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D.I.C.E.

D.I.C.E. (DNA Integrated Cybernetic Enterprises) is a anime television series produced by , Entertainment, and Studio Galapagos. The 40-episode series, directed by Jun Kamiya, follows a team of young orphans in the F-99 unit of the D.I.C.E. organization as they pilot transformable vehicles called Dinobreakers to conduct rescue and aid missions across the Sarbylion galaxy. Originally created for the North American market, it premiered in the United States on Cartoon Network's block on January 1, 2005, and ran until December 10, 2005. It later aired in on YTV from September 2005 to March 2006, in on as Dinobreaker from December 5, 2005, to September 19, 2006, and in other regions including the and the .

Premise and setting

Plot overview

D.I.C.E., or DNA Integrated Cybernetic Enterprises, serves as an intergalactic rescue organization in the Sarbylion galaxy, tasked with responding to crises across various planets by deploying advanced technology to neutralize threats. The series' central narrative revolves around the F-99 , a unique squadron composed entirely of orphaned children who survived galactic wars that claimed their families, led by the determined captain Tak Carter. This young team pilots transformable called Dinobreakers, combining their specialized training with these machines to execute daring missions that protect vulnerable worlds from destruction and chaos. As the F-99 unit forms in response to escalating emergencies, its members—Jet Siegel, Puffy Angel, Sam N'Dool, Marco Rocca, Robert Clapice, and others under Tak's leadership—navigate intense team dynamics shaped by their shared traumatic backgrounds. Their adventures not only involve high-stakes rescues but also lead them to probe deeper mysteries, such as the enigmatic civilization, whose ancient technologies and hidden gates hold pivotal secrets to the galaxy's history and ongoing conflicts. Encounters with rival operatives and shadowy antagonists test their resolve, highlighting the unit's growth through collaboration and resilience against overwhelming odds. The overarching arc explores profound themes of teamwork, as the orphans learn to trust one another amid perilous operations, personal development from wartime scars, and moral quandaries posed by bio-engineering practices that blur the lines between savior and creator of monsters. Key turning points include the unit's establishment amid rising threats, clashes with competitive factions seeking similar artifacts, and a shocking revelation in which the enigmatic Dark Phantom is unmasked as Jet's presumed-deceased older brother, Zack, reshaping alliances and personal motivations. These elements drive the narrative toward a climax involving the Heron's forbidden legacies and the ethical costs of technological intervention in the galaxy's fragile balance.

Fictional universe

The fictional universe of D.I.C.E. is set primarily in the , a vast region comprising interconnected planets, stations, and diverse ecosystems prone to emergencies such as and conflicts. This serves as the backdrop for interplanetary travel and operations, where advanced enables rapid response across distant worlds. The narrative emphasizes a sci-fi environment blending high-tech machinery with exploratory adventures, highlighting the interconnectedness of planetary societies through trade routes, wormholes, and shared threats. Central to the universe is the organization D.I.C.E. (DNA Integrated Cybernetic Enterprises), a heroic intergalactic entity established to address crises throughout the , including planetary rescues and confrontations with . D.I.C.E. operates through specialized units stationed on mobile fortresses, with F-99 serving as a key elite team composed of young operatives equipped for high-risk missions. The organization's hierarchy is overseen by the Body of Elders, a council of 12 governing figures who make executive decisions and maintain operational protocols since D.I.C.E.'s inception. Rival factions, such as the antagonistic B-D.I.C.E., challenge D.I.C.E.'s authority by pursuing exploitative agendas in the galaxy. Adjacent to the Sarbylion galaxy lies the Heron Universe, depicted as an ancient, advanced parallel dimension accessible via mysterious gates like Heron's Gate, containing forbidden planets and evolved technologies from a long-lost civilization. This realm is characterized by its uncharted territories, immortality-granting artifacts, and rulers such as the Immortal Pharaoh, which draw expeditions seeking power or knowledge. The Heron Universe influences the broader through its historical ties to cybernetic advancements, including to modern machinery. Within this framework, the Heron Knights emerge as elite guardians enforcing protective codes in the Heron Universe, operating from knightly fortresses and utilizing specialized transforming to defend against intruders and maintain order. Their role underscores cultural norms of chivalric duty and planetary stewardship, contrasting with opportunistic elements like space piracy that exploit galactic vulnerabilities. D.I.C.E. missions often intersect with these dynamics, promoting norms of interstellar aid and .

