Space Runaway Ideon appears like a standard mecha show, yet underneath it's surface, it shows a bleak perspective on the fate of mankind. In pursuit of power, justice, and survival, the main cast of characters see many conflicts and losses in the span of 39 episodes. Now, how well does the 50+ years old anime hold up today? Story: 8 Tomino managed to balance the philosophical ideas he presented with enough action and character focused scenes to help create a somewhat realistic vibe to a show about a very fictional, godlike robot. As a result, the show feels applicable in its views on societydespite its age.

Some parts of the show did feel redundant and the first 15-20 episodes do get quite repetitive in their 'battle of the week' feel.

Visuals: 4
The visuals are quite dated and are very clearly from the early 80s. Many shots and scenes are reused (similar to Mobile Suit Gundam), and at times the mechs and ships are animated poorly during battles scenes.

However, not all of the visuals are bad, and I found that a lot of the designs of the characters and objects were well done.

Characters: 6
Most of the characters start off as incredibly unlikeable, with many flaws in each and every one of them. By the end though, several characters do develop, but it did feel undeserved at times.

Also, some characters reflect the beliefs and norms of society in 1980, including the questionable ones.

Entertainment: 10
Ideon entertained me, even with the first act of the show. Seeing the Solo Ship be on the run with nonstop attacks was intriguing and left me wanting to stay all the way till the conclusion to see their fate as well as an answer behind the Ideon.

Aftertaste: 5
The ending left a lot to be desired, due to the show's production being cut. It clearly wasn't intended to end the way it did. Thankfully, the second movie does provide for the abrupt end of the show.

Sound: +1 (Bonus)
The music is immaculate in Ideon. The OP and ED are great, but the show's background music was especially amazing.

Overall: 6.8/10
Ideon is an aged, yet still entertaining anime about how destructive mankind can be to itself and others. It's worth a watch if you don't mind its age.