Mechas are one of the most memorable highlights in anime. From being the only weapon to beat foes to being a best buddy to protagonists, these mechanized wonders bring a sense of thrill in their respective series. As such, let us check out these engineering (and in some cases, magical) wonders that tear down enemies apart!
Related: Other Shonen (Manga & Anime) Topic Random Anime Stuff: Anime-Guns that Blasted their Way Towards Greatness!
VF-1 Valkyrie (Macross)
First in our list is the amazing variable fighter, the VF-1 Valkyrie. Although there are several variants that have risen throughout the years (and as the Macross universe had verged onto merging with other cultures; thus, the many upgrades of the mecha found in the series), nothing sure beats the base model of this exciting mecha.
Considering that this mecha focuses on the basics (the fighter jet, robot form, and gerwalk mode), this mecha does prove that a pilot’s skills will bring out the best in it. Check out some of the ace pilots of this mecha (such as Max!) – no matter the odds, one’s skills can best even the best foes out there!
More About VF-1 Valkyrie (Macross) on Wikipedia.com
Evangelion Units (Neon Genesis Evangelion)
Whether it’ll be the popular Unit 01 or the amazing fighting prowess of the Unit 02 (care of the equally amazing Asuka), the Evangelion Units have proven to be an amazing fighting force no matter what form the Angels show up in.
Perhaps what makes these units a force to be reckoned with is humanity’s ability to adapt to any threat – with the many loadouts available for units (just check out the many weapon modes an Evangelion unit has), these forms of mecha truly represent just how resilient humans are against beings of another nature.
Additionally, and without trying to spoil crucial details further, these units seem to take a life on their own (and if the going gets tough, a berserk Evangelion unit can rip any Angel out there!)!
More About Evangelion Units (Neon Genesis Evangelion) on evangelion.fandom.com
Gunbuster (Gunbuster)
Just the size of the massive Gunbuster mecha shows how amazing humanity can dish out a machine that will best any cosmic foe that it’ll face. With a wide variety of weapons to choose from, the Gunbuster can decimate all sorts of alien fleets out in deep space.
Additionally, the black hole engine that powers this behemoth is an engineering wonder to ponder – and considering that the cosmic-time plot that the series is known for, that particular engine does fit right in the narrative!
More About Gunbuster (Gunbuster) on gunbuster.fandom.com
Cyborgs (Ghost in the Shell)
Who says that you need to ride in a mecha to beat down goons? The cyborgs in Ghost in the Shell, particularly those part of the amazing Section 9, prove that a dose of smart enhancements can be the dealbreaker in a cyberpunk world that the series is known for.
From having tech enhancements to snipe down threats (which, spectacularly enough, links up to a satellite for pinpoint accuracy) to diving into cyberspace to quickly hack down enemies, these cybernetically-enhanced individuals show that the best way to use said enhancements are often seen to be more than brute force itself!
More About Cyborgs (Ghost in the Shell) on ghostintheshell.fandom.com
The Five Star Stories universe showcases that the best mecha are often when a great chemistry between a pilot and his or her chosen partner occurs. This sort of relationship may make or break any battles, considering that mechas from this series are unpredictable by nature. But the LED Mirage begs to differ.
Made to be the final say in sortie, these heavily-armed monstrocities can tear apart even the largest of fleets that nations can muster. And also, you do have to admit – with the screaming callout to one of the iconic rock bands out there, this mecha truly is a monster in the battlefield!
Gundam units are generally known to be some of the best mecha out there. But one such unit, the Wing Zero Gundam, does seem to standout from the pack (even the latest variants can’t beat this iconic mecha!). With a design that can either bring hope or fear (depending on whose side you are in a battle), this Gundam unit’s speedy design is truly a force that can topple any odds stacked against it.
And it isn’t a glass cannon at all – given that its impressive beam gun can tear apart even flagships, this unit can even stand up on its own without its gamebreaking gun. The innovative system integrated within (and if synched with a pilot who can match up against its demands), the Wing Zero Gundam can very well be a one-man (errr, machine) army!
More About Wing Zero Gundam (Gundam Wing) on gundam.fandom.com
The world of Escaflowne shows that Guymelefs (this universe’s version of a mecha unit) are weapons that can both protect or destroy nations. The Escaflowne unit is a standout on its own, mainly because of its adaptability. Able to fight conventionally as a warrior form (with an impressive longsword to use), this unit can also transform into a dragon for long range transportation (and even aerial battles).
What does make this unit impressive is its durability and resiliency. Even against mass-produced Guymelefs with better enhancements, Escaflowne can still withstand heavy damage – and dish out equally terrifying attacks in return!
More About Escaflowne / Guymelefs (Vision of Escaflowne) on escaflowne.fandom.com
As a massive and impressive vehicle meant to travel long distances in outer space, the Ideon is jampacked with several weapons that will definitely decimate all sorts of threats.
The design may prove to be a simple one, but don’t judge a book by its cover. Not only is the Ideon a tough nut to crack, but its massive and gamebreaking features can very well spell doom not only for alien forces, but for the universe itself!
And going with the same train of thought of not judging something with its looks, the Ideon series itself may just be one of the darkest anime series you’ll ever watch – just check it out!
More About Ideon (Space Runaway Ideon) on mecha.fandom.com
Given there are tons of mecha units out there, this list is definitely just the tip of the iceberg. Do you know of other brutal machines that will turn the tides of battle? Or perhaps other mecha units that are really innovative in beating their enemies apart? Let us know!
