Favorite Mecha/GIANT FIGHTING ROBOT Media and Why?

[PedroSteckecilo]

All these comments on the "unrealisticness" of the original Gundam is making 70's Yoshiyuki Tomino cry...

Or possibly getting him revved up to lay out a beatdown...

Anyway, anyone have any thoughts on the amusing Dream Pod 9 "Hybrids"?

This is from Heavy Gear, an admitted "homage" to Armored Trooper VOTOMS but written and designed in North America (Canada to be specific). The Gears from HG are the most "real world amusing" to me as they're like... 12 to 15 feet tall, have treads on their feet and run on gasoline.

 

[BrotherSurplice]

It's got to be Battletech for my favourite. The 'mech universe for real manly men!

Spoiler: FOR KERENSKY!

Also, I agree with everyone who says Warhammer 40K titans.

Spoiler: Behold, the God machines

EDIT: Just so you know, you should never take any sentence that includes the phrase "manly men" seriously.

 

[KOMega]

Well I am really enjoying the customizable mechs in armored core V right now

Spoiler

There is also HeavyArms Custom From Gundam Wing

Spoiler: HeavyArms Custom

And I have been playing Strike Suit Zero for the past few days.

Spoiler: The Strike Suit

 

[BrotherSurplice]

It's got to be Battletech for my favourite. The 'mech universe for real manly men!

Spoiler: The hell with all this floaty anime BS

Also, I agree with everyone who says Warhammer 40K titans.

Spoiler: Behold, the God machines

Didn't I say no hatin?

It's fine that you like Battletech and Warhammer but could you maybe try not being a giant douchebag about it? That's one of the things that makes me want to hate both Warhammer 40k and Battletech... even though I don't...

It's because so many people in the fandoms of both Battletech and Warhammer are giant assholes when it comes to Mecha... posturing and using insulting terms like "weeaboo" and such...

Seriously... why do you have to be a jerk about it? Can't you just say that you love the Gritty, Hard Scifi designs of Battletech and the walking cathedral grandeur and baroque artistry of Warhammer?

Apparently not, you've got to pretend that your fandom is "the best" and "so much better than everything else"...

Why? Why you gotta be an immature jerk? You sir give your fandoms a bad name and discredit the positive aspects of both Battletech and Warhammer!

Makes me mad I tells you, especially considering the origins of Battletech... I mean the creators don't hate Anime Mecha, why should you?

Good Christ, talk about an overreaction. I was only going for a bit of playful oneupmanship. Also, not once did I use the term "weeaboo". I suppose I'll have to edit my post to make it blindingly obvious.

But still, sorry that what I said offended you. To my eyes, what I typed looked no worse than the playful banter that has already been typed in this thread.

 

[PedroSteckecilo]

It's got to be Battletech for my favourite. The 'mech universe for real manly men!

Spoiler: The hell with all this floaty anime BS

Also, I agree with everyone who says Warhammer 40K titans.

Spoiler: Behold, the God machines

Didn't I say no hatin?

It's fine that you like Battletech and Warhammer but could you maybe try not being a giant douchebag about it? That's one of the things that makes me want to hate both Warhammer 40k and Battletech... even though I don't...

It's because so many people in the fandoms of both Battletech and Warhammer are giant assholes when it comes to Mecha... posturing and using insulting terms like "weeaboo" and such...

Seriously... why do you have to be a jerk about it? Can't you just say that you love the Gritty, Hard Scifi designs of Battletech and the walking cathedral grandeur and baroque artistry of Warhammer?

Apparently not, you've got to pretend that your fandom is "the best" and "so much better than everything else"...

Why? Why you gotta be an immature jerk? You sir give your fandoms a bad name and discredit the positive aspects of both Battletech and Warhammer!

Makes me mad I tells you, especially considering the origins of Battletech... I mean the creators don't hate Anime Mecha, why should you?

Good Christ, talk about an overreaction. I was only going for a bit of playful oneupmanship. Also, not once did I use the term "weeaboo". I suppose I'll have to edit my post to make it blindingly obvious.

But still, sorry that what I said offended you. To my eyes, what I typed looked no worse than the playful banter that has already been typed in this thread.

