Macross
Encyclopedia
is a series of science fiction
mecha
anime
, directed by Shōji Kawamori
of Studio Nue
in 1982. The franchise features a fictional history of Earth/Humanity after the year 1999. It consists of three TV series, four movies, six OVAs
, one light novel and five manga
series, all sponsored by Big West Advertising
.
Within the series, the term Macross is used to denote the main capital ship
. This theme began in the original Macross, the SDF-1 Macross
.
Overtechnology refers to the scientific advances discovered in an alien starship (Alien Star Ship - One later renamed Super Dimension Fortress - One Macross) that crashed on South Ataria island. With this technology, Earth was able to reverse engineer the technology to create mecha
s (variable fighter
s and destroids), a faster-than-light space fold drive for starships and other advanced technologies, featured throughout the series.
The series title comes from the name of the main human spacecraft (which is usually shortened from Super Dimension Fortress to SDF-1 Macross as it is the first). The original name for the Macross project was Battle City Megarodo (or Battle City Megaroad, as the Japanese transliteration to either "L" or "R" gives the title a double meaning in reference to the story line: Megaload, referring to the spacecraft containing an entire city of people; and Megaroad, referring to the long journey through space back to Earth); however, one of the sponsors of the project, Big West Advertising
, was a fan of Shakespeare and wanted the series and the spacecraft to be named . A compromise was made with the title due to its similar pronunciation to Macbeth in Japanese and because it still contained connotations to the original title. The word Macross comes from a wordplay combination of the prefix "macro" in reference to its massive size in comparison to human vehicles (though when compared with the alien ships in the series, it is a relatively small gun destroyer) and the distance they must cross.
is a fictional military arm of the . It was established by the successor to the modern United Nations
in order to defend Earth from a possible attack by hostile aliens
, and was involved in Space War I against an extraterrestrial race called the Zentradi
. Later operations of the U.N. Spacy expanded into interstellar colonization and general peacekeeping of off-world Earth settlements.
The term "Spacy" is an extrapolation of the terms Army and Navy - though some Japanese sources also use the term Space Army and some English-language sources use the term Space Navy, suggesting that the term is a contraction.
is one of a series of transformable aerospace fighters
, primarily designed by Studio Nue's
Shoji Kawamori
and Kazutaka Miyatake
. They are generally able to transform into jet/space fighters, a humanoid robot and a hybrid of the two modes, better known as Gerwalk. The original VF-1 Valkyrie
was actually named "Valkyrie", but the craft have generically been referred to as such in the series since then.
travel in the Macross franchise is achieved via space-folding. This capability was introduced when the SDF-1 crash-landed on Earth. It has since been officially described as a type of space warp (or what is called super-light-velocity spatial displacement) navigation, allowing ultra-long distance travel nearly instantaneously. Simply put, a space-fold transports a spacecraft in a very short amount of time, by first swapping the location of the spacecraft with super dimension space or subspace, and then swapping the Super Dimension space with the space at the destination.
According to U.N. Spacy First Lieutenant Hayase Misa during Space War I (2009–2010), an hour passes in super dimension space as approximately ten days passes in normal space. The latest Macross TV series Macross Frontier
further expands on that concept by introducing fold faults or dislocations which further slow down fold travel and interfere with fold communications. Also explained in Macross Frontier are the limitations of space folding, such as the geometric increase in energy requirement with the mass of the object to be folded. This prevents very large objects from being folded across vast distances because of the enormous energy requirements.
The act of entering Super Dimension space is called "fold in". When arriving at the destination, the act of leaving Super Dimension space is called a "defold" or a "fold out".
, the coming of age
, and nostalgia
.
The New Age
following the end of Space War I is part of the ongoing fictional time-line of the Macross franchise. The most recent series, Macross Frontier
, is set 50 years after the start of the war with the Zentradi and depicts one of the colonization missions to the center of the galaxy.
Along with Gundam
, a real robot
mecha
series of which Shoji Kawamori
is a fan, Macross explored how individuals deal with warfare. Whereas Gundam is far more political and is direct on the horrors of war, each Macross television series is unique for never depicting the antagonists as inherently evil and proved in the end that love, culture and music can be used to defeat them.
A feature film, subtitled Do You Remember Love?
(愛・おぼえていますか Ai Oboete Imasu ka), was released in 1984, with a condensed version of the storyline and cutting-edge animation. This movie was later described as a "historical drama" movie within the Macross universe (similar to World War II films in the real world). In Macross Plus and Macross 7, it is revealed that there was a movie produced after Space War I (the original Earth-Zentradi conflict). Kawamori described the relation between the two depictions of Space War I: "The real Macross is out there, somewhere. If I tell the story in the length of a TV series, it looks one way, and if I tell it as a movie-length story, it's organized another way." (An edited, English-dubbed version of the feature was also released to video as Clash of the Bionoids.)
Macross II, the only animated project without Studio Nue's direct involvement, was declared a parallel-world story by Studio Nue.
