Sci-Fi Anime Streaming Series Combines Blade Runner And Total Recall

Metallic Rouge is set in the distant future. Humanity has established colonies on Mars where they coexist with a humanoid android species known as Neans. However, the Neans are bound by Asimov’s Laws, ensuring their subservience to humans. They rely on a substance called Nectar to function. Only Rouge Redstar, a Proto-Nean, is exempt from these rules.

She joins forces with her human partner, Naomi Orthmann, on a mission to eliminate a group called the Immortal Nine. Metallic Rouge begins in the Martian city, where a figure known as “Joker” disrupts the peace by hijacking a shipment of Nectar. Meanwhile, Rouge, operating undercover as an assistant to singer Sarah Fitzgerald, discovers that Sarah is a member of the Immortal Nine.

Rouge’s mission to eliminate Viola takes an unexpected turn when the Joker is revealed to be Hell Giallon, another member of the Immortal Nine. The conflict escalates when Rouge is accused of causing the deaths of fellow Immortal Nine members. The plot of Metallic Rouge thickens when, in a forest filled with Usurper war machines, the stage is set for the next chapter.

Metallic Rouge received mixed reviews from critics. Some commended the series for its gripping opening that evokes cyberpunk vibes reminiscent of classics like Total Recall, Ghost in the Shell, and Blade Runner. Others cited the lack of character development as problematic. The show’s designs, direction, animation, music, and the relationship between Rouge and Naomi were widely praised.

Metallic Rouge made its debut on Fuji TV’s +Ultra programming block on January 11, featuring the opening theme “Rouge” by Yu-ka and the closing theme “Scarlet” by Dazbee. The last installment of the eight-episode series airs on February 29. The series has been licensed by Crunchyroll for audiences outside of Asia, while Bilibili holds the license for Southeast Asia.

Created by Bones, the original Metallic Rouge anime series was announced at the 2023 Fuji TV Anime Lineup Presentation. Yutaka Izubuchi serves as the series composition supervisor, with Toshizo Nemoto handling screenwriting duties. Toshihiro Kawamoto is responsible for character design, with Taisei Iwasaki, Yuma Yamaguchi, and Towa Tei tasked with composing the music.

Rouge Redstar is voiced by Yume Miyamoto (Japanese) and Monica Flatley (English). Naomi Orthmannis is voiced by Tomoyo Kurosawa (Japanese) and Cassie Ewulu (English). The rest of the Metallic Rouge cast features Shunsuke Takeuchi, Yoko Hikasa, Yoshimitsu Shimoyama, Hiroyuki Yoshino, Landon McDonald, Yū Shimamura, and Brandi Price, among others.

Metallic Rouge incorporates elements from classic sci-fi anime and movies, creating a unique narrative within the genre. The series explores artificial intelligence, conspiracy, crime, cyberpunk, detective work, factions, Mars exploration, police operations, and more. By incorporating modern animation techniques and storytelling methods, the show showcases fresh perspectives on futuristic themes.