I think it was the "Floaty Anime BS" and "Universe for Manly Men" that set me off... plus, while I do apologize for directing the ire at you. it just seems like it's always an overzealous Battletech or Warhammer 40k fan who ruins a perfectly good mecha discussion...

Anyway, sorry for ranting at you/in response to your playful oneupsmanship.

 

[BrotherSurplice]

Good Christ, talk about an overreaction. I was only going for a bit of playful oneupmanship. Also, not once did I use the term "weeaboo". I suppose I'll have to edit my post to make it blindingly obvious.

But still, sorry that what I said offended you. To my eyes, what I typed looked no worse than the playful banter that has already been typed in this thread.

I think it was the "Floaty Anime BS" and "Universe for Manly Men" that set me off... plus, while I do apologize for directing the ire at you. it just seems like it's always an overzealous Battletech or Warhammer 40k fan who ruins a perfectly good mecha discussion...

Anyway, sorry for ranting at you/in response to your playful oneupsmanship.

Apology accepted, and thank you for accepting mine. Now that I run it over in my head, the "floaty anime BS" does sound a bit agressive. A lot of eastern style designs look badass, and a lot of Battletech designs look hilariously goofy. Quad error demonstrandum:

Spoiler: BEHOLD, THE GOD OF BATTLETECH

 

[PedroSteckecilo]

Oh crackers I remember that one from the Battletech Cardgame... what the heck is it called again? Also the original designs for the Jagermech and the Jenner? Sheesh...

But then you have the Atlas... which is pure awesome...

 

[Soviet Heavy]

Didn't I say no hatin?

It's fine that you like Battletech and Warhammer but could you maybe try not being a giant douchebag about it? That's one of the things that makes me want to hate both Warhammer 40k and Battletech... even though I don't...

It's because so many people in the fandoms of both Battletech and Warhammer are giant assholes when it comes to Mecha... posturing and using insulting terms like "weeaboo" and such...

Seriously... why do you have to be a jerk about it? Can't you just say that you love the Gritty, Hard Scifi designs of Battletech and the walking cathedral grandeur and baroque artistry of Warhammer?

Apparently not, you've got to pretend that your fandom is "the best" and "so much better than everything else"...

Why? Why you gotta be an immature jerk? You sir give your fandoms a bad name and discredit the positive aspects of both Battletech and Warhammer!

Makes me mad I tells you, especially considering the origins of Battletech... I mean the creators don't hate Anime Mecha, why should you?

I apologize for the "weeaboo Space communist" remark, if that set you off. It's a nickname for the Tau, because of how at odds they are with the rest of 40K. Games Workshop openly admits that they took inspiration from Anime when they designed their Crisis Suits. Hence the name.

And theres always an intrinsic urge to scream like a madman whenever you discuss Warhammer 40K. It's like a compulsion brought on from the over the top grimdark of the setting.

As for the main discussion. I grew up with AT-ATs and it pretty much set my expectations for military death machines. I've been a fan of the lumbering walker over the flighty Gundam because of the fear that they instill. This thing is walking towards you, unflinchingly, and it will step on you, blow you to bits, and then atomize the ground. And if you run, it will always catch up.

That isn't to say that I dislike mecha though. I quite liked the Knightmare frames from Code Geass (even if they became total bullshit in R2), and how they got aroudn the walking deal by making them rock climbing roller blade machines.

 

[Zykon TheLich_v1legacy]

The answer is...

Spoiler: Titans ************!

[http://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/41/vl7j.jpg/]

I like the way they look, especially the old MKI warlords. Really it all comes down to aesthetics for me, and the fact that I own a load to play toy soldiers with.

 

[BrotherSurplice]

Oh crackers I remember that one from the Battletech Cardgame... what the heck is it called again? Also the original designs for the Jagermech and the Jenner? Sheesh...

But then you have the Atlas... which is pure awesome...

You do not remember the UrbanMech, our lord and master?

Spoiler: *BLAM*

Here's another one; the Lord Protector of Emperor UrbanMech:

Spoiler: FEAR HIS GOOFY MIGHT

 

[xplosive59]

Essentially all of the main series Mobile Suit Gundam UC apart from ZZ which sucked. Other favourites include; Eureka 7, Neon Genesis Evangalion and MSG 08th MS Team.