In March 2007, Studio Victor placed a casting call for a voice actress to play the heroine, Ranka Lee, in a then untitled new Macross series. 18 year old Nakajima Megumi was selected in the nationwide singing and acting audition for the role of Ranka Lee in Japan. The project was given the tentative title of Macross 25. Later, as part of the 25th anniversary concert, a trailer was shown that revealed the new tentative title of Macross F (Frontier)
. During the concert, Kawamori Shoji mentioned that the timeframe of Macross Frontier was about 2070 A.D. Kawamori also announced that Yoko Kanno
would be the music co-composer of the new Macross series. According to Newtype Magazine, this new series were supposed to take place in a school. The pilot episode aired on December 23, 2007. The new series were finally set in the year 2059 A.D. and took place in a new Macross Colony Fleet called "Macross Frontier". The new show was produced by Satelight
and its episodes began their regular broadcast on April 4, 2008, in MBS
channel of Japan. The final episode aired on September 25, 2008, what brought the series to a total of 25 episodes. A Macross Frontier Movie Edition was announced just after the ending of the new TV animated series.
Science fiction
Science fiction is a genre of fiction dealing with imaginary but more or less plausible content such as future settings, futuristic science and technology, space travel, aliens, and paranormal abilities...
mecha
Mecha
A mech , is a science fiction term for a large walking bipedal tank or robot, including ones on treads and animal shapes.-Characteristics:...
anime
Anime
is the Japanese abbreviated pronunciation of "animation". The definition sometimes changes depending on the context. In English-speaking countries, the term most commonly refers to Japanese animated cartoons....
, directed by Shōji Kawamori
Shoji Kawamori
is a Japanese anime creator, screenwriter and mechanical designer, having created or co-created such notable series as The Super Dimension Fortress Macross, The Vision of Escaflowne, Earth Maiden Arjuna, Genesis of Aquarion, Macross 7, and Macross Frontier. He is currently executive director at the...
of Studio Nue
Studio Nue
Studio Nue is a Japanese design studio formed in 1972 by Naoyuki Kato, Kenichi Matsuzaki, Kazutaka Miyatake, and Haruka Takachiho...
in 1982. The franchise features a fictional history of Earth/Humanity after the year 1999. It consists of three TV series, four movies, six OVAs
Original video animation
, abbreviated as media , are animated films and series made specially for release in home-video formats. The term originated in relation to Japanese animation...
, one light novel and five manga
Manga
Manga is the Japanese word for "comics" and consists of comics and print cartoons . In the West, the term "manga" has been appropriated to refer specifically to comics created in Japan, or by Japanese authors, in the Japanese language and conforming to the style developed in Japan in the late 19th...
series, all sponsored by Big West Advertising
Big West Advertising
Big West Advertising Co., Ltd. is a Japanese advertising agency. They are known as one of the sponsors of the Macross franchise in Japan....
.
Within the series, the term Macross is used to denote the main capital ship
Capital ship
The capital ships of a navy are its most important warships; they generally possess the heaviest firepower and armor and are traditionally much larger than other naval vessels...
. This theme began in the original Macross, the SDF-1 Macross
SDF-1 Macross
The SDF-1 Macross is a fictional interstellar transforming spacecraft from The Super Dimension Fortress Macross, an anime science fiction series that aired in Japan in 1982–1983, and its American adaptation Robotech...
.
Overtechnology refers to the scientific advances discovered in an alien starship (Alien Star Ship - One later renamed Super Dimension Fortress - One Macross) that crashed on South Ataria island. With this technology, Earth was able to reverse engineer the technology to create mecha
Mecha
A mech , is a science fiction term for a large walking bipedal tank or robot, including ones on treads and animal shapes.-Characteristics:...
s (variable fighter
Variable fighter
A Variable Fighter is a series of fictional transforming aerospace fighter mecha primarily designed by Studio Nue's Shoji Kawamori for the animated series The Super Dimension Fortress Macross and later related projects...
s and destroids), a faster-than-light space fold drive for starships and other advanced technologies, featured throughout the series.
Title
Big West Advertising
Big West Advertising Co., Ltd. is a Japanese advertising agency. They are known as one of the sponsors of the Macross franchise in Japan....
, was a fan of Shakespeare and wanted the series and the spacecraft to be named . A compromise was made with the title due to its similar pronunciation to Macbeth in Japanese and because it still contained connotations to the original title. The word Macross comes from a wordplay combination of the prefix "macro" in reference to its massive size in comparison to human vehicles (though when compared with the alien ships in the series, it is a relatively small gun destroyer) and the distance they must cross.
Themes
The following are themes commonly seen and established among the various series in the Macross franchise.U.N. Spacy
The U.N. SpacyU.N. Spacy
The U.N. Spacy is the fictional military arm of the Earth U.N. Government from the Japanese anime series Macross.-Fictional Organization Background:...
is a fictional military arm of the . It was established by the successor to the modern United Nations
United Nations
The United Nations is an international organization whose stated aims are facilitating cooperation in international law, international security, economic development, social progress, human rights, and achievement of world peace...
in order to defend Earth from a possible attack by hostile aliens
Extraterrestrial life
Extraterrestrial life is defined as life that does not originate from Earth...
