Posted by : leoxjm 
Posted on : 2008-07-06  
Despite a nice-sounding premise and decidedly breathtaking animation, Macross Zero ends up doing what Shin's enemies do: crash and burn. While it had the potential to be an awesome anime and a landmark in the Macross series, it wastes all its initial attractiveness by the end... giving us an anime that, while not bad, will make people wish it had been better.
Macross Zero takes place during the Unification Wars, a conflict mentioned almost in passing by the original Macross. We knew it was bloody, ugly and that the U.N. Spacy won... but that's it. This OVA series attempts to build up on this core premise and show us one particular scenario, while showing the devastating effects that people can have on people. That doesn't sound bad at all, but wait until you see how it's done.
The OVAs' main character is the independent Shin Kudou, a U.N. Spacy pilot fighting (for no good reason) against the Anti-U.N. Alliance. He isn't terribly cool or interesting, what you see is what you get. His character development is limited mostly to his "romantic" aspect (for lack of a better expression) and to his somewhat opening up to Roy and Edgar. And, of course, to the resident romantic interests: Sara and Mao. Macross Zero contains the Macross staple love triangle, of which Shin is a part of. Well, the use of the word "triangle" is a bit loose here, it quickly becomes apparent that one of the possible 2 relationships isn't going to work, the attraction is clearly (although not completely) one-sided and there are other factors that make it impossible. As for Sara and Mao... well, they get their measure of development, especially Sara. Macross Zero makes good use of its flashbacks to explain and develop her character appropriately. If it weren't because her character is rather uncompelling, I'd say she steals the show from Shin.
Fans of the old Macross will be pleased with the return of one familiar character: Skull leader Roy Focker. Well, not so much. For some reason, Roy behaves more maturely here than in either of his other appearances, which are supposed to take place afterwards. If anything, you'd think that what happens in Macross Zero would sober him up a bit, not make his mood lighter. It really doesn't give off the sense that he's younger or less-experienced. Hell, his character's design here even makes him look older.
The story deals with the race between the U.N. Spacy and the Anti-U.N. Alliance for the AFOS artifact and its immense power. Thanks to that, we're treated to a lot of cool battle scenes and inner conflicts... but also to a huge load of plot holes and, in the end, to an unsatisfactory resolution. We never learn the Alliance's true objectives for obtaining the AFOS; I sincerely doubt they were the same as Hasford's because nobody in his right mind would follow him. The rivalries between Shin and Nora, and Roy and D.D. offer plenty of eye-candy, but come to a lackluster end. Shin may get some credit in his final duel (a bit of a stretch, though), but sadly Roy gets none. And the AFOS and its link to Sara and the aliens does something weird: It adds a magical element to Macross Zero. While that's not bad per se, it clashes horribly with the established context, breaks away quite dramatically from its predecessors (including the fantasy-like Macross 7) and it introduces the plot holes. What really was AFOS? Who made it? Why was it put there, and why it was linked to the Mayan? Not only do these questions remain unanswered, the show's magical aspect goes into overdrive in the end, leaving the series in a finale that's uncomfortably hard to believe.
The animation in the show is among the best I've seen. While it is true that the CG used in battle does clash with the cell animation used for the characters, it's impossible not to be awed by how fluid both are an just how visually solid Macross Zero is. The music is good too, although not as memorable as the imagery. Either way, Macross Zero deserves the highest marks when it comes to technical aspects. Fans of good animation will have a blast with Macross Zero.
Fans of cool animation and sweet-looking aerial battles would do well to check out Macross Zero, while those looking forward to solid plot and character development might want to be a bit more cautious about it. It's not terrible, perhaps not even bad, but in the end, it also fails to really be good. A real pity. Overall, it deserves an average score, and 7 is it.
Posted by : GRC
Posted on : 2007-05-21
Overall - 6.2
Animation - 10.0
Sound - 6.0
Story - 5.0
Character - 5.0
Value - 6.0
Enjoyment - 5.0
When an anime wants to throw in the religious and supernatural elements into the show, there can only be two results: people will take them seriously, or... they won't. And the factor which will determine the viewers' decision is the characters of those said anime. If the casts are good, then there's a good chance that I'll be convinced. However, if the casts are retarded, then chances are I won't give a damn. Attempting to be innovative, Macross Zero added the elements of the bizarre and environmental theme into the show. Unfortunately, because of the rushed story, ridiculous dialogues, and sucky characters, I couldn't bring myself to take this show seriously. As a result, I found the first half of Macross Zero to be laughable, and its second half to be the most yawn-inducing environmental and supernatural bullcrap I've ever had to sleep through.