I need to get around to watching Turn A Gundam at some stage, from the looks of it it may become my favourite.

I am sad this turned into a 40k discussion though, I have no interest in that outside of Bolt Thrower.

 

[PedroSteckecilo]

Essentially all of the main series Mobile Suit Gundam UC apart from ZZ which sucked. Other favourites include; Eureka 7, Neon Genesis Evangalion and MSG 08th MS Team.

I need to get around to watching Turn A Gundam at some stage, from the looks of it it may become my favourite.

Heh, even the madcap murderfest that is Victory Gundam?

Actually... I love Victory Gundam specifically because it's a madcap murderfest... that and Uso Evans is a pretty likeable protagonist despite living in the crapsackiest of all of UC Gundams crapsack universes.

Turn A is a little slow at times but overall it's delightful, I always describe it as "Hayao Miyazaki's Gundam" despite being directed by Gundam Creator Yoshiyuki Tomino. Generally it's a happy lovable series that still occasionally manages some good gravitas/drama without getting overloaded with it, it's just... really enjoyable and very "hopeful" in tone. Also it has Harry Ord... and Harry Ord is awesome (think Char Aznable if he was a heroic badass instead of just a badass).

Despite a confusing second season (really the last say 4-5 episodes) It's one of my favs, it doesn't have agile mechs in a neofutre instead it's post apocalyptic film noir set in a 40 50s motif. It even as androids and an interesting past. Music is cool too. One of the more unique Mecha-animes out there.

Oh man, I love The Big O... even the bonkers late 2nd Season and the Gainax Ending. The battle between Big O and the Shwartzwald piloted Big Duo is one of my all time favorite Mecha Battles.

 

[xplosive59]

Essentially all of the main series Mobile Suit Gundam UC apart from ZZ which sucked. Other favourites include; Eureka 7, Neon Genesis Evangalion and MSG 08th MS Team.

I need to get around to watching Turn A Gundam at some stage, from the looks of it it may become my favourite.

Heh, even the madcap murderfest that is Victory Gundam?

Actually... I love Victory Gundam specifically because it's a madcap murderfest... that and Uso Evans is a pretty likeable protagonist despite living in the crapsackiest of all of UC Gundams crapsack universes.

Turn A is a little slow at times but overall it's delightful, I always describe it as "Hayao Miyazaki's Gundam" despite being directed by Gundam Creator Yoshiyuki Tomino. Generally it's a happy lovable series that still occasionally manages some good gravitas/drama without getting overloaded with it, it's just... really enjoyable and very "hopeful" in tone. Also it has Harry Ord... and Harry Ord is awesome (think Char Aznable if he was a heroic badass instead of just a badass).

I like to forget Victory exists. Until Unicorn is finished I like to think of as Char's Counterattack as the finale to the UC universe. I am really looking forward to Turn A but I won't start it soon, I am watching all the 70's Osamu Deazaki works right now.

 

[dementis]

Gurren lagann for the sheer over the top brilliance. Especially when you reach the stage that there are mechs piloting even bigger mechs fighting in a pocket dimension throwing galaxies.

Pacific Rim was hopefully a nice step in big budget mecha movies, especially with the fantastic directing ability involved.

Zone of the enders is probably my favourite mech game around, the first game more than the second.

 

[PedroSteckecilo]

Essentially all of the main series Mobile Suit Gundam UC apart from ZZ which sucked. Other favourites include; Eureka 7, Neon Genesis Evangalion and MSG 08th MS Team.

I need to get around to watching Turn A Gundam at some stage, from the looks of it it may become my favourite.

Heh, even the madcap murderfest that is Victory Gundam?

Actually... I love Victory Gundam specifically because it's a madcap murderfest... that and Uso Evans is a pretty likeable protagonist despite living in the crapsackiest of all of UC Gundams crapsack universes.

I like to forget Victory exists. Until Unicorn is finished I like to think of as Char's Counterattack as the finale to the UC universe. I am really looking forward to Turn A but I won't start it soon, I am watching all the 70's Osamu Deazaki works right now.

I liked Chars Counterattack but it's sort of a... odd note to end the UC on... what with Char acting super out of character and all that (why he went all crazy dark after Zeta never really clicked with me). But before Unicorn it was the "End of Zeon" for all intents and purposes...

