Zoids New Century/Zero: The appeal of evolved mecha action and a deeper story

Zoids New Century/Zero - Zoids New Century Slash Zero

■ Public Media

TV anime series

■ Original Media

Toys

■ Broadcast period

January 6, 2001 - June 30, 2001 Every Saturday 18:00-18:30

■Broadcasting station

Mainichi Broadcasting System/TBS affiliate

■Frequencies

half an hour

■ Number of Episodes

Episode 26

■Original Story

Takara Tomy

■ Director

Kato Takao

■ Production

・Animation Production: XEBEC
Produced by Mainichi Broadcasting System, Shogakukan Shueisha Productions

■Works

©1983-2005 TOMY ©ShoPro
(ZOIDS is a trademark of TOMY Company,Ltd. and used under license.)

■ Story

Planet Zi. Here, Zoid pilots known as Warriors engage in something called a Zoid Battle. Bit-Cloud, who was traveling while working as a junk dealer, accidentally stumbles into a Zoid Battlefield. Because of Bit, the battle between Team Blitz and Team Tigers is invalid, and the rematch is postponed until the next day. Team Blitz's Linon, Ballad, Jamie, and Leon are at a loss. They need to have enough Zoids to compete, but the only Zoid left that can fight is the Liger Zero. However, the Liger Zero has a bad temper, and is a Zoid that no one can control. Then Bit appears. However, his theft of parts is discovered and he is captured. Bit is imprisoned in the hangar where the Liger Zero sleeps, but sneaks past Linon and the others and boards the Liger Zero.
Meanwhile, Team Blitz attempts a rematch with two Zoids. However, their opponent challenges them with three Zoids. As Blitz struggles, Bit appears in his Liger Zero...!

■Explanation

The second animated adaptation of Takara Tomy's toy series "Zoids."
The second film is a departure from the previous "Zoids" film, and gives birth to the new concept of "Zoids Battle." It places more emphasis on fighting scenes, and takes advantage of the strength of 3DCG images, which allows "Zoids to move realistically." By incorporating the "Changing Armor System" into the setting, it is possible to freely change Zoids' parts by hand, which brings it closer to a hobby, and this can be said to be a new approach.

■Cast

・Bit Cloud/Takahiro Sakurai ・Linon Toros/Ayako Kawasumi ・Ballad Hunter/Masaya Matsukaze ・Jamy Hemelos/Mitsuki Saiga

Narration by Jin Horikawa

■ Main staff

・Planning / Maruya Yoshihiko, Kubo Masakazu, Yoshida Noriyuki・Director / Kato Yoshio・Assistant Director / Hoshiai Takahiko・Series Composition / Sumisawa Katsuyuki・Character Design / Sakazaki Tadashi・Prop Design / Ogata Yuji・Digital Director / Hayashi Shigeki・Animation Director / Hirano Takayuki・VFX Director / Sato Koichi・3DCGI Technical Director / Nakaichi Taishi・3DCG Character Technical Director / Kaiya Yoichi・3DCG Modeling Director / Hasegawa Ayumu・Art Director / Asakura Chitose・Color Design / Ban Natsuyo・Director of Photography / Hirose Katsutoshi・Editor / Yamamori Shigeyuki・Sound Director / Aketagawa Jin・Music / Otani Sachi・Digital Producer / Yoshitomi Keiko・Animation Producer / Chino Takatoshi・Producer / Morotomi Hirofumi, Nakazawa Toshihiro・3DCG Production / Shogakukan Music & Digital Entertainment・Animation Production / XEBEC
Produced by Mainichi Broadcasting System, Shogakukan Shueisha Productions

■ Main Characters

A boy who worked at a bit junk shop. He came across a Liger Zero by chance and learned to ride it.
・One of the members of "Team Blitz" who uses a Linongun sniper. She has a cute face but an extreme personality and loves firing bullets indiscriminately.
・Piloting the Ballad Shadow Fox, he is a cool bounty hunter who is part of "Team Blitz."
He pilots the Jamie Raynos. He is usually timid and quiet, but when he exceeds Mach speed, he turns into a wild eagle, rampaging through the air.
・Dr. Toros He is the engineer who created the Hovercargo and the director of "Team Blitz". He is a tricky character and it is hard to tell what he is thinking.
A member of the Backdraft Gang who instigated the unofficial "Dark Battle" for the Strazoid. He tormented Bit with his Elephander.
Vega: A genius boy in Zoids battles sent by the Backdraft Team. He fought a deadly battle with Bit in his Berserk Führer.
- Rival Zoid Warriors stand in the way of Leon, Naomi, and Harrybit.
Liger Zero: A Zoid with unknown possibilities. With three interchangeable parts, it can fight in any battle. Its special move is the Strike Laser Claw.

