Real Robot or Super Robot?

[KatayokuのTenshi]

Which do you prefer: Real Robot (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Real_Robot) or Super Robot (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Super_Robot) shows?

[Sushikins]

Well, if you give the option, both, of course, why limit myself when I enjoy both.

Super Robots are great for over-the-top action, epic battles, hot blooded characters and just good fun. Real Robots are great for the drama, real characters, variety of mecha and the story.

[Nigokio]

I like them both however I like Real Robot better.

[KatayokuのTenshi]

Well, if you give the option, both, of course, why limit myself when I enjoy both.

Ah foiled.

Super Robots are great for over-the-top action, epic battles, hot blooded characters and just good fun. Real Robots are great for the drama, real characters, variety of mecha and the story.

I'm not so fond of hot blooded epics so I prefer Real Robots.* But, admittedly, I haven't seen a lot of Super Robots yet.

*Also you can't equip any other weapons to them. <.<

[Sushikins]

I'm not so fond of hot blooded epics so I prefer Real Robots.* But, admittedly, I haven't seen a lot of Super Robots yet.

*Also you can't equip any other weapons to them. <.<

Have you seen Gunbuster, GaoGaiGar or Gurren Lagann yet? If not I recommend them, as they're my favorite in the SR Category and have some great stories and compelling characters. Though, as you mentioned, you're not fond of Hot-Blooded Epics, so GGG and Gurren Lagann might not be for you.

And who needs more weapons when the ones you have tend to suffice just fine...sometimes to the point of overkill...

[J Dude]

I don't really prefer either, because both can be great and/or bad. I've found myself enjoying more Super Robot shows though. Maybe because they're less emo, though there's been some cases I believe where an emotional character didn't get on my nerves like your Shinn Asukas would. G Gundam and GaoGaiGar are two fine examples of Super Robot shows I greatly enjoyed.

[KT Kore]

It really doesn't matter to me. Neither have really been limited to certain storyline structures ever since the 80s. True in the 70s, where super robots were king, you really only had a certain type of story with a certain set of character archetypes. After the debut of Gundam, and the premiere of "real robots," however, things began to change and super robot anime benefited from that. Now super robot anime can be just as dramatic, or character-driven, or plot-driven as real robot anime. The opposite is true, too, where real robot anime can be as simply fun, action-packed or silly as super robot anime.

All the bases are covered.

[Levon]

Super Robot shows are fun but I prefer real robots more with a hardcore war story rather than a super hero story.

What about hybrids? Ideon is a good example of this. Tomino revolutionized giant robots in more ways than one.

[The Million Dollar Prons]

IDeon isn't a super robot though. SR is more of a style, not just a robot that happens to be "really powerful."

[Levon]

IDeon isn't a super robot though. SR is more of a style, not just a robot that happens to be "really powerful."

Its not super robot but its a hybrid. Young hero's combining into a giant super powerful robot saving the universe from aliens;) Its a mix of super robot & real robot styles.

[The Million Dollar Prons]

I don't think there's much super robot in it at all. It doesn't really have the super robot tone, the aliens aren't even really aliens as much as they are fashion senseless people, it doesn't have a plethora of special moves and when they do attack they're usually shotuing real robot stuff instead of super robot esque stuff.

[Levon]

Yeah, thats why its not a super robot anime.

[KatayokuのTenshi]

Have you seen Gunbuster, GaoGaiGar or Gurren Lagann yet?

I've always meant to watch Gunbuster and since everyone is going on about GL I'll probably watch that too.

Also Code Geass, but I don’t know what type that is.

Super Robot shows are fun but I prefer real robots more with a hardcore war story rather than a super hero story.

That's the kind of story that I prefer so that's why I picked Real Robot...

What about hybrids? Ideon is a good example of this. Tomino revolutionized giant robots in more ways than one.

You know I was wondering earlier about what type Evangelion is...

On the one hand they’re made by a team of scientists working under the UN and are constantly being repaired and maintained, has a cockpit with cameras and controls and uses giant guns...

