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[R1 DVD box art.]
AKA: Genesis Climber Mospeada (see notes)
Genre: Sci-fi drama adventure
Length: Television series, 25 episodes, 23 minutes each
Distributor: Currently licensed by FUNimation.
Content Rating: 13+ (violence, death, brief nudity, one steamy bathroom scene - literally, not figuratively)
Related Series: Robotech: The Macross Saga, Robotech: The Masters Saga, Robotech II: The Sentinels, Robotech: The Shadow Chronicles
Also Recommended: Gundam, Robotech: The Macross Saga, Vandread
Notes: Based on the series "Genesis Climber Mospeada", also not originally a part of the Macross continuum.
Rating:

Robotech: The New Generation

Synopsis

Coming back to earth, the Robotech Expeditionary Forces is wiped out by the Invid, the newest alien threat to the earth. The sole survivor, Scott Bernard, continues to travel towards Reflex Point to fulfill his mission. Along the way, he gets help from the most unlikely band of people imaginable.


Review

Okay, now THIS is a lot better.

Much to my relief, the third generation of Robotech seems to return to its roots, so to speak, telling the story about a group of characters, the war around them, and how it influences not only them, but the other people all over the earth, something I found a bit lacking in the second generation.

And again; seeing as the art style and animation is so similar to the two first generations, it's fully understandable why it has been edited to make it look like a part of the original Robotech/Macross saga. And since the initial Invid attack on the earth was so devastating, it's a lot more easy to accept.

In fact, the only thing bad I would have to say about this series is that they're still using the same intro theme in the same ways as both the two other generation series, so you should be well and truly sick of listening to it. Also, one of Minmei's songs make a return, if only a one-shot return. I guess it's sorta ironic that Yellow Lancer, one of the main characters, do a much better job of singing Minmei's songs than she does herself.

Outside of that, though, it's with my greatest pleasure telling you that the third generation is a great step back upwards, as we are presented with a memorable cast and a rather great story. Of the cast, most of them being introduced within the first three episodes, I had at that point already picked out favorites. Which was remarkably hard too, seeing as all of them were so good. Even a lot of the single episode characters were more memorable than some of the second generation regulars, which speaks volumes, I should think.

Another upside is the fact that they yet again includes more about how this latest attack influences the people of the earth. And in this case, there's a lot of different ways people dealt with it, like we find out as the gang travels from place to place on their way to Reflex Point.

The concept of travelling actually worked well too. While it gives the series more of an episodic formula, it also keeps the plot diverse without losing too much of the main goal. And, like I said, it allows for some more indepth studies of how this affects everyone around them compared to their general surroundings. (There being western surroundings, Mad Max-like scenarios to even "You have offended the river-god! Kreegah!" scenarios. Don't ask.)

As for the Invid, I must say that as far as alien invaders go, they are again all the more interesting ones. Cool designs too. (Crab-like ones?) Okay, perhaps the introduction of "Marlene" a couple of episodes in puts a tiny, predictable spin on it, but it's not bad. Really.

So, all in all, I just have to recommend it. Not QUITE up to the level of the original series, but still an enjoyable trip into the lives of yet another generation of Robotech defenders and, as such, is essential to the Robotech completist.

By all means, add it to your collection.

A strong four star at that.Stig Høgset

Recommended Audience: Teens. Since there are less actual warfare on this one, you don't see as many deaths. There are a lot of bleeding Invids, though, and still much fighting. But there is also little to no fan service and one MINOR instance of nudity, though so inoffensive as not to be worth mentioning.



Version(s) Viewed: R1 DVD
Review Status: Full (25/25)
Robotech: The New Generation © 1985 Harmony Gold USA Inc / Tatsunoko
 
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