Ranked #88

GaoGaiGar Final

GaoGaiGar Final is the continuation of the mecha shounen, GaoGaiGar. As expected, don't watch this until you have seen the original to some extent. I won't be touching up on basic stuff you should already know since you saw the original.

The plot of Final takes place, I'd estimate, roughly 6 to 12 months after the final events of the original series. I'd spoil the whole thing if I delved even into the slightest detail, but let me just say this: The story resembles that of the original's second half, totally getting rid of the "Villain of the Week" formula. You should know what you're getting yourself into. Let's just say the main antagonists were to be activated after the Zondars and the 31 Primevals had been defeated before hand.

score: 9

The design and art of Final have vastly improved over its predecessor. Not only that, but the animation has been revamped and is superior in fluidity. The mechas are colorful and detailed, though some transformations could use a bit of work. As for the environments, they are superb, especially if you consider when this was drawn. You're taken to India, China, France, and multiple real life areas where (oh my god) real life monuments are seen! Overall, a vast improvement over the original, which was subpar even in the color department.

score: 9

Musical scores are spot on with the tone of the episode. They managed to fit it well with the scenes. My major complaint is that I felt the background music could have been more varied instead of rewashing the same one over and over. You have to consider they use mostly the same background music from the original, but I guess that could be considered a plus to some people. Sound effects have improved, but not dramatically. Most of the robot movements have been given the "UC Gundam" startup sound, if that makes any sense. You'll hear it when you hear it. I don't recall it being in the original, but regardless they're in Final. As for the voice acting, most of them were great (Guy, Soldat J, Renais, etc.) but some were just outright annoying. Atleast Mamoru definitely improved.

score: 8

The cast of characters is EXCELLENT. Shishio Guy is very hot-blooded and proves himself time after time after time. Soldat J is heroic as usual, and yeah you get the idea. All of the returning characters have the same thought processes from the last few episodes of the original. As for the new characters, well they're outstanding. Renais is a cyborg similar to pre-final Guy, who was raised to be some sort of human weapon (literally.) Her owners were part of a criminal organization called BioNet, which was the antagonist of the first episode. Her personality resembles that of a tsundere to some extent. The two new "Ryu" robots are awesome! First off, they're female! That's right, female robots! Really, that's all you need to know.

score: 10

Enjoyment? It has the word "gar" in its title so you know it's going to be a joyride. It's action packed and filled with courage and heroes. The King of Braves is definitely enjoyable.

score: 10

Overall? 10/10 easily. With the inclusion of Renais, who might I add is a great female character, the two new mechas, and returning characters and spirit, I'd say Final is a great watch for anyone wanting to fill there "gar" void.

HIKARI NI NAREEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE read more

Hey, guess what everyone? Guess whose everybody's favorite robot has come back for yet another adventure! Well, it's none other than GaoGaiGar! A new menace threatens the planet... Huh? Wait, didn't we get a lot of that last time? Not again! Nooo!!! Joking aside, I'm glad to say that this sequel redeems the GaoGaiGar Franchise altogether. If you happen to be a regular viewer who just stumbled upon this series, (such as myself) and got through the first season, it's safe to say that if you watch this, you will be rewarded. Sadly, kid viewers will have to wait until they're teenagers to watch this one. I'll explain later in the review. Before I go on to the review, if you haven't seen the first season, I STRONGLY SUGGEST you do watch it before reading any further. The only reason I suggest this is so you can appreciate the totality of GaoGaiGar. Now, on to the review.

STORY... Not much has changed in this category, but you get a sense of nostalgia when you see the heroes of 3G back again. There's still villains wanting to rule the universe, but where it gets interesting is the methods used by the villains. The methods carried out by the villains inflict absolute despair on the heroes that it had enough SHOCK VALUE to make me say, "No way... Did that really just happen? Whoa, the heroes might actually lose this time." But then I suddenly remembered that this is GAOGAIGAR, the heroes ALWAYS find a way to win. And with that, lies a flaw- While watching this, I never had the sense that the heroes of 3G would lose in the end= slight sense of predictability. But as I got towards the end, I was finally given a befitting ending that left me satisfied. Watch it for yourself to find out.

ANIMATION... This is one of the strong points of the series and also where I explain why kid viewers will have to wait until they're teenagers. The robot designs definitely look fresher, crisper, and much cooler. There are definitely those heavy GAR moments when power-ups are achieved and when transformations are done. The battle scenes are splendid- seeing mechas go at it, as bits and pieces of their armor break apart and lots of sparks flying everywhere with each intense collision. Not to mention, over the scale screaming of emotions of the pilots. Definitely fun to watch. It was enough to make me say wow. It's just that awesome. Haha... To my surprise, there is a lot of nudity and ecchi themes like huge breasts jiggling and seeing panties under the skirts of women. They even focus on it for like 1-2 seconds, sometimes 2-3 seconds. I thought this was a kids' show!? Anyways, let's go on- there are still the over exaggerated movements for the simplest of commands, and luckily, you don't see as much of that stuff anymore, (not like in the first season, wherein, every episode it's loaded with that junk) so you'll be more amused rather than annoyed. I also applaud the designers for making the villains look more menacing and dangerous. They weren't lazy this time. I commend them for that.

SOUND... Not much can be said in this category, there's still the same opening theme song, but with a "grander" feeling about it. Maybe it's because it's the finale? I guess so... I didn't particularly like the ending theme song. In essence, it's still basically the same soundtrack.

CHARACTERS... The same heroic 3G group is still here, but early on, the series lets you know that most members of the original crew have all moved to different places and different people have replaced their old positions. For example, remember how Mr. Chief use to give the approval for Final Fusion with wild energy and emotion? The new guy who replaced him is so relaxed, and so laid back that it is outrageously funny watching him give the approval for Final Fusion (because it's something you're not use to, if you watched the first season). There are also the introduction of a few new side characters, like the new sister robots of Enryu and Hyoryu, and Renee, who is Guy's cousin. But I ended up not really feeling for them because this is about the original 3G and their final battle. It feels as if they were just put in there because the number of villains turned out to be extra, so the directors needed an opponent for the villain. Surprisingly, Mikoto Utsugi was given a stronger role in the story, which I found to be respectable and likeable- refreshing. The directors finally made full use of the cast, which resulted in a better story.

OVERALL SCORE: 8/10= Awesome

STRENGTHS
+ Still conveys the wonderful message: "Anything can be overcome with courage."
+ Has SHOCK VALUE.
+ Full use of cast characters.
+ Excellent Animation. (Especially mecha battles loaded with GAR moments.)
+ Finally delivers an appropriate ending GaoGaiGar should have had a long time ago.

WEAKNESSES
- Predictability still exists.
- Too much unnecessary nudity and ecchi themes.

Note: I can't really say whether you should watch this or not. If you watched the first season, then why not watch it for closure? (It's what I did and I was rewarded.) But if you didn't watch the first season, then you don't have to bother with this one. Remember, tell the kids they're going to have to wait a few years before watching this. I recommend this for GaoGaiGar fans and for regular viewers who happened to watch the first season. read more