I can tell you right now that this thing is in the critical gutter (by MAL standards) for two big reasons: no Chirico and no scopedogs. Is it fair? Maybe not, but it's understandable. What's here is adequate, serviceable, and watchable. It's a very modest standalone OVA with almost no ties to the series it's named after. The plot concerns scavengers and greedy politicians, elements that aren't out of place from the show, but the whole affair isn't suspenseful or thrilling either. The hero Aki Tesuno is the brash, starry-eyed youth one can expect from shōnen anime, and most of the characters follow archetypes thatdon't step outside their typical boundaries.

The primary saving grace of Votoms Finder is the visuals, which amaze with fluidity and stylish grace. The Altros are a fine design, and the CG meshes well with the 2D animation. It certainly doesn't look like something that was released 14 years ago, and kept me engaged through most of it.

So that's Votoms Finder. A 39 minute OVA with top shelf visuals and no staying power. Is that such a terrible thing? I'd argue not, but it'll be different for everybody.