, and was involved in Space War I against an extraterrestrial race called the Zentradi
Zentradi
The are a fictional, militastic race of alien, humanoid giants and often the main antagonist in The Super Dimension Fortress Macross anime series and its Robotech adaptation....
. Later operations of the U.N. Spacy expanded into interstellar colonization and general peacekeeping of off-world Earth settlements.
The term "Spacy" is an extrapolation of the terms Army and Navy - though some Japanese sources also use the term Space Army and some English-language sources use the term Space Navy, suggesting that the term is a contraction.
Variable fighters
A variable fighterVariable fighter
A Variable Fighter is a series of fictional transforming aerospace fighter mecha primarily designed by Studio Nue's Shoji Kawamori for the animated series The Super Dimension Fortress Macross and later related projects...
is one of a series of transformable aerospace fighters
Fighter aircraft
A fighter aircraft is a military aircraft designed primarily for air-to-air combat with other aircraft, as opposed to a bomber, which is designed primarily to attack ground targets...
, primarily designed by Studio Nue's
Studio Nue
Studio Nue is a Japanese design studio formed in 1972 by Naoyuki Kato, Kenichi Matsuzaki, Kazutaka Miyatake, and Haruka Takachiho...
Shoji Kawamori
Shoji Kawamori
is a Japanese anime creator, screenwriter and mechanical designer, having created or co-created such notable series as The Super Dimension Fortress Macross, The Vision of Escaflowne, Earth Maiden Arjuna, Genesis of Aquarion, Macross 7, and Macross Frontier. He is currently executive director at the...
and Kazutaka Miyatake
Kazutaka Miyatake
is an anime designer known for the mechanical design of the Macross TV series and a number of its continuations from Studio Nue, of which he is a founding member. He has also contributed to the mecha design of other series such as Mobile Suit Gundam SEED Destiny.-Mechanical Design:Kazutaka Miyatake...
. They are generally able to transform into jet/space fighters, a humanoid robot and a hybrid of the two modes, better known as Gerwalk. The original VF-1 Valkyrie
VF-1 Valkyrie
This article is about a fictional vehicle; for the fighter squadron see VF-1.In the fictional Macross Japanese anime series and its English adaptation Robotech, the first mass-produced variable fighter or veritech fighter is called the VF-1 Valkyrie.-Background:The VF-1 was created by the...
was actually named "Valkyrie", but the craft have generically been referred to as such in the series since then.
Music
Music plays an integral part in almost every Macross title, having significances in the way a series' antagonists behave towards it. Music idols also play a central role to various Macross stories. Often, the protagonist will be forced into a love triangle with a series' music idol; the most notable of them all is Lynn Minmay.Space Fold
Faster-than-lightFaster-than-light
Faster-than-light communications and travel refer to the propagation of information or matter faster than the speed of light....
travel in the Macross franchise is achieved via space-folding. This capability was introduced when the SDF-1 crash-landed on Earth. It has since been officially described as a type of space warp (or what is called super-light-velocity spatial displacement) navigation, allowing ultra-long distance travel nearly instantaneously. Simply put, a space-fold transports a spacecraft in a very short amount of time, by first swapping the location of the spacecraft with super dimension space or subspace, and then swapping the Super Dimension space with the space at the destination.
According to U.N. Spacy First Lieutenant Hayase Misa during Space War I (2009–2010), an hour passes in super dimension space as approximately ten days passes in normal space. The latest Macross TV series Macross Frontier
Macross Frontier
is a Japanese animated science fiction space drama that aired in Japan on MBS from April 3, 2008 to September 25, 2008. It is the most recent Japanese anime television series set in the Macross universe. Animated by Satelight, premiered Japan on MBS on April 3, 2008...
further expands on that concept by introducing fold faults or dislocations which further slow down fold travel and interfere with fold communications. Also explained in Macross Frontier are the limitations of space folding, such as the geometric increase in energy requirement with the mass of the object to be folded. This prevents very large objects from being folded across vast distances because of the enormous energy requirements.
The act of entering Super Dimension space is called "fold in". When arriving at the destination, the act of leaving Super Dimension space is called a "defold" or a "fold out".
An alternative to ending a crisis
In the Macross franchise, military actions are always futile in strategic magnitudes. Aliens always invariably overrun humanity's best defenses, slaughter the armies or airforces, and destroy their cities (or planets). Humanity puts up a courageous fight but eventually fails in long run, only inflicting minor damage on its adversary. The series usually ends in a worse-than-Pyrrhic victory against the aliens but only through what resembles a miracle. In most cases, this would be a song from a human vocalist, since the aliens are shown to lack the cultural aspects of music and fear its psychological traits.Other elements
The franchise also explores minor themes including culture shockCulture shock
Culture shock is the anxiety, feelings of frustration, alienation and anger that may occur when a person is emplaced in a new culture.One of the most common causes of culture shock involves individuals in a foreign country. Culture shock can be described as consisting of one or more distinct phases...
