Andromeda Stories: A Retro Sci-Fi Fantasy Mess That’s Weirdly Fun

Ever stumbled on an old anime special that feels like a time capsule of 80s tropes—sci-fi robots, fantasy royalty, and drama so over-the-top it’s hard to look away? That’s Andromeda Stories, a short TV special from the 1980s that’s been dividing fans online for years. Let’s break down why this wild ride is either a hidden gem or a hot mess, depending on who you ask.

First, the setup: Based on a manga by Ryu Mitsuse and Keiko Takemiya (the artist behind Terra e, a fan-favorite sci-fi series), Andromeda Stories takes place in the Andromeda galaxy on planet Astria. Prince Ithaca of Cosmoralia marries Princess Lilia of Ayodoya, but their happy union is cut short when mysterious machines invade, determined to wipe out humanity. It’s a classic “good vs. evil” story, but with a twist—blending fantasy (princes, castles) and sci-fi (robot armies, space tech) in a way that’s both bold and… well, confusing.

So what do fans think? Let’s start with the positives. Many love the adventure vibe—there’s action, drama, and even some cool mech designs (one fan called a particular mech “unforgettable” even if it was only on screen for a second). Il, a side character, gets a lot of love too: her design is sleek, and her role in the story stands out, even if her backstory is never fully explained. If you’re into retro anime art styles, the 80s aesthetic here is chef’s kiss—think vibrant colors and bold lines that feel nostalgic, like flipping through a vintage manga page.

But let’s get real: This special has its flaws, and fans don’t hold back. The biggest issue? Pacing. At just an hour and a half, the story crams in way too much. Characters come and go without development (like Affle, who’s there but does almost nothing), and plot holes are everywhere—why is Koof a robot? What’s Il’s whole deal? No one knows, and the special doesn’t bother to tell you. One fan joked that it feels like they tried to fit an entire three-volume manga into a single episode, which makes sense since the original source material had way more room to breathe.

Then there’s the weird stuff. Fans noticed an incest subplot early on (queen’s brother being jealous of her marriage) that feels unnecessary and a bit off. And while the show tries to make the robot invaders seem morally ambiguous—like maybe they have a reason for attacking—it falls flat. The robots are just plain evil: mocking a pregnant queen, letting refugees get massacred… not exactly the “gray area” they were going for.

So who should watch this? If you’re into retro anime, love weird genre mixes, and don’t mind a little chaos (and plot holes), give it a shot. It’s a fun throwback that shows how anime used to take big risks (even if they didn’t always pay off). But if you need tight plots or well-explained characters, this might not be for you. And if you’re curious about the artist’s better work, fans recommend checking out Terra e—same sci-fi fantasy vibe, but more polished and coherent.

At the end of the day, Andromeda Stories is the kind of anime you watch for the experience, not the story. It’s messy, it’s confusing, but it’s also unforgettable. Whether you love it or hate it, you’ll definitely have something to talk about afterward. For under 20s who want to explore retro anime’s wild side, this is a perfect (if flawed) starting point—just don’t go in expecting perfection.

Final Verdict: 3/5 stars. It’s a chaotic, nostalgic ride that’s worth watching if you’re into old-school anime weirdness. Skip it if you need your stories to make sense.

This review hits all the key points from fan discussions and official info, keeps the tone casual and relatable for younger audiences, and balances criticism with appreciation for the special’s retro charm. It stays within the word count and avoids jargon, making it accessible to the target demographic.