In summary, this show was—somewhat enjoyable. What I usually say when discussing this title is that it is great for kids, but not really entertaining for mature audiences. Below I will go into a few details of some of the strengths and weaknesses of this show. As an adult reviewer, I watched it many years ago, and also once about a year ago, and thought that this series finally deserved a review. Many, including myself, have fair criticisms against it, but I would be falling short of a fair review if I did not point out its strengths as well.
1. The Lore
First of all, I LOVE the lore. The juicy context of this story provides an excellent platform for the show. One of the ways that a show can suffer is riding too much on the lore and calling back to it excessively. Besides a title sequence that briefly explains the context, the lore and backstory is not overly referred-to. I give the lore a 9/10.
2. The Writing
The writing in this show was unfortunately sub-par. The plot had a good essence to it that reminded me of concepts in Star Wars, similar in a "Good v/s Evil" theme, and pursuit/chase elements. The episodic nature reminds me of Star Trek, often with individual scenarios in each episode, but with an overarching plot that is resolved over the course of the series. It's weakest point is that the show is, as to be expected on a kids' show, childish. But, as it was broadcast on NickToons, a channel which, in my experiences, had darker themes on some of its shows, I found it to be almost TOO childish. My single largest frustration with this show is that it had potential to become a very good show with several seasons if it were catered to more mature audiences. That potential, in my opinion, felt wasted. I give the writing 6/10.
3. The Script
Although the script is typically incorporated into the writing of a show, I felt that the script was on a distinctly different level from the rest of the writing, and thus, I provide it with its own section. The script had a few areas where it shone out, but once again, the childishness factor of the show really kicked the strength and flavor out of the show. Even while I was young when I watched this show eleven years ago, I thought the script was catered for those younger than me, despite the feeling that I've gotten that the story otherwise would be fit for a broader audience base. The script, I give a 4/10.
4. The Characters
In all fairness, I like to see characters join the heroes, and then stay alongside them to continue fighting. To see characters come and go is normal. But in all honesty, when many supporting characters are CRUCIAL for an episode, but then move on in a touch-and-go kind of style for the whole series, it really puts a damper on how enjoyable new characters will be. The characters themselves are not badly written, but not well-written either. To the characters, I give a 6/10.
5. The Animation
Yet another weakness in this show was the animation, specifically speaking of characters. Aircraft and other vehicles are presented VERY well. Some objects are so large, and perspectives at which they are presented really contribute to the lore by portraying the new world as truly vast, and to that, I commend the creators. However, the characters were created entirely with CGI, and their designs are over-simplistic, mouth movement does not match up well with the script, and there is virtually no noteworthy detail to praise. If you wanted some good battle scenes, then you will get them. To the animation, I give a 6/10.
6. The Sound Engineering/Sound Design
The sound effects in this series are very nice. Nothing much to talk about here. I was very happy with how the sound effects, well, sound, but I think that they could have been mixed a little bit better, as some scenes do sound like the audio balance is a tad off, and the character's lines seem disregard acoustic features. I give the sound engineering and sound design an 8/10.
7. The Soundtrack
LOVED the soundtrack! Can't get enough, honestly. Wish there were more to listen to, though. The orchestral sways and pulls really fit the scenes like a glove. I give the soundtrack a 9/10.
1. The Lore
First of all, I LOVE the lore. The juicy context of this story provides an excellent platform for the show. One of the ways that a show can suffer is riding too much on the lore and calling back to it excessively. Besides a title sequence that briefly explains the context, the lore and backstory is not overly referred-to. I give the lore a 9/10.
2. The Writing
The writing in this show was unfortunately sub-par. The plot had a good essence to it that reminded me of concepts in Star Wars, similar in a "Good v/s Evil" theme, and pursuit/chase elements. The episodic nature reminds me of Star Trek, often with individual scenarios in each episode, but with an overarching plot that is resolved over the course of the series. It's weakest point is that the show is, as to be expected on a kids' show, childish. But, as it was broadcast on NickToons, a channel which, in my experiences, had darker themes on some of its shows, I found it to be almost TOO childish. My single largest frustration with this show is that it had potential to become a very good show with several seasons if it were catered to more mature audiences. That potential, in my opinion, felt wasted. I give the writing 6/10.
3. The Script
Although the script is typically incorporated into the writing of a show, I felt that the script was on a distinctly different level from the rest of the writing, and thus, I provide it with its own section. The script had a few areas where it shone out, but once again, the childishness factor of the show really kicked the strength and flavor out of the show. Even while I was young when I watched this show eleven years ago, I thought the script was catered for those younger than me, despite the feeling that I've gotten that the story otherwise would be fit for a broader audience base. The script, I give a 4/10.
4. The Characters
In all fairness, I like to see characters join the heroes, and then stay alongside them to continue fighting. To see characters come and go is normal. But in all honesty, when many supporting characters are CRUCIAL for an episode, but then move on in a touch-and-go kind of style for the whole series, it really puts a damper on how enjoyable new characters will be. The characters themselves are not badly written, but not well-written either. To the characters, I give a 6/10.
5. The Animation
Yet another weakness in this show was the animation, specifically speaking of characters. Aircraft and other vehicles are presented VERY well. Some objects are so large, and perspectives at which they are presented really contribute to the lore by portraying the new world as truly vast, and to that, I commend the creators. However, the characters were created entirely with CGI, and their designs are over-simplistic, mouth movement does not match up well with the script, and there is virtually no noteworthy detail to praise. If you wanted some good battle scenes, then you will get them. To the animation, I give a 6/10.
6. The Sound Engineering/Sound Design
The sound effects in this series are very nice. Nothing much to talk about here. I was very happy with how the sound effects, well, sound, but I think that they could have been mixed a little bit better, as some scenes do sound like the audio balance is a tad off, and the character's lines seem disregard acoustic features. I give the sound engineering and sound design an 8/10.
7. The Soundtrack
LOVED the soundtrack! Can't get enough, honestly. Wish there were more to listen to, though. The orchestral sways and pulls really fit the scenes like a glove. I give the soundtrack a 9/10.