Aldnoah.Zero - generic discussion thread

[bakato]

It's obvious the Martians planned this. To be precise, it was the Martians who were left stranded after Heaven's Fall. It's clear that the Martians are the assholes here. That should have been apparent when you saw the little maid talk about how they were the superior race.

[Irenesharda]

Originally Posted by MeggieMay

Well they could go with the angle that the attack was done by humans, backed covertly by the Vers/Knights (personally I'm confused by the Vers verse the Knights issue at this point and I think it's going to take a few more episodes to clear that up).

As for the MC Terran and his emotionless attitude, I kept thinking he was coming off like he had Asperger syndrome. Not sure if that's what they were wanting to go for, though. When the episode started I thought he was just one of those kids who was going through a phase of trying to act emotionless for whatever reason. It didn't really start coming off as wacko until the attack. That said, humans can have weird reactions to extreme unexpected events and someone shooting rockets out of the blue at a visiting dignitary does fall under that category. It could be the show was trying to express that with the scene (remember, he saw what was going on in a reflection - maybe it didn't quite "click" on what was going on fast as it should have) but I'd have to say that is the one part of the show that didn't quite work for me. Hopefully this will clear up in the next few episodes

Yeah, I think we'll get to the bottom of why he's so analytical and emotionless as the show goes on. His friends and family seem used to it, if a little exasperated, so we'll see.

As for the Vers nobility being responsible. I don't think it was all members, but even if they backed Terran terrorists, it still would be their fault. Also, from what I got from expressions and exposition, it was the Vers Empire that declared war in the first place, and they the humans on Earth seem to just want to feel out this new extension of goodwill. They didn't show anyone being angry and yelling at the princesses motorcade or any sort of unrest in the crown. Most of them were just curious. Its the Vers who seem to be a little more bloodthirsty here, and they were just waiting 15 years for an excuse to attack.

Originally Posted by ChampDream

this seem good so far, now the question is:
Is the princess really dead?

I am 98% sure the princess is alive. In mecha, you not only have to see the body, but you have to see the face on that body, and sometimes even do DNA test just to make sure. They made a point to say that you couldn't see the princess through the windows of the car and she never came out and waved. Even when she got out the car at the end, they made sure that you never saw her face. The princess is alive, I'm pretty sure of it.

Originally Posted by bakato

It's obvious the Martians planned this. To be precise, it was the Martians who were left stranded after Heaven's Fall.

Which is kind of weird, since they made a point to say that they aren't actually stranded and that travel between Mars and the Earth is capable even after the space bridge was destroyed. In fact, the count said it took them 3 months to get to Earth, which says they didn't come from the Belt but from Mars itself.

I think what happened is that some of the Vers decided to stay living among the Satellite Belt, despite the fact that transport between Earth and Mars was reestablished and they were no longer stranded there.

[HighGuard]

Originally Posted by Irenesharda

I don't know, that's not what I got when the maid was explaining their history, and then putting that together with the exposition that was mentioned through the episode.

From the way they said it, the Vers are a completely different group that came in after Earth colonized Mars and then claimed that all the tech on the moon, including the Aldnoah was theirs. The maid said that the Vers has a common origin with Earth, but they had long ago become a completely different species. If this is an alternate history, where everything stays the same up until the Apollo 17 mission (1972). That's definitely not long enough to create a whole other species different from humans.

But maybe that's just a subs issue. If so, they really need to explain more as the series continues.

The princess said they all descended from the original humans settlers on mars. It was also said that the original inhabitants of mars were 30,00 years long gone. I think it's just that they believe them selves to be another superior species.

[LostSome]

So far everything is pointing at the Martians since it seems they really wanted to invade Earth and the princess was in the way.
On the other side, we haven`t seen any Earthlings who want war and the army knew they were no match against the invaders.

Still thinking the MC is a Vers/Martian left on Earth 15 years ago.

[bakato]

Originally Posted by Irenesharda

Yeah, I think we'll get to the bottom of why he's so analytical and emotionless as the show goes on. His friends and family seem used to it, if a little exasperated, so we'll see.

As for the Vers nobility being responsible. I don't think it was all members, but even if they backed Terran terrorists, it still would be their fault. Also, from what I got from expressions and exposition, it was the Vers Empire that declared war in the first place, and they the humans on Earth seem to just want to feel out this new extension of goodwill. They didn't show anyone being angry and yelling at the princesses motorcade or any sort of unrest in the crown. Most of them were just curious. Its the Vers who seem to be a little more bloodthirsty here, and they were just waiting 15 years for an excuse to attack.