Characters

D.I.C.E. operatives

The F-99 unit of D.I.C.E. is the organization's only team composed entirely of child operatives, all of whom are orphans recruited and rigorously trained from a young age to pilot advanced vehicles and handle high-stakes missions in the Sarbylion galaxy. This elite squad operates from the mobile fortress Fortress F-99, emphasizing teamwork among its young members who function like a close-knit . Led by the strategic Tak (voiced by in Japanese), the unit's dynamics revolve around sibling-like bonds, with older members providing guidance to the younger ones amid personal conflicts and growth through collaborative efforts. Tak Carter, aged 15, serves as the calm and decisive captain of F-99, often viewed as an older brother figure by his teammates due to his leadership and maturity. His strategic mindset helps balance the team's more impulsive elements, and he shares a hinted romantic connection with second-in-command Marsha Rizarov. Jet Siegel, the 12-year-old hot-headed pilot, is known for his strong moral sense, competitiveness, and tendency to rush into danger without forethought, frequently causing friction with others like Puffy Angel. Robert Clapius, also 12, acts as the charming front-line scout and analyst, prioritizing his appearance as a "pretty-boy" while maintaining close friendships with Sam N'Dour. Puffy Angel, aged 12, specializes in and views Marsha as a sisterly figure; despite her shopaholic tendencies and apparent disdain for Jet's recklessness, she deeply cares for the team. The youngest member, 11-year-old Sam N'Dour (voiced by in Japanese), is the unit's mechanical expert and intellectual core, often praying for the crew's safety during missions. Chao Li, at 17 the oldest operative, pilots and navigates with a thoughtful demeanor, offering advice and speaking up when necessary to maintain team cohesion. Marsha Rizarov, 14, functions as second-in-command and an older sister archetype, supporting Tak's leadership while fostering emotional stability within the group. Complementing the human operatives are three android companions assigned to F-99. Randall is a tall, blue android who provides logical support to the team. Gelati, a short yellow android, adds humor through his role as a frequent punching bag for Jet and Puffy, lightening tense situations. Moke serves as Chao Li's pet, contributing comic relief to the unit's dynamics.

Allies and rivals

Within D.I.C.E., several supporting members from other stations provide operational support and leadership to the F-99 team. Commander Sid serves as the leader of D.I.C.E. Fortress F, overseeing missions and coordinating resources across the Sarbylion galaxy, with his personal Dinobreaker being the Mototyranno, a heavily armored unit suited for defensive operations. Captain Pike, pilot of the E-01 unit, is a veteran operative known for high-risk reconnaissance flights; in one mission, his team rescued a captured soldier to locate his crashed vessel amid enemy territory. Macchiatto, a tactical specialist from Fortress C-01, contributes strategic analysis and backup during inter-station collaborations, often bridging communication between rescue-focused units. B-D.I.C.E., operated by the profit-oriented B CORP, functions as a rival faction that mimics D.I.C.E. operations to undermine their reputation, prioritizing financial gains over humanitarian rescues and employing deceptive tactics with inferior disguises. Key members include the Poker brothers—Club, the taller strategist, and Diamond, the shorter enforcer—who handle coordinated strikes; Laughing Boy, a joker-themed saboteur who disrupts missions with chaotic diversions; and Luigi, a versatile operative focused on infiltration and resource hoarding. This corporate ethos creates ongoing tension, as B-D.I.C.E. intercepts distress calls to claim rewards before D.I.C.E. arrives. The Heron Knights represent an elite, ancient order of guardians from the Heron Universe, tasked with protecting sacred artifacts and maintaining dimensional balance, occasionally allying with D.I.C.E. against mutual threats like wild Dinobreakers. Clo Zan, a 2,350-year-old recruit integrated into F-99 later in the series, brings unparalleled combat expertise and knowledge of lore, piloting advanced Knightbreakers to bolster joint expeditions into uncharted territories. Their initial encounters with F-99 involve territorial disputes but evolve into cooperative defenses, as seen in pursuits of rogue mechanical beasts. Neutral allies include the Body of Elders, a council of 12 founding members who govern D.I.C.E. from its , issuing executive directives on and mission priorities while maintaining oversight to prevent internal rebellions. Planetary leaders occasionally provide logistical aid or intelligence during localized crises, fostering ad-hoc partnerships without formal affiliation.