Like I said, I actually found its first half to be amusing, but for a completely wrong reason. Oh no, I don't mind seeing supernatural element or environmental theme in anime. Berserk has got the first element and Princess Mononoke has got the latter, and I take both anime very seriously. Why? Because the characters are good. That's why. However, Macross Zero's casts are another story. With Sara constantly getting hysteric over some very trivial matters such as saying that 'electricity is against the will of god' or claiming that bloodtest is an evil attempt to steal human's souls, I almost fell off the sofa from laughing. Oh, and let's not forget that old chief villager who stood beside her and kept murmuring his bullcrap prophecy and philosophical drivel, which honestly, I didn't bother to remember anything he was babbling. However, I did remember one sentence: "I am a single man who has no wife to share my sadness." Well, I am not surprised. No woman on earth would be able to tolerate listening to him babbling his bullcrap 24/7. That would be too painful XD
There is no doubt that the whole casts of Macross Zero are in desperate need of personality. Shinn is as bland as anything and his colleagues are not any better. Mao is probably the best character in this anime and she is the reason why I enjoyed the third episode. However, after the first five minutes of the fourth episode when Mao is no longer in the spotlight, I started to yawn. Why? Because the romance is lame. That's why. Since the first episode, I could have guessed that Shinn will be paired up with Sara. Unfortunately, there is no development whatsoever to convince me that both of them were in love. However, if it's not love but it's infatuation, then there is one scene when Shinn saw Sara singing naked which can be counted, but that's it. Nothing more. Even worse, Sara was trying to kill him at the end of that episode... and suddenly... just a few hours later, they were already in love? Sorry, this is manipulation no matter how you look at it. I am not convinced.
And let's not forget the final episode, which caused me to lower two points from the enjoyment category. (which is very well deserved, if you ask me) The first half of the last episode when that neurotic scientist and Sara were babbling about their supernatural and environmental drivel has got to be the most notoriously boring twelve minutes I have had to doze through in recent time. I fell asleep three times in the first half of the final episode and had to force myself to stay awake to watch the final battle... which sucked. Not to spoil, I'll just say that it is not even necessary for Shinn to be in the final battle and things would still end up the same way. This is mecha anime dammit. A villain must fight her final battle against the hero, not fighting against that! The final battle of Macross Zero breaks the golden rule of mecha anime and it is a major no-no by all means.
Finally, we have an ending, which is meant to be very touching... but, it didn't work. Why? Because the romance is unconvincingly manipulative. That's why. I didn't care about what happened to Sara. And it is still unclear about what actually happened to Shinn. But really, whatever actually happened to him... I didn't give a damn. Why should I? Shinn could have been left out of this anime completely and little about the ending will change. Why bother introducing him and spend so much time revealing his past if the creators will not put him in good use like other mecha heroes in other anime?
This anime... is almost not worth watching, but it's still worth watching because of its outstanding animation.
Oh, I almost forget. It's also worth watching to see Sara's boobs too XD
Apart from those, it sucked :p
Animation
Brilliant. I actually have one rule in rating animation and it is this: if a particular anime is plagued with CGI, I will never rate its animation score above an eight. However, Macross Zero is an exception. Although plagued with CG, but they are so brilliantly done that I have to make this anime an exception to this rule. The third episode (underwater scene) in particular has the most stunning animation I have ever seen in some time.
Sound
I do not give a slightest damn for the fact that the music in this anime is composed by Yoko Kanno. According to my 'perfect-pitch' ears, all the EDs I heard are either uninteresting or downright yawn-inducing. Normally I'd look forward to hearing nice, slow anime songs because I'd want to play them on the piano myself. However, there are not any songs in Macross Zero which I feel like I wanna play.
The first ED is a forgettable rock song with below average tune and the second ED is just as bland. The song which Sara sings is not too bad. However, the problems are 1) it's too slow, and 2) its melody is not interesting enough that I wanna listen for the second time. The BGM, however, is noticeably better. They are performed by full orchestra, and that's the reason why I gave a six in sound category to this anime instead of five... because I love classical instruments, although I didn't care to remember any of the tunes. Voice acting is okay.
Story
I can't believe that so many people took this anime seriously. Well, I initially did. However, once Sara and that old chief villager came out and started talking about the prophecy and their ridiculous beliefs, my jaw dropped, and I thought that once the story progresses, their IQs will increase... but no, they didn't. Both of them continued to babble their superstitious bullcrap from the beginning till the end. After the first episode, whenever they both were in the spotlight and babble their drivel, I would go, "oh my gawwwd", then I would start laughing, which is certainly not the reaction the creators want from their audience. Nonetheless, you can't blame me for not taking this anime seriously. The dialogues are too ridiculous, after all.
