Armor Hunter Mellowlink Review (1988)

Why even make a mecha anime with actual mecha in it? Just have a guy go Rambo & hunt them down on foot & cut out the middleman. In this video I talk about an anime series called armor hunter mellowlink. Its a spinoff of the 80s anime armored trooper votoms, but it does it's own thing so you can watch it without being a mecha fan at all. A really good starting point for the genre is you don't want an anime about people yelling at each other from cockpits.

[@Abdega]

Otacon: It’s like one of my Japanese animes…

[@justinnelson5960]

nice

[@boxtank5288]

Turned out he's kinda spot on.

[@nattartz6841]

Anyone know where I can find this anime!?

[@boxtank5288]

@@nattartz6841 Look it up on KZbin (full series is in a playlist) and it's worth the investment.

[@Abyss-Will]

@@nattartz6841 every dark old unknown anime I've ever wanted to watch is on 9anime, including this one

[@theneef174]

"ASTRO BOY" *shows mega-man*

[@GOGOAKUMAN]

Cause Megaman is an Astro clone. Look at him when he takes his helmet off.

[@twilightgardenspresentatio6384]

The Neef oooh I’m so triggered

[@Quandry1]

@@GOGOAKUMAN I do believe the creators even admitted as such didn't they?

[@GOGOAKUMAN]

@@Quandry1 could be, I don't know.

[@AndreCabralferreir]

is exact the same thing haha, is the same for benimaru and polnareff the only diference is polnareff is ugly hahaha

[@elneco4654]

The year is 2020. Not only is Mellowlink in SRW (Even though it's X-Omega, the one mobile game where LITERALLY EVERYTHING GETS IN), but has also been confirmed for a Blu-Ray release as part of the Votoms Perfect Soldier Box.

[@HighfireX]

At least its not lost in a fire.

[@rikkwedge7531]

NICE

[@darthwinsor]

Not only that, it's a very nice remaster based on what I've seen from screenshots. Now is the perfect time to watch it.

[@davidjamesjohns]

Dude, i saw this at dragoncon back in 87 and have never been able to find the title. All i remembered was homie jackin up robots and people shittin their pants when he smears the blood.

[@nattartz6841]

@@kennylauderdale_en Bro where can i find this!? even to buy!?

[@jeice3714]

Dragoncon?

[@RugbyRyan]

@@jeice3714 it’s a comic and pop culture convention in Atlanta, Georgia

[@Born_Stellar]

Random video youtube recommended me from 2015 convinces me to download a tv show from 1988. This is my life now.

[@Xibalba501]

Well...you’re not alone....

[@nathandamasceno4606]

It is a OVA (Original Video Animation), not a TV show.

[@theespatier4456]

Nathan Damasceno In other words a tv show.

[@momo-dm3rw]

For me, the best YT AI God gave me.

[@luckysuffer1003]

Welcome.

[@youngkappakhan]

VOTOMS should still be seen first if you ask me. It's not only one of the best 80s shows, an excellent tragic story & real robot series but getting an idea of the universe it's set in makes Mellowlink even more enjoyable.

[@twilightgardenspresentatio6384]

sickk kunt votoms is hot

[@alessandrobaggi6129]

But... isn't the protagonist hunting Votoms' mechs in these video snippets? Is it set in the same universe? 🤔

[@SantomPh]

@@alessandrobaggi6129 yes he even goes to the same worlds as Chirico does although never at the same time. The plots do not really cross over however, so watching VOTOMS is not really necessary.

[@shumeister1059]

Hell yeah!! Votoms is the shiz.

[@youngkappakhan]

It's been years but I less meant "seen first" and more just seen in general. It'd be a crime to watch Mellowlink and pass up VOTOMS altogether.

[@LorenHelgeson]

Metal Gear Solid meets Shadow of the Colossus.

[@das81]

And before both of them...

[@LorenHelgeson]

@@das81 Indeed! And I just love it.

[@amacare123]

Holdup, those train heist robots are staight up Armored Trooper Votoms robots. Oh wait it's a series. Whoops.