Antagonists

The primary antagonist in D.I.C.E. is the Dark Phantom, also known as Phantom , who is revealed to be Zack , the long-lost older brother of protagonist Jet . Zack pilots the Dinobreaker and leads rebel forces against D.I.C.E., often allying with to steal artifacts from the ancient civilization in pursuit of through the forbidden Heron's Gate. His motivations stem from a desire to escape mortality and challenge the corrupt Body of Elders who govern D.I.C.E., occasionally aiding the organization covertly while posing a direct threat in battles involving wild Dinobreakers. Dinosaur threats in the series arise primarily from bio-engineered mutants created through illegal chemical experiments in abandoned laboratories, which escape and endanger human populations. These creatures, including aggressive variants manipulated by into makeshift armies, represent uncontrolled scientific hubris and force D.I.C.E. operatives to intervene with their Dinobreakers to contain outbreaks. Specific examples include rampaging mutants that overrun urban areas, highlighting the dangers of unregulated bio-experimentation outside D.I.C.E.'s oversight. Rogue elements within or mimicking D.I.C.E. add , such as the B-D.I.C.E. faction, which impersonates the organization to sabotage its reputation and advance unethical agendas like discrediting rivals through staged failures. The Body of Elders, D.I.C.E.'s founding governors, emerge as corrupt defectors conspiring for personal by orchestrating wars, executives, and seeking the Heron's Gate, ultimately meeting their demise in a failed attempt to breach it. These groups exploit D.I.C.E. technology for self-serving ends, including time manipulation via artifacts like the Sitan Kaleidoscope, which transports operatives like backward in time. Foes from the civilization include rival guardians like the Heron Knights, ancient protectors of the Heron's who clash with D.I.C.E. due to misaligned goals in preserving forbidden artifacts and gates. The , ruler of the Heron realm and possessed by the Luma Sword, seeks a stagnant eternal existence free of conflict, driving him to oppose both D.I.C.E. and the until his defeat by wielding the Malusword. These adversaries embody ancient curses and guardianship rivalries, often manifesting as barriers to D.I.C.E.'s missions in the interdimensional Heron domain.

Technology and vehicles

Dinobreakers

Dinobreakers are the core transformable mecha utilized by the F-99 unit of D.I.C.E., engineered for dual-purpose operations in rescue and combat across the Sarbylion galaxy. These machines incorporate DNA integration technology, fusing synthetic cybernetic structures with prehistoric dinosaur genetics to enable seamless shifts between vehicular forms for mobility and dinosaur modes for amplified strength, agility, and environmental adaptation. Pilots activate the transformation using the command "Libertize," but the units require specially refined pellets derived from dinosaur essence to suppress their inherent feral tendencies; unrefined fuel can lead to unpredictable behavior during deployment. Each Dinobreaker is uniquely assigned to a pilot from the youth-dominated F-99 team, reflecting their personal skills and the machine's specialized design:
  • Motoraptor, piloted by Jet Siegel, converts from a high-speed into a red form, excelling in rapid strikes and close-quarters maneuvers suited to Jet's impulsive style.
  • Dimetrover, operated by team captain Tak Carter, transforms from a sleek race car into a yellow , leveraging powerful shearing jaws for breaching obstacles and defensive support under pressure.
  • Hoverptera, commanded by Robert Clapice, shifts from a versatile to a purple , providing the unit's sole aerial capabilities for scouting, surveillance, and high-altitude extractions.
  • Monocrawler, driven by Marco Rocca, changes from a rugged drill tank into a blue , optimized for tunneling through terrain and delivering heavy armored assaults in coordinated team efforts.
  • Paratricar, handled by engineer Sam N’Dool, morphs from a standard car into a green equipped with cloaking technology for stealth operations, while also facilitating repairs and logistical support for the fleet.
These Dinobreakers demonstrate exceptional speed and integrated weaponry—such as energy blades on the Motoraptor or sonic crests on the Paratricar—allowing dynamic sequences that enable the team to respond to crises like natural disasters or enemy incursions. In missions involving planetary evacuations, they combine vehicular transport for civilian relocation with dinosaur-mode enhancements for combating environmental hazards or hostile forces. Despite their advanced design, Dinobreakers have limitations tied to their young pilots, whose inexperience occasionally results in erratic control during intense battles, necessitating reliance on team synergy. Maintenance falls primarily to Sam N’Dool, who fine-tunes the DNA integration systems to prevent overloads and ensure operational reliability post-mission.

