Post by Ztrl on Nov 18, 2005 17:37:08 GMT -5
I found this while browsing Wikepedia(dont ask) Anyways, if you have some time to kill go ahead and read it.
Zero (Mega Man)
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia.
Incidentally, Keiji Inafune, Mega Man creator and current senior corporate officer at Capcom, had admitted to creating Zero to be Mega Man X himself, the character who would replace Mega Man as the hero. However, due to concerns that players would find it hard to relate Zero with the original Mega Man due to the large visual differences between the two characters, he was made X's partner, and the Mega Man X widely known today was designed for this purpose instead. Nine years later, Zero did eventually get his own starring role, in the Mega Man Zero series.
Appearance
Zero's appearance has changed a lot over time. In the game Mega Man X, in which he debuted, Zero had round shoulders and fairly plain armor designs. In X2, Zero was reconstructed with a slightly altered armor design, the most prominent features were the squared shoulders, gold linings on his ankles, a redesigned buster, and he was given his signature weapon: The Z-Saber. In X3, Zero's design was kept mostly the same, but his buster was redesigned again. Zero saw no further changes in appearance other than updated graphics until X8, which slimmed him down significantly and made a few minor alterations. In the Mega Man Zero series, Zero's armor appearance was redone completely, resembling the MMX series' design only in color scheme, and slightly in the helmet.
Throughout the X series Zero frequently has an alternate black armor, at which point has sometimes increased attack abilities. MegaMan X: Command Mission also featured a hidden armor upgrade called Absolute Zero, which was reminiscent of Bass's Treble Boost in the classic MegaMan series. Absolute Zero uses no weapons, relying instead on his claws and feet in battle, which are devastating by themselves. In Megaman Zero, It incresed his attack power dramatically, while decresing his defense and stripping his ability to charge his weapons.
Weapons and abilites
Variable weapons system: Zero, like Megaman, can gain the defeated data of enemies and use them to gain powerful techniques. Zero only has two weapons in the earlier MMX games. In later games, he can gain others.
Z-Buster: Zero's first weapon. In each of the first three X games, it received a new design, then disappeared from MegaMan Xtreme 2 and X4. X5, the Z-Buster reappeared. Oddly, the in-game sprites depicted the X2 design while all artwork and cutscenes clearly showed the X3 design. In X6, the Z-Buster appeared for the final time in the series, with the X3 design. It was not featured again. No explanation for its disappearance has been given.
Z-Saber: This weapon first appeared in X2, and became Zero's main weapon in X4. It is an energy sword that has a reputation for being very powerful but usually short-ranged. Its incredible attack power is almost second to none. In the manga, the Z-saber is described as being able to cut through several layers of reinforced steel alloy; which is on a much higher scale than other media-related beam swords, most notably Star Wars. Throughout the series, there have been several ways of powering it up to launch projectiles and block enemy shots. In X7, the Z-Saber actually had the ability to reflect shots back at the enemy. X has had limited experience using the Z-Saber in X3 and X6, and was also in possession of it at the beginning of the first MegaMan Zero game. In the Zero series, it gained the ability to unleash an extremely powerful energy wave attack after charging.
D-Glaive: A long staff with an energy blade at the end, this weapon has appeared in both X7 and X8. At first, Zero was slow wielding it, but in X8 he can lash out at enemies much faster than he could before. In both games, it provides longer range than the Z-Saber. The D-Glaive can unleash a rapid stabbing attack when combined with the power of Bamboo Pandamonium.
V-Hanger: Twin energy daggers appearing in X7. They had even shorter range than the Z-Saber, but were much faster. Zero could also perform a special boomerang attack with them.
B-Fan: Energy fan weapons appearing in X8. When Zero held still, they would create a barrier that blocked enemy shots. The power of Earthrock Trilobite can strengthen this ability further.
T-Breaker: A hammer weapon able to negate the effects of enemy barriers, appearing in X8. Combined with the power of Gravity Antonion, the T-Breaker can unleash an earthquake attack that can break weak floors.
K-Knuckle: Not to be confused with the Z-Knuckle of Zero 4, this weapon appeared in X8. Zero equips the K-Knuckle when using punches and kicks for attacks. The K-Knuckle also modifies the powers that Zero has gained from defeated Mavericks so that they work with his fists and feet, rather than with a weapon. It is also worth noting that he can use Ansatsuken moves while equipped with the K-Knuckle.
Sigma Blade: This massive sword is used by Sigma at the end of X8, but Zero can also gain access to it after you've beaten the game. It has incredible attack strength, breaks enemy barriers with ease, and its range is second only to the D-Glaive.
Mega Man Zero
In the Mega Man Zero series, Zero loses all of his previous techniques and must earn them again, from the sequel and onward, as EX Skills. He also gains a slew of new weapons to make his arsenal much more versatile. Each weapon becomes levelable in Mega Man Zero and Mega Man Zero 2. In subsequent games, they start out fully powered.
Buster Shot: Zero first obtained this weapon from the fallen Resistance soldier, Milan. Referred in the manuals as an old-model Resistance gun that can be upgraded by the Z-Saber (using the Z-Saber as the weapon's magazine) to allow for charged shots. It is NOT Zero's own Z-Buster, contrary to a translation error in the first Zero game. The Buster Shot has appeared in all Mega Man Zero games.
Z-Saber: Given back to him by Unknown X, the Z-Saber has been modified with X-Buster technology, allowing it to be charged up and release a devastating splash of energy. It appears in all the Zero games.
