Zoids Genesis Review

This return to Planet Zi is set in the future, the days of the Empires and Zoids Battles long past. In this new world, Ruuji finds a special zoid, and teams up with a diverse group of friends in order to battle against the evils of Digald and find a mechanic to repair his village's generator.

The CG and Traditional animation in this series has been blended to better compliment each other, much better than the Fuzors animation had been. It hasn't quite gotten back to the blended quality of Classic, but is close enough to satisfy this persnickety watcher. The traditionally made scenery is stunning, with many lush forests and colourful cities, which contrasts with the desert-like Classic Planet Zi, and sets it apart from New Century's various landscapes (also, many of which were desert or ruins).
The new zoid designs are exciting to behold, as well as the detail put into making them move. Watching Murasame's caps spin, and the detail in how the cockpit opens shows the level of thought put into this series, far more than the previous series in which the zoids simply walked about with glass or holographic cockpits that offered little protection. Also, in some instances, you get to see the zoid start up. A minute detail, sure, but adds more "realism", if you will, than just closing the cockpit and bounding off, as seen in the previous series. (Just don't mind the occasional glitch that you may stumble across.)

The sound effects are on par with other zoid series, while the new zoid sounds (the Bio Raptor's roar, for example) are strange, though aesthetically pleasing to (at least my) ear. Hearing the different gear sounds for the different types of zoids also adds to the detail they put into the series.
The music is breath-taking and wonderfully dramatic, adding a more fantasy-like feel to the anime with its almost Celtic sound.

The characters are amusing, though at times tend to get on one's nerves. Though don't be so hasty to wish a character would die. (Trust me, the series was quick to grant my wish on a particular set of characters, and I immediately regretted wishing such a thing.)