Knightbreakers and fortresses

Knightbreakers represent a class of advanced, transformable mecha deployed primarily by antagonistic factions and select allies within the D.I.C.E. universe, designed for high-mobility combat and aggressive tactical operations. These units, often resembling armored knights in their vehicular modes, can shift into dinosaur and humanoid guardian forms via a "Knightbreak" command, emphasizing offensive capabilities that surpass standard Dinobreakers in raw firepower while raising ethical concerns due to their origins in unauthorized cybernetic integrations. Unlike the protagonist-focused Dinobreakers, Knightbreakers are engineered for rapid incursions and domination of battlefields, powered by refined energy pellets that enable sustained high-intensity engagements. Prominent examples include the Knight Rex, piloted by the Dark Phantom, which alternates between a sleek race car configuration for speed and a formidable dinosaur mode for melee assaults. Another variant is the Hoverrhynchus, assigned to operative , featuring a rhamphorhynchus-inspired aerial form optimized for and swift aerial strikes. Antagonist groups like B-D.I.C.E. and the Heron Knights utilize custom Knightbreakers such as the Lambeotracker, commanded by Macchiatto and modeled after a for tracking and ambush tactics, and the Motorex, under Sid's control, which adopts a form with enhanced destructive weaponry for frontline assaults. Other Heron Knights Knightbreakers include Knight Pharaoh ( form), Knight Raptor (), Knight Stego (), Knight Archaeo (), and Knight Pterx (). These highlight superior armament but often incorporate unstable modifications, leading to vulnerabilities in prolonged conflicts. Fortresses serve as mobile command centers and defensive strongholds, integral to coordination efforts by both rivals and supporting entities. The F-99 station functions as a versatile base for strategic oversight, equipped with command facilities that facilitate real-time mission planning and deployment of Knightbreakers. Complementing this is the Tortoise Fortress, piloted by Chao, which transforms from a standard support vessel into a heavily armored tortoise-like structure for defensive operations during critical sieges. These installations enable antagonist forces to orchestrate large-scale incursions, providing logistical support and shielding for Knightbreaker launches while underscoring the tactical emphasis on fortified aggression over exploratory missions.

Episodes

Production and airing

D.I.C.E. consists of 40 episodes divided into two seasons, with the first season comprising 26 episodes and the second 14 episodes. The series was directed by Jun Kamiya throughout its run. Scripts were primarily written by Hiro Masaki, who handled 12 episodes including episodes 4, 8, 14, 19, 21, and 24–29 and 38, while Jun Kamiya contributed to episodes 1 and 21, and other writers such as Kenichi Araki covered additional installments like episodes 7, 10, and 18. The production was led by Bandai Entertainment as the primary producer, in collaboration with animation studio and CG studio Studio Galapagos, which handled computer-generated sequences for elements. Key staff included producers Charles McCarter from Bandai Entertainment and Yukinao Shimoji from . Mechanical designs for the Dinobreakers and other vehicles were created by Tsuyoshi Nonaka of , emphasizing the series' focus on transforming technology. Japanese voice acting featured talents such as Susumu Chiba as Tak Carter, as Jet Siegel, and as Marsha Rizarov. The English dub, produced by Blue Water Studios, featured as Tak Carter, Samuel Vincent as Jet Siegel, and as Marsha Rizarov. Although originally developed for international markets, the Japanese broadcast premiered on on December 6, 2005, under the title Dinobreaker, running until September 19, 2006, to cover all 40 episodes. In the United States, the English-dubbed version debuted earlier on Cartoon Network's block on January 22, 2005, with the first season airing through July 2005. Only Season 1 aired on U.S. television; Season 2 was released directly on DVD. The English dub was produced by Blue Water Studios in , . Internationally, it aired on YTV in starting September 9, 2005, for season 1, and in the Philippines on TV beginning January 7, 2006, followed by on January 28, 2006, both featuring dubs.