Character
Meh. Boring. Bland. Dull. Vapid. Uninteresting... oh, and don't even think that I will be convinced that the neurotic scientist is a professor at Oxford. Had I been the chancellor at Oxford, firing him would be my first priority (haha). Oh and don't forget about that female villain... she was complaining to Shinn about her scar before proceeding to take off her shirt and show him her tits XD. If you ask me about my reaction to that scene, I was actually laughing. Oh no, I couldn't take her seriously. In fact, I didn't even bother to remember her name.
Value
Ugh, no, I will not watch this ever again. I should have given a five in value category, but I generously increased it to a six because this anime made me realize one thing: environmental related anime are usually full of shit. As a result, I am gonna delete my Arjuna order I currently saved in my shopping cart in one online store. Thanks to Macross Zero for saving $30 from my pocket and let it not go to waste. Oh no, I will never watch Arjuna. Macross Zero is ridiculous enough for my taste.
And as usual, my opinion is a single voice in the crowd again... oh well... who cares? :p
Posted by : arsetothem
Posted on : 2007-02-25
Intro: Macross Zero is the most exciting, romantic, nostalgic, awesome mech anime, I've ever seen...
Graphics: This should be a movie, a picture this beautiful is sooo... detailed, vibrant colors for the background. They also use CGI's in battle scenes, best ever. 9/10
Music: Beautiful and breath-taking, it made me cry, not all orchestral music are this beautiful but this is one of the good ones. 8/10
Story: as a fan of macross, this ova is a treasure. The prequel of the legacy. This kind of history I want to study. also its great love story of two different people in the middle of the war. Just love it! 10/10
Characters: unique very unique, there's also nostalgic people here. There very well-made too, and has its own story waiting to be discovered. 8/10
Overall: 9/10 best ova mech anime I have ever seen, very well recommended.
Has the best battle scene. And beautiful background... you'll love it!
Posted by : du5k
Posted on : 2006-11-08
I watched time some time back when my friend introduced this to me as the "best anime ever". Well, I agree to some extent.
The storyline is quite vague. It didnt really shows what the main character actually wanted to happen or what he actually want, it just happen to choose his destiny in the end. Well, it was still pretty touching, the way the anime shows the feelings for the couple.
I didnt get too excited with this anime because the plot isnt all that interesting, but the way it developed and the expressions of the characters are really done well. Also, this is one of the few anime where the fighting scenes actually got exciting, as well as realistic. No reused scenes either, just pure CG goodness.
If you're bored, you might want to pick this up to watch, its only around 2 hours total. Despite the (pretty) high score, I do not really think this is a worthwhile watch, as the short length didnt really bring out the goodness of the story.
Posted by : Ichigo1026
Posted on : 2006-04-19
Although this series is one of the newest from the whole anime series, its features are very much similar compared to the old ones.
I'm not really a big fan of macross, and I only started to watch it cause my dad felt like downloading all the macross anime just for fun (he's a very big macross fan =p)
I very much got bored with macross 7 etc. cause the stories were kinda confusing to me and found this quite interesting because it was hell of alot different to the older ones, especially the graphics, character designs, and actions.
firstly,
1. Graphics
*****
The anime drawings and the 3D computerised robots work together very well, since this anime was made quite a few years back, meaning the 3D images were very much alike the drawings.
2. Character designs
**********
Although in some scenes the characters didnt look that nice, and quite "wierd" but overall, the character designs are quite nice. although in some parts, the "macrosses" look abit like "gundams" (the scene where the bad guys attack the "mothership" and thebig ass flying thing looks like "wing gundam"
3. Music
*****
I didn't find anything special about the music from this anime, especially the part where the island girl starts to sing, I didn't think the song was really that good and should've found a better singer to that part (i.e Utada or Ayumi XD)
4. Action
*****
The action is very much like any other robot anime (transformers, gundam) so I cant really say much about it.
ps. not saying the action is cr*p or anything like that =p
Posted by : anim3vboi
Posted on : 2005-12-04 
I'm a long standing fan of the Macross series. Of course, not many of you would know of it considering it was released in the early 80's. This is a VERY good supplement to the series Macross. Macross Zero does a really good job with the battles, and the amount of details in the aircraft and the fight scenes are just stunning. If you're a newcomer to the series, do yourself a favor and check our Macross, and Do you Remember Love. You'd understand the context of this ova much more such as the weird alien race. I think most die hard fans as myself know what they are =D, I don't want to spoil anything and I hope this review points people in the right direction. To know if you're on the right track you'll be watching something with japanese audio. WARNING!!! If you stumble across Robotech: Macross saga. You are in the WRONG direction. This isn't to hate on Robotech. But it will just confuse you with their use of the term "protoculture". I hope this review was helpful in leading you back to the roots of Macross Zero, which originally made this such a big hit in the past!
