Doraemon: Nobita and the Steel Troops

Doraemon: Nobita and the Steel Troops (1986): A Mecha Love Letter Wrapped in Childhood Wonder

Let’s cut to the chase: if you’ve ever daydreamed about piloting a giant robot while eating dorayaki, this is your movie. Released in 1986 as the seventh Doraemon feature film, Nobita and the Steel Troops isn’t just another kids’ adventure—it’s a full-on love letter to mecha anime, and it wears that heart on its sleeve (or should I say, its rocket-powered shoulder pads).

The Setup: Robots, Rivalry, and a Whole Lot of Chaos

The story kicks off with Nobita being his usual drama queen self—upset because he can’t afford a cool RC robot to show off to Suneo (relatable, tbh). Cue Doraemon, who’s had enough of his moping, and next thing you know, they’re using the Anywhere Door to chill at the North Pole. But wait—they stumble upon a pile of giant robot parts? Naturally, they drag it back, assemble it, and name their new metal buddy Zandacross. Spoiler: it’s not just a toy. This thing’s a weapon, and suddenly, Earth’s facing an alien invasion. Oops.

The Mecha Magic: Gundam Vibes Galore

Director Tsutomu Shibayama didn’t hold back on the references. Zandacross looks like it walked straight out of a Gundam episode—sleek, silver, and ready to throw down. Fans have even joked it’s a “Optimus Prime knockoff,” but let’s be real: it’s more like a love child of Gundam and Mazinger Z, with a side of Doraemon’s signature whimsy. The fight scenes? Chef’s kiss. Watching Nobita and the gang pilot Zandacross to save the world is equal parts epic and hilarious—imagine your friend who can’t even tie his shoes suddenly commanding a giant robot. Classic Doraemon chaos.

The Feels: More Than Just Explosions

But here’s the kicker: it’s not all robots and laser beams. The movie sneaks in some real heart. When a mysterious girl named Lilulu shows up claiming Zandacross is hers, things get emotional. She’s not just a random character—she’s got a backstory that ties into the robot’s destructive purpose, and suddenly, the “bad guys” aren’t so black-and-white. It’s that perfect Doraemon balance: silly enough to make you laugh, deep enough to make you go, “Wait, did I just tear up at a robot movie?”

Fan Reactions: A Nostalgia Trip

Scroll through forums, and you’ll see fans gushing about this one. “I watched this as a kid and still get chills from the final battle,” says one MyAnimeList user. Another adds, “The mecha designs are so cool—young me wanted Zandacross more than any toy.” It’s not just nostalgia, though; even newer viewers dig it. “As someone who loves Gundam, this was such a fun crossover,” a Reddit user notes. The film’s ability to blend childhood wonder with mecha action is why it’s still a fan favorite 35+ years later.

The Verdict: Worth the Rewatch

Nobita and the Steel Troops isn’t perfect—some of the jokes are dated, and the pacing can be a bit slow for modern viewers. But that’s part of its charm. It’s a time capsule of 80s anime, a love letter to the mecha genre, and a reminder that even the most ordinary kids can be heroes (with a little help from a blue robot cat, of course).

So grab your popcorn, round up your friends, and get ready to yell, “Zandacross, activate!” This movie’s a blast—literally and figuratively. And hey, if you don’t end up wanting a giant robot by the end? You’re lying.

Final Score: 8/10 — For the robot fights, the feels, and the way it makes you want to dig up your old toys. Doraemon, you’ve done it again. 🤖✨