Triple Rod: The Triple Rod, as its name implies, can extend to thrice its original length and reach otherwise unattainable enemies. When charged up, it becomes a double-bladed staff and Zero spins it at enemies. It appeared in Z1.
Chain Rod: This Rod can grapple enemies, walls, ceilings and movable blocks. It can also pull enemies and movable blocks toward Zero with a simple pull. When charged up, it has the same effect as the Triple Rod. It appeared in Zero 2. It became a fan-favorite weapon because of it's resemblance to Spider-man's web shot - Zero could use the Chain Rod like Spidey used his web to swing.
Recoil Rod: This rod takes on the form of a pair of energy tonfa. These rods, when fully charged, push enemies and movable obstacles, and if fully-charged and pointed downwards, can allow Zero to do a high jump. It appeared in Zero 3.
Shield Boomerang: A reflective shield that deflect enemy buster shots, and can be charged up and sent forward as a spinning blade-like weapon that returns to Zero with a curve, thus the Boomerang part. It appears in the first three Zero games, but not Zero 4. Most likely because it was nearly useless.
Z-Knuckle: Replacing both the Rod weapons and the Shield Boomerang in Zero 4 is the Z-Knuckle. Zero attacks using his bare hands and, if a fatal blow is delivered, can rip off a piece of the enemy to be used as a weapon to replace the Z-Knuckle temporarily (or until manually cancelled). It can be charged up to allow for a stronger attack. Such Z-Knuckle weapons include a Battle Axe, a Laser Gun, a Cannon, a Claw (similar to the claw enemies in Zero 2), and many others.
Game History
Spoiler warning: Plot and/or ending details follow.
Zero was created by Dr. Wily, as evidenced throughout all the MegaMan series. In Bass' ending for Mega Man 2: The Power Fighters, Wily informed Bass that he was working on a new robot that would replace Bass as his strongest creation. The silhouette of this robot was shown to be Zero in his post-X3 design, and a buster on his right arm, but without the Z-Saber. Beyond this, no more is mentioned on the subject in the classic series; however it is once more shown in Mega Man X4 that Dr. Wily is Zero's creator, as in his opening sequence it depicts the mad scientist lecturing Zero on Dr. Light (who he refers to as "his nemesis"), and how he must destroy him. Also, when flashbacks are shown of Zero stepping out of his original capsule, Wily's "W" and Skull insignias can be seen. Wily's name also appears among the random text during the X5 opening video. It is not mentioned what happened to Zero, Wily, MegaMan or any of the other characters after Zero was released.
Zero reappeared not long after X was discovered. A Maverick hunter at this point in time, Sigma was sent to the underground tunnel in which Zero had been spotted to take care of him personally. After a long, hard battle, in which Zero appeared to be nearly victorious, the crystal in Zero's forehead began glowing with a "W" (another Dr. Wily reference), causing him extraordinary pain. Taking advantage of this, Sigma (who was horribly injured by this point) slammed his fist into the crystal, smashing it and knocking Zero out. Upon leaving with the unconscious Zero, Sigma made the request that Zero be sent back to Dr. Cain's lab for examination. Sigma contracted the original Maverick Virus from Zero at this point, which in the months following would mutate to merge with Sigma completely.
Zero was repaired and enlished as a Maverick Hunter to better society. The reason for this change in personality is not known; some believe Dr. Cain reprogrammed him, but it may have simply been the result of the virus leaving his body. Sigma took Zero under his wing and trained him to be an elite Maverick Hunter, including making him highly proficient with a sword. Soon after the training was finished, Sigma himself went Maverick, and the events in the game MegaMan X began to unfold.
X, feeling guilty over humanity's desperate situation, decided to join the Maverick Hunters. Zero kept a close eye on X, saving him twice from one of Sigma's stronger allies, Vile. In the second battle, Zero sacrificed himself to give X a fighting chance.
In X2, an organization called the X-Hunters began to revive Zero. The X-Hunter behind the construction of Zero's new body was Serges. However, X and Dr. Cain still hold Zero's original Control Chip, which is necessary to complete him. The X-Hunters, being short on time, use Zero's body parts as bait to lure X into fighting. If X collects all the parts, Dr. Cain gets to work on installing Zero's control chip. If he does not, the X-Hunters attack Dr. Cain and take everything they need to rebuild Zero at their base. In either case, after X goes after them, Zero will appear to be standing by Sigma's side. If X had failed to collect the parts, Zero himself would attack X, but if X had collected the parts, the Zero would instead be a copy, colored black, which the true, revived Zero dispatched with his new Z-Saber, which would become his signature weapon. After the fake Zero was defeated, he helped X make his way to Sigma's lair. Due to the fake Zero's appearance in a "flashback" image in the opening of Mega Man X5, it is believed that canonically, X did recover all of Zero's parts.
In X3, Zero was actually playable in a limited fashion, in that he could be called upon for assistance at any point in a given level except for boss fights. In the game, Mavericks attacked Maverick Hunters HQ, causing both X and Zero to rush back as soon as possible. X was kidnapped, forcing Zero to save him from his captors. Later on, in Dr. Doppler's hideout, Zero aided X in taking down the Maverick outbreak. Optionally, he could risk his life to defeat one of the bosses (Mosquitus), letting X obtain his Z-Saber; if this happens, Zero is badly damaged (not destroyed), and will no longer be playable. At the end of the game, it was for the first time revealed that Sigma had become a virus; at the time, this seemingly had nothing to do with Zero, but later on, proved to be a pivotal factor in Zero's personality.