Posted by : Yuun
Posted on : 2005-11-30
Firstly, I
Posted by : ariq
Posted on : 2005-11-01
This ova had the best mecha action I have ever seen, compared to gundam or any other mecha action shows. The action in this was so fluid and extremely entertaining to watch. The animation was just great; the jets looked really good and the water in the island looked beautiful.
The story to this ova was ok, I would have liked the story to be a little more simple, then trying to make it complicated. The ending to the show was nicely done, and left you happy.
Characters in this show were good; the romance in it was decent.
Music to this show I did not really like. I’m not really into the opera style music; I would have liked a little more fast beat music in it.
Overall this ova was very very fun to watch, and kept me very entertained till the end, even though the ending was a little rushed it was still a very fun show to watch, I like this better than macross plus.
If you liked the mecha action in gundam or another mecha show, then you must check out the mecha action in this show, you will think that the mecha action in gundam is a baby compared to the ones in this.
Highly recommended!
Posted by : glidedream
Posted on : 2005-06-29
Having never watched a Macross anime before, I was pleasantly surprised by this five episode OVA story. I've never heard of an anime being able to combine advanced technological mecha fights under the backdrop of an ancient civilization and archaic themes, but Macross Zero pulls it off convincingly.
The characters are all very intriguing, and while Shin is a little annoying as a main character, the cast interacts well. The humor persists despite the serious theme, and the music casts a reflective atmosphere on the plot. The story itself is just really solid, told by a combination of religious chants and mecha battles. Even the romance is done pretty well, despite the lack of realism. This show is an absolute joy to watch, and kept me riveted the whole time.
Posted by : Rocky
Posted on : 2005-06-01
Macross Zero (MZ) was entertaining, although only 5 episodes long. When I first heard of it I was a little doubtful of it's worth. As soon as I started watching it, all doubts flew from my head--in fact, everything flew from my head but the story unfolding before my eyes. It's almost non-stop action from the start to finish of every episode. Girls who like romance will be happy, because there's a little of that, and guys will be happy with the fight scenes ripping up the screen. Sadly, there isn't much humor, so comedy fans stick to Azumanga Daioh(that series rocks! ... *ahem* where was I?). I thought it would be hard to tell a good story in such a short time, but it was well-achieved. The characters were not as in-depth as a normal-length anime series (mainly because there was only 5 episodes to develop their characters) so that was a minus. But all in all, it was pretty good.
Character score: 5
~although they were unique, you couldn't really connect to them in a deeply emotional way
Anime score: 9
~I really liked this style. It set the mood well. The people were in between kiddie and realistic, making you take their series to heart, while not taking it seriously, if that makes sense... no, i guess it doesn't. lol.
Music score: 10
~I really enjoyed the music in MZ. There was a different song at the end of every episode, i think.
Ending score: 7
~it was pretty entertaining. It had a point, although it was subtle. I'd say it was well-rounded, but it doesn't have a lot of things for you to laugh at.
MZ is not a must-see, but if you're bored and have the opportunity, it's pretty entertaining.
Posted by : darkassasinzero
Posted on : 2005-04-22
The animation was great, really high tech and nice. The ocean looked almost real and other graphics too. The sound was ok, but music alright, nothing special.
The story is really similar to Rah Xephon or Evangelion, which is the idea of a new work after total destruction because the world that we live in is really corrupted or impured. However, the idea of that is all nice and interesting, but they made the ending really bad.
Also the character development didn't really help. The main character Saraa is really weak, in away that she is deceiving herself about not being interested in the modern world. Also about her feelings toward Shin. This made me want to go crazy because she is so weak and can't really decided in some stuff. I don't like her character at all.
Overall, I enjoyed the anime the first two or three episodes, but after that the ending really sucked. You have to see it to understand how disappointing it was. I wil recommend to people that wants to watch a short anime to kill some time.
