I like to point out that I haven't watched a Gundam series
since Gundam Seed so Build Fighters is sort of my return to the franchise after
many years of absent. I'm not a hardcore fan of the Gundam franchise but I'll
try to give this one a fair shake. Also minor spoilers is in effect.
Due to the success of Mobile Suit Gundam the franchise has been
elevated pass being model kits and with the onset of new technologies has
turned into a worldwide tournament where people can now build, customize their
own model kits and fight on Global Tournament called Gunpla Battles. This is
where Sei Iori and Reigi story begin. A gunpla builder and a gunpla pilot.
Storywise its your typical tournament theme anime but instead
of competing in martial arts or sport the characters compete in gunpla model
kit battles much like a video game arcade. The story takes heavy inspiration
from the anime Angelic Layer but with gundam instead of dolls. There's also a
hint of isekai fantasy put in the mix for good measure. It's nothing that
hasn't been done before yet is fun enough to keep a typical gundam fan
entertained.
As character goes Sei is the typical gundam hardcore fan that
can probably recite every episode of a gundam series in his sleep and the show
isn't afraid to show it. His chemistry with Reigi the hot blooded and impulsive
pilot with martial arts background we seen many times over in this or other
anime franchise. The other characters also follow the typical anime cliche but they
surprisingly work. If the system isn't broke don't fix it as they say.
Most of the plot twist is pretty obvious from the get go.
This character doing that, plot armor and the whole nine yards. The story maybe
predictable but the animation and action is where the meat of the series lies.
The action are full blown and well executed as one would expect from the best
of what gundam is all about. Add that to the excellent bgm music on each match
and it's an accelerating ride from beginning to end. Also the lack of cgi is a
welcome change of pace.
The series is also ridden with cameo from past gundam
characters and real life actual gunpla boxes that it's a an easter egg hunt of
"Find the Hidden gunpla" on nearly every episode. The more you're
familiar with the whole gundam franchise the more of these hidden things you
will find. The show is the definition of a love Sunrise's love letter to fans
everywhere. The show is aimed to sell more gunpla and it's not ashamed to show
it.
Overall the series is surprisingly entertaining. if you are a
gundam fan you will definitely find something to like in Gundam Build Fighters.
If you are new to the franchise than this is a decent entry point to get into
it as it doesn't require you to name every gundam mech or gundam character to
enjoy the overall plot. Just don't expect anything groundbreaking in this one
in terms of character and plot.
No comments:
Post a Comment