Mecha
Mecha
In anime, a term for mechanical powersuits or robots (often humanoid). A popular feature of anime-styled role-playing games, such as Votoms or Bubblegum Crisis, which are based on their respective anime series. Usually large and powerful enough to wipe out most conventional combatants (even tanks) by themselves. Also, used specifically to refer to games where mecha play a major part, such as BattleTech.
It's worth noting that, in anime, where the term comes from, "mecha" is simply short for "mechanical" and the term is used for all mechanical devices. So, a bicycle is a "mecha" by that definition. However, the westernized version of the term (which is the sense one is most likely to encounter in an RPG) is almost universally used to describe a futuristic or otherwise non-standard vehicle which usually has a semi-humanoid form, like a giant pilotable humanoid robot.
Popular games designed around mecha[edit]
Important mecha TV series and movies[edit]
- Bubblegum Crisis
- Neon Genesis Evangelion
- Gunbuster: Aim for the Top!
- Martian Successor Nadesico
- Mobile Suit Gundam (and various spinoffs)
- The Super Dimension Fortress Macross
- Genesis Climber Mospeada
- The Super Dimension Cavalry Southern Cross
- Armored Trooper Votoms
