This series takes place in a parallel universe from the original
Gundam series called the Cosmic Era. In this series, a war similar to the One Year War of the original
Mobile Suit Gundam brews between the Earth Alliance and the colonies, in the form of an organization called the Zodiac Alliance of Freedom Treaty, or ZAFT. The series also borrows ideas from earlier
Gundam series by including both normal humans known as Naturals and genetically enhanced people called Coordinators, reminiscent of Newtypes. Each side of the war pursues the use of Gundam Suits, the most technologically enhanced weaponry, in order to gain the upper hand. Despite the many resemblances the series bears to its predecessors, it quickly moves in its own unique direction, creating a new and distinct series. Gundam SEED aired on the Cartoon Network in the United States but was severely edited for content. ~ Cammila Albertson, All Movie Guide