In X4, he was fully playable for the first time. Zero, unlike X, was more familiar with Repliforce, in particular his love interest, Iris, and her brother, Colonel. As of such, Zero tried his best to make peace in the conflict, not war, seeing it in the best interests of all involved. Zero and Colonel, however, could not see eye-to-eye, and wound up fighting twice throughout the conflict. Zero was eager to battle Colonel the first time out of pride, but the fight ended in a draw when Iris stepped in. The second time, however, Zero attempted peaceful resolutions but failed. This forced Zero into unwillingly killing Colonel. Heartbroken by the terrible act Zero had committed, Iris herself battled him by installing one of Colonel's chips. However, Iris was not a combat Reploid, and the program she used on herself caused her to die of rejection symptoms after the battle, much to Zero's distress. He went on to uncover Sigma once again and stopped him from destroying the planet with Repliforce's space station, Final Weapon.
Zero played a pivotal role in X5. The space colony Eurasia was set to impact the Earth (which had recently been coated in a large breakout of the Maverick virus), which would cause catastrophes of unimaginable proportions. Unbeknownst to all, Sigma was behind the downing of Eurasia, and with good reason - he had been informed by an "unknown source" (fairly obviously Wily; he is Zero's father, he hates X, the "W" insignia appears throughout the game's later stages, and one of the later bosses is the Shadow Devil, reminiscent of one of Wily's favorite creations, who also transforms into a familiar-looking miniature skull castle) that the high concentration of the Maverick virus would purify Zero's body, awakening his original, evil self and unlocking his dormant powers. The Maverick Hunters stopped the crash, and then found Sigma's hideout and promptly went to shut him down - however, X was badly injured, and Zero was practically left for dead. Someone repaired X, and the Maverick Hunter went on fighting Mavericks in memory of his fallen friend, adding Zero's Z-Saber to his arsenal.
Alternatively, Eurasia crashed with Earth, causing terrible problems on the surface (although it wound up anything but destroying the planet). The end result was a far more powerful, but still incomplete Maverick Zero, who X had to defeat later on. The ending was mostly the same, except X had no memories of Zero and did not find the Z-Saber. Canonically this ending did not happen, although it is interesting to note, in it X frequently uses the term, "Elysium," as the name of his dream place, where humans and Reploids can live together in peace. "Elysium" is also the name of an ancient heavenly world in Mega Man Legends 2'.
Zero's history following that is somewhat confusing. Inafune had originally planned for X5 to be the final game of the X series. Zero's dead body would have been left in ruin following those events to be revived in the first Mega Man Zero game. However, Capcom being Capcom, X6 was created and released before Mega Man Zero. Mega Man Zero was adjusted somewhat to not only accommodate, but in fact confirm, the existance of the future X-series games within its storyline.
In X6, the mad scientist Gate began tampering with Zero's data. By studying a piece of Zero's body found in the debris, Gate created the new Nightmare Virus, a discolored clone of Zero (called "Zero Nightmare"), and the near-invulnerable Reploid, High Max. X, taking the assault on Zero's reputation personally, set out to investigate. Upon destroying the Zero Nightmare, X is reunited with his friend, mysteriously repaired and carrying a brand new Z-Saber. Together, X and Zero set out to defeat Gate and the imperfectly resurrected Sigma. Who exactly repaired Zero was never directly stated. Dr. Light, who repaired X at the end of X5, denied knowing who repaired Zero. Some believe it is Gate's ally, Isoc, as he is the only Reploid who claimed to have seen Zero before X found him, and he demonstrates an odd obsession with Zero, even laughing joyously when Zero defeats Isoc's own men.
Zero's ending in this game helps to mend the storyline between the X and Zero games. It shows Zero being sealed to remove a component from his body (presumably something having to do with the virus' influence on him, and/or his original murderous persona). The procedure is estimated to take 102 years. It is important to note that this event does NOT immediately follow the others in X6, hence why Zero is still present in future MMX games. This event is later referenced in the Japanese soundtrack Remastered Tracks Rockman Zero: Telos. The sealing is depicted as taking place after the Elf Wars, an event that postdates the rest of the MMX series.
Alternatively, it is possible to clear X6 without ever finding Zero. In this event, cutscenes show that Zero is indeed alive, but X and the other Maverick Hunters never find him. Zero leaves on his own, stating that there's something he needs to take care of. Like the alternate ending to X5.
In X7, Zero is responsible for the bulk of the Maverick Hunter workload due to the fact that X has recently refused to battle for any reason, due to his doubts about the Hunters' violent methods. Zero captures a mysterious Reploid, Axl, who has just recently abandoned the vigilante group Red Alert. Axl assists Zero in stopping Red Alert's rampages, and eventually X rejoins them. After the battles, Zero has nightmares of X attacking him, out of obsession for eliminating Mavericks (possibly foreshadowing the rise of Copy X in the Zero series). X7 signified a few changes to Zero's gameplay. His Z-Buster was eliminated altogether, and in addition to learning new attacks from defeated Mavericks, Zero can also gain other melee weapons to replace his saber. This tradition would continue through X8 and MegaMan X: Command Mission.
Zero continues to work with X and Axl, who is now a full-fledged Maverick Hunter, in dealing with new threats in Mega Man X8. An apparent love interest develops between Zero and a new navigator, Layer. Zero's memories of the virus incident from X5 continue to haunt him, fueling his hatred towards Sigma. Upon confronting him, Sigma confirms that Zero is the original carrier of the Maverick Virus, which was transferred to Sigma prior to the game Mega Man X (presumably it happened when Sigma shattered Zero's head gem, as X4 depicted). This information was long-since stated in Japanese sourcebooks, but was never before made officially available to the public in other regions.
