Code Geass
Although Zoids, Code Geass, Gundam, GaoGaiGar, and Xenosaga were created by different companies (Tomy, Sunrise, and Monolith Soft), all of them share similar piloting styles, cockpit functions, and exaggerated movements. When you analyze the cockpits of these machines, pilots usually have access to two “handle bars,” two foot petals, and a main camera which is found in the mecha’s head. In some cases, they also have a key board in order to type in codes or an additional lever to activate a hidden weapon. Yet, even though these controls are somewhat “basic” the machines can move around just like a normal animal. They can run, walk, do flips and exaggerate poses before striking. Moreover, the opposing pilots’ cabins are somehow linked to each other by some mythical channel that allows them to hear each other trash talk or half some philosophical talk with each other that gives greater depth to the plot. The other thing to note is that most mechas have escape pods, allowing the pilot to flee from battle if necessary. This also adds to the audiences understanding of the pilot’s character. Mecha combat not only shows the best features of these flexible robots with “simple,” futuristic controls but also adds depth to the plot through the use of the pilots.
Zoid Battle
GaoGaiGar Duel
Now if we talk about mecha combat, we cannot forget their futuristic weaponry and armors. I mentioned before that mecha combat follows “similar” principles to human fighting in movies. The reason why it’s “similar” and not exactly the same is because mechas can shoot each other with guns and still function. Take the battle in the Code Geass clip with the Lancelot piloted by Suzaku and the Galahad piloted by the Knight of One. Suzaku is able to take out the entire army except the Galahad by using long range beam and energy weapons, yet he barely does a scratch with them against the Galahad. Same thing happens in the Gundam, Zoid, GaoGaiGar, and Xenosaga clips where the main mecha or mechas get hit by gun fire but only sustains minimal damage. Only when these machines go into close combat fighting, real damage is sustained or a fatal blow is actually dealt. Furthermore, mechas tend to use futuristic weaponry or giant armaments of destruction. These pieces of machinery can wreak havoc on anything, except the main/ important characters’ mechas. The final thing to point out is that a robot can get part of its body cut off and still function without any problem. If that happened to a human, the loss of blood would somehow hinder their performance. Only when the opponent destroys or damages a core energy source does the mecha get obliterated. Mecha combat is insane for it allows artists to stretch the imagination of weapon designs and because mechas do not bleed, young boys can watch all the mecha violence they want.
Xenosaga Space Fight
Gundam 00
