Well, Star Driver reminds me of those shows. Each episode contains the same confrontations, the same transformation sequences, the same fight sequences and same slap-stick comedy between the main trio. But there's just something about the show that just hooks me to it. Maybe it's the fact that it moves beyond shows like Sailor Moon and delivers a decent plot, crisp art, great soundtrack, and extremely likable characters (with pretty costumes to boot!)
Takuto, the show's hero, ends up half drowned on a remote island. There, he meets Wako, a happy-go-lucky shrine maiden and Sugata, the cool quiet guy. He ends up going to their school which turns out to be a lair for these giant mecha robots called 'cybodies'. Turns out most of the school can pilot these things and what do you know, Takuto can pilot one too. Complete with his own transformation sequence (because guys need them too!), he turns into Ginga Bishounen (Galactic Pretty Boy) to protect Wako from the 'bad' cybodies.
Like I said, story from episode to episode is pretty much the same thing, only with different characters. But the little side stories and funny moments they add really boosts the enjoyment factor (like Wako's BL fantasies). The beginning episodes give you little snippets and hints for the main plot, then it really starts delving into it starting in episode 20.
Art is superb, it's been the only show where I've actually noticed characters eye movements and blinking. They definitely did a great job with the details and didn't cheap out with the panels. Even the repeated transformation sequences are quite tolerable with the great graphics ;) Might I add I love their costume designs too!
The cast is amazing too, Fukuyama Jun (ie. Lelouch, Grell) plays Sugata, Miyano Mamoru (ie. Light, Zero) plays Takuto. OP/ENDINGS are catchy and I do like the random songs the characters sing from time to time.
The characters have taken on almost stereotypical standard character types from anime. Takuto is the bright, optimistic guy, Sugata is the cool, level headed pretty boy. Wako is your damsel in distress but still very likable. While not entirely original, it's been tried and true. The antagonists are well introduced, each with their background story and specific quirks, they actually don't really feel like bad guys. It's really easy to get attached to the characters.
To be honest, my enjoyment rating is higher than all the other ratings (I gave it a 9), which doesn't really add up. But I have to say that I am really addicted to this anime at the moment. I definitely recommend for others to try, maybe more so for the girls since I feel there's some male fanservice going on in here (if the transformation sequence is any indication) =P All in all, a fun enjoyable watch!