Posted by : SSS
Posted on : 2005-01-17
The first thing I thought when I saw this anime was, "what amazing art". I don't know if it was CG or if it was hand drawn or a mixture of both, but the animation was definitely the best I've seen. I think the only reason I didn't give this anime a full 10 is probably because I didn't like the ending too much. I suppose it makes sense, but it was kind of hard for me to fully comprehend what was going on. Probably if I saw the rest of the Macross series I would have a better grasp, but for now I think I'll stick with an 8.
Posted by : Yebyosh
Posted on : 2004-10-22
Macross... the series that perhaps really got me really deeply attached to anime. Sure the first anime I ever saw was Getta Robo or some other Super Robot series. However the first series that really made me want to go back and watch it ( it was a Mandarin TV dub on Fridays, 18:30, gosh I still remember ) everytime it broadcasted. Even when it was shown later on another station dubbed in another language, I was curious enough to take a peep ( inadvertently also discovering the original Japanese Opening and Ending ). I even ventured into Robotech and managed to get away from this hereticism *lol*.
So it is that I have a more than favourable outlook on all things Macross ( unless it is really bad... ). The latest offering now is this 5 episode OVA series that is actually a prequel to the original launching Macross! This OVA gives some very brief insights into the world just about time the SDF landed on South Ataria island, the history that led to the war and the situation as it is then.
We had Shin Kudo, the vengeful cold hothead pilot being our lead protaganist. Like all characters here, they will not impress you with much distinctive characteristics. No one is really so unique as to make you truly remember them for ever but each is fleshed out in their own mold quite well, just enough for the show to move on without going confused over their motives and goals. Complementing Shin is our resident main female, Sara, a hippie Greenpeace activist. Joking... she is less radical than that. Looking at these two, you can see them as ying and yang, and indeed they fit such a mold. While one can say that they only fell in love because "the male saw the female naked", it is not totally unbelievable since there were little events here and there during the show, and at the end, the voice actors, plot, animation and delivery make their devotion to each other believable.
The main draw of Macross Zero is the animation of the mecha combats. Macross may not be the first to have transformable mechs but it is the series that had its transformations lay the greatest impression on my mind. Here, Macross Zero outdid its predecessors and competitors again. Actually blending CG with cell art, the effects were not too distracting nor mismatched. The CG mechas blended in with the background art effectively. Transformations were fluid and details were not lacking ( for the final episodes, some details were left out but not enough to make you disgusted ). The action were however great, and one can wonder if their humanoid movements were at times done with motion capture of stuntmen.
Our story here is typical. Faction comes in to grab an artifact. Heroine stands in way. Hero falls in love with heroine while the two bicker. Another faction comes in and sets up to be the bad guys. Grab artifact and girl, fantastic event happen and conclusion dawns. Not truly fantastic but for a short series spanning 5 episodes, it works. The ending might have some viewers getting flabbergasted and screaming "Ridiculous!". As such, those who want something grounded in reality might be advised to take a pinch of salt. Those screaming that it could not have happened are advised that the possibilities for such an ending have already been laid earlier with the psychic abilities of the sisters. It is not a "out of a sudden" thing. It already had been planned for and the groundwork set up for it long ago.
All things considered, I really liked this short series. It does deserve some criticism in that the last episode seems to have some rushed animation and that the story is not really earthbreaking. A 8.8 but rounded down to 8 to offset some innate Macross biasness :P
Posted by : youthinasia888
Posted on : 2004-07-09
In the 20-some years that the whole Macross conglomerate has been in existence, I've always wanted to know the goings-on before the onset of the Min-Mei legacy.
Macross Zero surely delivers. Let me get this out of the ways first. Story aside, the CG and animation is JUST BREATHTAKING! When we see the transforation of the veritech, you finally get to see exactly how it is done. BRILLIANT! You need to see at least the first episode just for the CG. I'm also glad that they include some "ties" to the original in the form of certain characters.
Story........well, I guess they had to come up with something. Southsea natives, flying fish..............oh well.
But I highly recommend Macross Zero!
Posted by : clone777
Posted on : 2003-04-19
This anime takes place 20 years before the original macross series. It is the best anime Ive seen in months. The jet and mecha battles are amazing. CG animation is used for the jets and mechs. The character animation is beautiful and the details they put on the surrounds and mechas are just wonderful. Character development is quick and they are very likable. So far only 1 ep has been released out of the 5 OVAs. Ep 2 is going to be released 2003 spring. This is the only negative thing i have to say about the anime.....They are just taking way too long to release the series.
|
|
|
|
|
There are currently, 242 guest(s) and 9 member(s) that are online.
You are Anonymous user. You can register for free by clicking here
|
|
|
|
|