[@viper22jc]

Mellowlink is a spinoff from VOTOMS universe

[@SantomPh]

They are set in the same universe. Mellowlink's weapon is the same kind Shakko uses on his custom AT.

[@L00PdeL00P]

I miss the way old animation looked It was a lot less oversaturated and I just like it

[@L00PdeL00P]

Yea dude in general there aren’t that many animated shows nowadays that go for that futuristic action genre that came and went in the 80s with films like Akira and ghost in the shell

[@L00PdeL00P]

Also you forgot to say nohomo Or maybe not????????????

[@tiinalaine7560]

I miss the fluent animation, colouring, soundeffects and music -.-

[@taniaramirez2639]

@@kennylauderdale_en me too. I love characters like Chirico, Cobra from Space Cobra, Ryo from City Hunter, Roy Focker from Macross, even Orphen.

[@souljastation5463]

@@kennylauderdale_en Welcome to these crazy times. 😉 Luckily they made a shit ton of robotic stuff back in the days, we can still watch that.

[@DarkButz]

Not watching VOTOMS before Mellowlink is sort of like watching Gundam 0080 or 08th MS Team without watching the original show. Definitely possible, but the world might not make a lot of sense and you'll miss out on all the references.

[@darkond3523]

It's all a mixed bag really. Watched fuck ton of Gundam back in a day and loved it all now that I am older and rewatched most of it I wish I didn't ... and drove me to a state to not watch any of the rest or anything instead watch something else. Awesome animations but damn some of the story plots and characters are idiotic enough and they suppose to lead the story and leave a message... yeah like I wasted hours on idiots, that is the only message. And some do have plotholes and seem like half of it it's just spinoff crap that shouldnt be taken seriously at all or with other words not watch it. Just cashgrabs on the Gundam name.

[@DarkButz]

@@darkond3523 That's why the first "season" of Gundam Build Fighters is my favorite Gundam show. Everything was tongue-in-cheek and it felt like it was made with the right mindset - let's try to sell Gunpla, but also make it fun. The other shows I just watch for the action. The worst offenders of what you said are probably the post-Victory Tomino Gundams where everything is either really awkward and clumsy or happens for no reason.

[@ThePorpoisepower]

OP art is like a cross between the Original Beserk Anime and Nausicaa

[@svankensen]

Yep, I'm gonna go watch this right now

[@RambleOn07]

I miss that style. The 3d model stuff always pulls me out of the experience

[@RecommendedPlaying]

I watched Armor Hunter Mellowlink on your recommendation and I loved it. Hope you make some more of these in the future.

[@ElTurbandito]

>almost pornographic attention to detail when it comes to mechs and guns Why did you not lead with this point, my panties hit the floor instantly Also thank you for introducing this to me on finals weekend

[@kennylauderdale_en]

Probably because it was my first video. cut me a little slack.

[@shibba2517]

What? You are disgusting!

[@Abdega]

@@shibba2517 I know! Watching anime on finals week? For shame!

[@angrypumpkin3822]

that's hot lol

[@nattartz6841]

Anyone know where I can find this anime, have combed the internet!?

[@ShinKyuubi]

Thing that led me to find this anime in the first place? My odd fascination and obsession with the Pile Bunker weapon.

[@Blue_Machine]

The pilebunker originates in concept in the original Votoms, with the Berserga Armored Trooper.

[@Blue_Machine]

@Warstar Oh! I have thought of what would happen if you just replace the gun on a tank with a pile bunker. Nice.

[@deeemceetooisbaesgaem7211]

amazing

[@ShinKyuubi]

@@deeemceetooisbaesgaem7211 There is actually a real world rescue tool I found a vid of that works like a Pile Bunker to crack rubble and stuff..it even uses an ammo cartridge filled as a blank to power the steel rod they use..it's blunt instead of sharp..but it actually exist.

[@jessicatatum7769]

I just finished marathoning the ENTIRE votoms series and mellowlink was the best part I swear.

[@Ashi8No8Yubi]

Dang. Now this is a mech anime I can get behind. I want more grit realism mechs to watch cause I don't think we have enough of ones like this.

[@AAAAAA-hv5qp]

Votoms.