In the game MegaMan X: Command Mission, Zero is sent along with X and another Hunter, Shadow, to investigate Reploid uprisings in Giga City. Zero is separated from X after Shadow betrays them, and presumed dead, until he reappears some time later and attacks one of the rebelling Reploids in a mechaniloid factory. At this point, Zero is joined by X, Axl, and a number of other Reploids that X assembled to assist him. With Shadow's betrayal still fresh in his memory, Zero is unwilling to trust X's new friends, and promptly decides to work alone. However, one of the Reploids, Spider, risks his life in Zero's defense. After this, Zero decides to rejoin X's group permanently.
It should be noted, MegaMan X: Command Mission takes place in the 23rd century, 22XX. It was formerly believed that Mega Man Zero took place during this time, but in truth that series has no set date. It simply takes place roughly 100 years after Zero's sealing, an event which we now know takes place sometime after MegaMan X: Command Mission.
There is a misconception, often due to Zero's ending in X6, that MMZero branches off from the middle of the X-series. This is not true. As mentioned above, the X6 ending does not immediately follow the other events of that game. We know this because Zero fought in the Elf Wars, and was sealed afterwards. Cyber-Elves have yet to be invented in the X-series, therefore, the Elf Wars take place after the rest of the X-series. I sence a new title coming on...maybe X8 will end the X series afterall... MMEW: Megaman Elf Wars!
At the beginning of MMZero, Zero was discovered in suspended animation by a human scientist named Ciel, who leads a band of Reploid freedom fighters. Ciel used the Cyber Elf Passy to revive Zero, who in turn saved Ciel from the forces of Neo Arcadia. Zero, however, was suffering memory loss due to "hibernation sickness." As it turned out, Neo Arcadia was the government of the world at this time period. Due to energy shortages, Reploids were discriminated against and often deemed Maverick and terminated without justifiable cause. Copy X, a ruthless and conceited clone of the real X, was in charge of this policy. Zero agreed to join Ciel's team in fighting this oppression of Reploids.
Later on in Zero 2, Zero learned of what had happened before his sealing; Sigma and his Mavericks were defeated, but some time after the Elf Wars broke out, Zero himself helped X to end them by defeating and banishing Omega, the most terrifying Reploid of the time. Several decades after Zero was sealed, X sacrificed his body to stop the worst Cyber Elf of all, the Dark Elf, leaving him in a more ethereal form. X's body is destroyed and the Dark Elf released by a rogue Resistance commander, Elpizo. Zero defeats Elpizo, but the Dark Elf escapes. She and Zero appear to know each other, and X informs Zero that the Dark Elf was not always known by her current name. Her powers became a threat due to a curse by Dr. Weil, the man who started the Elf Wars, at which point people began calling her the Dark Elf.
In Zero 3, Weil and Omega reappear and seize control of Neo Arcadia, and the Dark Elf. Weil reveals (and X confirms) that the body Zero currently inhabits is a copy, even though he still has his real soul. This led to a final battle between him and Omega, who is revealed to contain the "Original" Zero. With the help of the Dark Elf, who breaks free of her curse, Zero manages to destroy Omega once and for all, but Weil escapes. The Dark Elf, now called Mother Elf, roams free.
In Zero 4, Zero and Ciel defend a caravan of human refugees from Neo Arcadia, which is no longer a safe place even for humans ever since Weil took over. They take refuge in Area Zero, the crash-site of debris from Eurasia in X5. The humans at this point carry a distrust of Reploids, but the actions of Zero and the Resistance eventually help build understanding between them. One of them however, a reporter named Neige, is close to a Neo Arcadian Reploid named Craft. Weil intends to destroy Area Zero using his spaceborn cannon, Ragnarok. But Craft takes Ragnarok and turns it against Neo Arcadia. Zero goes to Ragnarok to stop him, but Weil regains control after this. Zero returns to Ragnarok and confronts Weil, who reveals the reason for his grudge against the rest of the world. After the Elf Wars, Weil was banished illegally, and oddly punished with eternal life. Although he was human, he was transferred to a cybernetic body built to constantly regenerate itself, so that Weil would be forced to live forever alone, cut off from the rest of the world (this is how Weil survived when Craft turned Ragnarok against Neo Arcadia). Weil, in his hatred, is now obsessed with making the rest of the world suffer and ultimately destroying it. In order to stop Ragnarok from colliding with Earth, Zero must kill Weil and sacrifice himself to destroy the cannon before it hits Earth.
As depicted in the album "Remastered Tracks Rockman Zero: Physis," humans and Reploids started to establish peaceful lives after the destruction of Ragnarok, and what remained of Neo Arcadia was disarmed. In two years, Zero has not been seen again.
Zero's legacy survived over three millenia later, in the game MegaMan Legends 2 (the exact date of this, or even the century for that matter, are not known). In one of the stores in Yosyonka, Zero is seen on a poster in his black armor from the X series, being described as some sort of comic book superhero. In the Japanese version of MegaMan Legends (Rockman DASH) there is an anime series on Kattelox's hometown station KTOX entitled 'Rockman ZERO' which stars a hero who uses a Zetsaber (Japanese for Z-Saber).
One can win a promotional toy Z-Saber as a prize from KTOX's street-racing events. You still win the toy in the Engish version of the game, only without the explanation of its origin.
A different version of Zero appears in MegaMan Network Transmission, but with a surprisingly similar origin as his twin. In the title, he was a virus created by Lord Wily and World Three in an attempt to bring down the Internet by infecting the Navis that inhabit it. He is a very deadly virus and the main boss of the game, but if the player performed a certain number of significant acts in the game, Zero would be reborn as a Navi himself.
