Kidou Senshi Gundam 0083: Stardust Memory

One shouldn't really go in expecting much with the characters and plots in these two, especially when compared to other installments in both the Gundam/Macross series. But where these two OVA's excel at, they really shine - the production values, the nostalgic and incredible music, amazingly top notch animation and art for their time, and the insane action make them both worth seeing for the technical aspects alone. Both are sci-fi, mecha, and all that sort of thing, chances are if you like some of Macross or Gundam, you'll like both in many ways too. 

Both have the absolute greatest cel-shaded animation of all time. Both are mecha space operas. Both have great 80s-era soundtracks. Gunbuster is basically Gundam 0083 if it were good, and is easily one of the top 5 OVA ever made. 

Both shows feature a epic rivalry between two soldiers from opposing factions (and who respect each other). Both rivals have different characteristics: Yang Wenli and Uraki are dark-haired, an introverted/nerdy persoanality and belong to the "democratic" army... while Reinhard and Gato belong to an imperialist army, they have an almost divine appearance, light hair and a strong leadership personality. The big difference is that in Stardust Memory the roles of hero and villain are more differentiated than in LotGH. Strategic space battles being the big draw of LotGH... in Stardust it also excels in that aspect. Contrary to LotGH, in Stardust there is not much political intrigue (in just 13 eps there is no time... for that it is better to see Zeta Gundam), although a corrupt organization appears who takes economical advantage of the war between both sides (plot which in LotGH is very important). read more 

*I'll try to be a bit cryptic so as not to spoil those who haven't watched Shingeki. Stardust Memory contains very good fights between robotic "titans" and delves into the psychological and physical consequences of the main pilot having to control these titanic machines that are used for mass destruction. - Both protagonists are similar: gloomy, obsessive and irascible young people. - A bit stupid comparison: Stardust Memory is a Spin-off/prequel and tells the origin of the main villains of Zeta Gundam: the Titans. 

Both shows are OVAs in their respective timelines and in my opinion, they are both awesome. The reason why is because they show a different point of view on a different character rather than the main story, has a much more darker tone, less use of powers (Newtype, Geass), more mecha combat, less romance, and suspense. Akito and Kou are soldiers on a different part of the military and later fall in love with female leads (Leila and Nina) and has a feud with a rival character (Shin, Suzaku and Anavel Gato. The show shows both the main forces fighting an opposing nation (EU Wyvern vs Euro Britannia and Earth Federation vs Delaz Fleet). read more 

More than one Gundam involved, better story, drama, mecha action, rivalry, and interesting points of the story could turn the entire show around into one great show. If you seen Gundam Wing, G Gundam, watch this one as well. 

If you've seen Gundam Wing, try watching this one because it too is closer to Gundams than any other UC shows even though they fight in an army. 0083 Stardust Memory is a much more darker than Gundam Wing and better animated as well since it is an OVA. Mecha design is brilliant as well as the action and the action is just like Wing and G and trust me, when you watch this, you will never regret watching this at all because it is like the main UC Gundam show out of all the franchise when you think of Gundams as your favorite Mecha other than Grunt Mobile suits or single Gundams. Rivalry, drama, romance, funny moments, and interactions are brilliant as well comparing to Wing and G if they're your favorites. read more 

Kou Uraki and Kira Yamato are similar and the story as well. A lot of dark moments, tragedy, deaths, romance, fighting, and rivalry involved and if you take a close look, they do look similar but not exact. Both takes place in the similar universes UC=CE. 

Shinn Asuka may be a carbon copy of Kamille Bidan but he too is like Kou Uraki. Story isn't just like Zeta Gundam but 0083 as well which leads to that point. Seed Destiny and 0083 may be different but they have similarities. There are some similarities: Shinn Asuka=Kou Uraki Yzak Joule=Anavel Gato Patrick Zala=Gihren Zabi Patrick Zala's loyalists=Delaz Fleet ZAFT=Zeon Earth Alliance=Earth Federation Blue Cosmos/Phantom Pain=Titans 

Both OVA's are set in different similar but slightly similar due to Cosmic Era being the remake of Universal Century (UC). OVAs in my opinion are great due to being side stories as well as representing elements and traits not exploited in their parent stories. Both are dark, militaristic, and technological. The Earth forces point of view is slightly similar reflecting both good and bad. The male lead is yet again similar as an Earth soldier (Sven Cal Bayan and Kou Uraki) and the female lead is similar as well (Selene Mcgriff and Nina Purpleton) and the only main difference is that in 0083, the main conflict revolves between Earth and Space forces and CE 73 Stargazer (Earth Forces, Space Forces, and Space Exploration Team). The main Gundams in this show are on opposing forces. read more