[@koruoshouji9960]

VOTOMS, War In the Pocket, Patlabor, 08th MS Team...

[@Jay-ln1co]

5:29 "Are we the baddies?"

[@andrewowens4421]

The absolute look of disbelief on his face said it all. "What kind of monsters are we?"

[@marcus8710]

Our hats have SKULLS on them

[@agreedo9530]

How do you think the war ended in the first place kenny? THey finally harnessed angst as a weapon of war

[@UnnamedSeeker]

What do you mean he's not in... >looks at the date >2015 Ah I see. He is in Super Robot Wars now. It's Cross Omega only now, but who knows... Also, you did watch Root of Ambition and Pailsen Files?

[@Abdega]

I see the algorithm has summoned you too

[@UnnamedSeeker]

@@Abdega yep

[@gunterhendrix]

I wonder if they can make a transfer, but in a backwards way from LaserDisc or VHS copies. There are now subbed Blu-rays of VOTOMS. I'm excited!

[@gunterhendrix]

The ships from Cowboy Bebop definitely help sell T internationally.

[@alfianfahmi5430]

X Omega is basically where you can find giant robots and humans in a same size.

[@RyumaXtheXKing]

One thing I really like in my anime is great sound design. Not just a good soundtrack that is well utilized, but also the use of sound effects, diegetic sound and silence. I don't know if you care about that, but if you do, I'd like to see you cover that in your reviews. I feel like Mellowlink needs good sound design to work.

[@RyumaXtheXKing]

I don't think it's a bad review. I like it, definitely makes me want to check it out. I'll just have to see for myself whether it's got sound design that's to my liking. It's not like most people actively care about that, so I won't blame you for not caring or not mentioning it. Interesting soundscapes are the sole reason I like Dororo and Feherlofia.

[@LatitudeSky]

The sound effects were by FizzSound, as were many other things like Gundam, Votoms, Layzner, Macross, DragonBall Z, etc. Fizz was the best there ever was doing mecha anime effects.

[@0MPMatt]

I just finished this recently, due to your suggestion. I really enjoyed it, so I gotta say: Thanks! I appreciate how much the viewers' intelligence is respected, to figure out things on their own. I also appreciate how they use the time they are given. It really feels like a proper story, start to finish. Do you have any other series that you would recommend, if one were to enjoy this one?

[@kennylauderdale_en]

It's not the same director, but I really enjoyed Armored Trooper Votoms. It's the series this is based on. If you want another show from the same director, look into Vifam. kzbin.info/www/bejne/h6jWq6qYaMZ8hsk

[@mattroks101]

This actually looks like an anime I'll have to check out. Nice review by the way.

[@antovador]

Chirico and Mellowlink never meet each other but were together in a penitenciary transport plane in episode 6.

[@lsporter88]

Damn, your level of research and knowledge of the Anime World is insane. I'd probably never find that depth of info for most of this stuff. Must Salute you for your Scholarship in this. And of course the commentary is always a crack up. Salute.

[@kennylauderdale_en]

the fact you think my first video from 6 years ago is so good is a hell of a compliment. I made this for fun & never expected anyone to really watch it. If you want something by the same guy, go check out Vifam from (1983?). It's a different kind of show but it was the same director. If you want something similar you can't go wrong with Votoms (the series mellowlink is a spinoff from).

[@cloongc88]

I've been watching this anime every year since I discovered your channel in 2018, this may be in my top 5 anime of all time. The structure of every ep is so unique. I wish we had more of these kinds of anime, where every ep is a boss battle and the main character has to think of different ways to take down the boss.

[@stevengreen9536]

To answer the question at the end of the video.It looks like they were going for a Rambo-like vibe.Yeah he is a badass but he has that personal tragedy which gives him character.If you have a whole team of Rambos then the theme becomes pointless.

[@YouGottaShootEmInTheHead]

Expendables. Bro Force. Alpha Team A team

[@gregmcmill1798]

@@YouGottaShootEmInTheHead bro force is a satirical video game and expendables proves him right

[@grypeseye]

I watched VOTOMS back in 1989. I had missed this spinoff series. Thank you for reviewing it!

