Super Robot Wars Original Generation: Divine Wars Vol. 9 (a J!-ENT Anime DVD Review)

August 1, 2008 by Dennis Amith · Leave a Comment

“The final volume of ‘Super Robot Wars OG: Divine Wars’ features the final battle between the Earth Federation Army/United Colony Corps vs. the Aerogaters. An explosive final volume and the final episodes feature plenty of mecha action and the most mecha ever assembled in an episode than I have ever seen from any anime series ever. Mecha mayhem and totally awesome!”

DVD INFORMATION:

DVD TITLE: Super Robot Wars Original Generation: Divine Wars Vol. 9

DURATION: 78 + 6 minutes

DVD INFORMATION: COLOR/ MPEG-2 / DVD-5 / NTSC / Japanese Audio (Dolby Digital Stereo) / English Subtitles / 16:9 LB

CATALOG #: 61370

COMPANY: Bandai Visual / Honneamise

RATING: 13 and up

OFFICIAL WEBSITE

STAFF INFORMATION:

ORIGINAL STORY: SR Production Team

DIRECTOR: Kakudo Hiroyuki

SUPERVISOR & SERIES PLANNER: Terada Takanobu

CHARACTER CONCEPTION: Kohno Sachiko

CHARACTER DESIGN: Ikeda Yuji

MAIN MECHANICAL DESIGNERS: Katoki Hajime, Miyatake Kazutaka, Okawara Kunio, Saito Kazue

ART DIRECTOR: Kato Kenji

PRODUCED By: SWROG PROJECT

CAST INFORMATION:

Ryusei Miki Shin-Ichiro, Ingram: Furusawa Toru, Yukiko: Sakuma Rei, Kusuha: Takahashi Mikamo, Tenzan: Kawazu Yasuhiko, Laker: Kiyokawa Motomu, Kenzo: MUGIHITO, Kai: Saizan Tadahisa, Hance: Masutani Yutaka, Shu: Koyasu Takehito, Bian: Iizuka Shoz

At last, the conclusion of the Divine Wars! This definitive collection includes an episode not aired on Japanese TV!

The Final Adjudicator has appeared before mankind! The SRX has awakened and shall put an end to the long war!

Everything has been building up to this final episode as the Earth Federation Army and United Colony Corps goes into full-scale war mode against the alien Aerogaters.

In episode 24 titled “Stage 24: Gathering Power”, the decisive battle with the Aerogaters has begun. The Operation SRW united space fleet engages in a bitter fight with an enemy of overwhelming force. But arriving just in time to join the battle is Ryusei and the other members of the SRX team who arrived at the White Star and to merge their R series units.

In this episode, we get to see a successful merge/transformation of the R series units and to finally see Ryusei exhibit power not seen in any of the episodes.

This very episode features a battle between the Aerogaters Attade Shamlan, Levi Torah’s (leader of the Aerogaters) right hand and cunning pilot who has telekinetic powers and is a master of psychological manipulation. Also, the person who is overseeing the conditioning of human samples captured in battle.

In episode 25 titled “Stage 25: Divine Wars”, the war continues and this time with the transformed SRX Team and the United Colony Corps on the Kulogwane join in battle against the Aerogaters.

The SRX Team goes into battle with their former commander Ingram Plissken who is piloting the R-Gun Revale summoned from another dimension.

While that battle is waged, the space fleet has to go into battle with Aerogater Leader Levi Torah who is piloting a giant mobile weaponry known as the Judecca. A serpent like mecha that forms the nucleus of the automated planet Nevlim and easily is decimating the space fleet with its power.

Also, the true intention of the Aerogaters is revealed and the true identity of Levi Torah is discovered. But unknown to the Aerogaters is that there is another being that is pulling their strings.

An epic battle to decide who will be the victors. The fleet from Earth or the Aerogaters.

In the final episode that was not aired on television is “Final Stage: Separate Paths“. The fact that this episode was not aired on television makes this volume important to own because it features the Final Adjudicator and what remains of the fate of certain individuals on both sides.

