Editted note: I trash this show pretty badly in this post. But that is only for the first two episodes. Episode 3 was alot better, so maybe there's hope yet for this show. Episodes 4 & 5 were also better. Horrible first impression.

Watched episodes 1 & 2.

Zoid animation = good. Character animation =awful.

Script/Dialogue = Ok. VAs = Ok (two notable exceptions). Megami Fansub's translations = awful.

Concept = done before. Variations/extra elements = None.

This is qutie obviously a show aimed at younger kids. That's OK with me, as Zoids Chaotic Century was sorta for younger audiences as well and it was still pretty enjoyable. However, the plotline in the first episode buys into every anime cliche possible. The second is better, but nothing revolutionary or "Wow!" worthy.

The main character (whose head is as wide as his torso, typical of the animation for all the younger characters) is your "never left my small hometown, but I dream of piloting" stock character. The two Zoid pilots who show up early are "wisened veteran warrior" and "young, talented, female relative". Oh, the girl also has the most squeaky, high pitched VA you will ever hear. If my kid sounded like that I'd cut out her tongue. That voice is unbearable.

The enemies are unmanned Zoids from "oppressive military nation" who seek "precious material" that obviously the little town happens to have. They are covered in armor that "beams and regular firepower" can't penetrate. Think Phase-Shift, but gayer. The only thing that can harm these enemy Zoids are "Metal Zi", think Gundanium melee weapons mounted at awkward angles on Zoids. Obviously the main character's Zoid has these weapons.

One manned enemy Zoid shows up in Episode 2. The enemy pilot, who has a good VA, makes pretty good judgment calls is the only reason I might consider watching Episode 3.

The character designs are pretty 'blah'. Nothing special. The moving animation for characters and backgrounds is a real mixed bag. One moment it will be great. The next, it will look like the dregs of Naruto filler. The Zoids are CGI (i think they are at least), and designs are good (if you like Zoids, if you're just a MS person, no). The battle animation is pretty detailed and well-done. I'll give them credit there. That doesn't mean the battles are well-done. They pay alot of attention to the Metal Zi weaponry, which is mounted at such angles that I can't figure out how they're effective. The enemies breathe fire and have claws. There's not alot of strategy in the first two episodes, but we'll see in the future.

If I have nothing better to do I will DL this anime and watch it. I've already deleted the first two episodes, and if things don't improve fast I'm avoiding it like the plague.