[@SeekerLancer]

The only part of VOTOMS that hasn't been released in the west yet unfortunately because it's one of the best.

[@ElliFong]

And Votoms series in overall is very amazing, Chirico is fucking beast though (Save for Case: Irvine and Finder, they don't exist)

[@setaentertainment4311]

BIG BOSS ROBO HUNTER?! SIGN ME UP!

[@xenocyde8498]

I love this side story of armored trooper votom mind you armored trooper votoms is the absolute most under appreciated mech anime ever

[@heavy_ang_patay]

A legend was born.

[@lornbaker1083]

I'd like to think that mellowlink and chirco met only once in the kumman Arc as that would be the only time the two of them were confirmed in the lore to be on the same Planet during the same time in the same field of combat. It literally would only last 30 seconds, chirico standing in the cockpit would notice mellowlink sitting in a tree. smiles exchanged, one of them gives a thumbs-up . Just a silencing moment of recognition from one forgotten tormented Soldier to another poor bloody bastard on the field. This would be for two reasons neither of them would consider either to be their enemy because they wouldn't bother to fight each other they each have their own goals that do not intersect. The other reason would be simply for the fact that game recognizes game. And I'm pretty sure our boy could recognize mellowlink is being one of the badasses just like him

[@monadamus42]

Great video! I'm pumped to watch this. I've been imagining a guy taking down huge mechs on his own for years now, always wondered if someone had done it. Thank you!

[@mr78K]

Wow your MGS reference is on point ! the scene at 7:10 with the running on water while being sniped instantly reminded me of a very similar boss fight in MGS 2. The fight with Vamp outside Big Shell, wich kinda looks like the background (a bit). Also that excessive attention to detail when it comes to military wares is one of the stapples of Metal Gear Series. The rogue super solidier revenge, the man vs machine. You can find so much similarities without bending too much that I wouldn't be surprised to find that Laser disc on Kojimas shelves... I'd love to see that one.

[@mechaguychungus1696]

The mere mention of the word "SUPER ROBOT WARS" brings me joy. I don't regret subscribing to this channel.

[@Chipskate]

I thought that Full Metal Panic was like metal gear solid also. This definately more so.

[@TheAngelmisa]

kenny lauderdale I actually love full metal panic. And I love mellowlink:)

[@nicholaswaters8699]

I am so greatful I found your channel. I have been watching this show raw on KZbin and love it.

[@spaghetti_dm]

You can't keep calling people who smear stuff on their face "Big Boss". You're already banned from Burger King, it needs to stop, Kenny.

[@emulationemperor8924]

I only found your channel a few weeks ago and have been digging through your stuff ever since. This one in particular was an awesome recommendation. I picked it up recently and powered through it all in one sitting. couldn't stop.

[@kennylauderdale_en]

Shame the DVD release is such low quality. I hope they really didn't lose the original masters. I'd love to see this in HD one day.

[@michayahjwalker3349]

This is my favorite episode I've ever watched I like this Aesthetics and the action sequences in this anime so much like the david-goliath kind of complex a lot

[@christopherwashington2417]

1988 is a legendary year for Video games and Anime.

[@SevenDeMagnus]

Metal Gear came first by a year but I love this already. Mad Max but with mechs. God bless

[@marialuke2116]

Okay, I definitely want to see this. I love strategic takedowns of threats that would oneshot in an up close one on one. (when written properly, that is.)

[@harry_ord]

I love that your final comment. Is just the reason why the red shoulders were made.

[@trignite]

This was awesome surprised I have never heard of it I hope you keep making videos.

[@dicefoxxa4273]

This video is rlly ahead of it's time You rlly deserve more subcribers

[@3isr3g3n]

Watched it, it was GREAT! Cel shaded stuff like this is just bliss. Great animation, setpieces, soundtrack and a very simplistic story. He's like a samurai with a 50 cal. I'm a simple man.

[@R0boM0use]

Yo Kenny, Shout out to all these 80's and 90's gems man. Don't know how I wasn't subscribed before.