This episode also features the aftermath of the war, what happens to many of the pilots a month after the war and what path they choose for each of their lives.

All in all, an ending not seen on television, thus making it a series definitely worth owning!

VIDEO:

As for the video, since it’s a newer anime series that aired back in the end of 2006 and early 2007, as expected, the anime is clear and colorful. Also, because it is a Bandai Visual release known for their audio and video quality, the anime is presented in 16:9 LB anamorphic with an aspect ratio of 1.78:1.

AUDIO:

Bandai Visual is known for their quality A/V and audio is encoded at 488kbps. There is no Digital 5.1 audio selection, just Dolby Digital Stereo. And primary audio is in Japanese. There is no English dub tracks, for those interested in that.

SPECIAL FEATURES:

The final volume of “Super Robot Wars OG: Divine Wars” finally features some special features. All opening and ending themes are now featured (textless).

As for the DVD-insert booklet, there is an 8-page character guide and glossary. Also, included is a “Special Message” (continuing from the last five volume booklets) segment which features more voice talent giving their thoughts about their character and a message for the fans.

I’m really impressed of how many voice actors (past and present) are featured in this anime series. With so many characters, it’s definitely understandable. As for the booklet, it was finally nice to find out more about Katrina Trask and the members of the Octopus Platoon. For many episodes, seeing this team and not really knowing much about them (with the exception of Shinguji Tasuku, since he plays a prominent role earlier on in the series.

It’s hard to believe the final volume is here.

This has to be one of the most intense mecha anime series in a sense of how much mecha were utilized throughout this whole series and how many characters on various sides of the war are featured and have a role in this anime.

The final volume features an awesome battle but to find out that the final episode was never aired in Japan and on this DVD, it’s really surprising because the “Final Stage” really goes into some important topics within the overall series and the future of the series. So, for this episode alone, for those who watched this series on television and loved it, you’re doing yourself an injustice if you don’t get this final volume because the final episode alone features important scenes.

So, the final volume is worth owning because this series is just straight-out mecha fan service!

But what about the entire series? As mentioned in my last volume review, where a Gundam TV series has nearly 40-50 episodes to really flesh out a character and focus on character development and relationships, with only 26 episodes and so many characters featured on “Super Robot Wars OG: Divine Wars”, there is only so much they can feature because so much is dedicated to the war, the mecha battles and the SRX Team.

So, because the series could have been epic and the building up of a battle or war could have been lengthened if they had more episodes, the creators did what they could to fit everything within 26-episodes.

So, because of that…”Super Robot Wars OG: Divine Wars” is not perfect, nor does it reach “greatness” but it manages to achieve high marks for it’s battles, the many mecha introduced in the overall series, its wide variety of characters and its enjoyable storyline.

There is so much story to tell and the fact that the foundation has been created for this series, I can see multiple spin-offs via anime (and even video games) from this series if needed featuring on the various multiple teams within the Earth Federation Army. There is so much potential!

This anime series is a long time coming and for fans of the video games, it was so great to see this anime series created and the fact that fans can finally obtain it in the US.

Although the DVD’s have been somewhat barebone in special features and there is no English dub, I’m glad that Bandai Visual continued their focus on video and audio quality. And the informative books included with each volume was definitely worth it!

So, all in all, “Super Robot Wars OG: Divine Wars vol. 9 is worth owning and the overall series is worth watching! Awesome mecha battles, interesting characters and a storyline that was just enjoyable to watch. Let’s say, I enjoyed it so much that I’m bummed that it’s over. So, I’m hoping for another series in the near future!

Definitely check “Super Robot Wars OG: Divine Wars” out!

+ “SUPER ROBOT WARS” in an animated television series based on a long running video game… A long time coming!

+ Finally, the final volume and a “Final stage” that is literally an episode that was not shown on television but manages to fill in important holes in the storyline. Overall, a great conclusion for this series.

+ Well done voice acting with many of the original voice talent from the video games involved.

+ Yes, special features are included in this volume!

- For those who need and prefer an English dub, this DVD is ONLY Japanese with English subtitles.

