Dark Machine Anime Unveils New Cast, Opening Theme, and October Premiere
Excitement for "Dark Machine the Animation" surged with its second promotional video release. Part of the Dark Machine game and anime project, the video unveiled new cast members, BUCK-TICK's opening theme "Sonzai Riyū Kai" (Reason to Live, Renewed), and an October TV premiere. Get ready for a thrilling futuristic world this fall!
Rival Teams Enter the Fray with New Voice Talent
The competitive landscape of "Dark Machine" intensifies with new cast members portraying rival e-sports teams. These formidable opponents will challenge Kairi's Carbuncle team in exhilarating metaverse battles.
The newly announced voice actors and their characters include:
- Ryūnosuke Watanuki as Nyūdō, a player from the Great Cluster team.
- Jun Kousaka as Hachiman, also from the Great Cluster team.
- Minori Suzuki as Bianca, representing the Esmeralda team.
- Rikuya Yasuda as Weiss, also from the Esmeralda team.
These additions promise to enrich the narrative with dynamic rivalries and compelling team dynamics.
A Unique World Setting and Global Ambitions
"Dark Machine the Animation" is set to transport viewers to a unique world. In this "not too distant future," Dark Machine exists as a massively popular gaming metaverse. The anime is planned for global distribution, ensuring international audiences can experience its innovative storytelling and captivating visuals.
The core series stars Kenshō Ono as Kairi, Miyuki Sawashiro as Rudora, Kōki Uchiyama as Shinn, Riho Sugiyama as Bran, Saya Aizawa as Isana, Yūichi Nakamura as Ajima, Kazuyuki Okitsu as Myōjin, Ryōta Suzuki as Ryō, Genta Nakamura as Kinji, and Sōhei Horikane as Hiru.
Visionary Staff Guiding the Production
The creative team behind the anime's pilot trailer, which premiered at Comic-Con International in July 2024, will helm the television series. Kazumi Terada directs the anime at Production +h., promising a visually stunning and expertly crafted experience.
The overall Dark Machine project boasts an impressive lineage of talent. Code Geass director Gorō Taniguchi serves as the creative producer, bringing his strategic narrative prowess. Macross artist Hidetaka Tenjin, celebrated for his mechanical designs, takes on the role of chief mechanical designer. Keiichi Yano is the project's creator. "Team Carbuncle" (Takaaki Suzuki, Tatsuhiko Urahata, Atsuo Ishino), initially credited for the pilot trailer's script, will write the series scripts alongside Satohito Sata.
Further strengthening the creative team are:
- Main Character Designer: Kō Yoshinari
- Sub-Character Designer: Akira Mitani
- Costume Design: Mebachi
- Chief Animation Directors: Yumi Kuroiwa, Hideki Itō
- storyboard: Masatsugu Arakawa
- Color Key Artist: niko＊miko
- Art Setting: Hiromi Tateiwa, Engawa, Nariyuki Ogi
- Art Directors: Hiromi Tateiwa, Yusuke Ikeda
- CG Director: Akira Inami
- CG Action Director: Ryou Kimura
- Compositing Director of Photography: Naoko Tanaka
- Photography Supervision: Kentarō Waki
- Editing: Yuki Honda
- Sound Director: Takeshi Takadera
- Sound Effects: Tomoko Ohtsuka
- Music: SUGIZO
- Music Production: Flying Dog
With such an accomplished team, "Dark Machine the Animation" is poised to be a masterpiece.
The Lore Behind the Dark Machine Universe
The "Dark Machine" universe began with an "asynchronous big team arena shooter" game, announced in 2023 with Early Access in 2024. The game's intricate backstory lays the foundation for the anime.
In 2079, humankind flourishes within an energy bubble, powered by Dr. Robert Palmer's discovered Palmer crystal. However, this prosperity is not universal. Underground battles for energy have erupted globally. Factory robots, originally for energy cultivation, are now fighting mechs, repurposed by factions for high-stakes battles.
A mysterious element, dark energy, is rumored to reside in the Palmer crystal. Advanced hyper AI technologies attempt to harness this dark energy for battle advantages. The critical question remains: can this potent dark energy truly be controlled by mechs? This intriguing premise sets the stage for high-stakes conflicts.
Creative producer Gorō Taniguchi and chief mechanical designer Hidetaka Tenjin are also deeply involved in the game's development. Yuya Saito serves as the game director, with Koji Hakuta as the producer. The game is a dynamic 7-versus-7 mech third-person shooter.
Innovation in Gaming: Blockchain and NFTs
The Dark Machine game pushes boundaries in the gaming industry through innovative technology. The development team secured over US$8.7 million from 6,000+ investors, including Tencent, web3 game platform Immutable, and blockchain company Sui.
Developed using Unreal Engine 5, the game promises cutting-edge graphics. It integrates the blockchain-based in-game currency MACHINA ($MXNA) and features NFT asset ownership, complete with an NFT marketplace. Crucially, players can install and enjoy the game without needing to purchase any NFTs, receiving free NFTs to start. Decentralized tournaments are a core element, fostering a vibrant, competitive community.
Gear Up for October!
With a compelling story, a star-studded cast, visionary staff, and groundbreaking game integration, "Dark Machine the Animation" is shaping up to be one of the most exciting anime releases of the year. BUCK-TICK's opening theme song, "Sonzai Riyū Kai," is sure to set the tone for the epic journey.
Mark your calendars! "Dark Machine the Animation" premieres on television this October and will be available for TV and streaming via Fuji TV. Get ready to witness the future of e-sports, mecha battles, and a gripping narrative unfold.
