Quite unique to MJP, the battle scenes are an extremely small part of the series. So much so, in fact, one could almost call it a slice of life with mecha. While characters in Gundam series have camaraderie, the members of Team Rabbits are actually friends. Together, they laugh, cry, eat, fight, and relax. And the strength and nature of those bonds is the focus of the series.
One of the elements I found to be very different from Gundam is the liberal use of humor throughout the series, especially running gags. Given the choice between serious and humorous, I usually choose serious, but the comedy in MJP is effective and welcome.
Another series which MJP is frequently compared to is Soukyuu no Fafner: Dead Aggressor. Both series involve genetically engineering children to make them suitable pilots for mechas, and for one reason or another, the adults shifting the responsibility of fighting the war onto those teens and children. In MJP, those units form only a fraction of the force, while in Fafner, they are the entirety of it. I believe this distinction is an important one, as it shows a different role the main characters play in each series, as well as the feelings of the adults responsible, despite the similarities.
MJP was a slow starter by normal standards. That isn't a problem with the story so much as with the industry. It was slotted for 2 cours (2 "seasons") at the outset, allowing the production team to pace the story properly instead of the "hurry up and wait" we are accustomed to from many series. If you're the type who will watch 3 episodes before deciding to continue it or drop it, you would have made the wrong decision with MJP.
Several ending themes are used over the course of the series, including one featuring Kei and Tamaki (the females of Team Rabbits) and one featuring Izuru, Asagi, and Suruga (the Team Rabbits males). These themes fit the series well, though they do certainly feel like "anime songs". The opening theme changes midway through the series. The first opening, "Watashi wa Souzousuru", is catchy and upbeat, while the second one, "PROMPT", is a bit more relaxed. I wouldn't call any of these a favorite, but I am particularly fond of "Bokutachi wa Ikiteiru" by the Team Rabbits males. It adds an extra layer of emotional depth to the action occurring in the story at the end of that episode.
The only part that I found myself not particularly fond of was the art style. Even then, it's a matter of taste and that cannot be judged. Maybe you will like it, maybe you won't. Overall, this is the best "mecha anime" I've seen. Is it one of the best anime ever? I wouldn't say that... but I do rather enjoy it. Maybe you will as well.
