Zegapain

[DB]

Finally, an entry in 'Z'.

Seen eps 1-26 (entire series)

This one will be a bit vague, since if you say too much, you give away a lot of plot surprises.

It's presmise is basic. It's a mecha show, which people piloting robots fighting mysterious robotic menace. It's main lead is a young lad from high school who meets mysterious girl and is plunged into a post apocolyptic world that seems to be from a popular online video game. A number of his fellow high school students (and some complete strangers mixed in) run the thing (though he only knows them as people he sees around school, rather than being close friends or the like).

But, in truth, absolutely nothing is what it seems, maybe even himself.

The closest thing it's similar is the Matrix, but it's not. Like I said, I can't say more without giving it away. Suffice to say, it's only around the third  episode or so, after what appears to be the basic premise is laid out for the lead, that things start twisting and turning with nearly every episode. I can't say it's highly original, simply that there were plot twists I did not expect mixed in with some I did.

Characterizations are good, and the interactions are enjoyable. Action is good, and the right mix of action, characterzation, and plot were in this. Art was good, music enjoyable enough I sought out the soundtrack. My primary complaint is that the last story arc was stretched out more than a touch.

I give it a solid 7. Definitely worth watching once. Might be some rewatchability down the line. I can't say for certain others will agree, but what was there worked for me.