Filed Under: Anime on DVD

Super Robot Wars Original Generation: Divine Wars Vol. 8 (a J!-ENT Anime DVD Review)

July 30, 2008 by Dennis Amith · Leave a Comment

“As we reach the final two volumes, there are new revelations and the Earth Defense Force and the United Colony Corps goes to war against the aliens and a key betrayal comes unexpected in this latest action-packed volume of ‘Super Robot Wars OG: Divine Wars’”.

DVD INFORMATION:

DVD TITLE: Super Robot Wars Original Generation: Divine Wars Vol. 8

DURATION: 72 minutes

DVD INFORMATION: COLOR/ MPEG-2 / DVD-5 / NTSC / Japanese Audio (Dolby Digital Stereo) / English Subtitles / 16:9 LB

CATALOG #: BUDH0136

COMPANY: Bandai Visual / Honneamise

RATING: 13 and up

OFFICIAL WEBSITE

STAFF INFORMATION:

ORIGINAL STORY: SR Production Team

DIRECTOR: Kakudo Hiroyuki

SUPERVISOR & SERIES PLANNER: Terada Takanobu

CHARACTER CONCEPTION: Kohno Sachiko

CHARACTER DESIGN: Ikeda Yuji

MAIN MECHANICAL DESIGNERS: Katoki Hajime, Miyatake Kazutaka, Okawara Kunio, Saito Kazue

ART DIRECTOR: Kato Kenji

PRODUCED By: SWROG PROJECT

CAST INFORMATION:

At last, the battle moves to its final stage… The astonishing truth is revealed in this volume!

The muzzle that has been leveled is one of betrayal, and the swords that must protect the Earth will be drawn for their final mission!

In volume 7, the Alien Aerogater’s made their move by invading Earth and abducting Earth Federation Army soldiers and pilots.

Volume 8 continues the storyline about the war between the Earth Federation Army/United Colony Corps and the Alien Aerogaters who have now started to decimate major cities but this volume will be known for its major betrayal by one of the main characters of this series.

In episode 21 titled “Stage 21: Misgivings”, the Aerogater attack has thrown the Earth’s Sphere into chaos. An introduction to a new character named Brigadier General Normany Srey of the Earth Federation Army who drafts Operation SRW for an assault on the massive Aerogater base, the “White Star”.

Also, Ingram has begun Kusuha’s training as a pilot on the Grungust Type-2 while other pilots question Ingram using an unskilled pilot to take control of a Super Robot.

In episode 22 titled “Stage 22: The Muzzle of Betrayal”, the Aerogaters begin decimating the Northern area of China. The Hagwane heads to the area and the Personnel Troopers face their deadliest enemies yet.

Because of the dire situation, Ingram Plissken orders the SRX Team to transform and become as one. An order that the Ryusei and team have never done before. And a major character becomes a traitor.

In episode 23 titled “Stage 23: The Day of Parting”, the team has been betrayed and the group is at a loss not knowing why it has happened, especially what may have happened to their teammate Kusuha who has disappeared in battle.

The ramifications of the betrayal has led to the SRX team to be jailed and the higher ups want their mechas to be dismantled.

Meanwhile, the Earth Federation Army and the United Colony Corps rendezvous at the L5 Point and launch Operation SRW and come head-to-head with a former teammate.

VIDEO:

AUDIO:

SPECIAL FEATURES:

Surprisingly, there are no special features. I would expected maybe a textless opening or ending, especially for the JAM PROJECT fans out there who enjoy the opening theme. But unfortunately, there are no special features at all.

As for the DVD-insert booklet, there is an 8-page character guide and glossary. Also, included is a “Special Message” (continuing from the last four volume booklets) segment which features more voice talent giving their thoughts about their character and a message for the fans.

The eighth volume of “Super Robot Wars OG: Divine Wars” is another exciting volume in the series and as usual with the series, there was a lot of action and mecha battles galore!

