Zero (Mega Man)

Zero
Mega Man X series and Mega Man Zero series character
Zero Zero as he appears in the Mega Man Zero series.
First game	Mega Man X
Created by	Keiji Inafune

Zero (ゼロ) is a video game character and one of the three protagonists in the Mega Man X series and protagonist of the Mega Man Zero series of video games. In the X series, he is one of the highest ranking "Maverick Hunters" who is fighting to stop Sigma's forces of infected Reploids, known as mavericks, from exterminating humanity.

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 X widely known today was designed for this purpose instead. ^[1] Nine years later, Zero did eventually get his own starring role, in the Mega Man Zero series. ^[2]

In Zero's debut appearance in the first Mega Man X game, he was a gameplay extension of the main character, Mega Man X. He had a more powerful form of X's X-Buster weapon, called the Z-Buster, and a contrasting red color scheme to X's blue. Until the release of Mega Man X3, Zero was an unplayable character to the player, only assisting at discriminate intervals. When he became available, steps were taken to give Zero a varied playing experience from X. While X used long-range attacks to dispatch enemies, Zero gained a very powerful lightsaber-type weapon called the Z-Saber to attack enemies at close range. ^[3]

Appearance

File:Zero mmx.jpg

Zero as he appears in the Mega Man X series.

Zero's name may have possibly originated from the kamikazi Japanese Zero fighters. Zero's appearance has changed a lot over time. At the first glance of Zero, he would usually be mistaken for a girl due to his long blond hair and large jewels on his chest armor. Not long after he was first introduced, it was thought that Zero's identity could have been a futuristic version of Roll. This turned out to be only speculation by the fans mainly on fansites and message boards and has since been disproved by either Capcom and fans of the series.

Zero's debut in Mega Man X, showed him with round shoulders and a fairly plain armor design. In Mega Man X2, Zero was reconstructed with a more detailed design; the most prominent features were the squared shoulders, gold linings on his ankles, a redesigned buster, and his signature weapon, the Z-Saber. In Mega Man X3, Zero's design was kept mostly the same, but his buster was redesigned again. Also, starting from Mega Man X4, Zero's helmet's "horns" now had half-pipe like designs in them, as opposed to being unconnected although this change wasn't implemented into the in-game character sprite/model until Mega Man X7. Zero was then given an updated design in Mega Man X8, which slimmed him down, gave him less hair, and shortened his "horns."

In the Mega Man Zero series, Zero's armor appearance was redone completely, resembling the X series' design only in color scheme, hair, and slightly in the helmet. The reasons for this change are partially revealed within Mega Man Zero 3, although the exact nature of how and why this visual change took place within the game canon is never specified. In an interview for the "Rockman Zero Official Complete Works" artbook, the Zero series character designer states that his design was changed to make him appear "more human."

Throughout the Mega Man X and Mega Man Zero series, Zero sometimes has an alternate black armor which sometimes carries increased attack abilities. This was first seen in Mega Man X2: If the player collects all three of Zero's parts, the Maverick Zero who appears in the last level would have black armor along with other variations in color. In Mega Man X4, Mega Man X5, Mega Man X6, and Mega Man X8, the player could unlock a powered-up black version of Zero's armor which usually has an increase in attack and defense (though the armor in X4 doesn't power up Zero in any way). Mega Man X: Command Mission also featured a hidden armor upgrade called Absolute Zero, which was reminiscent of Bass's Treble Boost in the classic Mega Man series. Absolute Zero uses no weapons, relying instead on his claws and feet in battle, which are devastating by themselves. (Coincidentally, Zero's attacks while in this form are ice/water based.) In Mega Man Zero 2 – Mega Man Zero 4, Zero has the Proto form and the Galacta/Junk armor chip set. Both of them bear a dark gray appearance and the effect of double damage dealt and received.

Weapons & Abilities

Abilities

• Strength: Like many other Reploids, Zero has super strength. He can lift in excess of several thousand pounds but the precise maximum capacity is never disclosed. ^[4]

• Speed: Zero has above average running speed and jumping ability complemented with a special dash maneuver that allows a quick speed burst over a limited distance. In X4 and later games, Zero can enhance his jumping and dashing abilities by defeating certain Mavericks (like in X4, Split Mushroom and Jet Stingray), allowing him to double-jump (Kuuenbu) or single-jump and air dash (Hienkyaku). By the time of Mega Man X6, Zero has internalized these Kuuenbu and Hienkyaku techniques into his default systems. Also, from X5 and later on, Zero can install chip upgrades received after certain criteria are met, like rescuing Reploids, and enhance his dashing and jumping abilities even further.

• Learning System: Zero, like X, can gain the data of defeated enemies and use them to gain powerful techniques. Almost all of the special techniques gained from defeated mavericks involve the use of Zero's beam saber or another energy blade weapon, and usually no ammunition is required except for Zero's Giga Attack, during which he slams his fist into the ground unleashing a full screen-engulfing energy attack. ^[5]

• Armor upgrades: Though not as sophisticated as X, Zero does have the ability to enhance his Armor in some games of the X series. Notable differences are: Zero gets his upgrade as a whole, whereas X gets individual pieces for legs, head, body, and arms. Also, unlike X who looks different in every Armor he dons, Zero's Armor structure doesn't change, but only its color does. The best known Armor upgrade of Zero is his black armor which usually reduces the damage he takes and increases various aspects of Zero's saber attacks unless you are playing Mega-Man X8 where he slightly loses armor but greatly raises attack. In the Zero games, however, he gets varied armors for his body, legs, and head.