■ Main robot items

Liger Zero: A rare Zoid that was impulsively purchased by Zoid enthusiast Dr. Toros. It was left abandoned for a long time with no one able to pilot it, until Bit, a junk dealer, succeeded in piloting it. Its distinctive feature is the Changing Armor System (CAS), which allows it to freely change equipment depending on the situation. It also features an Organoid System, which is rare in Zoids of this era, and it was revealed to be one of the special Zoids known as "Ultimate X."
Liger Zero Panzer: CAS form for artillery battles. While retaining the mobility of the Liger Zero, it is equipped with numerous missiles and hybrid cannons, boasting overwhelming firepower.
Liger Zero Schneider: CAS form for close combat. Equipped with seven blades and five E-shield generators, it has increased power during charges and suicide attacks.
Liger Zero Jaeger: CAS form for high-speed combat. It boasts high mobility thanks to the two large ion boosters mounted on its back.
・Command Wolf AC
A firepower-enhanced type called the "Attack Custom". Equipped with a long-range cannon. It was damaged during Professor Raon's trick on Mount Iserina.
A buffalo-type Zoid characterized by its twin crusher horns and 17-barreled assault gun. It was good at concentrated bombardment called the Linon Special, but it was destroyed by an attack by the Backdraft Type Brigade's Elephander and was traded in.
Raynos: A flying Zoid that Zoid fanatic Professor Toros impulsively bought after selling Jamie's Pteras. It has excellent turning ability and is effective in aerial close combat. Jamie surpasses the speed of sound and awakens as a wild eagle of the sky.

■Subtitle

Episode 1: The Battle Begins! (2001/01/06)
Episode 2: The Victory of Two (2001/01/13)
・Episode 3/The champion appears (2001/01/20)
・Episode 4: Dark Battle! (2001/01/27)
Episode 5: High-speed showdown! (2001/02/03)
Episode 6: The Dark Elephant (2001/02/10)
Episode 7: The Wilderness (2001/02/17)
Episode 8: The Tiger Attacks! (2001/02/24)
・Episode 9/Empress appears (2001/03/03)
Episode 10: Fangs of the Desert (2001/03/10)
Episode 11: Three Whirlwinds (2001/03/17)
Episode 12: Zero Robbery! (2001/03/24)
Episode 13: The Hero of the Wild Eagle (2001/03/31)
Episode 14: Linon screams (2001/04/07)
Episode 15: Raon Returns (2001/04/14)
Episode 16: The Red Rival (2001/04/21)
Episode 17: Warrior's Rest (2001/04/28)
・Episode 18: Battlefield (2001/05/05)
Episode 19: The Third Conversion (2001/05/12)
・Episode 20/Fox (2001/05/19)
Episode 21: The Troubles of Harry the Champion (2001/05/26)
・Episode 22: Dragon Lurking in the Sea (2001/06/02)
Episode 23: The Awakening Dragon (2001/06/09)
Episode 24: Festival of the Braves (2001/06/16)
・Episode 25/Survival (2001/06/23)
・Episode 26: Zero no Kiseki (June 30, 2001)

■ Related works

・ZOIDS
・ZOIDS FUZORS
・ZOIDS Genesis

■ Theme songs and music

・OP
・Period・NO FUTURE
Lyrics: Nanase Aikawa; Composition: Tomoyasu Hotei; Arrangement: Kaname Ota; Singer: Nanase Aikawa; Ending theme:
・Period・Exile・Lyrics／Ricky, JOE
・Composer: Ricky, JOE
・Arrangement: Nobuhiko Kashihara ・Singer: DASEIN

Zoids New Century/Zero - Zoids New Century Slash Zero Review

"Zoids New Century/Zero" is an anime series based on Takara Tomy's toy series "Zoids" and was broadcast in 2001. As the original is a toy, this work is deeply connected to hobby culture and aims to convey the appeal of Zoids to viewers. In particular, the setting of the "Changing Armor System (CAS)" incorporates the changeable element of Zoids as a toy into the anime, and is an important element that allows viewers to feel the diversity and strategic nature of Zoids.