But there are some problems when you think about the concept of time and part of the problem is when you have so many characters, where a mecha series such as “Gundam” has over 40-50 episodes, they are able to flesh out the story with more character development and even budding relationships. Also, there is a sense of time of how many days or weeks things have passed.

With this volume, Kusuha is now a pilot of the Grungust Type-2 and willing to go to battle. But how long has she actually been training. A day, days, weeks? Ryune Zoldark is concerned with the incarceration of the SRX team but since she was just let on aboard the Hagwane, without that much character development for her, would Ryune really be that concerned? So, perhaps she has been friends with Ryusei and Rai for days or weeks?

But another problem which I mentioned in previous review and again becomes a major pet peeve is the sense of death. With the battle of the Aerogaters, the Earth Federation Army and the civilians become casualties. Soldiers who pilot an airplane or drive a tank are the ones that are typically killed in battle.

But not one major character has been killed. They have been injured but well enough for battle in a few days with no lasting ramifications from injuries.

We have seen death for United Colony Corps and Divine Crusaders characters but even in this volume where Aya is shot point blank, she survives and is hospitalized and is ready to go battle by the end of the volume.

No one dies, no one gets majorly injured and with every death that we have seen on the “good” side of a mecha series, the death makes an impact.

And so you wonder what if “Super Robot Wars OG: Divine Wars” has had the chance to get a 40-50 episode treatment. Character development and even budding relationships can be furthered explored but at least there would be a sense of timing.

But with that being said, the end of the “Super Robot Wars OG: Divine Wars” is the next volume and volume 8 which features a major character betrayal was exciting and to see the turn against the fellow teammates was quite riveting.

Overall, this is a 26-episode series and Kakudo Hiroyuki and staff has done what they can to fit everything they can in a short time. It’s a bit sad to know that there is one more volume left in the series but so far, I have been entertained. The series although not perfect, is still riveting, action-packed and explosive.

I look forward to the final volume!

+ “SUPER ROBOT WARS” in an animated television series based on a long running video game… A long time coming!

+ Finally, the battle between the Earth Defense Army and the United Colony Corps versus the alien Aerogaters.

+ Well done voice acting with many of the original voice talent from the video games involved.

+ A very good volume that focuses on the character development of several key characters.

- For those who need and prefer an English dub, this DVD is ONLY Japanese with English subtitles.

Filed Under: Anime on DVD

Super Robot Wars Original Generation: Divine Wars Vol. 7 (a J!-ENT Anime DVD Review)

July 29, 2008 by Dennis Amith · Leave a Comment

“After the final battle with DC Commander-in-Chief Bian Zoldark, volume 7 introduces Zoldark’s daughter Ryune and her mecha Valsione plus a final confrontation between the Earth Federation Army and the remnants of the Divine Crusaders and the long awaited battle between Ryusei and Tenzan. Another action packed volume!”.

DVD INFORMATION:

DVD TITLE: Super Robot Wars Original Generation: Divine Wars Vol. 7 DURATION: 72 minutes DVD INFORMATION: COLOR/ MPEG-2 / DVD-5 / NTSC / Japanese Audio (Dolby Digital Stereo) / English Subtitles / 16:9 LB CATALOG #: BUDH0135 COMPANY: Bandai Visual / Honneamise RATING: 13 and up

OFFICIAL WEBSITE

STAFF INFORMATION:

ORIGINAL STORY: SR Production Team DIRECTOR: Kakudo Hiroyuki SUPERVISOR & SERIES PLANNER: Terada Takanobu CHARACTER CONCEPTION: Kohno Sachiko CHARACTER DESIGN: Ikeda Yuji MAIN MECHANICAL DESIGNERS: Katoki Hajime, Miyatake Kazutaka, Okawara Kunio, Saito Kazue ART DIRECTOR: Kato Kenji PRODUCED By: SWROG PROJECT

CAST INFORMATION:

The battle reaches a new stage with this watershed volume! The threat of the White Star has appeared in the Earth Sphere… Humanity faces its greatest crisis, and the iron giants shall assemble!

