Dark Machine the Animation, the ambitious project expanding on the 7-versus-7 mech shooter game, has locked in an October television premiere. A newly released promotional video offers a first listen to the series’ opening theme, "Sonzai Riyū Kai" (Reason to Live, Renewed), provided by the iconic rock band BUCK-TICK.
The latest trailer also sheds light on Kairi’s competition, introducing the pilots representing rival e-sports teams. The Great Cluster team will feature Ryūnosuke Watanuki as Nyūdō and Jun Kousaka as Hachiman, while the Esmeralda team adds Minori Suzuki as Bianca and Rikuya Yasuda as Weiss. These additions join a previously announced ensemble cast led by Kenshō Ono as Kairi and Miyuki Sawashiro as Rudora.
Set in the year 2079, the anime explores a future where humanity relies on the "Palmer crystal" for energy, leading to underground conflicts fought with repurposed factory robots. While the game has garnered significant industry attention for its blockchain-integrated mechanics and Unreal Engine 5 visuals, the anime is positioning itself as a distinct narrative experience set within the same gaming metaverse.
Production is being handled by Production +h. under the direction of Kazumi Terada. The project boasts a high-profile creative team, including creative producer Gorō Taniguchi and chief mechanical designer Hidetaka Tenjin. Music duties are split between the opening theme by BUCK-TICK and a score composed by SUGIZO, with the series slated for broadcast and streaming via Fuji TV.
