The appeal and reviews of Zoids: A spectacular worldview created by the fusion of machines and living things

The appeal and worldview of Zoids

"ZOIDS" is a TV anime series based on a toy series developed by Takara Tomy, and was broadcast on the MBS and TBS networks from September 4, 1999 to December 23, 2000. The 67-episode series is set on planet Zi and tells the story of the adventures and growth of a young boy named Ban Freiheit and his partner Zoid, "Sieg." Below, we will take a closer look at the appeal of "ZOIDS" and its worldview.

story

In the Elemia Desert on Planet Zi, a young boy named Van is attacked by bandits and takes refuge in ruins where he discovers two capsules. A T-Rex-type Zoid is born from one of the capsules, which he names "Sieg," and together they try to repel the bandits. However, Zeke grows as he shares a heart with Van, and becomes his partner on various adventures. The story depicts Van's childhood through to adulthood, and is divided into two parts: the original version and the Guardian Force (GF) version.

character

The protagonist, Van Flyheit, is an active boy who dreams of becoming a Zoid pilot who surpasses his father. His partner, Zeke, is a special Zoid called an Organoid, and becomes more powerful when he combines with Van. Fine, a mysterious girl who has lost her memory, travels with Van and investigates her own past, while also supporting Van and his friends on their journey. Irvine, a bounty hunter, grows from Van's rival to a good older brother, and fights with his Command Wolf. Mumbay, a desert courier, manipulates Gustav and helps Van and his friends, but also shows his obsession with money. Schwarz, a major in the Empire, is a smart man who senses the ambitions of Proitzen, who is plotting a rebellion against the Empire, and tries to protect the Emperor. Raven, Van's nemesis, is a cold-hearted fighting machine that engages Van in deadly battles many times. Herman, a captain in the Republic Army, pilots a Gojulas, takes a liking to Van, and makes arrangements for the group's journey. Ban's beloved machine, the Shield Liger, is revived by combining with Zeke and demonstrates incredible potential.

Zoids and Mechanics

One of the attractions of "ZOIDS" is the variety of Zoids and their mechanical designs. Van's beloved Shield Liger regenerates by combining with Zeke, and the destructive power of its fangs as a laser saber is immense. Mumbai's Gustav is the Zoid with the hardest shell on Planet Zi, and can handle any dangerous mission. Irvine's Command Wolf uses many non-standard parts and has a strong habit, but if you can master it, it will demonstrate high combat ability. The Death Saurer, created by the ancient Zoid people to end the war, was sealed away because of its strength, but is revived by Proitzen. Raven's Geno Saurer is a Zoid completed during the Death Saurer revival plan, and shows off its overwhelming speed and power. The Shield Liger, which was petrified by the Geno Saurer's charged particle cannon, evolves into the Blade Liger through Zeke's power, greatly improving its mobility and attack power. The Lightning Saix, developed to fight against the Geno Breaker, boasts top-class speed. Toma's Divison is a heavily armored and heavily armed assault Zoid with twin crusher horns made of super steel titanium alloy. The Geno Breaker is an evolved form of the Geno Saurer, with improved mobility and defense, and an increased power for its charged particle cannon. The Death Stinger is a scorpion-shaped Zoid created by the ancient Zoidians when they sealed the Death Saurer away. Its destructive power is so great that it eventually creates the complete Death Saurer.

Worldview

Planet Zi, the setting for "ZOIDS", is a world inhabited by metallic lifeforms called Zoids. Zoids were created by the ancient Zoidians and have been used in wars and adventures. Planet Zi is home to various cities and regions, such as the Republic's capital, New Helic City, and the Imperial capital of the Empire, with each power fighting using Zoids. Van and his friends will embark on various adventures and battles as they travel the vast world of Planet Zi.

Animation and Production

The animation for "ZOIDS" was produced by XEBEC. Many staff members participated in the project, including director Takao Kato, assistant director Nobuyoshi Habara, series composition Katsuyuki Sumizawa, character design Tadashi Sakazaki, and prop design Yuji Ogata. The Zoids battle scenes, which make full use of 3D CGI, are realistic, powerful, and visually appealing. In addition, the music was composed by Robert Etoll and Shinsuke Sugiuchi, and the theme songs and insert songs also add to the atmosphere of the work.

Theme songs and music

The opening theme "Wild Flowers" is sung by RAMAR, with lyrics by Yusuke Sakai, music by Tetsuo Maruyama, and arrangement by RAMAR & Masanori Sasaji. The ending theme is divided into four songs: "Song for..." (Dear), "CHASE" (DEVELOP=FRAME), "Into Yourself" (Transtic Nerve), and "Your song" (EARTH). These songs reflect the development of the story and the feelings of the characters, leaving a deep impression on the viewers.

Related Titles

"ZOIDS" is a series that has been expanded into several works. Sequels include "ZOIDS New Century/Zero", "ZOIDS FUZORS" and "ZOIDS Genesis", each of which has a different story and characters. These works also depict new adventures and battles while continuing the charm and worldview of Zoids.

Ratings and Recommendations

"ZOIDS" is a moving story about the growth and adventures of the young boy Van, and attracts viewers with its diverse Zoids and their mechanical designs, realistic and powerful battle scenes, and charming characters. In particular, the power-up that comes from the evolution and fusion of Zoids adds visual interest and depth to the story's development. The vast worldview of Planet Zi and the conflicts and cooperation between the various forces also add to the appeal of the work.

This work is especially recommended for those who like mechanics and adventure stories. It is a must-watch for those who want to enjoy the design and battle scenes of Zoids, those who want to be moved by the story of the growth and friendship of the young boy Van, and those who are interested in the world of Planet Zi. Also, by watching related works together, you will be able to understand and enjoy the world of Zoids more deeply.

Conclusion

"ZOIDS" is a TV anime series based on Takara Tomy's toy series, and is a moving story about the adventures and growth of a young boy named Ban and his Zoid "Sieg." The diverse Zoids and their mechanical designs, the realistic and powerful battle scenes, and the charming characters all attract viewers, and the vast world view of Planet Zi also enhances the appeal of the work. This work is especially recommended for those who like mechanics and adventure stories, and by enjoying related works together, you will be able to understand and enjoy the world of Zoids more deeply.