With the last volume, the war has pretty much ended with the defeat of Bian Zoldark but remnants of the Divine Crusaders continue to cause trouble as Adler Koch has taken control. In episode 17, the Divine Crusaders tried their best to kidnap Princess Shine Hauzen from the Principality of Riksent but the Ryusei and Rai arrived right in time to defeat the DC. In episode 18 titled “Stage 18: Ryune and the Valsione”, a gravitational anomaly is detected at the L5 Point, something similar to Meteorite-3 (which was technology used to create the super robots and new weaponry). As the Earth Federation goes on alert, the two assault cruisers, the Hagwane and Hiryu Kwai are dispatched to the L5 Point. But waiting for them is Ryune Zoldark and the Valsione. In episode 19 titled “Stage 19: Enter the Hellstar”, the threat that Prof. Bian Zoldark has talked about comes true as the alien Aerogaters massive fortress known as the “White Star” has appeared at the L5 Point and the aliens have declared war against the Planet Earth. As the Earth Federation Army holds their own against the aliens, it appears the aliens are abducting pilots and members of the Earth Federation Army. Also, one of the higher ups of the Earth Federation Army is revealed to be a traitor that has been working with the Divine Crusaders and has kidnapped the Princess Hauzen. In episode 20 titled “Stage 20: Twilight of the DC”, the remaining elements of the Divine Crusaders led by Adler Koch try to take advantage of the Aerogaters attack on the planet and launch an offensive to conquer Geneva, the Earth Federation Army’s nerve center. This episode features the final battle between the Earth Federation Army and the Divine Crusaders and also a battle pitting Ryusei and his “Burning PT” rival Tenza VIDEO: As for the video, since it’s a newer anime series that aired back in the end of 2006 and early 2007, as expected, the anime is clear and colorful. Also, because it is a Bandai Visual release known for their audio and video quality, the anime is presented in 16:9 LB anamorphic with an aspect ratio of 1.78:1. AUDIO: Bandai Visual is known for their quality A/V and audio is encoded at 488kbps. There is no Digital 5.1 audio selection, just Dolby Digital Stereo. And primary audio is in Japanese. There is no English dub tracks, for those interested in that. SPECIAL FEATURES: Surprisingly, there are no special features. I would expected maybe a textless opening or ending, especially for the JAM PROJECT fans out there who enjoy the opening theme. But unfortunately, there are no special features at all. As for the DVD-insert booklet, there is an 8-page character guide and glossary. Also, included is a “Special Message” (continuing from the last three volume booklets) segment which features more voice talent giving their thoughts about their character and a message for the fans.

After episode 17, with the introduction of Princess Hauzen and the episode becoming lighthearted again, I was curious how vol. 7 would be? Would the war against the aliens begin? Will the Earth Federation Army finally confront the Divine Crusader remnants? And the answer is a resounding yes on both counts! The battle between Ryusei and Tenzan and pilots versus Tempest Hawker in a battle to the death was great to see. At least there was build up in previous episodes for a final battle with the DC and it was great to see that happen sooner than later, especially now that the war between the Earth Federation Army/United Colony Corps taking on the alien Aerogaters has begun. The introduction of Ryune Zoldark (daughter of DC commander-in-chief Bian Zoldark) wanting revenge for her father’s death was a bit short for my taste and how quickly the Earth Federation let her join the team aboard the Hagwane, again pacing went very quickly with her introduction and how she becomes part of the team. But this volume did provide continuing mecha battles and definitely sets things up between the war between humans and aliens. As far as mecha’s are concerned, I have to admit that the Valsione mecha design was a bit unusual, especially since the mecha’s head is of an anime style girl but with so many variations of mechas introduced in this series, the Valsione ranks up there for unique mecha design. All in all, volume 7 of “Super Robot Wars OG: Divine Wars” was entertaining and a few more revelations are made and I can’t wait to see how things play out in volume 8.

+ “SUPER ROBOT WARS” in an animated television series based on a long running video game… A long time coming!

+ Finally, the final battle between Ryusei and Tenzan! And the final battle between the Earth Federation Army vs. remnants of the Divine Crusaders.