On the other hand it's

Made from God and powered by human souls. :lol:

Apropos to nothing: Who says you can't be hot-blooded in a real robot? (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PfGtGyEQxcU)

[Levon]

Well Evangelion's biggest influence was Ideon.

[Egyptpower]

I like both, however I'm going to have to lean more towards the good old hot blooded Super types of Mecha anime because this is what truly made me an anime fan especially this Go Nagai classic:wub: :

http://i94.photobucket.com/albums/l84/Godaiger/GRENDIZER20.jpghttp://i94.photobucket.com/albums/l84/Godaiger/grendizer.jpg
http://i94.photobucket.com/albums/l84/Godaiger/Goldorak125-1.jpg

[Mr March]

I definitely prefer real robot. Though I guess my definition of "real robot" can skew things; or to be more accurate, my categorization of various shows as either super or real makes the difference.

I consider Neon Genesis Evangelion to be super robot, though I admit the show merges real and super to the point of almost defying categorization. I consider Gunbuster to be super robot and I think it's the only such super robot show I have ever liked (though I haven't watched all of it as yet). I consider Five Star Stories to be real robot, though I admit that perception is based more on presentation than actual capability.

Though it is not a rule written in stone, I typically enjoy the robot shows where the robot is more realistic. The easier it is to suspend disbelief, the more I like it. I am generally turned off by robots with grandstanding special moves/abilities, robots with near invincible super armor, one-of-a-kind robots and robots with bright, daycare-style red/blue/yellow colors. Patlabor and Macross are the anime robot shows I enjoy the most and come across to me as the most conventionally grounded (understanding that this is anime robots we are talking about, none of which are realistic). Few bright primary colors, no shouted special powers or invincible hero mechas, very few one-of-a-kind mecha and so forth. I like that.

[tenshi_a]

Anything as long as it doesn't become a boring military drama.

Or worse, a we-love-military-stuff-yeah-super-fanatical-about-guns-and-mecha-but-we-hate-war-it's-really-bad-but-did-we-mention-how-stupendously-awesome-military-weapons-and-military-vehicles-are?-let's-go-on-about-amazing-military-strategy-in-our-war-which-we-made-up-to-demonstrate-how-terrible-war-is-when-giving-wholly-unrealistic-and-too-perfect-examples-of-war-and-therefore-romanticising-the-whole-business-of-warfare type story. i.e. the impression I come away with from anything Gundam related I've ever seen.

[HSaabedra]

Anything as long as it doesn't become a boring military drama.

Or worse, a we-love-military-stuff-yeah-super-fanatical-about-guns-and-mecha-but-we-hate-war-it's-really-bad-but-did-we-mention-how-great-guns-are?-let's-go-on-about-amazing-military-strategy-in-our-war-which-we-made-up-to-demonstrate-how-terrible-war-is-when-giving-wholly-unrealistic-and-too-perfect-examples-of-war type story. i.e. the impression I come away with from anything Gundam related I've ever seen.

I guess that's a no on FLAG then?

I actually prefer both of them, but I have to say that the few modern Super Robot shows (specifically Gravion and Godannar) are lacking in that raw passion that made up the majority of 70's and 80's shows.

As far as Real Robot shows go I'm really big on shows that weave them in like Macross and Code Geass, but they also don't distract from the narrative which some end up doing (here's to you Tekkaman Blade).

[KatayokuのTenshi]

I'm not so fond of hot blooded epics so I prefer Real Robots. But, admittedly, I haven't seen a lot of Super Robots yet.


I take it all back. I was a foolish, foolish fool... four months ago. :uhh:

Have you seen Gunbuster, GaoGaiGar or Gurren Lagann yet?

I have now.

[neiru_3]

I like both, but prefer the real robot shows.

[Arnold]

I do like some Super Robot shows that try something different or don't completely revolve around the star mecha- shows like Big O, Gunbuster, Evangelion, and so far Diebuster.

In general, though, I prefer the more "grounded" feel of the Real Robot genre- the Macross universe (well, except maybe Mac7), Patlabor, UC Gundam...