, the coming of age
Coming of age
Coming of age is a young person's transition from childhood to adulthood. The age at which this transition takes place varies in society, as does the nature of the transition. It can be a simple legal convention or can be part of a ritual, as practiced by many societies...
, and nostalgia
Nostalgia
The term nostalgia describes a yearning for the past, often in idealized form.The word is a learned formation of a Greek compound, consisting of , meaning "returning home", a Homeric word, and , meaning "pain, ache"...
.
The New Age
New Age
The New Age movement is a Western spiritual movement that developed in the second half of the 20th century. Its central precepts have been described as "drawing on both Eastern and Western spiritual and metaphysical traditions and then infusing them with influences from self-help and motivational...
following the end of Space War I is part of the ongoing fictional time-line of the Macross franchise. The most recent series, Macross Frontier
Macross Frontier
is a Japanese animated science fiction space drama that aired in Japan on MBS from April 3, 2008 to September 25, 2008. It is the most recent Japanese anime television series set in the Macross universe. Animated by Satelight, premiered Japan on MBS on April 3, 2008...
, is set 50 years after the start of the war with the Zentradi and depicts one of the colonization missions to the center of the galaxy.
Along with Gundam
Gundam
The is a metaseries of anime created by Sunrise studios that features giant robots called "Mobile Suits" ; usually the protagonist's MS will carry the name Gundam....
, a real robot
Real Robot
is a genre of Japanese animation. The genre contains mecha robots that are powered by conventional power sources and weapons explainable by real world science, and that use ranged weapons and speed to survive battle situations....
mecha
Mecha
A mech , is a science fiction term for a large walking bipedal tank or robot, including ones on treads and animal shapes.-Characteristics:...
series of which Shoji Kawamori
Shoji Kawamori
is a Japanese anime creator, screenwriter and mechanical designer, having created or co-created such notable series as The Super Dimension Fortress Macross, The Vision of Escaflowne, Earth Maiden Arjuna, Genesis of Aquarion, Macross 7, and Macross Frontier. He is currently executive director at the...
is a fan, Macross explored how individuals deal with warfare. Whereas Gundam is far more political and is direct on the horrors of war, each Macross television series is unique for never depicting the antagonists as inherently evil and proved in the end that love, culture and music can be used to defeat them.
Series chronology
Several sequel series and one prequel have followed. Most use a chronology created by the Studio Nue creators, and those which followed their own chronologies were regarded as "parallel storylines" by the studio. The main Macross production consists of (in chronological release order):| Release Dates | Episodes | Work | Title (original) | Chronology |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1982/10 to 1983/06 |
36 | TV series | The Super Dimension Fortress Macross The Super Dimension Fortress Macross is an anime television series. According to story creator Shoji Kawamori, it depicts "a love triangle against the backdrop of great battles" during the first Human-alien war.... Original work adapted by Harmony Gold to become Robotech: The Macross Saga in 1985. |
2009–2012 |
| 1984/07 | NA | Movie | The Super Dimension Fortress Macross: Do You Remember Love? The Super Dimension Fortress Macross: Do You Remember Love? , also known as The Super Dimension Fortress Macross: Do You Remember Love? or Super Spacefortress Macross , is a 1984 Japanese animated movie based around the Macross television series.The movie is a film adaptation of the original Macross series, with new animation... Alternate telling of the events in The Super Dimension Fortress Macross, specifically episodes two through 27. |
2009–2012/2031 story within a story Story within a story A story within a story, also rendered story-within-a-story, is a literary device in which one narrative is presented during the action of another narrative. Mise en abyme is the French term for a similar literary device... (in Macross 7) |
| 1987/06 | 1 | OVA | The Super Dimension Fortress Macross: Flash Back 2012 The Super Dimension Fortress Macross: Flash Back 2012 is a 1987 collection of music videos from the The Super Dimension Fortress Macross animated television series and the Macross: Do You Remember Love? theatrical film remake... Epilogue of the Movie, segments were added in the movie's definitive "Perfect Edition". |
2012 |
| 1992/05 to 1992/11 |
6 | OVA series | The Super Dimension Fortress Macross II: Lovers, Again The Super Dimension Fortress Macross II: Lovers, Again , also known as The Super Dimension Fortress Macross II: Lovers, Again or Super Dimensional Fortress Macross II, is the first animated sequel to The Super Dimension Fortress Macross to feature a new cast of characters... "Macross 10th Anniversary" TV series' sequel OVA created without Studio Nue. |
