'éX-D' Review: A fusion of action and story

"Xdriver": A thrilling and moving world of futuristic car action

"Exdriver" is a near-future car action anime released as an OVA in 2000. It was created by a stellar team of staff, including Kosuke Fujishima, director Jun Kawagoe, and producer Actus, and depicts the exploits of an Exdriver who stops an AI car from going out of control. In this article, we will take a detailed look at the appeal, highlights, characters, story, music, and more of "Exdriver," as well as introduce related works and recommended points.

■Overview of the work

"Exdriver" is set in the not-too-distant future. In this era, all the cars on the streets are AI cars (cars equipped with artificial intelligence), people have already forgotten how to drive, and only special engineers drive gasoline-powered cars. In this world, three Exdrivers, Risa Sakakino, Rona Endo, and Souichi Kanno, struggle every day to stop runaway AI cars without causing any accidents.

■ Story

The story of "Exdriver" revolves around the efforts of the Exdrivers to stop the rampaging AI cars. Each episode depicts an AI car that goes out of control for various reasons and the Exdrivers' battle to stop it. The three Exdrivers each have their own unique character and use their teamwork to overcome difficulties. The story is completed in six episodes, and each episode deals with a different theme or issue, so viewers will not get bored.

■ Characters

The appeal of "Exdriver" lies in its unique characters. The main characters are introduced below.

Risa Sakakino

Risa Sakakino is an X-driver with a straightforward and impulsive personality. She is characterized by her attitude of always trying to move forward without thinking too deeply or worrying. She is not good at being boxed in and does not want to waste a single minute or second. She has been waiting for a man who will surpass her. She is not good at studying, but she is not stupid. Her car changes from an Impreza to a Lancia Stratos.

Endo Rona

Endo Rona has a gentle personality and is an airhead who sometimes seems to be thinking but is not. She is not good at following the trends of the world and always moves at her own pace. She is not good at organizing things and talking about them well, so even if she thinks what she is saying is consistent, others tend to think, "What are you talking about?" She is smart and has the academic ability to go to university long ago, but she did not go to university because she is a laid-back person. Her car is a Lotus Europa.

Sugano Soichi

Soichi Kanno is a boy from Kent, England, who returned from overseas and has a sharp mind. He skipped a grade and transferred to high school, and has the unfounded confidence that is typical of boys. Although he can sometimes seem a little cocky, his sincere dedication to his work is likable. His car is a Caterham Super Seven JPE.

Kei Munekata

Kei Munekata is the captain of the X-drivers and Rona's grandfather. He hates being called captain and has a quiet personality. He always wears black overalls and acts as the commander of the X-drivers in this area. His car is a Lotus Eleven.

Nina A. Sander

Nina A. Sander is Munekata's secretary and a skilled operator. She always wears white, and when you ask her why, she always evades the question. She is of unknown age and drives a Noplo Roadster.

Kazama Rei

Rei Kazama is an EX rider who has all the courage, speed and technique. He has even obtained the highest EX license, the FA license, making EX riders quite rare in this era. The bike he rides is a Ducati 900 SUPERSPORT.

■ Main robot items

In "Exdriver", the cars and bikes that each character rides play an important role. Below are the main cars and bikes.

Impreza

The driver is Risa Sakakino. This is the first car she drives, and she plays an important role early in the story.

Lancia Stratos

The driver is Risa Sakakino. The car she switches to later in the story symbolizes her growth.

Lotus Europa

The driver is Endo Rona, and the car reflects her laid-back personality.

Caterham Super Seven JPE

The driver is Soichi Sugano, and this car represents his intelligence and sense of speed.

Lotus Eleven

The driver is Kei Munekata, and the car exudes the dignity of the leader of the X-Drivers.

Ducati 900 SUPERSPORT

The driver is Rei Kazama, and this bike is emblematic of his speed and technique as an X-rider.

■Subtitle

The subtitles for each episode of "Exdriver" are as follows:

• #1: AI vs RECIPRO
• #2: ONANDON (The Wages of Fear)
• #3: NO PROBLEM
• #4: EXRIDER (Love Regulation)
• #5: CROSSROADS (Unstoppable Rampage)
• #6: THE LASTMILE (The Final Battle)

■ Related works

"Exdriver" has the following related works:

• Exdriver Clip
• Xdriver the Movie
• Nina&Rei Danger Zone

■ Theme songs and music

The theme songs and insert songs for "Exdriver" are as follows.

OP1: Become a gale

• Number of episodes used: 1 to 6
• Lyricist: Shiina Karen
• Composer: Jin Chizawa
• Arrangement: Yogo Kono
• Sung by: JAM Project featuring Matsumoto Rika and Kageyama Hironobu

ED1: Sniper

• Number of episodes used: 1-4, 6
• Lyricist: Shiina Karen
• Composer: Ritsuko Miyajima
• Arrangement: Million Yuan
• Sung by: MILK

ED2: It's an acoustic trip for two!!