Zero (Mega Man)
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia.
Incidentally, Keiji Inafune, Mega Man creator and current senior corporate officer at Capcom, had admitted to creating Zero to be Mega Man X himself, the character who would replace Mega Man as the hero. However, due to concerns that players would find it hard to relate Zero with the original Mega Man due to the large visual differences between the two characters, he was made X's partner, and the Mega Man X widely known today was designed for this purpose instead. Nine years later, Zero did eventually get his own starring role, in the Mega Man Zero series.
Appearance
Zero's appearance has changed a lot over time. In the game Mega Man X, in which he debuted, Zero had round shoulders and fairly plain armor designs. In X2, Zero was reconstructed with a slightly altered armor design, the most prominent features were the squared shoulders, gold linings on his ankles, a redesigned buster, and he was given his signature weapon: The Z-Saber. In X3, Zero's design was kept mostly the same, but his buster was redesigned again. Zero saw no further changes in appearance other than updated graphics until X8, which slimmed him down significantly and made a few minor alterations. In the Mega Man Zero series, Zero's armor appearance was redone completely, resembling the MMX series' design only in color scheme, and slightly in the helmet.
Throughout the X series Zero frequently has an alternate black armor, at which point has sometimes increased attack abilities. MegaMan X: Command Mission also featured a hidden armor upgrade called Absolute Zero, which was reminiscent of Bass's Treble Boost in the classic MegaMan series. Absolute Zero uses no weapons, relying instead on his claws and feet in battle, which are devastating by themselves. In Megaman Zero, It incresed his attack power dramatically, while decresing his defense and stripping his ability to charge his weapons.
Weapons and abilites
Variable weapons system: Zero, like Megaman, can gain the defeated data of enemies and use them to gain powerful techniques. Zero only has two weapons in the earlier MMX games. In later games, he can gain others.
Z-Buster: Zero's first weapon. In each of the first three X games, it received a new design, then disappeared from MegaMan Xtreme 2 and X4. X5, the Z-Buster reappeared. Oddly, the in-game sprites depicted the X2 design while all artwork and cutscenes clearly showed the X3 design. In X6, the Z-Buster appeared for the final time in the series, with the X3 design. It was not featured again. No explanation for its disappearance has been given.
Z-Saber: This weapon first appeared in X2, and became Zero's main weapon in X4. It is an energy sword that has a reputation for being very powerful but usually short-ranged. Its incredible attack power is almost second to none. In the manga, the Z-saber is described as being able to cut through several layers of reinforced steel alloy; which is on a much higher scale than other media-related beam swords, most notably Star Wars. Throughout the series, there have been several ways of powering it up to launch projectiles and block enemy shots. In X7, the Z-Saber actually had the ability to reflect shots back at the enemy. X has had limited experience using the Z-Saber in X3 and X6, and was also in possession of it at the beginning of the first MegaMan Zero game. In the Zero series, it gained the ability to unleash an extremely powerful energy wave attack after charging.
D-Glaive: A long staff with an energy blade at the end, this weapon has appeared in both X7 and X8. At first, Zero was slow wielding it, but in X8 he can lash out at enemies much faster than he could before. In both games, it provides longer range than the Z-Saber. The D-Glaive can unleash a rapid stabbing attack when combined with the power of Bamboo Pandamonium.
V-Hanger: Twin energy daggers appearing in X7. They had even shorter range than the Z-Saber, but were much faster. Zero could also perform a special boomerang attack with them.
B-Fan: Energy fan weapons appearing in X8. When Zero held still, they would create a barrier that blocked enemy shots. The power of Earthrock Trilobite can strengthen this ability further.
T-Breaker: A hammer weapon able to negate the effects of enemy barriers, appearing in X8. Combined with the power of Gravity Antonion, the T-Breaker can unleash an earthquake attack that can break weak floors.
K-Knuckle: Not to be confused with the Z-Knuckle of Zero 4, this weapon appeared in X8. Zero equips the K-Knuckle when using punches and kicks for attacks. The K-Knuckle also modifies the powers that Zero has gained from defeated Mavericks so that they work with his fists and feet, rather than with a weapon. It is also worth noting that he can use Ansatsuken moves while equipped with the K-Knuckle.
Sigma Blade: This massive sword is used by Sigma at the end of X8, but Zero can also gain access to it after you've beaten the game. It has incredible attack strength, breaks enemy barriers with ease, and its range is second only to the D-Glaive.
Mega Man Zero
In the Mega Man Zero series, Zero loses all of his previous techniques and must earn them again, from the sequel and onward, as EX Skills. He also gains a slew of new weapons to make his arsenal much more versatile. Each weapon becomes levelable in Mega Man Zero and Mega Man Zero 2. In subsequent games, they start out fully powered.
Buster Shot: Zero first obtained this weapon from the fallen Resistance soldier, Milan. Referred in the manuals as an old-model Resistance gun that can be upgraded by the Z-Saber (using the Z-Saber as the weapon's magazine) to allow for charged shots. It is NOT Zero's own Z-Buster, contrary to a translation error in the first Zero game. The Buster Shot has appeared in all Mega Man Zero games.
Z-Saber: Given back to him by Unknown X, the Z-Saber has been modified with X-Buster technology, allowing it to be charged up and release a devastating splash of energy. It appears in all the Zero games.
Triple Rod: The Triple Rod, as its name implies, can extend to thrice its original length and reach otherwise unattainable enemies. When charged up, it becomes a double-bladed staff and Zero spins it at enemies. It appeared in Z1.