2092 "parallel" world alternate continuity |
| 1994/08 to 1995/06 |
4 | OVA series | Macross Plus Macross Plus is a four-episode anime OVA and theatrical movie in the Macross series. It was the first sequel to the original Macross television series that took place in the official timeline... TV series' sequel OVA created by Studio Nue. A side-story. |
2040 |
| 1995/03 to 1995/07 |
4 | OVA series | Macross Plus: International Version Macross Plus is a four-episode anime OVA and theatrical movie in the Macross series. It was the first sequel to the original Macross television series that took place in the official timeline... Alternative OVA version with English cast and songs. |
2040 |
| 1994/10 to 1995/09 |
49 | TV series | Macross 7 Macross 7 is an anime television series. It is a sequel to the show The Super Dimension Fortress Macross that takes place many years after the events of the first series following a cast of mostly new characters. The show ran from October 16, 1994 to September 24, 1995 at 11:00 AM, and 49 episodes were aired... TV series sequel to Macross Plus. First of the sequels to touch upon the metaplot. Features a new cast of characters, and only three returning characters from the original series. |
2045-46 |
| 1994/10 to 2001/05 |
8 volumes | Manga series | Macross 7: Trash Macross 7: Trash is a manga series by Haruhiko Mikimoto, serving as a side-story to Macross 7. Unlike many other Macross titles, Trash does not feature any mecha or vehicle combat, instead focusing on the characters themselves.... Comic side-story first serialized in Shōnen Ace magazine then released as volumes. |
2046 |
| 1995/09 | NA | Movie | Macross Plus: Movie Edition Macross Plus is a four-episode anime OVA and theatrical movie in the Macross series. It was the first sequel to the original Macross television series that took place in the official timeline... Alternative movie version with different editing and additional scenes. |
2040 |
| 1995/09 | NA | Movie | Macross 7 The Movie: The Galaxy Is Calling Me! Macross 7 is an anime television series. It is a sequel to the show The Super Dimension Fortress Macross that takes place many years after the events of the first series following a cast of mostly new characters. The show ran from October 16, 1994 to September 24, 1995 at 11:00 AM, and 49 episodes were aired... |
2046 |
| 1995/12 | 3 | OVA | Macross 7: Encore Macross 7 is an anime television series. It is a sequel to the show The Super Dimension Fortress Macross that takes place many years after the events of the first series following a cast of mostly new characters. The show ran from October 16, 1994 to September 24, 1995 at 11:00 AM, and 49 episodes were aired... Three '94 TV series additional episodes. |
2046 |
| 1997/12 to 1998/08 |
4 | OVA series | Macross Dynamite 7 Macross Dynamite 7 is an anime OVA set one year after the events in Macross 7. Released in 1997 in celebration of Macross' 15th anniversary, Macross Dynamite 7 was a four episode OVA that continued the Macross 7 series' story.-Synopsis:... "Macross 15th Anniversary" '94 TV series' sequel. |
2047 |
| 2002/12 to 2004/10 |
5 | OVA series | Macross Zero Macross Zero is an anime prequel OVA to The Super Dimension Fortress Macross released for the celebration of the 20th anniversary of the Macross franchise during 2002 in Japan... "Macross 20th Anniversary" Original '82 TV series' prequel. |
2008 |
| 2007/12 | NA | Manga series | Macross Frontier Manga '94 TV series' sequel. Comic format telling of the events in Macross Frontier first serialized in Shōnen Ace magazine. |
2059 |
| 2007/12 | 1 | TV series pilot | Macross Frontier Macross Frontier is a Japanese animated science fiction space drama that aired in Japan on MBS from April 3, 2008 to September 25, 2008. It is the most recent Japanese anime television series set in the Macross universe. Animated by Satelight, premiered Japan on MBS on April 3, 2008... (Deculture Edition) "Macross 25th Anniversary" '94 TV series' sequel pilot episode. |
2059 |
| 2008/04 | 25 | TV series | Macross Frontier Macross Frontier is a Japanese animated science fiction space drama that aired in Japan on MBS from April 3, 2008 to September 25, 2008. It is the most recent Japanese anime television series set in the Macross universe. Animated by Satelight, premiered Japan on MBS on April 3, 2008... '94 TV series' sequel. |
2059 |
| 2009 | NA | Manga series | Macross: The First Comic format alternate telling of the events in The Super Dimension Fortress Macross serialized in Shōnen Ace magazine. |
2009–2012 |
| 2009/11/12 | NA | Movie | Macross Frontier The Movie: The False Diva 2009 TV series' theatrical movie adaptation. |
2059 |
| 2011/02/26 | NA | Movie | Macross Frontier Movie: The Wings of Goodbye 2011 Theatrical movie sequel. |
2059 |
A feature film, subtitled Do You Remember Love?
The Super Dimension Fortress Macross: Do You Remember Love?
, also known as The Super Dimension Fortress Macross: Do You Remember Love? or Super Spacefortress Macross , is a 1984 Japanese animated movie based around the Macross television series.The movie is a film adaptation of the original Macross series, with new animation...
