Obsolete [Season 1 Episodes 1-6]

Alright, let’s dive into Obsolete, the 2019 3DCG mecha anime from Bandai Namco Arts. First off, this series is all about robots, aliens, and the chaos that ensues when two worlds collide—literally. The setup? In 2014, aliens show up out of nowhere, not to conquer, but to trade. They offer humanity these badass, consciousness-controlled robots called “Exoframes” in exchange for limestone. Yeah, limestone. Talk about a weirdly specific demand, but hey, who are we to question intergalactic barter systems?

Now, the Exoframes are the star here. Imagine piloting a giant mech with just your mind—no clunky controls, no joysticks, just pure thought. It’s like Pacific Rim but with a brain-computer interface, and honestly, that’s cool as hell. The 3DCG animation? Some fans say it’s hit or miss. On one hand, the mech battles are smooth and dynamic—think explosions, laser beams, and robots duking it out in epic fashion. On the other, the character movements can feel a bit stiff, like watching a video game cutscene. But let’s be real, for a YouTube-exclusive series (yes, it’s on YouTube!), the quality is pretty impressive.

The story itself is a slow burn. It’s not just about robot fights; it’s about how the world reacts to this sudden technological leap. Countries start hoarding Exoframes, corporations get greedy, and before you know it, everyone’s using these robots for war. The political drama adds depth, but some viewers found it a bit too convoluted. Like, one minute you’re watching a battle scene, the next you’re knee-deep in international trade negotiations. It’s a lot to take in, especially if you’re here just for the mechs.

Now, let’s talk about the man behind the madness: Gen Urobuchi. If you’re into anime, you know this guy. He’s the genius (or madman, depending on who you ask) behind Madoka Magica and Psycho-Pass. His signature style? Dark, gritty, and unafraid to kill off beloved characters. Does Obsolete live up to that reputation? Kinda. There’s tension, there’s moral ambiguity, but some fans felt it lacked the emotional punch of his earlier works. Maybe it’s the 3DCG format, or maybe he’s toning it down for a broader audience—who knows?

The fan reception is split. On MyAnimeList, some users called it a “Votoms ripoff” (a classic mecha series from the ’80s), while others praised its unique premise. One commenter summed it up: “It’s decent, but not groundbreaking.” Another said, “The CG is miles ahead of most anime, but the story feels half-baked.” Ouch. But hey, not every show can be a masterpiece.

For me, Obsolete is a fun watch if you’re into mechs and sci-fi. The Exoframes are cool, the battles are exciting, and the political intrigue keeps you guessing. Is it perfect? No. The pacing can drag, and the characters aren’t the most memorable. But if you’re looking for something different from the usual hand-drawn anime, give it a shot. Just don’t go in expecting Madoka levels of tragedy—you might be disappointed.

In the end, Obsolete is like a B-movie with a big budget. It’s not going to win any awards, but it’s entertaining. And let’s be honest, who doesn’t love watching giant robots beat the crap out of each other? If you’re a mecha fan, this is worth checking out. If not, maybe skip it. But hey, at least it’s free on YouTube—no harm in giving the first episode a watch!

So, grab some popcorn, sit back, and enjoy the robot chaos. Just don’t think too hard about the limestone trade. Trust me, it’s better that way. 🤖✨