Episode summaries

The D.I.C.E. series consists of 40 episodes divided into two seasons, with narratives centered on the team's missions across the galaxy, often involving high-stakes rescues and battles against threats like pirates and ancient forces.

Episode List

EpisodeTitleEnglish AirdateSummary
1S.O.S. from Planet SaffaronJanuary 22, 2005The Planet Saffaron appears to be in danger, so the D.I.C.E. gang is called to the rescue. However, the people there do not believe that D.I.C.E. can save them due to their young age.
2The Pirate PlanetJanuary 29, 2005D.I.C.E. battles pirates attacking spaceships, with Jet meeting their leader, The Phantom Knight.
3Race Through the Plasma BlizzardFebruary 5, 2005D.I.C.E. races through a blizzard on planet Balios to deliver medicine for a boy’s vacuum sickness.
4Countdown to ImpactFebruary 12, 2005D.I.C.E. addresses a comet threatening Terrace K, finding a solution despite unexpected issues.
5The Monster of Lupis SeaFebruary 19, 2005D.I.C.E. saves crew members on a malfunctioning, out-of-control ship targeted for self-destruction.
6Operation Grand PrixFebruary 26, 2005D.I.C.E. uncovers corporate sabotage in a manipulated car race to ensure justice.
7Vanishing PlanetMarch 5, 2005D.I.C.E. replaces power units on Yasutake, navigating a rare wormhole with Jet reluctant to go.
8Five Seconds to Interplanetary WarMarch 12, 2005D.I.C.E. investigates an explosion on Planet ROB2 to prevent war with ROB3.
9The Body of Elders ConspiracyMarch 26, 2005Jet pursues Phantom Knight battling Motostingers, uncovering a conspiracy within the elders.
10The Phantom Knight's Secret!April 2, 2005Jet learns Phantom Knight is his brother Zack, as elders plan to escape to Heron for eternal life.
11D.I.C.E. vs. D.I.C.E.!April 9, 2005F-99 finds F Station under attack, upgrading dinobreakers for a space battle without stabilizers.
12Forgotten LabyrinthApril 16, 2005Jet and Robert face a dangerous dungeon test, with B-DICE escalating the threat to their lives.
13Puffy's QuestApril 23, 2005F-99 protects coo-coo baby birds, searching for their missing parents to save the day.
14The Mega-Gravity PlanetApril 30, 2005D.I.C.E. retrieves the "dark stone of Heron" on high-gravity Gorban, racing Phantom Knight.
15Jet DefeatedMay 7, 2005Jet, defeated by Phantom Knight, takes a break but faces him again with a mysterious rider’s interference.
16Jet Returns!May 14, 2005Jet mourns injured Motoraptor while D.I.C.E. stops a battle involving a mysterious Motostinger.
17The Mutant LaboratoryMay 21, 2005D.I.C.E. and scientists eliminate dangerous mutants from an abandoned bio-chemical lab.
18Terror Under the SeaMay 28, 2005D.I.C.E. recovers a sunken ship’s cargo, unaware a stolen bomb could spark interplanetary war.
19Miss Lily's MemoriesJune 4, 2005D.I.C.E. helps Miss Lily find a past love, facing her haunted history on a distant planet.
20Fugitive AndroidJune 11, 2005F-99 tracks an android, Miss Liane, stealing secrets, with Phantom Knight complicating matters.
21Trusting the EnemyJune 18, 2005Jet and F-99 rescue Captain Spike on Durus, aided by a Lady whose escape has unknown consequences.
22Runaway TrainJune 25, 2005Jet rides a supersonic train, thwarting a passenger transporting hazardous materials.
23The Point of No ReturnJuly 2, 2005Jet and Marco escape a dream-like world of past memories, with Puffy and Phantom Knight’s help.
24Uncovering Heron's SecretJuly 9, 2005Jet, separated at a festival, finds an underground city claiming him as savior, with Phantom Knight arriving.
25Jet Escapes!July 16, 2005D.I.C.E. helps an alien fugitive reunite with his daughter, contingent on his surrender.
26The Secret of SitanJuly 23, 2005D.I.C.E. seeks the mangekyou treasure, finding maps and witnessing unexpected sights with an archaeologist.
27The Amazing Heron Knights!Unaired in USJet and F-99 enter the Heron Universe to protect the secret of immortality, facing mysterious groups.
28Take Off! Dragon Fortress!Unaired in USF-99 discovers a Dragon Dino Breaker, potentially a faster way to cross the Heron Universe.
29The Legend of the SwordUnaired in USF-99 learns of swords controlling the Heron Universe, questioning trust in Phantom Knight.
30Battle on Planet LakiaUnaired in USD.I.C.E. saves citizens, risking war with the Heron Knights.
31The Kingdom of B-DICEUnaired in USF-99 journeys to meet the Immortal Pharaoh, discovering B-DICE’s impersonation and potential war.
32Jet Transforms, Part 1Unaired in USJet seeks the Malusword’s other half to convince his brother Zack to join F-99.
33Jet Transforms, Part 2Unaired in USJet controls the Malusword, but it takes over; Zack and F-99 try to free him from Heron Knights’ threat.
34After the MaluswordUnaired in USF-99 prevents Phantom Knight from uniting the Malusword, risking the Heron Universe’s destruction.
35Planet of FossilsUnaired in USF-99 rescues unconscious Heron Knights on a planet of dinobreaker fossils, uncovering secrets.
36Brother vs. BrotherUnaired in USJet must stop Zack from uniting the Malusword’s halves.
37A Village Named DICEUnaired in USF-99 finds a planet with the D.I.C.E. symbol and their creator’s burial site while saving the Pharaoh.
38Dinobreakers in Danger!Unaired in USPhantom Knight allies with wild dinobreakers against the Pharaoh, facing Heron Knights’ opposition.
39The TruthUnaired in USJet learns the Pharaoh is possessed by the Luma Sword, taking up Zack’s sword after his defeat.
40The Future of DICEUnaired in USJet battles the Pharaoh with the Malusword, aided by Heron Knights, to determine the universe’s fate.
Note: Per-episode directors, writers, and storyboarders are not detailed in publicly available sources; the series was overall directed by Jun Kamiya. Air dates refer to the English broadcast on Cartoon Network's block for Season 1 only. Episodes 27-40 (Season 2) did not air on U.S. television and were released directly on DVD.

