Chrome Shelled Regios
Every now and then, we all feel like indulging ourselves in an exciting Action, Adventure, and Sci-Fi series to really feel the thrills of battle and exploration. Suppose the era of the show’s production doesn't bother you much, and you can easily enjoy a multitude of different styles of Anime.
In that case, the sheer number of titles available to you is overwhelming. Are you looking for a solid recommendation to keep your company? Look no further! What is denied to most of us in our daily mundane lives, we hope to live through an engaging and delightful Anime.
Chrome Shelled Regios, also known as Koukaku no Regios, is a 24 episode TV Anime series that aired from the 11th of January until the 21st of June, in Winter 2009. It was produced by AMG MUSIC, licensed by Funimation, and brought to life by Studio Zexcs.
The central staff behind the series are Kawasaki Itsurou as Director, Fujimoto Jirou as Episode Director and on Storyboard, Iwanami Yoshikazu as Sound Director, and Tokumoto Yoshinobu also as Episode Director. It features the genres of Action, Adventure, Fantasy, and Sci-Fi alongside the School theme. It received a Rating of R - 17+ for its violence and profanity.
The Chrome Shelled Regios anime series is based on the source Light novel of the same title. This series spanned across 25 volumes from the 18th of March 2006 until the 29th of September 2013. It is the work of Author Amagi Shuusuke and Artist Miyuu.
The Anime is also based on the “Chrome Shelled Regios: Secret Side” Manga, which was published across two volumes from the 10th of April 2008 until the 10th of April 2009. Serialized in Beans Ace, it is the work of Author Amagi Shuusuke and Artist Watari, featuring the additional genre of Supernatural. Its story is a reorganized version of the original Light novel, where Layfon is the main character.
A prequel show, titled “Legend of Regios,” was also released as a 3 episode Special series from the 27th of March until the 29th of May 2009. Initially, the English dubbed cut-scenes on the TV that the Chrome Shelled Regios characters were watching; these Specials reorganized the scenes, extended some, and even re-dubbed them entirely in Japanese. It acts as a side story within the Chrome Shelled Regios series itself.
The story is set in a post-apocalyptic world entirely overrun by mutated beasts termed “Limbeekoon” or “Filth Monsters.” Here, the remnants of humanity are left with no choice but to live in substantial mobile cities called Regios while learning to use special weapons called “Dite.” To do so, they must harness the very power of Kei to defend themselves.
At the Academy City of Zuellni, protagonist Layfon Alseif hopes to start life anew and forget his past. But his past had already caught the attention of the manipulative Student Council President, Karian Loss, and a Military Arts student, Nina Antalk.
In addition, Nina is also the Captain of the 17th Military Arts Platoon and manages to instantly recognize his abilities, deciding he’s the perfect candidate to join her group too. Layfon’s secret past won’t leave him alone, and neither would his strange unknown powers. He just might not take this chance presented before him….
The Story of Chrome Shelled Regios is pretty weak. The plot tends to hover around Layfon himself, a person who definitely has the potential to be in Military Arts but is reluctant due to his past. Despite becoming a part of the Military Academy and a part of the 17th platoon, he simply ends up fighting in Platoon matches or against Filth Monsters while slowly recovering his past.
One of the most significant issues is that this series is very confusing, demanding viewers pay an abnormal amount of attention to everything shown or rewind and rewatch a couple of episodes. Even after putting in that extra effort, it’s still impossible to comprehend certain parts of the story.
Typically, such a series would warrant a proper prequel or sequel to clear things out, but none exist. Next, the storyline follows an overly predictable and repetitive pattern: the characters fight some Filth Monsters, unravel a small piece of Layfon’s past, continue to fight in Platoon Matches, reveal some more of Layfon’s history, and then progressively battle someone Layfon knew before to reveal more of his past.
A fanservice episode usually follows this to calm the masses. Now and then, there'd be an episode showcasing how Felli, Nina, Leerin, or Meishen likes Layfon. The redeeming features are the consistent plot twists and progressive story, albeit snail-paced.
The ending is extremely rushed, leaves too many things unexplained (even after numerous rewatches), and is overall unsatisfying. Overall this department is mostly a flop, so do not expect much of a thrilling and engaging story.
The Characters of Chrome Shelled Regios don’t do much for the series either. Their biggest flaw lies in having zero character development throughout the show. None of them change their personalities or outlooks despite whatever happens to and around them.
Layfon is always reluctant to fight, wishing he could do something else instead but never really does. He is a typical thick-skulled harem protagonist who is oblivious that Felli, Leerin, Nina, and Meishen like him throughout the show. He does have a hidden past that sets him apart from other characters and draws viewers in by virtue of that mystery.
Aside from his unique bipolar personality, he also has the typical OP protagonist trend going for him, where he can be the only man in the platoon but still win matches. Felli doesn't want to be in the military academy but does nothing about it.
She is more likable, though, thanks to her comedic elements, useful psychokinesis, and killer kicks. She also seems to develop slightly due to her feelings for Layfon. Nina is that girl who wants to become stronger but simply cannot, no matter how much she trains.
Despite being the 17th Platoon leader, she has little to no redeeming qualities or strengths. Sharnid is a carefree dude with his own mysterious past.
As his history unravels, viewers see his serious side, but many core things about him are left unsaid. As far as this season goes, he is mostly just a playboy. So yes, the cast is pretty generic, uninteresting, in no way relatable, and shows no development.
The Art and Animation of Chrome Shelled Regios are pretty average, with nothing special. The action scenes and fanservice are decent, though. This department does add to the show’s comedic value, though, so it can be enjoyable.
The Animation itself is off-putting, and even the Art seems to distort at critical moments. So not expect much in terms of the visual aspects; they just barely serve their purpose and aren’t bad.
The Sounds and Music of Chrome Shelled Regios are pretty good, with no significant flaws. Some OSTs get repeated too much, but the others remain pretty decent throughout the show. The Action OSTS, in particular, are excellent and enhance the watching experience a lot.
The Opening theme is "Brave your truth" by Daisy × Daisy, and the Ending themes are "Yasashii Uso" and "Ai no Zuellni," both by Chrome Shelled. These are all pretty nice and fitting, especially considering how the voice actors take turns singing the Ending theme for different episodes. Nothing exceptional in this department, but it does its part reasonably well.
Overall, Chrome Shelled Regios is relatively enjoyable. The Action, Comedy, and Fanservice elements can keep you watching till the end, even if you don't like the finale. Amidst the many battles and mysteries, it’ll simply help to view this as a fun and relaxing series.
If you’re looking for a fuller story and more answers, it is best to read the Light Novel or Manga instead. After all, if you decide to go through with the Anime, be prepared for the bad pacing, terrible finale, repetitive story, under-developed characters, and lack of explanations.
You will get treated to some good action scenes, relaxed moments, ample fanservice, and decent comedy on the bright side. Not really recommended, but if you like what it has to offer, it’ll be a decent watch.
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