Baldr Force is a top-down shooter from the Baldr series. Initially released in 2002 for PC, it later got a Updated Re-release with the "EXE" subtitle in 2003, and got a Dreamcast and PS2 port. It was also adapted into a four-episode OVA in 2006.
Tohru Sohma is a member of a fearless gang of hackers calling themselves "Steppenwolf" - but when tragedy strikes and the group is disbanded, Tohru is forced into the ranks of FLAK, a military organization charged with protecting the hidden data paradise deep within the vast network of servers. Indentured into service and out for revenge, Tohru cannot let go of the dead of the past even as a ghost of the present takes shape. Will Tohru pursue his revenge, or will he choose an different path altogether?
Baldr Force contains examples of:
- Assimilation Plot: Ren/Leviathan gives the impression of one of these during episode 4, although formal observation indicates that Leviathan leans more towards Planet Eater tendencies.
- Contagious A.I.: Leviathan, which has powers who can make simulacrums dysfunction.
- Cyberspace: Most of the human activity happens in it, with programes and viruses actually given form.
- Do Not Adjust Your Set: Ren/Leviathan are able to do this once they break free.
- Flatline: The terminology for death while connected to the cyberspace.
- Kill the Ones You Love: Tohru must kill Ren Mizusaka, who controls Leviathan to keep them from destroying the cyberspace in Ren's route.
- Living with the Villain:
- Tohru's sister is a data-consuming virus that threatens all life as we know it.
- Tohru's teammate Ayane is revealed to be Yuuya's killer.
- Lock-and-Load Montage: The virtual equivalent of one of these (An obvious Shout-Out to The Matrix) occurs preceding the final battle with Leviathan.
- Macross Missile Massacre: One of the possible skills of a Simulacrum.
- Never Say "Die": Death is referred as "flatlining".
- Playful Hacker: Bachelor and each member of Steppenwolf comes across as these.
- Theme Music Power-Up: The theme tune plays over the final battle.
- The Virus: Leviathan is classified as one of these as it reaches the attention of more high-profile authorities.
- Tragic Monster: Ren, the dead little step-sister Tohru forgot he had, exists in mind and spirit in the Wired, where she manifests as a Planet Eater.
- Yandere: Ren becomes this during the finale, being controlled by Leviathan.
