In the technical aspects, PatLabor: The Mobile Police - The New Files is given life through its detailed animation and artistic style that diligently captures Tokyo's cityscape's technologically advanced yet somewhat chaotic nature. The design of the Labors and their handling unequivocally depict the raw power and looming stature of these machines, simultaneously expressing the awe and anxiety associated with such advanced technology.

Despite having debuted in 1990, the series doesn’t feel dated and continues to retain its charm thanks to its nuanced writing, in-depth character development, and conceptually advanced rendering of a futuristic society. It is a thoughtful exploration of the implications accompanying the rise of mechs, or functional robots, in society.

In essence, PatLabor: The Mobile Police - The New Files is a must-watch for fans of the mecha genre and police dramas alike. With its engaging blend of action, comedy, drama, and science fiction, it offers both captivating stand-alone stories and an overarching narrative that keeps viewers hooked. Each episode contributes to the fresco of this futuristic world, cementing it as an iconic anime series that continues to captivate audiences.