This wasn't what I expected; it was not the (literally) earth shattering epic of humans versus bad aliens like the original. This sequal is more of a "gaiden" side-story set with in the same universe. Kind of focuses on some of the "little guys"; test pilots and engineers. But that's not to say that their lives are not as interesting. This is a much more intense, complex, and overall more grown-up story than the original. It's really a solid sci-fi story and would recommend it to anyone. And, one does not have to be familiar with the Macross universe to watch it!