The story is set on Planet Zi and revolves around the new concept of Zoids battles. The protagonist, Bit-Cloud, coincidentally encounters a powerful Zoid called the Liger Zero while traveling as a junk dealer. This encounter will greatly change his fate. As a member of Team Blitz, Bit grows as he battles various rivals. In particular, by mastering the use of the Liger Zero's interchangeable parts, Bit evolves into a master of Zoids battles. This story of growth not only moves and excites viewers, but also succeeds in bringing out the appeal of Zoids to the fullest.

The appeal of the characters is also a major feature of this work. Bit starts out as a reckless troublemaker, but is shown to grow through the bonds he forms with his comrades. Despite her cute appearance, Linon is a character with an extreme personality and fighting skills, and her exploits leave a strong impression on viewers. Ballad and Jamie are also unique characters, and their bonds with their Zoids and the way they fight are elements that draw viewers in. There are also many unique characters, including supporting characters such as Professor Toros and the members of the Backdraft Team, who play a role in adding excitement to the story.

The quality of the animation has also been highly praised. In particular, the movements of the Zoids, which make full use of 3DCG, are realistic and powerful, providing viewers with a sense of presence. In the battle scenes, the mobility and firepower of the Zoids are depicted so realistically that viewers can feel as if they are taking part in the Zoids battle themselves. In addition, the backgrounds and art are also meticulously detailed, richly expressing the worldview of Planet Zi.

Music is also an important element that enhances the appeal of this work. The opening theme "NO FUTURE" is an exquisite match between Aikawa Nanase's powerful voice and Tomoyasu Hotei's composition, inspiring the viewers. The ending theme "Rurinin" is also impressive with its melancholic melody woven by DASEIN's vocals and the lyrics and composition by Ricky and JOE, and it plays a role in deepening the moving story.

"Zoids New Century/Zero" is a work that brings out the charm of the Zoids toys to the fullest while providing viewers with excitement and emotion. Combining character growth and bonds, realistic battle scenes, and beautiful music, this work is loved not only by Zoids fans, but by anime fans in general. In particular, the introduction of the new concept of Zoids battles will allow viewers to experience new excitement and emotion.

Zoids New Century/Zero - Zoids New Century Slash Zero Recommendation

"Zoids New Century/Zero" is a work that I would highly recommend not only to Zoids fans, but also to people who like action anime and mecha anime. In particular, I would like to recommend this work to the following people:

1. **Zoids Fans**: For people who love Zoids toys, this is an anime that brings out the best of Zoids. Elements of the toys, such as the Changing Armor System and the Organoid System, are incorporated into the anime, allowing viewers to experience the diversity and strategy of Zoids.

2. **Action anime fans**: This work, which revolves around the new concept of Zoids battles, is full of powerful battle scenes. The realistic Zoids movements, which make full use of 3DCG, provide viewers with a sense of realism and are sure to satisfy action anime fans.

3. **Mecha anime fans**: Zoids are robots that are attractive for their beautiful and functional mechanical designs. In this work, various Zoids including the Liger Zero will play an active role, providing new excitement to mecha anime fans.

4. **People who like stories of growth**: The story of Bit's growth will move and impress viewers. Bit's growth through his bonds with his friends will give viewers courage and hope.

5. **Music lovers**: The opening theme "NO FUTURE" with the powerful voice of Nanase Aikawa and the composition of Tomoyasu Hotei, and the ending theme "Ruribito" with the singing of DASEIN and the lyrics and composition of Ricky and JOE will lift the spirits of the viewers. I would highly recommend this work to people who like music.

"Zoids New Century/Zero" is a work that brings out the charm of Zoids to the fullest while providing viewers with excitement and emotion. It is a work that I would highly recommend not only to Zoids fans, but also to people who like action anime and mecha anime. I hope you will watch this work and experience the world of Zoids.