Personally, this is the show I would recommend to anyone who wishes to get into the franchise. It summarizes the high points, what one would expect, but also the inherent flaws. While I will say the original 1979 show does what SEED does better, I can easily see the older format and rough edges deterring one away from the excellent storyline and character interaction.
Sadly, the one major gripe I have was that the "creative tactics" came to an abrupt halt near the midpoint of the series. Thing is, Kira in the Strike was AWESOME. He pulled off all sorts of cool shit and he came across as a seriously skilled pilot in it. All the sudden, he gets the Freedom, and then every battle is won by shooting lots of stuff. I think Kira's overall reception would've been much higher if he did all that he did with just the Strike, as it just would've felt like he won by tactics and not just because he had a really good mobile suit.
Why do you fight? Why do you exist?
Good review, but you kind of gloss over the best part. The best part is that unlike other Gundam shows that have the protagonists arguing about idealistic philosophy or spouting "Why can't we just all get along?", SEED actually pinpoints and discusses the actual cause of the war as Fantastic Racism, and the protagonists actually try to do something about it, at least on a personal level.
@Gyra Solune- I can admit to the creative tatics critism. Strike Kira was amazing at improvising in mid-battle to win tough situations. And though Kira kinda loss that when he got Freedom, he atleast showed skilled fighting, rather than just overpowering enemy aces with unbelievable power.
@shiro-okami- thanks. and i wouldnt say i skipped over it. I did note the shows intellegence, as well as the racisim aspects and points it tends to. I didnt wanna mention the actually ideals the characters fight with, so not to spoil anything if anyone who hasnt seen it yet was reading.
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A Well Paced, Action Packed, Emotional Thrill Ride
Gundam Seed is more than just a great Gundam series or Anime. It is just purely great sci-fi all together. Combining elements of classic Gundam and Star Trek, amongst others, while retaining its own level of originality, it creates a well developed and involving feeling universe. A perfect setting to use for a show if this caliber. And Gundam Seed does not pull back any punches in anyway. Every point it hits, it hits hard and consistently.
On an Action stand point, Gundam entered the new dimension of animation well, as the action scenes are smooth, fluent, exciting. The characters enjoy using creative tatics in battle, rather than just relying on a stronger weapon. (unlike Gundam 00)
The Shows pacing is excellent. We always know where the characters are going, and why they need to be there. Te scenery changes between arcs are well done, and never too sudden or prolonged too long.
The show reaches emotional heights in the franchise. Characters develop flawlessly, and come a very long way when compared from the beginning to the end. We see and feel real anger between rivals as they want to kill each other, and heartwarming moments between friends and lovers. We watch characters become who they are, not just see it happen. Characters have depth, and aren't blank, one dimensional slates. (unlike Gundam Wing)
The overall story raises many fine points and undertones. Tackling issues like Racism, and wars that revolve around pure hatred, rather than benefit. It makes sense, does the science, and stays true to the Real Robot genre. This is a show I would recomend to anyone, its cool, involving, and intelligent. An A+ show, easily.