Mechanical Arms
Synopsis
Long ago, alien lifeforms came to Earth, fusing with people on the planet. Due to their appearance, they were dubbed "Mecha-ude," as when fused, they bore a striking resemblance to mechanized limbs. Through an involuntary partnership, average middle schooler Hikaru Amatsuga works alongside the Mecha-ude Arma, who is an extremely rare and special existence. To protect Arma, the resistance group ARMS assigns the dual Mecha-ude user Aki Murasame to follow him wherever he goes. However, she is also looking for a mysterious Snake-Type Mecha-ude wielder, who has put many of her comrades in a critical state. Behind the scenes, an organization known as the Kagami Group is searching for the mythical "Trigger Arm," a Mecha-ude said to grant unlimited power. When Aki's life is threatened by this group, Hikaru must team up with Arma to find the courage to fight back and, along the way, learn that his life will never be ordinary again. [Written by MAL Rewrite]
Audience Consensus
Overall, the audience is optimistic and appreciative of Mecha-ude, especially considering its origins as a crowdfunded project. The animation and unique art style are generally praised, though some find the story unoriginal and the characters underdeveloped. There is a strong desire for more episodes to further explore the world and characters.
Strengths
- Fresh take on mecha concepts, reminiscent of experimental OVAs.
- Impressive animation for a new studio, especially considering crowdfunding origins.
- Enjoyable combat sequences and unique art style.
- Voice work and script are particularly strong, especially the English dub.
- Dedication to the project is evident, with significant effort in production.
Weaknesses
- Story is not particularly original, drawing comparisons to existing works like Generator Rex and Busou Renkin.
- Animation can be rough around the edges, with some choppy CG.
- Characters lack depth due to the limited episode count.
- Ties to Western shows detract from the anime aesthetic for some viewers.