Chain Rod: This Rod can grapple enemies, walls, ceilings and movable blocks. It can also pull enemies and movable blocks toward Zero with a simple pull. When charged up, it has the same effect as the Triple Rod. It appeared in Zero 2. It became a fan-favorite weapon because of it's resemblance to Spider-man's web shot - Zero could use the Chain Rod like Spidey used his web to swing.
Recoil Rod: This rod takes on the form of a pair of energy tonfa. These rods, when fully charged, push enemies and movable obstacles, and if fully-charged and pointed downwards, can allow Zero to do a high jump. It appeared in Zero 3.
Shield Boomerang: A reflective shield that deflect enemy buster shots, and can be charged up and sent forward as a spinning blade-like weapon that returns to Zero with a curve, thus the Boomerang part. It appears in the first three Zero games, but not Zero 4. Most likely because it was nearly useless.
Z-Knuckle: Replacing both the Rod weapons and the Shield Boomerang in Zero 4 is the Z-Knuckle. Zero attacks using his bare hands and, if a fatal blow is delivered, can rip off a piece of the enemy to be used as a weapon to replace the Z-Knuckle temporarily (or until manually cancelled). It can be charged up to allow for a stronger attack. Such Z-Knuckle weapons include a Battle Axe, a Laser Gun, a Cannon, a Claw (similar to the claw enemies in Zero 2), and many others.
Game History
Spoiler warning: Plot and/or ending details follow.
Zero was created by Dr. Wily, as evidenced throughout all the MegaMan series. In Bass' ending for Mega Man 2: The Power Fighters, Wily informed Bass that he was working on a new robot that would replace Bass as his strongest creation. The silhouette of this robot was shown to be Zero in his post-X3 design, and a buster on his right arm, but without the Z-Saber. Beyond this, no more is mentioned on the subject in the classic series; however it is once more shown in Mega Man X4 that Dr. Wily is Zero's creator, as in his opening sequence it depicts the mad scientist lecturing Zero on Dr. Light (who he refers to as "his nemesis"), and how he must destroy him. Also, when flashbacks are shown of Zero stepping out of his original capsule, Wily's "W" and Skull insignias can be seen. Wily's name also appears among the random text during the X5 opening video. It is not mentioned what happened to Zero, Wily, MegaMan or any of the other characters after Zero was released.
Zero reappeared not long after X was discovered. A Maverick hunter at this point in time, Sigma was sent to the underground tunnel in which Zero had been spotted to take care of him personally. After a long, hard battle, in which Zero appeared to be nearly victorious, the crystal in Zero's forehead began glowing with a "W" (another Dr. Wily reference), causing him extraordinary pain. Taking advantage of this, Sigma (who was horribly injured by this point) slammed his fist into the crystal, smashing it and knocking Zero out. Upon leaving with the unconscious Zero, Sigma made the request that Zero be sent back to Dr. Cain's lab for examination. Sigma contracted the original Maverick Virus from Zero at this point, which in the months following would mutate to merge with Sigma completely.
Zero was repaired and enlished as a Maverick Hunter to better society. The reason for this change in personality is not known; some believe Dr. Cain reprogrammed him, but it may have simply been the result of the virus leaving his body. Sigma took Zero under his wing and trained him to be an elite Maverick Hunter, including making him highly proficient with a sword. Soon after the training was finished, Sigma himself went Maverick, and the events in the game MegaMan X began to unfold.
X, feeling guilty over humanity's desperate situation, decided to join the Maverick Hunters. Zero kept a close eye on X, saving him twice from one of Sigma's stronger allies, Vile. In the second battle, Zero sacrificed himself to give X a fighting chance.
In X2, an organization called the X-Hunters began to revive Zero. The X-Hunter behind the construction of Zero's new body was Serges. However, X and Dr. Cain still hold Zero's original Control Chip, which is necessary to complete him. The X-Hunters, being short on time, use Zero's body parts as bait to lure X into fighting. If X collects all the parts, Dr. Cain gets to work on installing Zero's control chip. If he does not, the X-Hunters attack Dr. Cain and take everything they need to rebuild Zero at their base. In either case, after X goes after them, Zero will appear to be standing by Sigma's side. If X had failed to collect the parts, Zero himself would attack X, but if X had collected the parts, the Zero would instead be a copy, colored black, which the true, revived Zero dispatched with his new Z-Saber, which would become his signature weapon. After the fake Zero was defeated, he helped X make his way to Sigma's lair. Due to the fake Zero's appearance in a "flashback" image in the opening of Mega Man X5, it is believed that canonically, X did recover all of Zero's parts.
In X3, Zero was actually playable in a limited fashion, in that he could be called upon for assistance at any point in a given level except for boss fights. In the game, Mavericks attacked Maverick Hunters HQ, causing both X and Zero to rush back as soon as possible. X was kidnapped, forcing Zero to save him from his captors. Later on, in Dr. Doppler's hideout, Zero aided X in taking down the Maverick outbreak. Optionally, he could risk his life to defeat one of the bosses (Mosquitus), letting X obtain his Z-Saber; if this happens, Zero is badly damaged (not destroyed), and will no longer be playable. At the end of the game, it was for the first time revealed that Sigma had become a virus; at the time, this seemingly had nothing to do with Zero, but later on, proved to be a pivotal factor in Zero's personality.
