This post contains spoilers for "Code Geass: Lelouch of the Rebellion" and "R2."

Whenever someone asks for beginner-level anime recommendations, "Code Geass" almost always makes the list. The reasons behind this unanimous recommendation are simple: the story spans over two digestible seasons, incorporates the best aspects of psychological strategy and mech-focused action, and features complex, nuanced characters with believable motivations. More importantly, "Code Geass" makes us root for an antihero who hides behind layers of carefully constructed masks and is willing to go to any lengths to win a high-stakes game determining the outcome of a nation torn asunder by war.

Geopolitics plays a crucial role in shaping the trajectory of everyone's lives here, as the world — which is set in an alternate timeline — is divided into three superpowers wrestling for ultimate control. There's the monarchical Holy Britannian Empire, simply known as Britannia, the Chinese Federation that oversees most parts of Asia,...