(愛・おぼえていますか Ai Oboete Imasu ka), was released in 1984, with a condensed version of the storyline and cutting-edge animation. This movie was later described as a "historical drama" movie within the Macross universe (similar to World War II films in the real world). In Macross Plus and Macross 7, it is revealed that there was a movie produced after Space War I (the original Earth-Zentradi conflict). Kawamori described the relation between the two depictions of Space War I: "The real Macross is out there, somewhere. If I tell the story in the length of a TV series, it looks one way, and if I tell it as a movie-length story, it's organized another way." (An edited, English-dubbed version of the feature was also released to video as Clash of the Bionoids.)
Macross II, the only animated project without Studio Nue's direct involvement, was declared a parallel-world story by Studio Nue.
In March 2007, Studio Victor placed a casting call for a voice actress to play the heroine, Ranka Lee, in a then untitled new Macross series. 18 year old Nakajima Megumi was selected in the nationwide singing and acting audition for the role of Ranka Lee in Japan. The project was given the tentative title of Macross 25. Later, as part of the 25th anniversary concert, a trailer was shown that revealed the new tentative title of Macross F (Frontier)
Macross Frontier
is a Japanese animated science fiction space drama that aired in Japan on MBS from April 3, 2008 to September 25, 2008. It is the most recent Japanese anime television series set in the Macross universe. Animated by Satelight, premiered Japan on MBS on April 3, 2008...
. During the concert, Kawamori Shoji mentioned that the timeframe of Macross Frontier was about 2070 A.D. Kawamori also announced that Yoko Kanno
Yoko Kanno
is a composer, arranger and musician best known for her work on the soundtracks for many games, anime films, TV series, live-action movies, and advertisements...
would be the music co-composer of the new Macross series. According to Newtype Magazine, this new series were supposed to take place in a school. The pilot episode aired on December 23, 2007. The new series were finally set in the year 2059 A.D. and took place in a new Macross Colony Fleet called "Macross Frontier". The new show was produced by Satelight
Satelight
is a Japanese animation studio.-History:The studio was founded on December 1995, in Sapporo, Hokkaidō, their first project being Bit the Cupid, the world's first fully digitally-animated television series. The name Satelight consists of S for Sapporo, A for Animate, T for Technology and E for...
and its episodes began their regular broadcast on April 4, 2008, in MBS
Mainichi Broadcasting System
is a broadcasting station in Osaka, Japan, affiliated with Japan Radio Network , National Radio Network , Japan News Network and TBS Network, serving in the Kansai region. MBS is also one of the major stockholders of Tokyo Broadcasting System Holdings, Inc...
channel of Japan. The final episode aired on September 25, 2008, what brought the series to a total of 25 episodes. A Macross Frontier Movie Edition was announced just after the ending of the new TV animated series.
Video games
Macross video games are based on its universe, sometimes expanding it with original characters and sidestories, latest games often include newly created anime footage. All of them were exclusively released in Japan. These include:- The Super Dimension Fortress Macross: A 2D sidescrolling shooter game released in 1985 for the Nintendo FamicomNintendo Entertainment SystemThe Nintendo Entertainment System is an 8-bit video game console that was released by Nintendo in North America during 1985, in Europe during 1986 and Australia in 1987...
by NamcoNamcois a Japanese corporation best known as a former video game developer and publisher. Following a merger with Bandai in September 2005, the two companies' game production assets were spun off into Namco Bandai Games on March 31, 2006. Namco Ltd. was re-established to continue domestic operation of...
and Bandai. The main objectives of the lone Valkyrie are to battle Zentradi forces, penetrate the Zentradi's Nupetiet Vergnitzs flagship, and destroy it. A simplified midi rendition of the song "Shao Pai Long" is the game's only background music. - The Super Dimension Fortress Macross 2036 - A 2D sidescrolling shooter released in April 1992 for the PC EngineTurboGrafx-16TurboGrafx-16, fully titled as TurboGrafx-16 Entertainment SuperSystem and known in Japan as the , is a video game console developed by Hudson Soft and NEC, released in Japan on October 30, 1987, and in North America on August 29, 1989....
Super CD-ROM² that occurs in the universe of The Super Dimension Fortress Macross II: Lovers, AgainThe Super Dimension Fortress Macross II: Lovers, Again, also known as The Super Dimension Fortress Macross II: Lovers, Again or Super Dimensional Fortress Macross II, is the first animated sequel to The Super Dimension Fortress Macross to feature a new cast of characters...
OVA. The game takes place 26 years after the end of Space War I, with Komilia Maria Fallyna Jenius as one of the protagonists. - The Super Dimension Fortress Macross: Eternal Love Song - A turn-based 2D strategy videogame released in December 1992 for the PC EngineTurboGrafx-16TurboGrafx-16, fully titled as TurboGrafx-16 Entertainment SuperSystem and known in Japan as the , is a video game console developed by Hudson Soft and NEC, released in Japan on October 30, 1987, and in North America on August 29, 1989....
