Genres: Action, Science Fiction

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Global catastrophes brought on by war have led to a severely isolated and increasingly despondent populace.  An attempt to modify the atmosphere has led to airborne debris nicknamed “sugar” that prevents aircraft from flying.  This same “sugar” eventually falls into the risen oceans and water ways; clogging them up, an effect termed “syrup”.  The only method of transport left is via a network of extensive powered roadways between the isolated cities.

Prowling these roadways are leftover autonomous machines from the war.  How do people get on in their daily lives?  That’s where the blademen come in.  Blademen pilot the motorcycle-like Maneuver-Blade (aka Blades), which also transform into the mecha-like Maneuver-Roid combat form.  These blade squads are freelance mercenaries who vie for the bounties placed on the rogue mechs.  On the flip-side, damages to the city or roadways come out of their cut as well.

The Viper squad is the highest paid elite group among the PMC (private military company) who protect Fort Daiva City.  Working as teams, one pilot and one operator, they patrol the roadways in search of their paycheck.  A mysterious group known only as Hound has begun making threats against the city, sending smaller mechs out against the blademan.  As for the blademen, they will do what they do best.

The action is well done, but does not feel like anything I haven’t seen before.

Overall Hook Rating:  C

Tags: action, anime, science fiction