Mobile Fighter G Gundam

I'm not sure if you have heard of the Japanese series of series containing the name Gundam or not but it is very popular among those who are fans of the genre. Each series is different. Some are related to one another and some of them are not. They have different plots, characters, scenarios, and different technologies. The one thing they all have in common is the use of giant robots (mechas) that are piloted by principal characters. Many times its in the context of war. Technically, I don't know about each series and I have not seen all of them but the one that I have enjoyed most and followed the most closely is called Mobile Fighter G Gundam. I found a great description and a place from which to download all the episodes from the following site: anime-ddl.blogspot.com/2008/03/mobile-fighter-g-gundam.html

Here is a description from this site:

Created to celebrate the franchise`s fifteenth anniversary, Mobile Fighter G Gundam was Gundam`s first foray into alternate universes.
In the year Future Century 60, most humans have left the polluted Earth behind and moved into space. To prevent war, the colonies have agreed on a Gundam Fight to decide control of the colonies for four years at a time.
This
year, Neo Japan`s Domon Kasshu, the King of Hearts, hopes to win with
his Shining Gundam, but he hasn`t come to Earth simply to win the
Gundam Fight. His concurrent mission is to track down and destroy the
Devil Gundam which has escaped from Neo Japan and threatens to destroy
the entire planet.

I like this series because of the premise. Instead of fighting wars and costing many lives, the colonies decide who is going to rule by who can produce the best mech and train the best pilot. In the series it's the 12 Gundam fight. Each colony was based on a present-day country, usually named with "Neo-" and the name of the country. Some of the Gundam designs were very interesting - ok downright wierd. Domon grows throughout the series becoming more powerful and a better man. All the principle characters evolve and grow to become more than they were when they are first introduced. The truth is they all have reasons and motivations beyond winning the fight for their colonies and the main characters all meet up and start to work together. George from Neo-France. Argo from Neo-Russia. Jimmini from Neo-America. I don't remember the name of the fighter from Neo-China, but he was important. I enjoyed watching the series. The earth is the battleground. What happened was during the year, they all go around fighting each other and then the battles take on an arena-style, tournament-based scenario among all the Gundams that survived the battles during the year until one Gundam wins it all. The colony he/she represents becomes the lead colony over the earth and all colonized space.

There is a technology common to all the Gundams in the series. It is called the "Mobile-Trace System". It's a compartment in the torso/head of each Gundam - the cockpit - where the pilot stands, and is free to move. He/she wears a suit that synchs the pilots movements to the Gundam movements. If the pilot throws a punch, the Gundam throws a punch. If the pilot kicks, the Gundam kicks. I like the concept so much. The pilot's skills are directly being used by the Gundam. His/her skills and intellect are directly brought to bear. For example, Domon is an expert martial artist, this means that his Gundam fights like he does. Further the pilot is under a lot of physical stress to use the system. This is why most of the pilots are young and skilled martial artists and athletes.The pilot's movements, thoughts, and physical vitals are used to control his/her Gundam. The only real drawback is that any damage to the Gundam is felt by the pilot for real. Sure it is dangerous but it sure must be better than sitting in a chair and manipulating hand controls like a joystick.

The Gundam fight only has rules (Articles):
1. A Gundam whos head is destroyed is disqualified.
1a. Accidental harm inflicted on a Gundam Fighter during a match is acceptable.
2. A figher must never aim at the cockpit of an opponent's Gundam.
3. Damage to any part other than the head may be repaired and does not result in elimination from the tournament.
4. Gundam Fighters are responsible for the protection of their own Gundams
5. All matches shall only be held on a one-on-one basis.
6. Gundam Fighters shall not taint the honor and dignity of the nations they represent.
7. The Earth is the ring.
7a. Destruction of property on Earth due to the Gundam Fight is not considered a crime.

Final Tournament rules
1. Unlimited repairs, improvements, and substitutions are acceptable during the final tournament.
2. Victory may be obtained through any means (including targeting the cockpit).
3. The final winner of the Battle Royal will be rewarded with the title "Gundam of Gundams".

There is a Gundam mugen game. It includes Gundams from several series including G Gundam. Bolt Gundam from Neo-Russia was the hardest to find but it does exist. I have attached a demo of Domon Kasshu's Burning Gundam fighting Bolt Gundam. If you want the mugen material, I'd start here.



Here is a great website for information on G Gundam

And here are clips from the show. It was tough to pick one definitive clip because YouTube had so many. So I picked two. I think that if you "dig" giant robots kicking the integrated circuits out of each other combined with real humor and human emotion, you should check out his series.