Super CD-ROM² that follows the continuity of Macross IIThe Super Dimension Fortress Macross II: Lovers, Again, also known as The Super Dimension Fortress Macross II: Lovers, Again or Super Dimensional Fortress Macross II, is the first animated sequel to The Super Dimension Fortress Macross to feature a new cast of characters...
and is a sequel to Macross 2036. - The Super Dimension Fortress Macross: Scrambled ValkyrieThe Super Dimension Fortress Macross: Scrambled Valkyriewas a 16-megabit, 2D shooter released on the Nintendo Super Famicom in 1993 based on the 1984 animated movie The Super Dimension Fortress Macross: Do You Remember Love?. The story took place after the movie's ending but before the launch of the SDF-2 Megaroad-01. It is infamous in the US for its...
- A 2D sidescrolling shooter released in 1993 for the Nintendo Super FamicomSuper Nintendo Entertainment SystemThe Super Nintendo Entertainment System is a 16-bit video game console that was released by Nintendo in North America, Europe, Australasia , and South America between 1990 and 1993. In Japan and Southeast Asia, the system is called the , or SFC for short...
and based on Do You Remember Love?The Super Dimension Fortress Macross: Do You Remember Love?, also known as The Super Dimension Fortress Macross: Do You Remember Love? or Super Spacefortress Macross , is a 1984 Japanese animated movie based around the Macross television series.The movie is a film adaptation of the original Macross series, with new animation...
. The story takes place after the movie, but before the launch of the SDF-2 Megaroad-01SDF-2 Megaroad-01The SDF-2 Megaroad-01 is a fictional spacecraft from the Macross series. It was first featured in the OVA title The Super Dimension Fortress Macross: Flash Back 2012, a 30-minute Music Video production released on June 21 in 1987 in Japan...
. - The Super Dimension Fortress Macross: Do You Remember Love?The Super Dimension Fortress Macross: Do You Remember Love? (game)The Super Dimension Fortress Macross: Do You Remember Love? is a 2D shooter adaptation of the 1984 anime film of the same title, released exclusively in Japan on the Sega Saturn in 1997 and the Sony PlayStation in 1999. The Saturn version was released to coincide with the 15th anniversary of the...
- A 2D shooter created for the Sega SaturnSega SaturnThe is a 32-bit fifth-generation video game console that was first released by Sega on November 22, 1994 in Japan, May 11, 1995 in North America, and July 8, 1995 in Europe...
in 1997 to celebrate the 15th anniversary of the Macross franchise, it was co-programmed by Sega and was later ported to the PlayStationPlayStationThe is a 32-bit fifth-generation video game console first released by Sony Computer Entertainment in Japan on December 3, .The PlayStation was the first of the PlayStation series of consoles and handheld game devices. The PlayStation 2 was the console's successor in 2000...
in 1999. It is closely based on the movie, with a mix of 2D and 3D action and special effects. The game's two CDs contained footage and soundtrack from both the Macross movie and Flashback 2012 as well as brand new cutscenes. The intro cutscene, in particular, shows Hikaru and his fellow pilots just taking off the carrier Prometheus when a sudden Zentradi attack destroys the warship. - Macross Digital Mission VF-X - The first ever 3D graphics and polygonal game of the franchise made by Bandai Visual for the PlayStation in 1997. Set in 2047, the game focuses on a UN Spacy squadron assigned to rescue a girl bandGirl groupA girl group is a popular music act featuring several young female singers who generally harmonise together.Girl groups emerged in the late 1950s as groups of young singers teamed up with behind-the-scenes songwriters and music producers to create hit singles, often featuring glossy production...
called the Milky Dolls. The game was re-released with a lower price as a PlayStation The Best Collection Series title in 1998. - Macross VF-X2 - Released for the PlayStation in 1999. The game is set three years after the events of VF-X. This was the only Macross game planned for an American release, but was canceled due to unknown reasons.
- Macross Plus: Game Edition - Released for the PlayStation in 2000. It is based on Macross PlusMacross Plusis a four-episode anime OVA and theatrical movie in the Macross series. It was the first sequel to the original Macross television series that took place in the official timeline...
, with cutscenes from the movie version included. - Macross M3 - A 3D shooter released for the Dreamcast on February 22, 2001. M3 takes place around 2014, and covers the story of Maximilian JeniusMaximilian Jenius' is a fictional character in the science fiction television series Macross, voiced by Shō Hayami. In the new English adaptation by ADV Films, he is voiced by Chris Patton.-Macross:...
, Milia Fallyna JeniusMilia Fallyna Jeniusis a fictional character in the Macross Japanese animated science fiction series, voiced by Eri Takeda. In the 2006 English adaptation by ADV Films she is voiced by Luci Christian.-Macross:...
