olson.bettie - 2015-08-26 00:35:06

A blend of magical girl and sci-fi, this show presents a story more ambitious and experimental than it leads its audience to expect. That audience being fans of magical girl and/or 90s fantasy. While the story explains itself with techno babble and the transformation sequences resemble the construction of hard-suit, Cyberteam is still very much based in magic and fantasy. While it has trouble balancing its adorable mascots, sophomoric gag humor and friendship speeches with its serious elements the show is still able to present interesting ideas and sweet character moments. As long as you're okay with the idea of a character death being juxtaposed to nipple lasers, you'll be fine.

This show is tropey. The perverted voyeur, predatory lesbian, the emotionless doll and plenty more, all make appearances. The main cast sings a similar tune to being one archetype with a few minutes worth of backstory to explain why. That being said the characters still manage to mesh well with each other and entertain with their antics. While archetypes, they are likable archetypes. Considering the main cast is 12-13 years old, it makes sense not to expect anything too deep from them anyway.

This show oozes 90s. From its caricature art style to its low budget animation and flexible character models, the visuals might seem to be an acquired taste to younger fans but for anime veterans it could just trigger a nostalgia trip. 

The 90s-tastic dub features many big names in the English industry and hearing them earlier in their careers is interesting. Despite its use of out-dated translation like "pop star fanatic" (used for idol otaku) and using a southern accent for Osakans, no meanings end up lost. In praise of the dub, the handling of one character's speaking quirk is handled very well. While the sub is of higher quality, the dub doesn't detract from experiencing the show. The choice comes down to personal preference.

As a long time magical girl fan, I enjoyed this show and its new take on the genre's formula. But this show is clearly not for anyone who can't over look flaws in any department. It's for those who like anime for its wackiness and sense of humor. Simple but varied characters all mixed up into a bizarre yet familiar setting. If you want to enjoy something 90s that's campy though still earnest, Cyberteam in Akihara should satisfy your craving.