+ Well done voice acting with many of the original voice talent from the video games involved.

+ A very good volume that focuses on the character development of several key characters.

- For those who need and prefer an English dub, this DVD is ONLY Japanese with English subtitles.

Filed Under: Anime on DVD

Super Robot Wars Original Generation: Divine Wars Vol. 5 (a J!-ENT Anime DVD Review)

July 26, 2008 by Dennis Amith · Leave a Comment

“The latest volume features the awesome battle between the Federation and the United Colony Corps. An awesome display of strategy and all out mecha battles galore! A wonderful volume with an episode that probably will rank among my top anime space battles of all time!”

DVD INFORMATION:

DVD TITLE: Super Robot Wars Original Generation: Divine Wars Vol. 5

DURATION: 72 minutes

DVD INFORMATION: COLOR/ MPEG-2 / DVD-5 / NTSC / Japanese Audio (Dolby Digital Stereo) / English Subtitles / 16:9 LB

CATALOG #: BUDH0133

COMPANY: Bandai Visual / Honneamise

RATING: 13 and up

OFFICIAL WEBSITE

STAFF INFORMATION:

ORIGINAL STORY: SR Production Team

DIRECTOR: Kakudo Hiroyuki

SUPERVISOR & SERIES PLANNER: Terada Takanobu

CHARACTER CONCEPTION: Kohno Sachiko

CHARACTER DESIGN: Ikeda Yuji

MAIN MECHANICAL DESIGNERS: Katoki Hajime, Miyatake Kazutaka, Okawara Kunio, Saito Kazue

ART DIRECTOR: Kato Kenji

PRODUCED By: SWROG PROJECT

CAST INFORMATION:

The fifth must-see volume of this television event!

Operation Breakout has begun… But standing before the Hiryu Kwai is the sword that smites evil!

After watching volume 5 of “Super Robot Wars OG: DIVINE WARS”, I’m just left with an impression of “WOW!”

Things pick up quite quickly and if you thought the mecha battles from the previous episodes were awesome, prepare yourself as the Earth Federation and the United Colony Corps finally go against each other head on!

Definitely a must watch volume in the series thus far!

In episode 12 titled “Stage 12: The Trap”, inside the assault cruiser Hagwane, Aya collapses during a conditioning session using the T-Link Ssytem. And the DC Armored Modules led by Tomas Pratt launches a sudden attack.

We are introduced to Hikawa Ryoto, similar to Ryusei and Tenzan, a player of the robot fighting game “Burning PT” who doesn’t realize that what he is involved in right now is not a game, it’s all out war and people die!

Hiroto is a shy, pure-hearted guy who is among the “advanced children” discovered by Adler Koch of the Divine Crusaders and he’s more or less a computer and technology geek.

Another key character that the storyline focuses on is the character of Rio Meilong. She was shown briefly as a character welcoming Kusuha to the Hagwane but now that she is being trained as a pilot, you learn that Rio is the daughter of Ewan Meilong, a top executive of Personal Trooper manufacturer Mao Industries and has an unknown hatred towards the Divine Crusaders.

In episode 13 titled “Stage 13: Premonitions of War”, a transport vessel headed toward the Hagwane comes under fire by Armored Modules piloted by Divine Crusaders pilots Tomas and Tenzan and ultimately leading to a confrontation between Ryusei and his “Burning PT” rival Tenzan.

For this episode, the episode actually focuses on character development of Latun Subbota, a member of the Earth Federation Army’s Far East Branch.

Known for wearing thick sunglasses and lacking emotions, it is revealed that Latun is a former member of the School and because of the brutal training and experimentation, she has a fear of socializing. That is until she meets Ryusei.

In episode 14 titled “Stage 14: Operation Breakout”, the success of Operation Mururoa (an operation to take over satellite communications away from the Earth Federation Army) has given the United Colony Corps control of space.

The United Colony Corps is led by Commander-in-Chief Maier Von Branstein and their goal is to invade Geneva, the heart of the Federation Government and with the Treue Unit (the gifted pilots of the United Colony) eliminating the majority of the Earth Federation Army in space, power will be with the Divine Crusaders.

