So they actually recognize Ikaruga as Super Robot...
Well, they recognize it for Super Robot Wars. But I'd argue it's still in the Real Robot category. It has a high level or power, but still within the Gundam-like feel of high spec machines.
Well, they recognize it for Super Robot Wars. But I'd argue it's still in the Real Robot category. It has a high level or power, but still within the Gundam-like feel of high spec machines.
Ikaruga is a bit of special case; we do know how it's made and how it operates, and if you change the energy source from the two magi-ether engine to nuclear fission generator it still makes for a Real Robot category. But it operates on magic, which depends on the manipulator's ability, so it can potentially cross to Super Robot category.
Basically, Real Robot + Pilot = Real Robot. Real Robot + Magical Pilot = Super Robot.
Kinda same situation like if you give Kira Yamato OO Qua[T], or heck, Unicorn. Then it immediately turns into Super Robot.
Ikaruga is a bit of special case; we do know how it's made and how it operates, and if you change the energy source from the two magi-ether engine to nuclear fission generator it still makes for a Real Robot category. But it operates on magic, which depends on the manipulator's ability, so it can potentially cross to Super Robot category.
Basically, Real Robot + Pilot = Real Robot. Real Robot + Magical Pilot = Super Robot.
Eh, it still operates with it's setting's rules and doesn't do anything crazy to the point of being comparable to Mazinger, or the Rayearth units for another fantasy example. I'd say the robots in K&M all fit pretty squarely into the real robot category in the same way something like Dunbine does.