I am 98% sure the princess is alive. In mecha, you not only have to see the body, but you have to see the face on that body, and sometimes even do DNA test just to make sure. They made a point to say that you couldn't see the princess through the windows of the car and she never came out and waved. Even when she got out the car at the end, they made sure that you never saw her face. The princess is alive, I'm pretty sure of it.



Which is kind of weird, since they made a point to say that they aren't actually stranded and that travel between Mars and the Earth is capable even after the space bridge was destroyed. In fact, the count said it took them 3 months to get to Earth, which says they didn't come from the Belt but from Mars itself.

I think what happened is that some of the Vers decided to stay living among the Satellite Belt, despite the fact that transport between Earth and Mars was reestablished and they were no longer stranded there.

I know that, but these Martians probably decided to stay behind to get dibs on the spoils of war when the invasion got going.

[wavehawk]

(comments about Princess dying and starting the war---and I haven't even seen ep 1 yet)

...Dammit, I called it. It IS an Urobutcher series.

BTW mods, what happened to all the other posts put into the pre-air thread? I can't find mine in this thread (the one where I predicted the above happening)

[BPD Renegade]

^Upcoming series subforum.


It's unlikely to happen, since the princess is a female lead in a mecha show and thus needs to sprout speeches about peace and love, but it would be interesting if she were secretly in cahoots with the Vers Knights and their 'assassination' plan. That might explain why she wasn't in the parade.

All signs point to her being a Lacus Clyne though. -_-

[bakato]

I think the princess will play a role similar to the one in Majestic Prince. She'll probably provide technical support so the Terrans don't go extinct.

[Rennir]

Great first episode. I really like the premise and the plot sounds like it has promise. Nice production quality/animation. Here's to hoping that this isn't your generic mecha anime of the season

[bakato]

Oh, wait. Someone who looked like the princess definitely crawled out at 17:46 and someone was definitely blown up at 18:04.

[LightningZERO]

Watched the first episode subbed and I am now much more impressed. The background built up is certainly very interesting and now we are heading to the very beginning of the war. The show made it quite obvious that some faction of the Vars empire is behind the assassination, to spark war and probably to get rid of the princess in their bid to take over the empire. So far Earth Federation is still portrayed in good, albeit lazy and does not take the Vars seriously. I won't be surprised if it is later revealed that the upper people are in cahoot with Vars though.

The 2 main character is the flip of the usual character archetype, the cool one for the 1st main while the more emotional one for the 2nd. A very refreshing change. Inaho's reaction to the missiles are priceless . Looking forward to see him piloting the Earth Cataphract. It seems he's the only one capable enough among his peers.

Obviously the princess isn't dead, I guess she was in the escort car instead of the target?

Lastly, the awesome BGM and the final scene. Very beautiful!

Great show. Definitely worth the wait!

[Irenesharda]

Originally Posted by bakato

I know that, but these Martians probably decided to stay behind to get dibs on the spoils of war when the invasion got going.

That's possible, but I doubt those in high positions considering how elitist they are, would want to be so far away from the seat of power which would be on Mars (Vers, according to the Imperials). But then again, didn't they say that it was only 19 or so knights that descended of the 37 or so? Perhaps the other half of them are the more important ones that live on the planet proper?

Originally Posted by bakato

I think the princess will play a role similar to the one in Majestic Prince. She'll probably provide technical support so the Terrans don't go extinct.

I think she's going to interact with humanity, but don't think she'll play the exact roll that the one in MJP did. This one seems to love her people and her world, and her people aren't really trying to kill humanity because. They really seem more the subjugating kind (though they don't care about any kind of collateral damage. though I can see her use whatever her power is over Aldnoah, to give humanity a hand up since her people basically betrayed her.

[andyjay729]

Originally Posted by Irenesharda

If this is an alternate history, where everything stays the same up until the Apollo 17 mission (1972). That's definitely not long enough to create a whole other species different from humans.

But maybe that's just a subs issue. If so, they really need to explain more as the series continues.

Maybe they didn't intend to indicate an actual new species, but a new, improved society that would revolutionize humanity, like the Soviets said they would create. Or yes, those universal strawmen the Nazis, since the Martians seem a bit xenophobic toward Earthlings.

[Irenesharda]

Originally Posted by LightningZERO

Obviously the princess isn't dead, I guess she was in the escort car instead of the target?

She probably wasn't in the motorcade at all since the terrorists didn't take any chances and blew up all the escort cars too.

Originally Posted by andyjay729

Maybe they didn't intend to indicate an actual new species, but a new, improved society that would revolutionize humanity, like the Soviets said they would create. Or yes, those universal strawmen the Nazis, since the Martians seem a bit xenophobic toward Earthlings.

I'm not too sure what's going on anymore, but as episodes go on, I'm sure they'll explain just exactly what the Vers Empire is.