Arc Summaries

Season 1 (Episodes 1–26: Team Formation and Initial Missions)
The first season focuses on the assembly and early operations of the D.I.C.E. team, led by young operatives like Jet Link, as they respond to galactic crises such as pirate raids, planetary disasters, and interstellar conflicts. Episodes 1–10 introduce the team's dynamics through missions like rescuing Planet Saffaron and confronting the Phantom Knight, establishing their reliance on Dinobreakers for combat and exploration. From episodes 11–20, the narrative deepens with internal challenges, including betrayals and personal stakes, such as Jet's defeats and recoveries, while episodes 21–26 build toward revelations about the Heron civilization and , culminating in a confrontation at F Station.
Season 2 (Episodes 27–40: Heron Secrets and Dark Phantom Climax)
The second season delves into the ancient Heron Universe, uncovering immortality secrets and escalating threats from the and B-DICE forces. Episodes 27–31 explore the of artifacts like the Fortress and swords controlling , heightening tensions with rival factions. Episodes 32–36 center on Jet's transformation via the Malusword and brotherly conflicts with Zack ( Knight), while the final arc (episodes 37–40) resolves the series through battles on fossil planets and a village tied to D.I.C.E.'s origins, leading to a decisive showdown against possession and destruction.
Recurring motifs throughout the series include dramatic Dinobreaker transformation sequences during battles, high-tension rescue operations on hostile worlds, and moments of character growth, such as Jet's evolution from reluctant leader to determined hero amid family revelations. Notable episodes include the pilot (Episode 1), which introduces the team's youthful skepticism and first victory; mid-season rival battles like "Jet Defeated" (Episode 15) and "Brother vs. Brother" (Episode 36), showcasing intense mecha duels; and the series resolution (Episode 40), where alliances and sacrifices determine the galaxy's future.

