A good friend recommended this newly launched anime title to me. It’s called Basquash and I have to say it’s really entertaining and fun to watch! Initially I was not impressed with the concept of the anime – which is basically mecha robots playing basketball. However, the plot is far more richer than it seems and the animation, soundtrack, and character development is very promising. I had a much more enjoyable time watching Basquash than Valkyria Chronicles. Synopsis and review of the first episode of Basquash after the break.

Basquash Anime Review and Synopsis
Basquash revolves around the story of Dan, a young man who is living with his sister Coco. Coco was apparently crippled in some freak accident with gigantic robots called Big Foots. In an act of revenge and also his way of supporting his sister, Dan takes on the identity of Dunk Mask and goes around the city smashing televisions when Big Foot Basketball (BFB) is being shown with his basketball. BFB is basically the new form of entertainment and it’s a bit boring because Big Foots don’t have the same speed and excitement that real basketball players have.

In the first episode, Dunk Mask goes around the city as usual, blowing up televisions and letting his team mates collect the scrap parts which they can sell later on for good cash. Dan goes back to his house and gives his sister, Coco, a present but she turns it down. Whatever caused the accident has really taken it’s toll on Coco. She’s cold, harsh, and definitely anti-social. Dan goes off and decides to play street basketball by himself to let off some steam.

While playing, Dan encounters a girl who introduces him to piloting Big Foots. The girl definitely has the hots for Dan and the scene in her room and her teaching Dan how to pilot was pure fan service! It was hilarious and sexy at the same time. The girl turns out to be Dan’s childhood love interest who left the city – Miyuki. She gives Dan a couple of tickets to the first ever local BFB show in their town so Dan can watch for himself and maybe make a difference.

Dan and his friends watch the show and everyone in the stadium is bored to death. Miyuki grabs Dan from the stadium and gives him a stronger and upgraded version of the Big Foot he earlier piloted. Dan dons the Dunk Mask identity once again, rides the Big Foot, and enters the stadium. Here he proceeds to literally trash everyone in basketball. His agility, power, and skill is seen as he dances around his opponents and even the Big Foot police until he makes it to the end of the court. He jumps up to do one gigantic dunk but he’s blocked by another Big Foot. Dan crashes to the ground and the police take him into custody.

Soundtrack, Animation, etc.
The quality of the animation of Basquash is really superb. I love how they combine CG with the normal hand drawn animation to make the scenes seamless, sharp, and vibrant. The soundtrack is also fantastic and each time the que the music it really hypes up whatever emotions that the scenes are supposed to elicit.

In terms of plot, I’m sure this will develop more in the future as more characters are introduced.

Here’s a trailer I found for those who are interested to watch Basquash.

Over-all I’m really happy with this particular series. Will definitely follow Basquash. :no1: