Honestly, I picked-up this show because of it’s themes having similarities w/ Vandread. A colleague, kuroshinko, warned me of it being just a typical harem show with mechs. It’s showing signs of being such but I’m still focused on the mech side. So far, I see promises of thrilling mech fights in this but most of it’s aspects are pretty much predictable. Today, on this episode; things were shown to us: like Ichika and Houki being in the same dojo, and how Ichika accidentally piloting an IS; and the mecha themes still feel Gundam-inspired.
The Blue Tears ‘sniper’ rifle feels like Dynames’ and it’s other weaponry has similarity to funnel/DRAGOON. Ichika’s fighting style with the Byakushiki reminded me of Setsuna and his Exia. Also, the Yukihira Type 2 sword looks like a Gundam beam saber! With those given info, including me enjoying almost every bit of mecha shows, are they enough for me to be swayed into loving this? Only the next episodes can tell, honestly. I watch this for it’s concept and some of it’s plot in the first place.
Ichika’s IS was under preparations and due to there’s no extra IS machines, the school has to prepare him a personal machine. Cecilia explained to him the definition of a ‘personal machine’. Only elites get to have their own personal machines. In other words, only country representatives and representatives of corporations get their own. Technology used to create the IS core have never been revealed and only Houki’s older sister, a scientist, can make the cores.
Ichika’s machine was prepared so researchers can collect data on it. Also, one classmate asked about Houki’s relation with the scientist and Chifuyu answered her question. The whole class got awed and began exchanging thoughts until Houki herself shouted out about her sister nothing to do w/ her.
An IS envelops the pilot with an energy barrier, it also have it’s own will. Through communicating w/ the pilot, the IS would become more knowledgable of it’s pilot.
Ichika later offered Houki to join her in Lunch. Ichika asked others who would want to join them. Three classmates volunteered but they went on their own when they saw how Houki suddenly pushed Ichika to the floor. Ichika treated her as his gratitude to her being a childhood friend and her family taking care of him before. Ichika pleaded Houki to train him in IS piloting. A senior offered Ichika training later but Houki interrupted and told her that Houki herself would train him.
Houki trained him with mostly Kendo and nothing about an IS. Houki notes he weakened through the time they haven’t seen each other. A flashback of them training together was shown. Also, it’s revealed about Houki harbouring feelings for Ichika when she tried to settle her mind on training him.
Byakushiki, Ichika’s mech, arrived and he was surprised about feeling different from the first time he touched an IS. Another flashback was shown, this time it was about Ichika touching an IS and discovering about his ability to pilot one. Ichika entered the Arena. Again, the launch feels like it was in the Gundam universe.
Cecilia offered him a ‘chance’ by telling him to ask for forgiveness. Ichika declined and they battled. Cecilia made a first shot and Ichika was thrown into the ground, however he was able maneuver enough to avoid the shots. Cecilia got surprised by Ichika lasting with a battle with her Blue Tears. With the sword, Ichika was able to destroy the “funnel/dragoon”-like weapons. Their vice-adviser also noted his skill in controlling his machine. When Cecilia launched her missiles, Byakushiki transformed and saved him. The audience watching the battle got surprised by the transformation. It also scared Cecilia but Ichika didn’t know what happened. He later concluced that the machine finally became his.
He also saw the change that allowed him to use the Yukihira Type Two weapon, the same weapon his sister used to win. He was able to destroy the missiles using the weapon and as he came charging toward Blue Tears, his energy shield became empty and thereby making Cecilia win, to the surprise of many, including Cecilia herself. It was later explained by his sister. He lost because of him using a shield nullifying attack and it uses Shield Energy for offense.
He was given a handbook for his IS. Found his reaction funny when he was given the handbook. And Houki later decided to finally train him for piloting the IS. Meanwhile, Cecilia thought about Ichika while she was taking her shower even if she won over him. Perhaps because her win was not a perfect one like she was expecting?
New ED song but this one is joined Cecilia in the sequence and by Yukana in the song. This means the heroines’ and their seiyuus would be joining the ED as they’re introduced in each episode. Like as I said, this show is predictable but it’s also a fun to watch one. I’ll still keep and write about it.
