Real Robot or Super Robot?

[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]

Originally Posted by 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-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]

Originally Posted by 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.

Originally Posted by Sushikins

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!

[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]

Originally Posted by RayearthIX

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

HERESY!



Forum revive!

[Levon]

Originally Posted by RayearthIX

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