Adaptations

Video game

D.I.C.E.: DNA Integrated Cybernetic Enterprises is a action developed by Natsume and published by for the , released in on September 22, 2005. The title serves as an adaptation of the anime series, allowing players to control operatives from the D.I.C.E. organization as they undertake missions assigned to Team F-99. Core gameplay emphasizes piloting customizable Dinobreakers, with objectives centered on combating prehistoric threats and resolving global crises in a futuristic setting. Gameplay unfolds across 16 single-player levels that incorporate third-person , exploration, and elements inspired by episodes. Players pilot Dinobreakers, which transform seamlessly between vehicle modes—such as motorcycles or racers for high-speed traversal—and modes for enhanced melee capabilities, activated via a single button press. In , forms enable powerful close-range attacks against enemy dinosaurs and robots, while bots provide ranged support through lasers, missiles, or other augmentations that can be unlocked and upgraded. Dismounting allows on-foot fighting or navigation of tight spaces, adding variety to encounters that range from enemy waves to large-scale boss battles. missions simulate high-stakes chases on futuristic tracks, utilizing boost mechanics and vehicle handling unique to each Dinobreaker. A two-player multiplayer mode offers versus battles, providing a more dynamic alternative to the campaign's linear structure. The game expands on the anime by introducing two original Dinobreakers absent from the series, broadening playable options beyond the core operatives' mecha. This allows supporting characters like the guild-affiliated Marsha to engage directly in piloting roles, diverging from her non-combat focus in the show. Hands-on previews highlighted the fluid animations during transformations and attacks, contributing to engaging boss encounters despite the game's overall modest production values.

Other media

In , the series was released on DVD by Entertainment across multiple volumes starting in 2005, covering both seasons of the . In the United States, ADV Films distributed partial Region 1 DVD releases, including volumes such as Adventures in Space (episodes 1–5), High-Speed Action (episodes 6–10), To the Rescue (episodes 11–15), and Phantom Knight (episodes 16–20), though a complete collection was never issued and the discs are now . As of 2025, the series remains unavailable on major streaming platforms like or HIDIVE. Bandai America launched a merchandise line in 2004 to coincide with the anime's premiere, featuring action figures of characters like Jet Siegel and , transforming vehicle toys based on Dinobreakers such as the Motoraptor, and role-play accessories including sword drills and display stands. These items targeted children aged 6–11 and emphasized the series' mecha-dinosaur transformation themes, with examples like the 5.5-inch figure bundled with weapons. No official tie-in comics, novels, trading cards, or model kits were produced for the series. The franchise saw limited expansions in international dubs, premiering on Cartoon Network's block in the on January 22, 2005, with only the first 10 episodes airing until April 2, 2005, due to low viewership, before the remaining Season 1 episodes moved to a Saturday morning slot; Season 2 never aired in the . but no significant crossovers or unreleased projects, such as planned sequels, have been documented beyond the original and video game.

Production

Development

D.I.C.E. originated as an original developed by Entertainment, specifically commissioned by USA to create a new series targeted at young audiences featuring child heroes in high-stakes adventures. The project was first publicly introduced by at Comic-Con International in July 2004, with further details on the series' premise and toy line revealed later that year. In November 2004, announced its acquisition of the initial 26-episode order, marking it as a key co-production effort between and the network to deliver action-oriented content for its block. Production involved Xebec as the primary animation studio, handling 2D elements, alongside Studio Galapagos for 3D computer-generated imagery, resulting in a hybrid animation approach to depict the series' mecha designs and dynamic action sequences. Scriptwriting duties included contributions from Hiro Masaki, who penned 12 episodes, supporting the narrative's emphasis on teamwork among the young protagonists. The scope expanded beyond the original 26 episodes during production, ultimately yielding 40 episodes to allow for broader storytelling across multiple universes. The series was adapted for international markets with an English-language dub produced by Blue Water Studios. This dub facilitated the series' premiere in the United States in January 2005, ahead of its Japanese broadcast later that year.

