First Impressions: Tokumei Sentai Go-Busters

7:00 PM on 02.28.2012   |   Salvador G-Rodiles

Every time a Super Sentai series ends, expectations go through the roof depending on how the viewer feels with the finale of the previous series. For example, many people found Goseiger to be disappointing compare to how Shinkenger was handled. Now that Gokaiger has left the audience with a satisfying conclusion, will Go-Busters deliver a premise that will please the empty stomachs of those who yearn for more Super Sentai?

Lets morph in, as we take a look at what Go-Busters has to offer. 

It's time for Buster!

In the year 2012 (Hey that's our year.), society has developed cities that utilize a special form of energy know as Enetron (Hmm, I wonder what other energy source does this rhyme with?) Obstructing the development of this energy source are the Vagras, who seem to be a threat to all cities that use Enetron. However, there is a special ops organization that has designed the latest technology to defend the city from the Vagra's reign of terror. Together with the help of the Buddyroids, the Go-Busters are here to utilize their spy like abilities to ensure the safety of everyone.

Following up from an anniversary series, Go-Busters had to overcome a huge challenge here. But then again, this has not been much of an issue with most Sentai shows. Since Gekiranger started off pretty strong, regardless of it airing right after Boukenger ended. Just Like Gokaiger, Boukenger was also an anniversary (The 30th to be more precise.) series, so Go-Busters still has a fighting chance.

First, I would like to point out that Go-Busters might have a greater budget than any of the previous shows. The reason for this, is because of the way the transformation and special attack sequences were handled in the first episode. Normally in a Sentai series, they would cut into a different scene where we have the sequence take place, and then those scenes are reused throughout the entire series. However, both sequences occur in real time, which means that Go-Busters is taking notes from its older brother known as Kamen Rider (Both were created by Shotaro Ishinomori, so that makes them kind of related.). This also allowed us to witness the rangers actually move around and pull off certain stunts as they transform, which I am hoping that they keep this up throughout the whole series.

Just like Kamen Rider Fourze, Go-Busters also borrows a few elements from the west. Instead of borrowing aspects from western culture, Go-Busters uses a few elements that were present in Power Rangers. Whenever the Go-Busters begin their transformation sequence, their bracer screams out, "It's morphin time!" The giant monsters that the Vagras use are giant robots known as Megazords, which is the opposite of what they are known as in the west. 

The Vagras are also similar to the main villains in Power Rangers RPM, since they are also connected with computers and viruses. One of the main differences might be that the Vagras upload viruses into everyday objects, which result in the creation of the monsters of the week. So in a way, both villains are kind of similar yet different at the same time.

Before you dismiss Go-Busters as a Sentai series that borrows too much from Power Rangers, there is plenty of potential that lies within it. As a spy based series, there are a number of sound effects and tunes that feel like the kind of soundtrack that you can expect out of a series that uses secret agents. There are also a handful of weapons that are worthy of a true special ops agent, which also has its own take on how they are summoned. 

Costume wise, the Go-Busters manage to break the norm when it comes to Sentai hero costumes. Their suits feel a bit more loose, since their suits kind of resemble the gear that most special operatives wear. However, the colors might make them look like snowboarders at times (Hmm, undercover snowboarders, that might sound awesome.).

Because the first episode focuses more on the premise and new features that this show has to offer, we did not have the chance to see what the main cast was like. However, we were shown a few dialogue segments that will lead towards this series also having some comedic elements thrown in. The bond between the Go-Busters and the Buddyroids open up to endless possibilities, and there also might be a bit of conflict in regards to Red Buster joining the team. 

So does Go-Busters stand a chance as a new entry into the world of Super Sentai? I think it does, thanks to its effort in adding new elements that fans would not expect out of the series. Spys, robot partners, new special effects elements, and a few other things makes this show worth checking out. Fans of Super Sentai will be surprised with the new additions. As for newcomers, just make sure that you jump into this series with the proper mindset. But then again this applies to practically every series within Super Sentai.