, and their adopted MeltlandiMeltlandiIn the fictional Macross setting, Meltlandi or Meltlan is the term for female Zentradi, a giant humanoid alien warrior race segregated by gender....
daughter Moaramia Fallyna Jenius (whose original name was Moaramia Jifon) as they continue to serve as Valkyrie pilots. - The Super Dimension Fortress Macross VO (Valkyrie Overdrive) - A space combat simulator released in 2001 for the PC. It was compatible with Windows 95, 98 and ME. A Windows XP version was released (The Super Dimension Fortress Macross VOXP) in 2002. The game was unique in the fact that it enabled players to sortie online using the vehicles used by the different factions (ZentradiZentradiThe are a fictional, militastic race of alien, humanoid giants and often the main antagonist in The Super Dimension Fortress Macross anime series and its Robotech adaptation....
, MeltlandiMeltlandiIn the fictional Macross setting, Meltlandi or Meltlan is the term for female Zentradi, a giant humanoid alien warrior race segregated by gender....
and U.N. SpacyU.N. SpacyThe U.N. Spacy is the fictional military arm of the Earth U.N. Government from the Japanese anime series Macross.-Fictional Organization Background:...
) featured in Macross DYRLThe Super Dimension Fortress Macross: Do You Remember Love?, also known as The Super Dimension Fortress Macross: Do You Remember Love? or Super Spacefortress Macross , is a 1984 Japanese animated movie based around the Macross television series.The movie is a film adaptation of the original Macross series, with new animation...
. - The Super Dimension Fortress MacrossThe Super Dimension Fortress Macross (PlayStation 2 game)Bandai released The Super Dimension Fortress Macross 3D shooting game in October 2003 in Japan for the PlayStation 2 console...
("超時空要塞マクロス") - A full 3D shooter released by Sega-AM2Sega-AM2Sega Amusement Machine Research and Development Department 2 is a research and development team for the video game company Sega. Originally known as "Sega Amusement Developing Section 8", AM2 was previously headed up by famed designer Yu Suzuki...
for the PlayStation 2PlayStation 2The PlayStation 2 is a sixth-generation video game console manufactured by Sony as part of the PlayStation series. Its development was announced in March 1999 and it was first released on March 4, 2000, in Japan...
in 2003. The game features many familiar characters as well as new characters and all Valkyrie fighters featured in the TV series, the Macross DYRL movie and Macross Flashback 2012. - Macross 7 Ginga no Heart wo Furuwasero!! (Let's Reveal the Galaxy's Heart!!) - A 2D side scrolling shooter released on the Game Boy Color in 2000. It features Macross 7Macross 7is an anime television series. It is a sequel to the show The Super Dimension Fortress Macross that takes place many years after the events of the first series following a cast of mostly new characters. The show ran from October 16, 1994 to September 24, 1995 at 11:00 AM, and 49 episodes were aired...
's Fire BomberFire BomberFire Bomber is a fictional rock band from the anime series Macross 7...
band and their special Valkyries, plus some from the UN Spacy. - There were three arcade games released by BanprestoBanprestois a Japanese toy company, best known in America for game development, headquartered in the Shinagawa Seaside West Building in Shinagawa, Tokyo. It was founded April 1977 as Hoei Sangyo, Co. Ltd. The company was renamed Coreland in 1982, and during the 1980s it worked mainly as a subcontractor for...
during the 90s, all of which were scrolling shooters: The Super Dimension Fortress Macross (1992), The Super Dimension Fortress Macross II (1993) and Macross Plus (1996). The first game follows the events of the Do You Remember Love? movie. - Macross Ace FrontierMacross Ace Frontieris a shooting game developed by Artdink for the PlayStation Portable. The game is based on Studio Nue's popular Macross series, one of which is known in the West as the first generation of Robotech...
- A PlayStation PortablePlayStation PortableThe is a handheld game console manufactured and marketed by Sony Corporation Development of the console was announced during E3 2003, and it was unveiled on , 2004, at a Sony press conference before E3 2004...
release from Namco BandaiNamco Bandai, also known as the Bandai Namco Group, is a Japanese holding company formed from the merger of Namco and Bandai. It has interests in toys, video games and arcades, anime, and amusement parks. The new entity was founded on September 29, 2005...
and developed by ArtdinkArtdinkis a Japanese developer of console and computer games, currently based in Tsukishima, Tokyo.By far Artdink's biggest international success was the award-winning A-Train strategy game released for the PC and Amiga, which was published by SimCity creators Maxis...
, released in October 2008 in Japan. - Macross Ultimate Frontier - The PlayStation Portable sequel to Macross Ace Frontier that includes new mecha and levels based on the alternate continuity of Macross II as well as previous Macross videogames. It was developed by Artdink and released by Namco Bandai in October 2009.
- Macross Triangle FrontierMacross Triangle Frontieris a 3D Action Shooter and Adventure game developed by Artdink for the PlayStation Portable. The game was released by Namco Bandai on February 3, 2011 in Japan.The opening theme for the game is named "Get It On-Flying Rocks".- Units :...
- The PSP sequel to Macross Ultimate Frontier, also developed by Artdink and released by Namco Bandai in February 2011.