This version is fun, but it is a more action anime than the heavily padded scifi plot elements of the 2004 Appleseed. This one still has some great art, and for the most part the dialogue seems more naturalistic, perhaps this is because the characters do not hesitate to curse in intense situations in which that character should be cursing. There also some peppered integrated "bad words" but again, not overdone, and frankly damn welcome in my animation. But to talk more of this plot, it is less interesting and the characters are less compelling than the 2004 release. In this one, the "appleseed" itself does not really come into play, and Duenen and Hitomi are underdeveloped. Still, this Briaros feels more like this character should as opposed to the forced plot element of "he must act machine like" in 04 version. The art, particularly the background renderings are well done, and for this era, pretty impeccable compared to what few other animated features of this time period I've seen. Still, there is more gunfire than there is story in this one, but perhaps I have that bias because I had seen the 04 first and already understood the "Olumpus" culture. There's some funny (perhaps intentional) change in lettering e.g. "ALART". The gunplay is well done, especially for anime of this era, and the "final stage" of primary villain design is great.