VOTOMS has two things going for it: characters and designs. The Scopedogs, the 'Fatties.' Chirico, Fyana, Ypsilon. Mecha designs and the main characters define what is good about AT VOTOMS. The side characters like Vanilla, Gotho, and Coconna? They get old fast and are definitely a weak part of the series.
Chirico is stoic. He's quiet and capable, and we know little about him - this mystery keeps him interesting. Fyana is both a woman and a super-soldier. Her arc has largely been misunderstood by other reviewers here. Fyana is a capable fighter throughout the entire show, from start to end, but some may think she reverts to a 'damsel in distress' at certain points... it's a non-criticism, as Fyana develops a distaste for fighting and even a fear of it. Ypsilon's character is simple, but tragic. I won't go into any further details as it's better to see this all unfold for yourself... if you can't pull through the first arc!