[@gregschwarz5278]

love votoms , realistic future war... mellowlink is just awesome guy

[@ralang999]

I'm loving this series! Thanks for introducing me to it

[@adislavchev]

Love the voice and reviews. Keep it up my dude

[@doctorduck5741]

A blu ray has been announced for this series as of the announcement of the perfect soldier box releasing February 2021 so that's cool

[@flyingace1234]

I am reminded of a series called "Pumpkin Scissors". It's set in an alternate reality Europe analogue that has just finished their own WW1/2 equivalent. Both sides had to stop fighting because they were both about to collapse under the weight of the conflict. The main character is part of one of (many) failed supersoldier projects. They were trained and conditioned to be unstoppable juggernauts who would engage tanks at pistol range with a sawn off AT rifle and bolt cutters. Of course the casualty rates for this (and every other experimental unit in the story) was insanely high. Even with the extreme conditioning they went under, they were still human. I can't help but feel the series is trying to critique the idea of 'experimental tech being super effective'.

[@SprazzyGazoozle]

Hey Kenny, I'm pretty sure this will go unseen, but this anime was absolutely amazing. The plot armour of Mellowlink was a bit too thick at times, but this is mostly a really great watch. Thanks a lot for bringing this into the light, would've never found it otherwise. P.S. Last fight was absolutely amazing, it really was like Metal Gear Solid.

[@kennylauderdale_en]

Check out Armored Trooper Votoms if you liked this.

[@cameronvadnais4388]

5:29 omg dude. Your timing is impeccable.

[@Husster72]

"I'm going to defeat you with the power of friendship and this gun I found" - the anime XD

[@i64fanatic]

Nice review, never heard of it sounds awesome! You're actually pretty decent, even more so since you just started. If you keep it up I think you'll be amazing. I hate new anime, so, subbed.

[@Warbandit100]

Yeah i love this One, i often re-watch this and others for mecha inspiration, Happy you shared It, this anime deserve more audience. P.S. while Mazinger Z, Great Mazinger and Grendizer were the main Super Robot Anime in Italy and watched them to death along Daitarn 3, Gundam and Daltanious(if that Is the original name and not the Italian version), i'm more a Getter Robot guy, although Gun-Buster Is my fave OVA series for mecha ;)

[@kabob0077]

4:34 You've sold me.

[@gokhan7482]

Look how he sits in rain, his rain suite, goggles. This is MGS!

[@suraiga]

Thanks for the recommendation! Now to tie this all back to Metal Gear. Within the first 4 minutes of the first episode, I hear the unmistakable voice of Akio Otsuka, voice of Solid Snake, voicing Keak Carradine.

[@das81]

Not to mention Carradine is a dead ringer for Ocelot...

[@Siegdrifa]

Wow, thanks, i was in the mood for some action anime with 80's design, i missed that one.

[@dattebenforcer]

I love Votoms, I'll check this out right away, thank you. And to answer your final question, having a platoon of these guys brings the same problems as in the main series. *****SPOILER*********** having just one supersoldier is trouble enough, but an entire platoon? Also didn't they get rid of the red shoulders for a reason?

[@manwiththemachinegun]

I won't see you end as ashes... you're all diamonds. Mellowlink was in on dramatic gestures before Venom Snake. :P

[@leilanizenteno71]

I love your videos but it's incredible how few you have :( congratulaciones on your Chanel, im watching each and everyone of your Videos and waiting for new more stuff

[@Dslite45]

Just finished watching this today and have to thank your thumbnail for inspiring me to pick this up. Hope Discotek Media or Sentai Filmworks can pick this up for an English release

[@flexarnn]

I stopped watching this video 2 minutes in because you hooked me on the premise, now2 days later i've finished the show and I definitly have to thank you for bringing my attention to this show.

[@deeknoll7864]

This guy's content is the best, and hes really awesome too!

[@ivansalcedo2290]

Hideo Kojima's inspiration for Venom Snake

[@ZeromusHarvey]

Well, Mellowlink isn't in SRW, but Votoms in general is.

[@WanArk86]

Maybe they put it in X-Omega in the future? That game does have unexpected guess unit before

[@Blue_Machine]

Mellowlink is in X-Omega already.

