Incredible!
Let me start this on a personal note. At first, the Xionico series seemed to be a load of bull. It reminded me of the average DBZ fanboy trying to utilize an overrated plot to appeal to the majority of NG (who consist of immature kids). The original animation was not my taste and the action was bland to a degree.
Even before I voted, I heard fellow NGers showing distaste for how this achieved such first place in the current ratings.
However, this episode changed it all. Despite the lack of character behind the dialogue and he cheesiness of the aforementioned, I loved this. This is a quality, original Madness movie. I say original, despite the fact it's very anime-ish, because you took Madness, added color, your own style, and non-Madness qualities, such as hi-tech futuristic weapons and science fiction-esque qualities.
The art is exceptionally amazing. How you are able to render all of these effects without lag is beyond me. Xero's new armor was very well done, as was the continually deteriorating/regenerting antagonist Omega fought. The lighting effects were incredible, as was the scene where everything was in semi-darkness (this also reduced lag). The movement of characters was swift and cleverly planned, which shows this was not your average tween rape. The helicopter scene was very tense. Camera cinematics really did it for the atmosphere.
The skitching fight between Omega and the XY project was a little lacking in sound, but the effects were dazzling. And I liked the idea of how Kari and Askad were sort of fused to replace his absence. Oh, and that bulletstop. Though it nearly lagged my computer the fuck out, it was a brilliantly designed effect.
I'm going against all my morals to vote high on this, but this deserves a good place in the ratings. Congrats, my friend.