Strain: Strategic Armored Infantry

Strain: Strategic Armored Infantry, also known as Soukou no Strain in Japan, is a high-action, emotional rollercoaster of a series developed by Studio Fantasia. It was broadcasted from November 2006 to February 2007, produced by Happinet and Asahi Production, with FUNimation holding its English distribution license.

It is composed of a 13-episode series which takes place in a distant future where humanity has ventured into the vast expanse of the universe, adding a space opera theme to the storyline. The series explores concepts such as love, sacrifice, and the ugliness, brutality, and often senseless nature of war. With stunning animation and beautiful design, it promises to proportionate a visually pleasing experience.

Our story revolves around the protagonist, Sara Werec, a young girl from a noble family attending the Grapera Space Armed Soldier Academy. Sara wishes to follow in her beloved brother's footsteps who is a decorated war hero. Her dream is to become a Strain pilot – a Strain, in this setting, stands for a type of biomechanical robot that requires exceptional ability and skill to operate. However, her life takes a sharp turn when her brother, Ralph, thought to be killed in action, suddenly returns during a brutal attack on the academy, leading the enemy forces. He spares Sara's life but leaves the school in ruins and steals the Reasoner, the source of Sara’s Strain control.

Shaken to her core, Sara is left questioning the reasons behind her brother's actions. Driven to find out the truth and to retrieve the stolen Reasoner, she enlists in a forward fighting base operating on the edges of a war-riddled galaxy, concealing her identity as her path is filled with trials and tribulations, and a new Strain for her to control called “Emily.”

Strain: Strategic Armored Infantry portrays how Sara struggles to deal with the heartbreak, betrayal, and the harsh realities of war. It introduces a unique batch of characters including Lottie Gelh, Sara's roommate and the first friend she makes at the base, and Melchisedec, a unique artificial intelligence, designed to help Sara navigate her Emily.

Additionally, the series tackles some serious themes like the value of life, human nature, and the lengths human beings are willing to go for their goals. As the story progresses, it becomes evident that there is an underlying narrative on the concept of "dehumanization" through the use of biomechanical Strains; a poignant and often haunting look at how technology can distance us from our humanity.

Another noticeable aspect of the show is its animation. The action sequences are dynamic and full of energy, effectively combining CGI for the mechanical elements and traditional animation for the characters. The space battles, individual Strain combat, and on-ground clashes are a treat to watch, making for some heart-racing scenes.

The series' music also adds depth to a storyline that is rife with heavy emotional moments and intense combat scenes. Composed by Masara Nishida, the soundtrack beautifully captures the feelings of the storyline and enhances the viewer’s immersion into the plot.

Strain: Strategic Armored Infantry manages to maintain a perfect balance between action and drama while maintaining an engaging storyline. Despite its darker themes and moments of tragedy, there is also room for lighter moments and a range of relationships which vary from camaraderie to more gentle emotions.

In conclusion, Strain: Strategic Armored Infantry is the synthesis of action, drama, a compelling narrative, quality animation, and relatable character development. It is a series that will appeal to viewers who are fans of space operas, mecha combat, and complex character-driven storylines. It delivers a one-of-a-kind tale of a brave and strong-willed girl enduring harsh realities and learning resilience in face of adversities.