Aldnoah.Zero

During a 1972 lunar mission astronauts uncover a hypergate on the moon that links Earth to Mars, opening the door to offworld settlement and alien tech. Decades later those advances fuel a violent conflict when Martian forces return to Earth aboard giant armored machines, turning cities into battlefields. The story follows soldiers, civilians, and a Martian royal across opposing fronts, tracking how tactical ingenuity, personal loyalties, and political choices shape the fighting. Expect tactical mecha engagements, tense standoffs, and moral friction as characters on both sides react to escalating violence without giving away major plot twists or outcomes.

Aldnoah.Zero premiered in 2014, created by Ei Aoki, Gen Urobuchi, and Katsuhiko Takayama. Ei Aoki directed the series, and the Japanese voice cast includes Natsuki Hanae, Kensho Ono, and Sora Amamiya among others.

Critics and viewers praised the show for its striking mecha designs, kinetic battle scenes, and atmospheric soundtrack, while some commentators pointed to uneven pacing and inconsistent character development in later episodes. It holds a 7.7/10 user average from 143 votes, and thematically it focuses on the ethics of warfare, the clash between differing technologies, and how young people cope with leadership and loss.

Within anime fandom Aldnoah.Zero stood out as a modern mecha entry that provoked strong reactions, especially around its early episodes and tactical twists. Its visuals and combat choreography sparked discussion on social platforms and at conventions, keeping the series present in genre conversations well after broadcast.

The series did not secure major industry awards, but it maintained a dedicated fanbase and continued to generate interest through home video releases, streaming viewership, and merchandising. Its mixed critical reception didn't stop Aldnoah.Zero from becoming a reference point for debates about plot risk taking and the direction of contemporary mecha anime.