Starship Operators, was created in 2005. And while there has been better productions, in terms of production values (especially things made in 2005); this one stands out for a number of reasons.
1). Story
For those of us that like a good story, with a great plot, and an excellent sense of the politics connected with it; Starship Operators is very difficult to beat.
The plot, while not new, is not the same as common. It involves a ships' crew that refuses to surrender when their country (in this case a planet) is conquered. They proceed to prove themselves in battle against the enemy, creating so much political pressure (as a result of public broadcasts of the battles on television) that a number of politicians and planets find themselves in an ethically untenable position; ending in a resolution that can only provide for better government in the future.
Intrigue is afoot, and even skulduggery and outright murder is some of the occasions to cheer, in this story; that provides a satisfying beginning, middle and ending.
2). Artwork
Most of the artwork is nothing to write home about, but much of the visual descriptions of technology are to die for; at least as it pertains to the available graphics of 2005. Attempts at 3d artwork are compelling, and display screens and data are interestingly accurate.
For example, when an enemy vessel is 2-million miles away, the targeting information is fairly accurate to near-speed-of-light plasma cannon weaponry. Reporting of a firing solution comes up with somewhere around 10 to 12-seconds. We don't see attention to detail to this level very often.
3). Sound
While the basic sound and effects are fairly run of the mill, the music for events, and the OP and ED soundtrack is quite good.
I will warn you, the dubbed English version of the dialog is absolutely awful, as many of the voice actors can't read lines and cannot emote verbally at all. Stick to the subbed english dialog, the Japanese voice actors are quite good. I don't say this because of a predisposition one way or another; I own anime, some of which I prefer in Japanese, and others that I prefer in English.
4). Characters
Each and every one of the characters have their own personalities, activities and personal prejudices. They are three-dimensional. Hard to do in a 13-episode anime, but Starship Operators succeeds beyond my expectations.
5). Enjoyment
While this is not one of those anime easy to appreciate, since it is depressing at points, and leads the viewer to a bittersweet ending; the proper thing to say would be that the Satisfaction is very high. It's story succeeds, the characters do their jobs even when they are imperfect, the good guys are properly flawed rather than paragons of virtue, and the villains are (as in life) a mixture of good and bad parts in their personalities.
While this show may not please folks that need mindless combat, or continuous action; and it won't please the other side of the spectrum that are in constant need of romantic entanglements; Starship Operators can be enjoyed by anyone that can think above the 10th grade level, and has a proper intellect that can keep depictions of personal relationships in perspective.
That said, I can wholeheartedly recommend "Starship Operators" with a score of 9.
