So, just so happens my roommate and I wanted to watch this, as Watanabe and Yoko Kanno worked on it. We also didn't know if we should watch the original series or not, and decided to test it for future reference. So we watched the entire original series, and then watched plus.
As discussed above, it is absolutely okay to watch plus without watching the original. What you will miss is some references to the old show, like some old music being sung, and most importantly the climatic scene isn't as impactful without knowing the lore behind the final fight set piece being used, but it doesn't matter that much if you don't know.
Now, should you watch the original series anyways due to its impact? Maybe! We watched it, and had some fun with it. There is some interesting sci-fi ideas used, although not really well explored, but do invite cool discussion. There is some good animation here and there, but there is also a lot of really bad animation due to its age and some production issues i believe. There is a unique love story that takes WAY too long to explore, but is still good. There is an epilogue after the show ends which you should ABSOLUTELY NOT WATCH, just trust me here.
At some points, the original Macross is exciting and interesting, with some unique, less serious flavors that Gundam usually avoids. At other points, this show borders on so bad its good with the quality dropping all over the place, the characters saying and doing questionable things, and so on. So its a matter of taste and a bit of a gamble on whether or not you'll enjoy the original series, at least in my opinion.
Macross plus is definitely worth a watch though, simply due to being shorter, much more consistent, and a overall great experience. There are a few hiccups here and there, as i personally don't love the rivals storyline, and some story beats here and there, but I still think it's worthwhile.
And since it's somewhat on topic, we are currently watching Macross 7, and it is funny how much like the original series its like quality wise, some good here, some bad here, some so bad its good sprinkled in. It is a bit more musically focused, although the music quality is ALSO all over the place. However, the important matter is that Macross 7 relies a lot more on the story of the original, and even though it does explain it (sometimes TOO much explaining), it would be better to watch the original first, and then 7.
If it wasn't apparent, I'm not the biggest fan of the series, but it is interesting. Usually, Macross spends its time focusing less on the serious nature that other mecha anime tend to have, and more on the situation, the characters, and the world. Although it doesn't always deliver on these ideas and worlds, it is still unique and, if up your alley, will be a good time. |