Yoroiden Samurai Troopers: Exploring the deeper meaning of the message

Yoroiden Samurai Troopers MESSAGE - Deep Darkness and the Resumption of the Battle

Overview

"Samurai Troopers: Message" was released as an OVA on March 21, 1991, and consists of five episodes. It was produced by Sunrise, and published and distributed by Aniplex. The story is original to the anime, and was directed by Ikeda Sei, with character design and animation direction by Shioyama Norio, and armor design by Okamoto Hideo.

story

The story of "Samurai Troopers: Message" begins with the appearance of Suzunagi, a vengeful girl who harbors hatred for the Koutei. The Samurai Troopers, who should have already completed their roles as armored warriors, are once again pushed to the brink of despair by her appearance. As they are tossed about by Suzunagi's questions, the five of them reminisce about past battles and become troubled and confused. Starting with Touma, they are one by one sealed away in new armor created by Suzunagi's grudge. At the heart of the story are the questions of what was the meaning of the battle in which they risked their lives and what the armor was.

Main Staff

• Screenplay, storyboard, and direction: Sei Ikeda
• Character design and animation director: Norio Shioyama
• Armor design: Hideo Okamoto

subtitle

• Episode 1: "The Ending Was Foreseeable"
• Episode 2: "The Future Revealed"
• Episode 3: Shattered Confidence
• Episode 4: "A Wandering Heart"
• Episode 5: "The Truth Comes"

Related Titles

• [TVA] 88.04.30-89.03.04 Yoroiden Samurai Troopers (39 episodes)
• [OVA] 89.04.30-89.06.01 Yoroiden Samurai Troopers Gaiden (2 episodes)
• [OVA] 89.10.08-90.01.11 Yoroiden Samurai Troopers: Legend of the Bright Emperor (4 episodes)

Detailed story commentary

"Samurai Troopers: Message" is a very important work for fans of the series. It depicts how the Samurai Troopers, who should have already finished their role as armored warriors, are once again drawn into the vortex of battle. The appearance of a vengeful girl named Suzunagi not only presents them with new challenges, but also causes them to reevaluate the meaning of past battles.

The story begins with Touma being sealed away in a new suit of armor by Suzunagi's grudge. This scene leaves a strong impact on the viewer, heightening the tension of the story. It then shows the other members being sealed away one by one, realistically conveying their suffering and conflict. In particular, Touma's flashback scene delves deeply into his reasons for fighting in the past and the bonds he has with his comrades, stirring the viewer's emotions.

Suzunagi is not merely an antagonist, but is portrayed as someone who questions the meaning of past battles. Her questions force the Samurai Troopers to reaffirm the meaning of their existence, while also prompting viewers to contemplate deeply. In the final episode, the truth about Suzunagi is revealed, and the meaning of her existence becomes clear. This ending deeply moves viewers and deepens the theme of the entire series.

Character Analysis

In "Armored Troopers: Message," the inner thoughts of the main characters are depicted in depth. In particular, Touma's character shows growth and change as the trauma of past battles and the suffering of the present intersect. His flashback scenes often show him reaffirming his bonds with his comrades and the meaning of battle, evoking sympathy from viewers.

The other members are also depicted trying to answer Suzunagi's questions while carrying their own struggles and anguish. In particular, in the scene where the members other than Touma are sealed one by one, their individual characters stand out. For example, Nobunaga's loss of confidence, Naoto's hesitation, Shinya's anger, and Naoki's despair are all depicted realistically. These depictions encourage viewers to empathize deeply, adding depth to the story as a whole.

Visuals and Music

The visuals of "Samurai Troopers: Message" are characterized by high-quality artwork that takes advantage of the characteristics of the OVA medium. In particular, the armor design is a testament to Hideo Okamoto's unique style, and creates a visual impact. In the battle scenes, the smoothness and power of the movements are outstanding, drawing the viewer in.

Music is also an important element in enhancing the atmosphere of the story. In particular, the background music not only heightens the tension of the battle scenes, but also plays a role in expressing the inner thoughts of the characters. For example, in Touma's flashback scene, a quiet, melancholy melody is played, conveying his inner anguish to the viewer. In addition, in the climax of the final episode, grand orchestral music has the effect of doubling the moving impact of the story.

Comparison with related works

Compared to other works in the series, "Samurai Troopers: Armored Troopers Message" is characterized by its particularly deep themes and portrayal of the characters' inner thoughts. While the TV series "Samurai Troopers: Armored Troopers" was mainly centered on action and friendship, "Message" takes these even further and focuses on the inner thoughts of the characters. Also, while the OVAs "Samurai Troopers: Armored Troopers Gaiden" and "Samurai Troopers: Armored Troopers: Legend of the Koukou Emperor" depicted battles with more specific enemies, "Message" is different in that the enemies themselves are portrayed as beings that question the meaning of past battles.

These differences show that MESSAGE is a culmination of the series, allowing viewers to reaffirm the themes of the series and gain a deeper understanding of the characters' growth and change.

Recommendations and ratings

"Samurai Troopers: Armored Troopers MESSAGE" is a must-see for fans of the series. The deep themes and portrayal of the characters' inner thoughts will deeply move the viewer and deepen their understanding of the series as a whole. The high quality of the visuals and music will also make it a visual and aural treat.

In particular, the story, which questions the meaning of past battles, will encourage viewers to contemplate deeply and give them an opportunity to reaffirm their own meaning of existence. Scenes depicting the growth and change of characters will stir the emotions of viewers and evoke empathy. Furthermore, the quality of the visuals and music has the effect of doubling the impact of the story.

This work is recommended not only for fans of the series, but also for those who are interested in anime in general. You can enjoy the deep themes, the portrayal of the characters' inner thoughts, and the high-quality visuals and music. "Samurai Troopers: Message" is a work that provides viewers with strong emotions and deep reflections as the culmination of the series.