[Dalmain]

I prefer real robot shows, but I can enjoy a super robot show every once in awhile.

[A Dead Spy]

I am a real robot person through and through, though I do admit I tend to prefer the BURNING BLOOD SOUNDTRACKS the super robot genre is famous for. Real robot soundtracks (read: those that aren't Macross) don't impress me quite as much by comparison

[BigMo_11]

You guys ever seen "Super Robot Taisen?" Best of both worlds in my opinion.

[Atomusuku-sama]

I'd have to say both, but I'd lean a bit more towards real.

[MacrossFreak]

I admit that I enjoy both...however, invincible superbots have the tendency to make me yawn nowadays. I've always enjoyed Gundam (UC continuity in particular) And the Macross universe among others. I just haven't had much of a chance to expand my library or watch many new titles in the past few years. =\

[Ryvius]

I think I can easily side with real robot since most of my mecha/sci-fi favorites hail from the 80's, but I also feel like I still need to see more super robot shows to get a better grasp on them, especially from the 70's. But I've covered some that I really enjoyed, GGG (and also liked Final), G Gundam, Lagann, Shin Mazinger, Mazinkaiser, and some others. I know I need to hit up Giant Robo, Imagawa's a pretty fun director. I can't help but wonder how a really serious and dark series by him would be like though.

Overall though I prefer real robot stuff since they're generally a bit more serious in tone and more militaristic, which is what I always love in my sci-fi. I guess I love world/galactic conflict and war. I think Ryosuke Takahashi's creations/directed stuff does it best, Votoms, Dougram, Layzner, etc, love them!
:cool:

[RayearthIX]

I like both, but as long as the Gundam series counts as real robots, it's real. The Gundam and Full Metal Panic series are two of my favorite anime, and while super robot ones like Gurren Lagann and Aqarion are good, a lot of times the scream louder to win concept can drag a little in my opinion.

[Sharp-kun]

a lot of times the scream louder to win concept can drag a little in my opinion.
HERESY!



Forum revive!

[Levon]

while super robot ones like Gurren Lagann and Aqarion are good, a lot of times the scream louder to win concept can drag a little in my opinion.

Aquarion isn't in the same league as Gurren Lagann :P

[Dalmain]

I watched Heroic Age a while ago..that was more Super Robot than real robot. It was an ok series.

[RayearthIX]

I liked Heroic Age also, but as for Aquarion, it deserves to be up there with Gurren Lagann if anything because of its orgasmically funny (quite literally for those who haven't seen it) transformation sequences.

Concerning my statement about the scream louder to win style anime...

IT'S NOT HERESY!!!!!!!!!!! :saiyan:

my text was bigger...I win :P

[Zer0xW1nd]

I like both, however the larger portion of what I have watched throughout my life is more towards the real side. Obviously SDFM is what sparked me on my way to loving anime, I was like 4, but it stayed with me to this day as my preference, I like deep storylines and that got me into all manner of Gundam series (though I prefer UC mostly), Nadesico, Full Metal Panic, and the like. However, I had my share of Supers that I watched, like the various Yuusha series in which Exkaizer and GGG were my faves, I did enjoy G Gundam also. I also loved Tekkaman Blade, Maze, Voltron, and stuff like that.

[old hat]

The only super robot show I have ever seen and liked was Gurrenn Lagann. Heroic Age was kind of a hybrid. The human mechs were more real robot style. The Nodos were super robots if you want to call them mecha at all. They looked like mecha but technically they weren't.

[killer_kittens]

Hi all, this is my first post so HeLlO to everyone.

i <3 mecha to no end, seen a number of mecha amines and have always leaned towards real robot, super can be good but its always OTT and yes i realize that is the point but real is...well...more realistic.

anyways only my opinion and love the thread. look forward to chatting with you all more.

[Mickeymac92]

Real Robot all the way for me, but only because it's usually more serious with a complex plot and characterization. Show me a good Super Robot show with that level of depth and I'd be all over it.

