Ride Back

Based in a future world ride back is a unique kind of mecha where the robots are actually motorcycles. Our heroine, Rin Ogata was well on her way to becoming a top ballerina however after sustaining an injury and losing her mother she decides to quit when upon entering College. However she soon finds a new passion for said motorcycle/mechas (called Ridebacks) and her excellent balance and reflexes makes it easy for her to  ride with much skill. This all rather sweet, Rin finding a new dream to pursue almost a 'finding yourself' tale but her skills do get her into trouble with the new government  When Rin's best friend (Shoko) get's taken hostage in a terroist attack Rin knows she has to save her. But breaking through the government's barrier causes all sorts of knock on effects.
This is fine as well, a bit of government and politics making you question society and all that. I think it's even handled with enough maturity to be entertaining but still quite intellectual. But I'll tell you what's not okay in this very layered plot: Rin and her special rideback. The rideback that chooses it's rider and all that silly business that makes me dislike this genre. Machines should stay as machines, they shouldn't be given free-will or personalities it just takes the story to a whole new level of unbelievable.

Ride backs are pretty unbelievable in the first place! They're a lot like transformers (robots in disguise) but they're most commonly used in the form of a motorcycle with arms. What does a motorcycle need arms for anyway? It not like these mecchas even use weaponry! But however impractical they may be, they do look pretty bad ass! Especially with the 3D style animation that they use! Shame the actual art isn't like that. For a 2009 anime the art looks pretty out-dated in my opinion. Despite the stylish vehicle scenes, the people are drawn with a lack of overall quality.
When talking about main characters I would definitely compare Rin Ogata to Neon Genisis Evangelion's Kenji. Although she is extremely skilled on her rideback she is still just a normal girl, she gets scared and worried just like any one would when put into her situations. In fact, by episode 7 she's an emotional wreck! I find this to be a really exciting quality in a main character and it makes her so easy to relate to! In fact  this anime should be applauded for it's genuine and convincing characters.
Quite the modern twist on a meccha and full of society-questioning scenes; this anime is possibly changing my opinion on the genre! If it stays dark and imposing for the second half of the series I will definitely be impressed! Also, it's a very layered story: there are a lot more characters whole all have their own stories. But rather than being side stories each character has their own input into the big scheme of things. Over all, very exciting I would say!

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