[Blade Raider]

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Originally Posted by Switchblade

I liked it. Obviously, I need to see it again with subs, but I'm liking what I'm seeing so far. There are definitely some callbacks to earlier premieres (lost kid from Kuuga, company ad from 555, the first fight is very much like Ryuki and Den-O's, Rider War from Decade), but the show is definitely doing things in a way that is making it unique. I'm not going to make up my mind now, of course, but it's looking interesting so far.

I'm pretty much on the same page. In addition to those you mentioned, the intro reminded me of Ryuki or Blade, the Lock Seed salesman seems very W-ish, and (this might just be me) the monsters seem a lot like Worms from Kabuto. Still holding off on full thoughts until subs are out. Thankfully OT's picked it up.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Switchblade

I guess the last thing worth mentioning is that whatever version of Baron that was at the beginning, he made his army stand in a banana-shaped formation. That is both stupid and awesome at the same time.

All three armies are in the shape of their fruit. Gaim's is a cut in half orange formation (it could also be a pizza if the fruit theme wasn't so blatant). It really is both stupid and awesome at the same time. That's how I like it.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Switchblade

Actually, one more thing: all the Riders seem to be in pairs. Baron is leading, Griton is following him. Zangetsu is leading and Ryugen is following him. Gaim has no follower, though - possible opening for a sixth Rider?

Word you're looking for it "retainer." High rank soldiers that put their general above their nation. While Zangetsu and Baron have Rider retainers, Gaim has jail bait on his side

The Sengoku period imagery of that scene is so strong that the rest of the episode could've been crap and I'd still have watched that scene a dozen times.