Fall 2020 Anime: Rail Romanesque

Synopsis

Hinomoto is a country where the railroad used to be the most used mode of transportation. As time goes on, a more convenient mode of transportation was discovered, leaving the popularity of trains in decline. In order to revitalize it, each locomotive is now managed by Railords, an autonomous control module in the form of little girls. The story for the anime is set in the game’s fictional southern Hinomoto city of Ohitoyoshi after it was successfully revitalized thanks to tourism promotion led by Hachiroku, one of the famous Railords in Hinomoto. As the city plans to host the Maitetsu Festival, where Railords and their masters from all over Hinomoto will gather, Suzushiro and other Railords are also hosting “Railord Summit” at Amairo cafe to start planning for a more creative way to promote railway service.  

Comments

Razif Kurniawan (The Indonesian Anime Times)

In small, about three-and-a-half-minutes long bits, Rail Romanesque boasts a large cast of cute girl characters with aesthetically pleasant dresses, acting as automated train operators (or Railord as they call it) representing various locomotives and the railways they operate in. Not all of the characters directly appear in the first episode yet, of course, but it still gives an introduction to all of the characters who will appear throughout the show as it goes on. The rail trivia presented this way could be a treat for railfan audience.

Given the short duration of each episodes, it is questionable though, if the anime can give enough screentime for each girl to explore their stories in detail. Those who have played the source visual novel called Maitetsu might come in with the context that can help better make sense of the story.

Facts and Figures

Screenshots and Trailer

The Indonesian Anime Times