[@AaronRedding]

Armored Trooper Votoms in general is pretty excellent

[@funknotik]

Extreme 80's shredding at the end is awesome.

[@102938475646665]

back when anime creators actually had good ideas and original stories to tell

[@masterklaw4527]

It would make an amazing boss rush game.

[@Helvetica_Scenario]

Fairly new subscriber, here. Slowly making my way through your videos as I find time. Damn, this channel is good. It's a shame the anime you showcase is so obscure.

[@S3Bayaya]

I love the original votom series And Imma love this one too. Thanks for the video man, imma lookin for a copy.

[@EscapeCondition]

That rifle is awesome. Also this is great background art 3:24

[@DonnyKirkMusic]

This really inspires me to make a game based on this OVA. It really would work well as a linear run-n-gun but with bosses as the main focus

[@rexxo4957]

please do a full Votoms review of the show ans the ovas. we will be eternally grateful

[@sirkharuse1153]

I liked 'pressure cooker' so much, that while watching Armor Hunter Mellowlink, I kept wanting to hear it play during Mellowlink's fight scenes.

[@nickyborrisino]

LOVE LOVE LOVE this 1980's anime art style.

[@dbsommers1]

VOTOMS is such an overlooked anime.

[@Kr0nicDragon]

Those buttery guitar licks

[@diddlydoodlywalrus6167]

I thought I watched this based off the few clips I saw at first. Then You said Votoms and I knew I mixed it up. I'm definitely giving this a shot.

[@odinkiller727]

Funny. I recently started watching armored trooper votom recently and I find this. Didn’t know it had a spin-off but you make it sound awesome

[@kennylauderdale_en]

It's legitimately one of my favorite anime.

[@momo-dm3rw]

The premise is fucking awesome. And your narration is perfect.

[@hippopothomas1980]

One of my favourite, human vs heavy artillery Pumpkin Scissors

[@fenny1578]

You know, I doubt you'll see this Kenny but I'd like to applaud you for how consistent your videos approaches are. This could easily have been something you put out in the last year, and I can hardly tell the difference. I mean that in the best way possible, your format just works. Certainly you do extra stuff these days, take extra steps in content creation, but man. You had the you vibe down from the start.

[@kennylauderdale_en]

I'll try to maintain that quality, it's harder now due to the stress of the bigger subscriber base. Just gotta keep telling myself nobody watches me.

[@fenny1578]

@@kennylauderdale_en it's honestly pretty wild. You're pretty solidly fun to listen to. Have a good morning man.

[@Phoebe5448]

Jan Valentine: "Oh fuck, that's an anti tank rifle... OH FUCK, THAT'S AN ANTI TANK RIFLE!!"

[@michaelshea9769]

Thankfully checked this show out recently.. one of my favorite amines of all time. Pretty amazed this was not bigger than what it was.

[@UnitMiaExe]

so basically this is shadow of the colossus of anime.

[@GonnaDieNever]

This is just Rambo but with giant robots. Seems great.

[@paigeelliott9674]

I watched this show bc of u and LOVED it! mellowlink is my new favorite serial killer we love to see it🥰

[@chronotriggerfan]

You had me at "Metal Gear Solid Boss Battles: The Anime"

[@josharmstrong8813]

5:25 traumatized officer: I knew we were the bad guys in all but *holy shit man!*

[@deadundead]

That was a pretty solid review, is could use a bit more focus on the negatives or shortcomings of the series but you've certainly got me to pick this up. Also do Dream Hunter Rem, Elf Princess Rane, or Iria: Zeriam the Animation next

[@kennylauderdale_en]

Dear deadundead. Thank you! I did cover dream Hunter Rem. I've never seen Eld Princess Rane, but I enjoyed the live action Zeiram movie they released ages ago. Appreciate the positive feedback. - Kenny

[@Ryan3d]

This is your second channel or something? because the quality was awesome !

[@Ryan3d]

kenny lauderdale then congratulations, you have talent in making youtube videos ;)

[@jeremysumrak1842]

I can’t help but think of the game, Heavy Barrel by Data East, when I see this dude toting that anti-tank gun.