I
was planning to watch and review this series since it was first released but
was always been put off due to other priorities that keep popping up on my end.
But at least I'm happy to announce that I kept away from spoilers for this show
until I finally got to binge watch it last week.
Gen:LOCK
is set in a dystopian futuristic earth where the savage autocratic invading
force known as the Union who is hell bent on unifying the world through
forceful means. The only force standing in the way of the Union are the Vanguards
and the small band of experimental pilots of the neuroscience mech project known
as gen:LOCK.
Gen:
LOCK as a story pretty much takes notes from anime series such as Evangelion
meets Ghost in the Shell meets Gundam. Even the multi colored outfit reminds me of Voltron or those super sentai shows. Gen:LOCK does mixes things up a bit and
introduces some concept that makes it uniquely its own. This is all thanks to
the amazing conceptualization and storytelling mind of the series creator Grey
Haddock. The end product is an entertaining and adrenaline pumped experience
any anime and mech fan will surely enjoy.
The
main issue I have with it is that the first season only has 8 episodes. A lot
of the character moments and are often put into quick training montage and another. gen:LOCK could easily have used a lot
more episode to cement all the plot and character rather than the characters
having to go through one crazy battle after the other. I guess they are tight
on the budget or some other issues production wise.
The
characters of gen:LOCK is extremely well done with each of the pilots having
their own personality and personal conflicts. The main character Julian Chase is
voiced by Michael B Gordan himself. You got your otaku hacker, the muscle bound
tough guy and pretty much every character archetype you can think of short of a
tsundere and a yandere.
My personal favorite is Cammie the spunky girl with the Scotish the
cyber bunny ears that has a crass attitude and a foul mouth you can't help but
love. There's just something about her sarcasm and the way she swears a lot provided shes the smallest and youngest team member but lays out the f word every chance she gets.
Animation
wise its pure eye candy specially during the action sequences. There's even one
episode that feels like something out of an Ace Combat game. The mechs are done well that you can easily
tell what's going on even if characters and other things are happening in the front
and back of the characters. I also like how each of the mech moves differently
from each other despite having the same core design.
The
animation does have some issues like that awkward walking and running animation
you see every now and then but nothing too obvious. Also some of the areas feel
a bit too barren and could probably use a bit more color and texture. yet again
a minor complain on how well the animations are done.
Rooster
Teeth has been known for making excellent music for their series and gen:LOCK is
no exception as the music used in the series has this sci-fi mech feel to it
that is part western and part anime. You need to watch the opening to get an
idea on what I mean.
The
first episode of gen:LOCK can easily be viewed on the Rooster Teeth youtube page. But if you want to watch the other seven episode you need to go the
Rooster Teeth Official page and be a member. Just click on the link provided.
Overall
Gen:LOCK is an entertaining, adrenaline fueled series any fans of mecha anime
and cartoon should watch. Even if you are not into giant robots and sci fi
mechs this is a series you should try watching at least once. Clearly an easy
recommendation for any anime, mech or otaku fan anywhere. A must watch.
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