With the odds against them, this gives the Earth Federation Army one chance to become successful and that is to send both assault carriers, the Hiryu Kwai and the Hwagane and the personnel troopers in an all out battle against the United Colony Corps.

And with episode 14, what a battle it was. An amazing episode that features mecha battles galore. From ATX Team Kyosuke Nanbu going against his former leader (turned traitor) Major Sanger Zonvolt and just an all out war between the United Colony Corps and Treue Unit versus the Personnel Troopers of the Earth Federation Army was just all out mecha eye candy.

Definitely one of the highlights from the series thus far! Amazing!

VIDEO:

AUDIO:

SPECIAL FEATURES:

As for the DVD-insert booklet, there is an 8-page character guide and glossary. Also, included is a “Special Message” (continuing from the last booklet) segment which features more voice talent giving their thoughts about their character and a message for the fans.

This series continues to get better and better with each episode and similar to the last volume, it’s great to get more character development for some of the characters and finally it was learned why Latun is the way she is and also seeing her willing to try different things in her life and having more human reactions. Especially experiencing human emotions, which was great to see.

As for the introduction of another character with Hikawa Ryoto. At first, I was like “another character?” but the way the storyline was written and how Ryoto becomes instrumental in the upcoming episodes was good planning and I look forward in seeing how his technological sense comes to play in future episodes.

But of course, for volume 5… it’s all about episode 14. There have been major mecha battles so far in the series but the battle between the Earth Federation Army’s personnel troopers (mechas) versus the pilots of the Treue Unit and the United Colony Corps will probably be known for its epic mecha battle and a strategy used by the Earth Federation Army was just amazingly planned.

I can’t help but watching episode 14 several times over and over because it was that good!

All in all, this volume was enjoyable and just continues to be the ultimate in mecha fan service!

+ “SUPER ROBOT WARS” in an animated television series based on a long running video game… A long time coming!

+ Episode 14!!! What an amazing episode and battles galore!

+ Well done voice acting with many of the original voice talent from the video games involved.

+ A very good volume that focuses on the character development of several key characters.

- For those who need and prefer an English dub, this DVD is ONLY Japanese with English subtitles.

Filed Under: Anime on DVD

Super Robot Wars Original Generation: Divine Wars Vol. 4 (a J!-ENT Anime DVD Review)

July 24, 2008 by Dennis Amith · Leave a Comment

“The latest volume of ‘Super Robot Wars Original Generation: Divine Wars’ features the crew of the Hagwane and the Hagwane itself as it leaves towards its mission to destroy the Divine Crusader base. This time, this volume focuses on character development of other characters and still managing to continue the mecha battles that makes this anime series so exciting!”

DVD INFORMATION:

DVD TITLE: Super Robot Wars Original Generation: Divine Wars Vol. 4

DURATION: 72 minutes

DVD INFORMATION: COLOR/ MPEG-2 / DVD-5 / NTSC / Japanese Audio (Dolby Digital Stereo) / English Subtitles / 16:9 LB

CATALOG #: BUDH0132

COMPANY: Bandai Visual / Honneamise

RATING: 13 and up

OFFICIAL WEBSITE

STAFF INFORMATION:

ORIGINAL STORY: SR Production Team

DIRECTOR: Kakudo Hiroyuki

SUPERVISOR & SERIES PLANNER: Terada Takanobu

CHARACTER CONCEPTION: Kohno Sachiko

CHARACTER DESIGN: Ikeda Yuji

MAIN MECHANICAL DESIGNERS: Katoki Hajime, Miyatake Kazutaka, Okawara Kunio, Saito Kazue

ART DIRECTOR: Kato Kenji

PRODUCED By: SWROG PROJECT

CAST INFORMATION:

The action continues in the fourth highly anticipated volume of this mecha anime epic!

Retreat toward despair… Advance toward hope… The enemy has struck, and the Hagwane is about to strike back!