[bakato]

Originally Posted by Irenesharda

That's possible, but I doubt those in high positions considering how elitist they are, would want to be so far away from the seat of power which would be on Mars (Vers, according to the Imperials). But then again, didn't they say that it was only 19 or so knights that descended of the 37 or so? Perhaps the other half of them are the more important ones that live on the planet proper?

I think she's going to interact with humanity, but don't think she'll play the exact roll that the one in MJP did. This one seems to love her people and her world, and her people aren't really trying to kill humanity because. They really seem more the subjugating kind (though they don't care about any kind of collateral damage. though I can see her use whatever her power is over Aldnoah, to give humanity a hand up since her people basically betrayed her.

Nah. It looks more to me that these stayed to observe earth kinda like border patrol and they probably still had communication with their home planet.

Those 37 referred to Landing Castles in earth's orbit, which look like invading fortresses.

Kill, enslave, it's all the same.

[Master_Yoma]

Nooo not New Orleans where else will people get drunk before lent

They Bebop the moon

[LightningZERO]

For those interested, a timeline for the world of Aldnoah Zero. I translated it from notes from a chinese board. According to the poster, it's from official booklet. The notes were posted months ago so I think it's pretty accurate if compared to what information we got today. Warning, reading this might spoil your enjoyment if you intend to learn about the show's world histories though the episodes.

Spoiler for Timeline:

1969
Apollo 11 landed on the Moon

1972
Apollo 17 found remains of ancient Mars technology on the moon surface. A teleportation device was unearthed in the ruins, which made travel between Earth and Mars possible. It was named "Hyper Gate"

1975
United Nations proposed the Mars development project and signed by the member nations. The resources on Mars would not for military purposes. The signing of the treaty was what actually ended the cold war. For the first exploration, Professor Ray Regalia was the lead.

1980
Mars development centre was set up and mankind started to move to Earth. First settlement involved 340,000 people.

1982
Ray Regalia suddenly turned again Earth and yearned Mars to armed itself. United Nations tried to contain the conflict by force but the situation escalated.

1983
Ray Regalia was arrested under the crime of disturbing peace but the retention centre was attacked and the professor freed. The conflict escalated further.

1985
Ray Regalia formed VERS Empire. As it was a single side declaration, the Mars was in the state of closed country.

1986
As precaution to VERS Empire, nations on Earth formed the Earth Federation and the cold war between them and Mars began.

1991
It was revealed that Earth Federation's military actually took bribes from civilian manufacturing companies. The scandals dealt a blow to the Earth Federation's position.

1996
Atlanta, São Paulo and Bombay were bombed in large scale terrorist attacks. 3267 deaths. Mars organization took credit for the attacks. Anti Mars rose among earthlings.

1997
Ray Regalia retired due to illness. His son Gillsaia ascended to the throne.

1999
VERS Empire declared war on Earth and used their military robot Cataphract to attack Earth Federation's bases on Moon. In the fierce battle, the Hyper Gate lost control and the Moon was heavily damaged. The disaster was named "Heaven's Fall". Debris from the moon formed the satellite belt. Gillsaia, who was fighting on front line was KIA. The two force decided to cease fire. Ray Regalia returned to the throne and Gillsaia's first daughter, Princess Asseylum was born.

2000
Earth Federation and VERS signed the peace treaty. The military forces were called back and a neutral zone was set up.

2002
VERS mass produced their space ships and a route between Mars and Moon was set up. Most of the Mars Knights resisted the call back orders and stayed within the moon area. The peace treaty was actually ignored on Mars' sides.

2003
Due to Heaven's Falls, the political situations on Earth were unstable and there were multiple large scale riots. To suppress the riots, Earth Federation used the Earth made Cataphracts, which were developed after the war, for the very first time.

2007
After Earth Federation ended the riots, the situation stabilized.

2010
In the 10th anniversary of the war end, nations held celebrations and peace meetings. Two side were walking towards peace.

2014
Earth Federation continues to promote good relationships with VERS and the peace talks are still ongoing.

[BPD Renegade]

^Thanks. If it's correct, it clarifies the Vers-Mars situation a lot.

Originally Posted by bakato

Oh, wait. Someone who looked like the princess definitely crawled out at 17:46 and someone was definitely blown up at 18:04.

Until there is a fully identified body in a coffin being put in the ground or what have you, she is not dead. Or were you being sarcastic?

Originally Posted by Irenesharda

That's possible, but I doubt those in high positions considering how elitist they are, would want to be so far away from the seat of power which would be on Mars (Vers, according to the Imperials). But then again, didn't they say that it was only 19 or so knights that descended of the 37 or so? Perhaps the other half of them are the more important ones that live on the planet proper?



