Now this is what I'm talking about!

Although I'm not sure how much I actually like the Energy Rider designs, I can't deny how completely badass they are. I was kinda worried that it'd be boring having them all fight with the same weapon, but those bows are just awesome. I can see Sid developing into one of my favourite villains.

Seeing Kouta and Kaito work together to fight against them was really enjoyable as well, even if their escape wasn't quite as epic as I perhaps hoped it would be. But if it is true the Energy Riders are holding back, this is gonna get real crazy in the best possible way!

This episode also set the groundwork for lots of stuff for the future as well, like who...and what is DJ Sagara? And whose side is he on, any way?

And also, even more new Drivers on the horizon? We seem to know this months before it's revealed in the show, but I don't think I've seen any one mention that.

Hmm, I saw it differently. I remembered Hase not being able to get even a single blow on Zangetsu. Perhaps I misremembered. :lol

To be fair, the only reason that Kurokage got anything on Zangetsu was that Zangetsu was trying to get back to the base camp. Kurokage was defeated rather quickly as soon as Zangetsu went on the offensive.
Gridon, on the other hand, seems to get off by just avoiding fights in general. I don't doubt that a few good hits from a stronger rider would take him out instantly, hence his need for alliances.
And when you factor in that the higher-leveled Lock Seeds definitely summoned stronger Invess, I'd say that the levels do have something to do with power.

This is a subliminal message from Bandai : "Hey kids, start saving money for the upcoming wonders we're already baking for you!!"

Anyways, another great episode this week.
I like the Kurokage Troopers, they have a nice Star Wars feel to them.

I'm still not convinced there are new drivers coming, merely that the picture's and Ryuoma's words imply some new developement with Lock Seeds. The pictures showed forboding, almost twisted imagery around a rough lock shape.

Perhaps Ryouma is attempting to create a controllable human/Inves hybrid? Maybe Ryouma wants to create an organic belt that can accept raw locks based on data from the Sengoku and Genesis Drivers. One that literally lets humans turn into Inves or control ones power?

Maybe it's to try and tap into the power the monster invess display? When they eat a lock seed and grow big.

Rider power + that effect = :(

I'm never doubting any kind of guessing you do with the show.lol.Excellent story episode.Not tons of action,but just enough.Just one thing to say...

Dat Episode 16 preview!

That was my thought

except

Every Invess thus far has gotten its ass kicked, even the bigass one in the warehouse was crushed by Shin Zangetsu

For this theory to play out believably, they should introduce more powerful Invess that actually threaten even Energy Riders.

Plenty of time for that though

That's why I said rider power PLUS the invess power. Effectively doubling a given rider's strength.