In X4, he was fully playable for the first time. Zero, unlike X, was more familiar with Repliforce, in particular his love interest, Iris, and her brother, Colonel. As of such, Zero tried his best to make peace in the conflict, not war, seeing it in the best interests of all involved. Zero and Colonel, however, could not see eye-to-eye, and wound up fighting twice throughout the conflict. Zero was eager to battle Colonel the first time out of pride, but the fight ended in a draw when Iris stepped in. The second time, however, Zero attempted peaceful resolutions but failed. This forced Zero into unwillingly killing Colonel. Heartbroken by the terrible act Zero had committed, Iris herself battled him by installing one of Colonel's chips. However, Iris was not a combat Reploid, and the program she used on herself caused her to die of rejection symptoms after the battle, much to Zero's distress. He went on to uncover Sigma once again and stopped him from destroying the planet with Repliforce's space station, Final Weapon.
Zero played a pivotal role in X5. The space colony Eurasia was set to impact the Earth (which had recently been coated in a large breakout of the Maverick virus), which would cause catastrophes of unimaginable proportions. Unbeknownst to all, Sigma was behind the downing of Eurasia, and with good reason - he had been informed by an "unknown source" (fairly obviously Wily; he is Zero's father, he hates X, the "W" insignia appears throughout the game's later stages, and one of the later bosses is the Shadow Devil, reminiscent of one of Wily's favorite creations, who also transforms into a familiar-looking miniature skull castle) that the high concentration of the Maverick virus would purify Zero's body, awakening his original, evil self and unlocking his dormant powers. The Maverick Hunters stopped the crash, and then found Sigma's hideout and promptly went to shut him down - however, X was badly injured, and Zero was practically left for dead. Someone repaired X, and the Maverick Hunter went on fighting Mavericks in memory of his fallen friend, adding Zero's Z-Saber to his arsenal.
Alternatively, Eurasia crashed with Earth, causing terrible problems on the surface (although it wound up anything but destroying the planet). The end result was a far more powerful, but still incomplete Maverick Zero, who X had to defeat later on. The ending was mostly the same, except X had no memories of Zero and did not find the Z-Saber. Canonically this ending did not happen, although it is interesting to note, in it X frequently uses the term, "Elysium," as the name of his dream place, where humans and Reploids can live together in peace. "Elysium" is also the name of an ancient heavenly world in Mega Man Legends 2'.
Zero's history following that is somewhat confusing. Inafune had originally planned for X5 to be the final game of the X series. Zero's dead body would have been left in ruin following those events to be revived in the first Mega Man Zero game. However, Capcom being Capcom, X6 was created and released before Mega Man Zero. Mega Man Zero was adjusted somewhat to not only accommodate, but in fact confirm, the existance of the future X-series games within its storyline.
In X6, the mad scientist Gate began tampering with Zero's data. By studying a piece of Zero's body found in the debris, Gate created the new Nightmare Virus, a discolored clone of Zero (called "Zero Nightmare"), and the near-invulnerable Reploid, High Max. X, taking the assault on Zero's reputation personally, set out to investigate. Upon destroying the Zero Nightmare, X is reunited with his friend, mysteriously repaired and carrying a brand new Z-Saber. Together, X and Zero set out to defeat Gate and the imperfectly resurrected Sigma. Who exactly repaired Zero was never directly stated. Dr. Light, who repaired X at the end of X5, denied knowing who repaired Zero. Some believe it is Gate's ally, Isoc, as he is the only Reploid who claimed to have seen Zero before X found him, and he demonstrates an odd obsession with Zero, even laughing joyously when Zero defeats Isoc's own men.
Zero's ending in this game helps to mend the storyline between the X and Zero games. It shows Zero being sealed to remove a component from his body (presumably something having to do with the virus' influence on him, and/or his original murderous persona). The procedure is estimated to take 102 years. It is important to note that this event does NOT immediately follow the others in X6, hence why Zero is still present in future MMX games. This event is later referenced in the Japanese soundtrack Remastered Tracks Rockman Zero: Telos. The sealing is depicted as taking place after the Elf Wars, an event that postdates the rest of the MMX series.
Alternatively, it is possible to clear X6 without ever finding Zero. In this event, cutscenes show that Zero is indeed alive, but X and the other Maverick Hunters never find him. Zero leaves on his own, stating that there's something he needs to take care of. Like the alternate ending to X5.
In X7, Zero is responsible for the bulk of the Maverick Hunter workload due to the fact that X has recently refused to battle for any reason, due to his doubts about the Hunters' violent methods. Zero captures a mysterious Reploid, Axl, who has just recently abandoned the vigilante group Red Alert. Axl assists Zero in stopping Red Alert's rampages, and eventually X rejoins them. After the battles, Zero has nightmares of X attacking him, out of obsession for eliminating Mavericks (possibly foreshadowing the rise of Copy X in the Zero series). X7 signified a few changes to Zero's gameplay. His Z-Buster was eliminated altogether, and in addition to learning new attacks from defeated Mavericks, Zero can also gain other melee weapons to replace his saber. This tradition would continue through X8 and MegaMan X: Command Mission.
Zero continues to work with X and Axl, who is now a full-fledged Maverick Hunter, in dealing with new threats in Mega Man X8. An apparent love interest develops between Zero and a new navigator, Layer. Zero's memories of the virus incident from X5 continue to haunt him, fueling his hatred towards Sigma. Upon confronting him, Sigma confirms that Zero is the original carrier of the Maverick Virus, which was transferred to Sigma prior to the game Mega Man X (presumably it happened when Sigma shattered Zero's head gem, as X4 depicted). This information was long-since stated in Japanese sourcebooks, but was never before made officially available to the public in other regions.
