Super Robot Wars: Original Generation - The Animation

Super Robot Wars: Original Generation – The Animation is a three-episode OVA (original video animation) series produced in 2006 by Brain's Base. This 2006 OVA series is a direct sequel to the Super Robot Taisen: Original Generation game series from the Game Boy Advance gaming console. It's a mecha-anime, a genre famous for featuring colossal human-piloted robots armed with various weapons, promising riveting robot action and intricate storytelling inspired by games, wrapping viewers into an entirely new universe of robotics.

Notably, the captivating series is a part of the larger Super Robot Wars franchise, which has been a staple within Japanese media since the early '90s. Super Robot Wars is renowned for its ambitious crossover of various popular mecha-anime, merging multiple storylines and characters into one grand war scenario. However, Super Robot Wars: Original Generation – The Animation diverges from this tradition and instead establishes its original world and characters, providing an accessible entry-point for newcomers not familiar with the extensive lore of the franchise.

The animation starts after the defeat of the Aerogaters, an extraterrestrial civilization that aimed to invade Earth, handled in the game series. Now, the Earth Federation Army prepares to counterattack the invaders from Jupiter, named inspectors in this series, by developing a new line of Super Robots. Concurrently, the tale keeps a firm focus on various human characters who serve as pilots for these machines. While the worldwide conflict and epic battles are the main attractions, the relationships, rivalries, and comradeships amongst these characters are what genuinely drive the narrative.

Super Robot Wars: Original Generation – The Animation employs an ensemble cast of characters. There's the skilled yet stoic pilot Ryusei Date and the confident military genius, Kyosuke Nanbu, to name a few. Each character has unique personality traits and their personal motivations, adding a human element to the robotic warfare. Their interactions with each other and their unique mecha units, natural clashes, and partnerships form the crux of the story.

The robot models employed here, ranging from Ryusei's R-1 to Kyosuke's Alt Eisen, are unique and intricate, symbolizing the overarching theme of evolution and advancement in technology. There's a wide array of robot designs in the show, which mirrors the diversity of the cast. Mecha design in this series keeps the balance between the classic retro-style giant robots and the modern, sleek machines, making it a treat for mecha-fans.

The dynamic and explosive robot battles are a pivotal part of the show, animated with great intricacy and flair. These battle sequences combined with a scored soundtrack allow the viewers to feel the impact and stakes of each fight. From hand-to-hand melee fights to artillery showdowns, the series does not hold back on delivering intriguing and intense warfare.

It should be noted that understanding Super Robot Wars: Original Generation – The Animation may require some prior knowledge of the Super Robot Wars franchise, given its place in the continuity of the franchise. However, this should not hinder the enjoyment of the series, as it still manages to hold a standalone storyline, presenting a blend of political intrigue and action-filled robot warfare, covered in 90-minutes of run-time.

While it may not have the longest run or most extensive character development due to its short length, Super Robot Wars: Original Generation – The Animation delivers a compact story with high-octane mecha battles, stellar animation, and appealing character dynamics. It's a series with a unique blend of science fiction, strategy, drama, and a lot of spaceships, guns, missiles, and piloted robots; truly a love letter to the mecha genre that shouldn't be overlooked by fans of the genre, the franchise, and newcomers alike. It's a niche gem, rewarding for those who crave space dramas and robot warfare under the backdrop of a captivating narrative grounded by relatable characters, giving an otherwise larger than life series a touch of humanity.