 

[Little Woodsman]

I'll go for the lesser-known Vision of Escaflowne.

A fantasy epic from way back in 1996, it remains my favorite anime of all time. I thought it was complex, original, and deep, without being pretentious - everything about the series was just well-executed. I would recommend it to everyone, with the caveat that the first episode is seriously misleading - the series is NOT about life and love as a high school girl in Japan. The protagonist happens to be a high school girl in Japan - which is a turnoff for some, since mecha anime is generally supposed to be butch and testosterone-dominated - but the story shifts gears soon enough.

It's not exactly a light-hearted anime, either, so don't go in expecting that.

If there is a downside, though ... the mecha aren't necessarily the coolest I've ever seen. If we're talking about the coolness of the big robots alone, then Escaflowne might not cut it.

(edit)
BTW, there are two versions of Escaflowne out there. The first is the series, which is excellent. The second is the movie that was released some time after, which takes the bold route of not really having anything but aesthetic similarities to the original. You have some characters with the same names and similar looks, but dramatically different everything else.

Also, the movie sucks. Do not watch the movie.

(edit 2)
Also, Escaflowne was released for US broadcast on Fox some years back, but it was substantially re-edited, presumably to remove the more gory stuff and make the series more broadly appealing.

Don't watch the US edited version. Unless you enjoy misery and mild confusion.

YAAAAAAYYYYYY!!! Another Escaflowne fan!
(Sorry, got a little carried away there.)
It's not my favorite anime of all time, but it sure is close to the top of the list, definitely my fave 'giant robot' anime.
U no liek movie (sadface)
Actually I can understand why, it's probably due to the loads & loads of whiny angsty-ness. But I think that it is still an enjoyable watch (nowhere near as good as the series but still enjoyable) with amazing art, amazing visuals and action, excellent music and a solid (if strange) story.
I really started to be able to enjoy the movie once I completely divorced it from the series in my mind.

 

[Little Woodsman]

Well my absolute fave would have to be Vision of Escaflowne.
Many others get honorable mention though including:

Magic Knight Rayearth;
Nadesico;
Macross Saga;
Orguss & Orguss 02;
The Big O;
Gundam Wing;
Zoids Chaotic Century;
Dangaioh (the original *NOT* 'Great Dangaioh')
Gundam X;(Need to finish watching this one)
and I'm not sure if it qualifies under the rules of the discussion but add on
Bubblegum Crisis (OVA's), the mecha aren't giant, but they sure are cool....
I'd put Full Metal Panic on the list but the giant robot part of it was never what appealed to me....

Yeah, I'm *real* old school.

 

[Little Woodsman]

snip

Reaver Scout Titans?

Not too bad, but I'm more a Warlord kinda guy.

Judging by that picture, an Eva should actually be just about the same height. They're apparently supposed to be 50 meters tall, but since they're impossibly agile for something so big and most of the Angels are larger, sense of scale goes right out the window. The Warlord is more heavily armed, so I imagine if I had to fight an army I'd rather have one of those, but an Eva is basically impossible to destroy due to bla bla science bla bla bla god bla bla AT Field.

Gundams are smaller I think, but I believe they tend to be able to fly. But I haven't seen any Gundam except for 00, so I have no allegiance to the franchise. If you wish to declare your giant robot to be superior, I will not stand in your way.

Do you wish to continue comparing the size of our giant robot penises?

You know I was reading the whole 'This mecha is more powerful and therefore *cooler*' debate and musing to myself "Boy, I wonder what their reaction would be to Iczer Robo?"......
(Iczer one by *herself* would trash Godzilla in the blink of an eye. She'd totally destroy almost all of the mecha in this thread *without* having to climb into Iczer Robo, which is the giant fighting robot that she uses. Think about that for a minute....)

 

[PedroSteckecilo]

Yeah, I'm *real* old school.

Hi-fives for Old School! Nadesico is a favorite of mine as well... still don't actually own it though (had it on VHS once upon a time), a fact of which I am ashamed...

I guess I don't really consider Gundam Wing/Gundam X old school... though considering they're getting up there... perhaps I'm older-school than I thought >.>