• Number of episodes used: 5
• Lyrics: Hironobu Kageyama, Masaaki Endo
• Composer: Hironobu Kageyama, Masaaki Endo
• Arrangement: Kenichi Sudo
• Vocals: Hironobu Kageyama, Masaaki Endo

Insert song 1: DESTINY

• Number of episodes used: 1, 6
• Lyricist: Shiina Karen
• Composer: Masatoshi Sakashita
• Arrangement: Masaaki Iizuka
• Vocals: Masaaki Endo

Insert song 2: It's Emotion

• Number of episodes used: 2
• Lyricist: Shiina Karen
• Composer: M Rie
• Arrangement: Yogo Kono
• Sung by: M Rie

Insert song 3: Maria

• Number of episodes used: 3
• Lyricist: Shiina Karen
• Composer: M Rie
• Arrangement: Kenichi Sudo
• Sung by: M Rie

Insert song 4: ex-Rider

• Number of episodes used: 4
• Lyricist: Kenichi Sudo
• Composer: Kenichi Sudo
• Arrangement: Kenichi Sudo
• Sung by: ASAKO

■ Highlights and recommended points

"Exdriver" has a lot of appeal as a near-future car action anime. Below we will introduce its highlights and recommended points.

1. A futuristic worldview

"X-Driver" is set in the near future where AI cars have become widespread. This worldview provides viewers with fresh surprises and excitement. The setting of an AI car going out of control reflects the anxiety and hopes about technological progress in modern society, and has deep themes.

2. Unique characters

Risa Sakakino, Rona Endo, and Souichi Kanno each have different personalities and backgrounds, making a strong impression on viewers. In particular, Risa's straightforward personality, Rona's innocent side, and Souichi's intelligence enrich the story and draw viewers in. In addition, supporting characters such as Kei Munekata, Nina A. Sander, and Rei Kazama are also appealing, adding depth to the story.

3. Thrilling car action

The biggest attraction of "Exdriver" is, without a doubt, the thrilling car action. The Exdriver's efforts to stop the AI ​​car from going out of control provide viewers with tension and excitement. The car action scenes in different situations in each episode keep you entertained without getting bored.

4. Music

The music of "Exdriver" is also a big attraction. Featuring gorgeous artists such as JAM Project, Rika Matsumoto, Hironobu Kageyama, Masaaki Endo, MILK, M Rie, and ASAKO, the theme songs and insert songs liven up the story. In particular, the opening song "Hayate ni Nare" is a fast-paced song that will capture the hearts of viewers.

5. Story Development

The story of "Exdriver" is compact, wrapped up in six episodes, but each episode deals with a different theme or issue, so viewers won't get bored. The Exdriver's efforts to stop the AI ​​car from going out of control lead to a moving conclusion. In particular, the final episode, "THE LASTMILE (The Final Battle)," is sure to leave a strong impression on viewers.

■ Introduction of related works

"Xdriver" has the following related works. By enjoying these works together, you can gain a deeper understanding of the world of "Xdriver".

Exdriver Clip

"Exdriver Clip" is a digest version of the OVA. It is a compilation of the main scenes, allowing you to experience the appeal of "Exdriver" in a short amount of time.

Xdriver the Movie

"Ex-Driver the Movie" is a sequel to the OVA. It depicts new enemies and the exploits of the Ex-Drivers, making it a must-see for viewers who enjoyed the OVA.

Nina&Rei Danger Zone

"Nina&Rei Danger Zone" is a spin-off work starring Nina A. Sander and Kazama Rei. It depicts the new adventures of the two characters, expanding the world of "X-Driver" even further.

■ Recommendation points

"Exdriver" has a lot of appeal as a near-future car action anime. Below are some recommended points.

1. Recommended for car action fans

If you like thrilling car action, then "Exdriver" is a must-watch. The Exdriver's efforts to stop the AI ​​car from going out of control provide viewers with tension and excitement.

2. Recommended for those who are interested in the near-future worldview

If you are interested in the near-future world where AI cars are widespread, I recommend "Exdriver." This work has deep themes that reflect the anxieties and hopes about technological progress in modern society.

3. Recommended for those who like unique characters

For those who like unique characters, the characters in "Exdriver" are appealing. Risa Sakakino, Rona Endo, and Souichi Kanno each have their own unique personalities and backgrounds, making a strong impression on the viewer. In addition, the supporting characters such as Kei Munekata, Nina A. Thunder, and Rei Kazama are also appealing, adding depth to the story.

4. Recommended for music lovers

For those who like music, we recommend the theme song and insert songs of "Exdriver". Featuring gorgeous artists such as JAM Project, Matsumoto Rika, Kageyama Hironobu, Endo Masaaki, MILK, M Rie, and ASAKO, they liven up the story. In particular, the opening song "Hayate ni Nare" is a fast-paced song that will capture the hearts of viewers.

5. Recommended for those who want to enjoy it in a short time

"Exdriver" is recommended for those who want to enjoy it in a short time. The compact story, which is completed in 6 episodes, will keep viewers entertained without getting bored. In addition, the related work "Exdriver Clip" can also be enjoyed in a short time.

Conclusion

"Exdriver" has a lot of appeal as a near-future car action anime. The efforts of the Exdriver to stop the runaway AI car, the thrilling car action, the unique characters, the gorgeous music, and the compact storyline leave a strong impression on viewers. If you like car action, are interested in the world of the near future, like unique characters, like music, or want to enjoy something in a short amount of time, "Exdriver" is a must-see. Please enjoy this work.