Animation and staff

The anime series D.I.C.E. was directed by Jun Kamiya, who also contributed scripts for episodes 1 and 21, as well as storyboarding for select episodes. Hiro Masaki served as the , penning 12 episodes and overseeing the overall narrative structure. Additional scripting was handled by a team including Kenichi Araki, Kenichi Yamada, and Masahiko Shiraishi, with storyboard work distributed across arcs by artists such as Kamiya and others to align with the series' episodic action sequences. Animation production was led by , responsible for the primary and integration. for and vehicles was provided by Studio Galapagos, in collaboration with and Bihou, Inc., enabling a hybrid style that combined hand-drawn elements for characters with models for dynamic action scenes involving Dinobreakers. This technical approach emphasized fluid vehicle transformations and battles, with animation directors like Xiao Chu Xie from and Tomoki Chaya from Studio Galapagos ensuring seamless blending. Each runs approximately 25 minutes, allowing for self-contained stories within the overarching plot. Producers included Charles McCarter from Bandai Entertainment and Yukinao Shimoji from , who coordinated the international co-production aspects. The Japanese voice cast featured notable performances such as as Jet Siegel, as Robert Clapice, and Susumu Chiba as Tak Carter, bringing energy to the young operatives' roles. The English dub was produced by Blue Water Studios, with voice actors including Jeffrey Watson as Jet Siegel, Scott Roberts as Tak Carter, and Brendan Hunter as Robert Clapice, adapting the dialogue for Western audiences while preserving the series' adventurous tone.

Reception

Critical response

Upon its 2005 release, D.I.C.E. received mixed to negative reviews from critics, who often highlighted its appeal to young children while critiquing its lack of originality and depth. User ratings on averaged around 3.4 out of 10, with a median of "Weak," reflecting broad dissatisfaction among enthusiasts. On IMDb, it fared better with a 7.4 out of 10 from a smaller pool of 67 users, suggesting some nostalgic or casual appreciation. Critics praised the series for its dynamic action sequences, particularly the transformation scenes involving dinosaur-themed vehicles, which provided energetic spectacle suitable for its of children aged 6-11. The youthful energy of the child protagonists and underlying themes of in missions were noted as engaging for younger viewers, aligning with its educational undertones on collaboration. However, these elements were seen as formulaic, drawing direct comparisons to shows like and Transformers without innovating on the genre. Storytelling drew significant criticism for its repetitive, adventure-of-the-week plots and underdeveloped villains, which lacked emotional depth or continuity. Dialogue was frequently described as wooden and awkward, compounded by subpar that failed to elevate one-dimensional characters. Animation, while vibrant in colors and sharp in video quality, was criticized as sloppy and dated, especially the elements that appeared rudimentary even in 2005. The series received no major awards or nominations, though retrospectives on programming have acknowledged its kid-friendly appeal as a short-lived attempt to introduce original to American audiences. In later evaluations, such as a , it was labeled generic and forgettable, emblematic of Toonami's struggles with toy-driven content that failed to resonate beyond its initial run.

Legacy and viewership

D.I.C.E. garnered modest online viewership and user engagement following its release, with reporting it as having been seen by 480 users and ranking #2213 out of 10,140 anime titles in their database. The series received a weighted mean user rating of 3.379 out of 10 on the site, based on 159 ratings, indicating generally unfavorable reception among anime enthusiasts. On , D.I.C.E. holds a score of 6.38 out of 10 from 2,471 users, placing it at #8058 in overall popularity among tracked series. This middling score reflects mixed opinions, with some users appreciating its action-oriented plot involving cybernetic enhancements and rescue missions, while others criticized its animation quality and pacing. IMDb users rated the series higher at 7.4 out of 10, drawn from 67 votes, suggesting a slightly more positive response from a broader audience less focused on -specific critiques. The discrepancy in ratings across platforms highlights D.I.C.E.'s niche appeal as a 2005 co-production blending Western and Japanese animation styles, which aired in the United States, , , and the but failed to achieve widespread acclaim or enduring cultural impact.