With the new moving “Transformers” in Yokohama, Japan all over the television news around the world, the fans of the show have been enraged. It is actually a Gundam from Mobile Suit Gundam and not Transformers. If you want to know more about Gundam, you can head directly to our other article explaining about Gundam and it’s alternate universe. Transformers and Gundam might be in the same genre as both of them are robots or “mecha” (short for mechanical), but are they the same? No, they are not. Gundams are part of the mecha subgenre, Real Robot. Meanwhile, Transformers fall into the category of Super Robots. If you’re confused about which one is which, we’re going to give you a simple explanation! Without further ado, let’s get into it!

Super Robot

Have you ever watched a mecha anime where the protagonist controls a big robot that punches enemies while the pilots kept on shouting? If yes, then you’re probably watching a Super Robot anime. A Super Robot pilot usually controls their mecha using only a few buttons, joystick, or even motion capture. Usually, the show uses the “enemy of the week” format where the protagonists are introduced to an enemy and defeat them by the end of the episode. The example of this includes Mazinger Z, Gurren Lagann, GaoGaiGar, and G Gundam.

Real Robot

In Real Robots, the mecha of the show is more grounded and treated as realistic tools/weapons rather than 1 man army that can punch their enemy to death. The show usually includes manufacturing languages like "mass-production (MP)", "prototype" and "test-type". The example of real robot shows are Mobile Suit Gundam (except G Gundam), Macross, Full Metal Panic, and Code Geass.  There are also other series, such as Patlabor which explore non-military uses for real robots, like law enforcement and construction.

There are other shows that cannot be classified as either of the subgenre like Neon Genesis Evangelion since the military aspect of the show belongs to Real Robot, yet their origin and abilities are more aligned with the typical Super Robot. 

TL;DR Real Robot works by pulling levers and pressing buttons. Meanwhile, Super Robot does things by the power of friendship, love, justice, and courage. Oh, and don’t forget, shouting on top of your lungs might help to increase their strength!

So, which subgenre of mecha anime do you prefer? Real Robot or Super Robot? A military fight using mecha as combat tools or a giant robot fighting aliens using the power of friendship? Let us know down below in the comment!