Im surprise there is no review yet for this amazing series, so I'm gonna start the ball rolling here. This series presents a refreshing, "down-to-earth" perspective on the Gundam universe, offering a grounded look at the human cost of war rather than the usual large-scale strategic warfare that many fans may expect.
The story deviates from the typical tactical war games that have become a hallmark of the franchise. Instead, it focuses more on the human element-the tragedies and chaos that arise from conflict. Admittedly, there are moments when the characters seem unsure of what to do, which can pull the viewer out of the immersion. Still, despite these occasional lapses, the narrative remains engaging and binge-worthy, a testament to the creator's vision. Notably, this is the first mainline Gundam series produced by a Western team, which makes the achievement all the more impressive.
One of the standout features of this series is the battle scenes. The mobile suits feel massive and imposing, with their movements and speed depicted in a way that's both believable and thrilling. This is the most "grounded" portrayal of mobile suit combat since Gundam Thunderbolt, and it surpasses even that in terms of realism. However, while the fight sequences are excellent, the character animation could use some improvement. I'm hopeful that with a larger budget in future seasons, this aspect will see significant enhancement.
For newcomers to the Gundam universe, there may be some terminology that doesn't quite resonate, but the core story is simple enough to enjoy without prior knowledge. Overall, I'd rate this series a solid 8/10-an impressive achievement and a worthy addition to the Gundam franchise.
