Xam'd: Lost Memories sends us into a wartime conflict between the Northern Government and the Southern Continent Free Zone, while Akiyuki and his friends live on Sentan Island -- a neutral zone between the two areas, and what is soon to become a warzone. When Akiyuki turns into Xam'd, he's been charged with keeping the memories of an endangered people (I'm assuming people from the SCFZ). The island has now become an area of interest because of the sudden terrorist activity, along with a group of merchants trailing some military planes to him.

Here's the real question: is the series worth the price tag? Well, if you're into a military occupation setting, then I would say yes. The series' art fits right in line with Eureka Seven, as we're dealing, to a certain extent, with large planes and vehicles (no mechs yet). The mystery aspect, by giving us a hook at the beginning of the show, and slowly unraveling the plot as the main character figures out what's going on has me wanting to continue with the show.

Not only that, but everything Akiyuki is going through -- his transformation, his social life and schooling, his parents' divorce -- adds a level of drama to the show, kind of like Blood+. Except Blood+ was a lot more shoujo than what Xam'd is going for. I expect good things out of this show, but I'll be curbing my other spending in order to watch it.