新世紀GPX サイバーフォーミュラ ZERO (Future GPX Cyber Formula ZERO)
8 episodes OVA (1994-1995)
Sequel to "Double One", it is now 2017, and Kazami Hayato is in the peak of his career. Winner of first four races, and looking to win it all again. Fate will have it the other way. A freak accident with Karl Lichter von Randoll ends both drivers' season, and possibly their driving career...
This OVA, in my opinion, is the best of all. Not only the graphics have improved (character designs are excellent), there is actually relationship development between Hayato and Sugo Asuka (long overdue), and we are introduced to the concept of "Realm of Zero". (There is yet an English adaptation for this OVA series, so I will try my best on this subject)
"Realm of Zero", according to Bleed Kaga (Hayato's friend, "big brother", and excellent driver) is not for anyone. When a driver enters this "realm", the driver will become "aware" of things around him or her. Things normally one will never had the chance to know, you get to know when you are in the realm. One can even predict what other drivers' actions are even before they do it. In simple words, a driver can drives like a super human being, always driving on the shortest route.
Of course, there are downsides. As one immerse more and more in the "Realm of Zero", it is mentally exhausting. The danger is that while you get to "know" things quicker and quicker, but if you own body reflexes and the responds of your car do not improve as well, sooner or later the body will not be able to keep up with your mind.
Now I keep talking about this "Realm of Zero" thing? It is becasue from now on it is a pretty big "vehicle" to keep the story going. Hayato will fight off his demons about the accident and "Realm of Zero" for a comeback run in 2018. (He is no longer the "big driver" though, as Sugo now has a new driver in Henri Claytor.)
We will get to know more about Bleed Kaga's past, and his reason to come back to Cyber Formula. (He race briefly in the later episodes of the TV) That reason alone will explain his actions in the last OVA series. Oh, Randoll will come back, with style of course. (Chuckles!)
Overall, a perfect 10.
Dino's Rating: 10
Will Girls Like It: Maybe
Note: This OVA covers the events from 2017 to 2018.
Technical Info
Sugo Winners Super Asurada AKF-11
The same car Hayato when the freak accident happens and in his comeback one year later, the car has not changed since the accident, due to tight budget and as a "second unit" team. It is still a formidable car in the hands of Hayato, who now with the ability to enter the "Realm of Zero".
Sugo Grand Prix Garland SF-01
Designed by Clair Fortlan, the Galand is great car. Easy to handle and good performance. It does not use the "transformation" mechanism as featured in Super Asurada and Exssperion, but it does use a six-wheel chasis similiar to Super Asurada. Overall, its performace is better than the current Super Asurada.
Aoi Exssperion Z/A-9
The improve version of Exssperion Z/A-8, besides the obvious performace upgrade, the new version has a slightly different transformation when the boosters are activated. The picture here shows the colour scheme used by Naoki Shinjyo. Bleed Kaga's colour scheme is purple.
Sturozech Project Stil HG-165
Designed by Franz Heinel, this car only shows up at the end of the OVA. The improve version of the original Stil, its full potential is unknown at the time, but it will be a prominent car early in the next OVA.
Union Saviour Issuxark
Driven by Karl Lichter von Randoll since the TV series. It has the sameoutline as the original car seen in TV series and "Double One". Known for its supurb ability to handle corners. Its only weakness is a slightly lower max. speed compare to other cars. Featuring the standard 4-wheel chasis and one-booster configuration known as "Messer Wing".
Note: the above description only applies before the last 2 episodes of "ZERO", as the car used by Randoll in the last race (as in the picture) has two new features, namely, the 6-wheel design of Asurada and the rotatable cockpit of Stil.