I think she's going to interact with humanity, but don't think she'll play the exact roll that the one in MJP did. This one seems to love her people and her world, and her people aren't really trying to kill humanity because. They really seem more the subjugating kind (though they don't care about any kind of collateral damage. though I can see her use whatever her power is over Aldnoah, to give humanity a hand up since her people basically betrayed her.

It seemed to me like they were specifically after Earth rather than subjugation. There seemed to be a lot of emphasis on our blue planet, so when Vers is revealed, it might turn out to be a lump of asteroid or maybe some sort of planet covered in technology. Edit: Negated by Lightning's timeline.

[Irenesharda]

Here's a look at the map from the episode and what the destruction of the moon (Heaven's Fall) did to the geography of the world. I'm sorry east and west coast of the America, it looks like America lost huge chunks of it's continental land. Half of Australia is gone. And poor South America...

Images

Sorry; dynamic content not loaded. Reload?

Originally Posted by LightningZERO

For those interested, a timeline for the world of Aldnoah Zero. I translated it from notes from a chinese board. According to the poster, it's from official booklet. The notes were posted months ago so I think it's pretty accurate if compared to what information we got today. Warning, reading this might spoil your enjoyment if you intend to learn about the show's world histories though the episodes.

Spoiler for Timeline:

1969
Apollo 11 landed on the Moon

1972
Apollo 17 found remains of ancient Mars technology on the moon surface. A teleportation device was unearthed in the ruins, which made travel between Earth and Mars possible. It was named "Hyper Gate"

1975
United Nations proposed the Mars development project and signed by the member nations. The resources on Mars would not for military purposes. The signing of the treaty was what actually ended the cold war. For the first exploration, Professor Ray Regalia was the lead.

1980
Mars development centre was set up and mankind started to move to Earth. First settlement involved 340,000 people.

1982
Ray Regalia suddenly turned again Earth and yearned Mars to armed itself. United Nations tried to contain the conflict by force but the situation escalated.

1983
Ray Regalia was arrested under the crime of disturbing peace but the retention centre was attacked and the professor freed. The conflict escalated further.

1985
Ray Regalia formed VERS Empire. As it was a single side declaration, the Mars was in the state of closed country.

1986
As precaution to VERS Empire, nations on Earth formed the Earth Federation and the cold war between them and Mars began.

1991
It was revealed that Earth Federation's military actually took bribes from civilian manufacturing companies. The scandals dealt a blow to the Earth Federation's position.

1996
Atlanta, São Paulo and Bombay were bombed in large scale terrorist attacks. 3267 deaths. Mars organization took credit for the attacks. Anti Mars rose among earthlings.

1997
Ray Regalia retired due to illness. His son Gillsaia ascended to the throne.

1999
VERS Empire declared war on Earth and used their military robot Cataphract to attack Earth Federation's bases on Moon. In the fierce battle, the Hyper Gate lost control and the Moon was heavily damaged. The disaster was named "Heaven's Fall". Debris from the moon formed the satellite belt. Gillsaia, who was fighting on front line was KIA. The two force decided to cease fire. Ray Regalia returned to the throne and Gillsaia's first daughter, Princess Asseylum was born.

2000
Earth Federation and VERS signed the peace treaty. The military forces were called back and a neutral zone was set up.

2002
VERS mass produced their space ships and a route between Mars and Moon was set up. Most of the Mars Knights resisted the call back orders and stayed within the moon area. The peace treaty was actually ignored on Mars' sides.

2003
Due to Heaven's Falls, the political situations on Earth were unstable and there were multiple large scale riots. To suppress the riots, Earth Federation used the Earth made Cataphracts, which were developed after the war, for the very first time.

2007
After Earth Federation ended the riots, the situation stabilized.

2010
In the 10th anniversary of the war end, nations held celebrations and peace meetings. Two side were walking towards peace.

2014
Earth Federation continues to promote good relationships with VERS and the peace talks are still ongoing.

Thanks, that's really helpful. I think I understand a lot better now. The Vers Empire seem to be almost completely antagonists from pretty much all fronts.

[BPD Renegade]

Originally Posted by Irenesharda

Here's a look at the map from the episode and what the destruction of the moon (Heaven's Fall) did to the geography of the world. I'm sorry east and west coast of the America, it looks like America lost huge chunks of it's continental land. Half of Australia is gone. And poor South America...

Images

Sorry; dynamic content not loaded. Reload?

Merp! Looks like a smidgen of Southern California and Florida managed to make it through, but there went the majority of the population in the US. Looks like Heaven's Fall was heaviest on our part of the hemisphere.

Thanks for the map.