Armored Trooper VOTOMS: Pailsen Files

Pailsen Files serves as a prequel to the original Armored Trooper VOTOMS series, delving into the backstory of Chirico Cuvie and his life before the Red Shoulder Battalion. The story follows Chirico as he enlists in the Armored Trooper (AT) forces and rises through the ranks, uncovering conspiracies and facing the brutal realities of war on the planet of Quent. It explores the origins of the devastating "Special Operations" tactics and the psychological toll they take on the soldiers involved.

Pailsen Files was generally well-received by fans of the VOTOMS franchise, who appreciated its deeper dive into the established lore and the character development of Chirico Cuvie. Critics noted its return to the gritty, realistic military sci-fi tone that the series is known for, though some found the pacing to be slow at times. The animation and mechanical designs were praised for their quality and faithfulness to the original aesthetic.

• Praised for its detailed exploration of Chirico's early life and the mechanics of the VOTOMS universe.

• Appreciated for maintaining the series' signature gritty and realistic depiction of warfare.

• Some viewers found the narrative pacing to be deliberate, which might not appeal to all.

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The series' director, Ryosuke Takahashi, is a veteran of the mecha anime genre, also having created the iconic 'Vifam' series and co-created 'Dougram'.