Quartile rating: 6/10 · 1 rating
The Third World War (2099–2126) devastated part of the Earth. Former nations are reforming while new powers emerge, and groups of humans struggle to survive in ruined cities. The story follows Deunan Knute and her partner Briareos as they search for the legendary city of Olympus.
Appleseed Alpha is a CGI-animated prequel that looks polished for its time but offers little beyond visual spectacle. The plot is a straightforward post-apocalyptic road story with thin characterization and predictable beats. The voice acting is serviceable but unremarkable. The CGI cinematography has some impressive action sequences and environmental design, elevating it slightly above average visually. However, the film is largely derivative of the broader Appleseed franchise and cyberpunk anime conventions, offering minimal novelty. The ending resolves perfunctorily without meaningful payoff, feeling more like a setup for a continuation than a satisfying conclusion.