[Arnold]

Real Robot all the way for me, but only because it's usually more serious with a complex plot and characterization. Show me a good Super Robot show with that level of depth and I'd be all over it.

Gurren Lagann.

Also Gunbuster and Evangelion, but they're both sort of hybrids.

[Mickeymac92]

Gurren Lagann.

Also Gunbuster and Evangelion, but they're both sort of hybrids.

I like Gunbuster. Eva was a mind****, though, and Gurren Lagann was too over the top for me to bear for more than a few minutes at a time.

[Levon]

The more over the top a Super Robot anime is the more epic & fun. To make a Super Robot anime not over the top just wouldn't make sense.

[Mickeymac92]

The more over the top a Super Robot anime is the more epic & fun. To make a Super Robot anime not over the top just wouldn't make sense.

Well, I can't say, I really care for that stuff, to be honest. It's just so silly that it distracts from...well, everything. I don't even know what it was about, the silliness dominates my memory. I guess That's partly why I like Real Robot shows more, but then again, I think any show tells a story better when it's not so over-the-top.

[Daishikaze]

Well, I can't say, I really care for that stuff, to be honest. It's just so silly that it distracts from...well, everything. I don't even know what it was about, the silliness dominates my memory. I guess That's partly why I like Real Robot shows more, but then again, I think any show tells a story better when it's not so over-the-top.

Check out Yasuhiro Imagawa's Super Robot adaptations, They tend to be more character based than the usual fare

[Mickeymac92]

Check out Yasuhiro Imagawa's Super Robot adaptations, They tend to be more character based than the usual fare

I looked him up, and it seems like he's done some good works. I loved G Gundam and Aura Battler Dubine, and Giant Robo looks pretty good, too. I'll also be sure to check out some of his non Robot works, too, especially Beserk - it looks like just me thing.:)

[Arnold]

I like Gunbuster. Eva was a mind****, though, and Gurren Lagann was too over the top for me to bear for more than a few minutes at a time.

Argh, another great one I forgot about: The Big O.

It's like a Super Robot anime meets Dark City.

[Mickeymac92]

Gurren Lagann.

Also Gunbuster and Evangelion, but they're both sort of hybrids.

Here it is months later and now I love all 3.^_^

[Zerotaku]

I clicked both, but I changed my mind after I submitted. While I do enjoy both to a great extent, I enjoy Super Robot shows more. Here's my experience: Real Robot shows normally tend to have the better stories, Super Robot shows tend to have the more fun characters(with some obvious exceptions like Shiro Amada from 08th MS Team), with both of them leveling out with art and sound. But characters are my favorite part of an anime, so Super Robot gets my vote now. Also, Super Robots are really what got me into anime in the first place. Especially these 2:
http://images3.wikia.nocookie.net/__cb20080708203736/zoids/images/thumb/a/a5/LOLOL_Liger_Zero.jpg/569px-LOLOL_Liger_Zero.jpg
http://www.gundamofficial.com/worlds/fc/mechanics/images/mf_burning_a.gif

[Mickeymac92]

I coulda sworn Zoids was Real Robot.

[Zerotaku]

Chaotic Century/Guardian Force and Genesis were more of a fusion of Real and Super Robots in traits of the actual kinds of shows. But New Century Zero and Fuzors were obviously Super Robot. The mechs themselves, they're a fusion. Their origins and power sources are closer to Super Robots(even in Genesis where they run on Reggel, a kind of Zoid fuel, it says that it powers the LIVING core). Along with screaming their attacks at the top of their lungs and the abundance of overpowered attacks that could do incredible damage to anything(Real Robot series normally only have 1 or 2, where as Super Robot series normally have a good 5 or 6, and that's only for 1 mech). Where as in appearance and piloting scheme, they're much more similar to real robots. And yes, I've spent quite a bit of time on the wikia. XD

[Mickeymac92]

I see, makes sense. Gawd it's been so long since I watched New Century Zero, I better put rewatching it on my to-do. XD