In my last review of “Super Robot Wars OG: Divine Wars”, I talked about how I wanted to see more character development because there were so many characters that were featured in episode 6 alone.

Fortunately, with this latest volume, we get just that plus the overall mecha action that we have enjoyed from this anime series so far.

In episode 9 titled “Stage 09: Hagwane, Move out!”, preparations being to launch the Space Noah-Class all-purpose assault cruiser the Hagwane. Ryusei is reunited with his high school classmate Kusuha, now working aboard the Hagwane as an orderly.

Meanwhile, the Divine Crusaders launch an attack against the attack cruiser, the Hagwane and Rai finally confronts his brother, the DC mobile task force leader Elzam V. Branstein.

An exciting battle ensues between the Federation and the Divine Crusaders and all of a sudden, the mysterious pilot from episode 5 shows up from nowhere to assist the Federation.

In episode 10 titled “Stage 10: The Elemental Lord of the Wind”, the Hagwane now heads south across the Pacific Ocean on their way to Divine Crusaders main heardquarters located in Aidoneus Island.

This time, the Personal Troopers go on the offensive against the Divine Crusaders but shocked to find out that they are facing the Barrelion, a new form of Armored Module and the Treue Unit, an experienced group of pilots from the United Colony.

Also, the mysterious pilot is revealed to be Ando Masaki, the operator of the Cyblaster, a form of humanoid mobile weaponry dubbed “the Elemental Lord of the Wind”.

The Federation learns about Ando’s goal of going after Divine Crusaders Commander-in-Chief Bian Zoldark and Shirakawa Shu, the pilot who initiated the war between the Divine Crusaders and the Federation.

While Ando is recuperating from battle, Shirakawa Shu and his super killer robot, the Granzon appears and Captain Minase (Captain of the Hagawane) must decide to fight the Granzon or retreat.

In episode 11 titled “Stage 11: Masaki’s Decision”, Ando must decide if he wants to help the Federation and help the Federation and crew of the Hagwane. Plissken makes a proposal to Ando for both sides to join forces to achieve their goals against the Divine Crusaders.

If there was one thing that took me by surprise was the humor in episode 11, as Kusuha’s “power drinks” are introduced and to see how various characters react to it. Just to see Plissken drink her “power drink” was one of the most humorous segments I have seen in the series so far.

For a series that features a lot of battles and could be a bit complex, it was nice to see this humorous segment.

VIDEO:

AUDIO:

SPECIAL FEATURES:

As for the DVD-insert booklet, there is an 8-page character guide and glossary and beginning with this volume is the inclusion of a “Special Message” by the voice actors for the various characters giving their thoughts on their characters and a message for the fans.

I wish there were video interviews with the actors and actresses but it was nice to read the veterans who provided the voice of the video games nearly ten years ago and talk about their experiences from the video games and anime.

I have really been enjoying the the entire “Super Robot Wars OG: Divine Wars” series but I was a bit cautious to see how the director would handle all these characters that have been introduced so far.

This series has a lot of characters and although still managing to focus on the original three members, last volume focused on various teams and throughout the chaos of major mecha battles, I really enjoyed the last volume but wondered about the character development.

With episode 9-11, the storyline focuses on the crew of the Hagwane, newcomer Ando Masaki and of course, Ryusei as he has a new robot to learn.

Also, it was great to see Kusuha back but aside for being in the episodes for comedic value, I get a feeling that her part in this series will become more important.

Overall, things are now picking up in the series as the assault cruiser, the Hagwane now moves towards its destination to take on the Divine Crusaders main headquarters and encountering strong enemies along the way.

Another exciting volume in this series.

+ “SUPER ROBOT WARS” in an animated television series based on a long running video game… A long time coming!

+ More mecha battles but this time with the assault cruiser, the Hagwane!

+ Well done voice acting with many of the original voice talent from the video games involved.

+ A very good volume that focuses on the character development of several key characters.

- For those who need and prefer an English dub, this DVD is ONLY Japanese with English subtitles.

Filed Under: Anime on DVD