In the game MegaMan X: Command Mission, Zero is sent along with X and another Hunter, Shadow, to investigate Reploid uprisings in Giga City. Zero is separated from X after Shadow betrays them, and presumed dead, until he reappears some time later and attacks one of the rebelling Reploids in a mechaniloid factory. At this point, Zero is joined by X, Axl, and a number of other Reploids that X assembled to assist him. With Shadow's betrayal still fresh in his memory, Zero is unwilling to trust X's new friends, and promptly decides to work alone. However, one of the Reploids, Spider, risks his life in Zero's defense. After this, Zero decides to rejoin X's group permanently.
It should be noted, MegaMan X: Command Mission takes place in the 23rd century, 22XX. It was formerly believed that Mega Man Zero took place during this time, but in truth that series has no set date. It simply takes place roughly 100 years after Zero's sealing, an event which we now know takes place sometime after MegaMan X: Command Mission.
There is a misconception, often due to Zero's ending in X6, that MMZero branches off from the middle of the X-series. This is not true. As mentioned above, the X6 ending does not immediately follow the other events of that game. We know this because Zero fought in the Elf Wars, and was sealed afterwards. Cyber-Elves have yet to be invented in the X-series, therefore, the Elf Wars take place after the rest of the X-series. I sence a new title coming on...maybe X8 will end the X series afterall... MMEW: Megaman Elf Wars!
At the beginning of MMZero, Zero was discovered in suspended animation by a human scientist named Ciel, who leads a band of Reploid freedom fighters. Ciel used the Cyber Elf Passy to revive Zero, who in turn saved Ciel from the forces of Neo Arcadia. Zero, however, was suffering memory loss due to "hibernation sickness." As it turned out, Neo Arcadia was the government of the world at this time period. Due to energy shortages, Reploids were discriminated against and often deemed Maverick and terminated without justifiable cause. Copy X, a ruthless and conceited clone of the real X, was in charge of this policy. Zero agreed to join Ciel's team in fighting this oppression of Reploids.
Later on in Zero 2, Zero learned of what had happened before his sealing; Sigma and his Mavericks were defeated, but some time after the Elf Wars broke out, Zero himself helped X to end them by defeating and banishing Omega, the most terrifying Reploid of the time. Several decades after Zero was sealed, X sacrificed his body to stop the worst Cyber Elf of all, the Dark Elf, leaving him in a more ethereal form. X's body is destroyed and the Dark Elf released by a rogue Resistance commander, Elpizo. Zero defeats Elpizo, but the Dark Elf escapes. She and Zero appear to know each other, and X informs Zero that the Dark Elf was not always known by her current name. Her powers became a threat due to a curse by Dr. Weil, the man who started the Elf Wars, at which point people began calling her the Dark Elf.
In Zero 3, Weil and Omega reappear and seize control of Neo Arcadia, and the Dark Elf. Weil reveals (and X confirms) that the body Zero currently inhabits is a copy, even though he still has his real soul. This led to a final battle between him and Omega, who is revealed to contain the "Original" Zero. With the help of the Dark Elf, who breaks free of her curse, Zero manages to destroy Omega once and for all, but Weil escapes. The Dark Elf, now called Mother Elf, roams free.
In Zero 4, Zero and Ciel defend a caravan of human refugees from Neo Arcadia, which is no longer a safe place even for humans ever since Weil took over. They take refuge in Area Zero, the crash-site of debris from Eurasia in X5. The humans at this point carry a distrust of Reploids, but the actions of Zero and the Resistance eventually help build understanding between them. One of them however, a reporter named Neige, is close to a Neo Arcadian Reploid named Craft. Weil intends to destroy Area Zero using his spaceborn cannon, Ragnarok. But Craft takes Ragnarok and turns it against Neo Arcadia. Zero goes to Ragnarok to stop him, but Weil regains control after this. Zero returns to Ragnarok and confronts Weil, who reveals the reason for his grudge against the rest of the world. After the Elf Wars, Weil was banished illegally, and oddly punished with eternal life. Although he was human, he was transferred to a cybernetic body built to constantly regenerate itself, so that Weil would be forced to live forever alone, cut off from the rest of the world (this is how Weil survived when Craft turned Ragnarok against Neo Arcadia). Weil, in his hatred, is now obsessed with making the rest of the world suffer and ultimately destroying it. In order to stop Ragnarok from colliding with Earth, Zero must kill Weil and sacrifice himself to destroy the cannon before it hits Earth.
As depicted in the album "Remastered Tracks Rockman Zero: Physis," humans and Reploids started to establish peaceful lives after the destruction of Ragnarok, and what remained of Neo Arcadia was disarmed. In two years, Zero has not been seen again.
Zero's legacy survived over three millenia later, in the game MegaMan Legends 2 (the exact date of this, or even the century for that matter, are not known). In one of the stores in Yosyonka, Zero is seen on a poster in his black armor from the X series, being described as some sort of comic book superhero. In the Japanese version of MegaMan Legends (Rockman DASH) there is an anime series on Kattelox's hometown station KTOX entitled 'Rockman ZERO' which stars a hero who uses a Zetsaber (Japanese for Z-Saber).
One can win a promotional toy Z-Saber as a prize from KTOX's street-racing events. You still win the toy in the Engish version of the game, only without the explanation of its origin.
A different version of Zero appears in MegaMan Network Transmission, but with a surprisingly similar origin as his twin. In the title, he was a virus created by Lord Wily and World Three in an attempt to bring down the Internet by infecting the Navis that inhabit it. He is a very deadly virus and the main boss of the game, but if the player performed a certain number of significant acts in the game, Zero would be reborn as a Navi himself.