Form system

Mega Man Zero 2 introduced the "form" system, something akin to the Style Change of the Battle Network series. It allowed the player to use a specific form more formatted to their playing style. When Zero achieves a form change, he changes the color of his armor, not unlike Mega Man and X in their respective games, but unlike those games, Zero fulfills requirements to get his forms and does not gain them by defeating Robot Masters or Mavericks. ^[6]

• Normal form (red)- Zero's basic form. The player starts the game with this. It has basic stats in all areas. No glaring weaknesses or strengths. It uses the standard 3-hit Z-Saber combo of "back, forward, overhead".

• Active form (orange)- Zero's speed is increased to the maximum.The Z-Saber cannot perform combos, and will instead use only the back slash. However, this form enables Zero to perform rolling attacks with the saber while jumping or dashing. The rolling attacks, while not very powerful, can strike multiple times.

• Rise form (grey)- More or less identical to the Normal form, but the 3rd (overhead) slash in the Z-saber combo is replaced by the rising slash, which is a little faster, and is given an attack boost.

• Energy form (yellow)- This form makes energy crystals appear more often. The Buster Shot and Z-saber get an attack boost, while sacrificing some speed.

• Power form (purple)- Zero's power is boosted to its limit, while sacrificing some speed in the process. This form also negates the three-hit Z Saber combo in favor of a single overhead slash.

• Erase form (magenta)- The Erase Form allows the Z-Saber and Shield Boomerang to nullify enemy shots. It cannot use saber combos, instead it always uses the forward slash.

File:Proto Zero2.GIF

• Proto form (black)- Zero gains an attack increase to all weapons, but besides the Shield Boomerang none of them can be charged, and the Z-Saber cannot perform combos. It will use only the back slash. Zero also takes twice the normal damage from enemy attacks. This form is designed to make the game more difficult, and the player forced to use it at all times during the game's Hard Mode.

• X form (blue)- The Z-Buster gains an attack boost, and also allows a rapid fire capability. Like the Erase form, it cannot perform Z-Saber combos and instead uses only the forward slash. It is named after X because of X's fighting-style (which relied heavily on the buster) in MMX-series. In addition he uses the Z saber the way X uses it in Megaman X6

• Defense form (green)- Zero's defense is increased to its maximum, as well as sacrificing attack power in the process (except for the shield boomerang, which gains an attack boost).

• Ultimate form (Crimson)- This form gives all of Zero's weapons an increase in power, as well as raising his speed and defense. This form also allows the player to input simplistic Street Fighter-esque commands to execute charged attacks instantly. Resembles Omega from Mega Man Zero 3

Weapons

Z Saber: Zero's default weapon in all games, except the first Mega Man X. It appears as a longsword in Mega Man X2 - Mega Man X5, a rapier in Mega Man X6 - Mega Man X8, a katana in Mega Man Zero, changed to a triangular blade in Mega Man Zero 2 - Mega Man Zero 4.

Z Buster: Zero's standard cannon. It appears as a Arm Cannon in the Mega Man X series, and a hand gun in the Mega Man Zero series.

D Glaive: A glaive-like weapon that Zero can spin to deflect enemy shots, it has the longest range of Zero's melee weapons but damage can only be dealt with the blade at the tip. Appears in Mega Man X7 - Mega Man X8.

V Hanger: A pair of daggers that Zero can swing at a very fast pace but has short range. To compensate for that, the V Hanger allows Zero to execute a special boomerang attack (Souenbu), which autolocks on one or several enemies at once and upon destroying the first one the blade will seek out the next target. Appears in Mega Man X7

Triple Rod: A Spear Zero uses in Mega Man Zero. When boosted to the maximum, Zero can use it to stab someone once, twice, or a maximum of three times.

Chain Rod: A Rod Zero uses in Mega Man Zero 2. It's a staff thats connected to a chain allowing Zero to hit anything in distance. It also allows Zero to swing from certain footholds.

Recoil Rod: A Tonfa like weapon Zero obtains in Mega Man Zero 3. It lets Zero hit anything in front or behind him, and sends enemies flying when fully charged.

Shield Boomerang: A spinning disk of energy Zero first receives in Mega Man Zero 1. It allows Zero to block enemy shots. When charged, Zero can throw it to hit most objects, and it returns to him.

Z-Knuckle: A weapon Zero gets in Mega Man Zero 4. It allows Zero to punch, or if he kills an enemy with it, steal that enemy's weapon/ability.

Sigma-blade (E-Blade): A weapon Zero gets after defeating Sigmas clone in Mega Man X8. It has the second-longest attack and will break the enemys sheild in megaman x8

Game History

File:Zero mhx.jpg

Zero's first body of the Mega Man X series.

Zero was a highly advanced and powerful robot created by Dr. Wily, as implied throughout all the Mega Man 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-X1 design. 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 "his nemesis" (which, while not specifically stated, is most likely either Mega Man or Doctor Light), 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 Mega Man X5 opening video, and Wily's "W" is seen in the background when X and Zero fight in X5. It is not mentioned what happened to Bass, Wily, Mega Man or any of the other characters after Zero was released ^[7](though some fans seem to speculate that Zero was responsible for all their deaths).

Zero reappeared not long after X was discovered by Dr. Cain. After reports of a dangerous and powerful red robot were presented to an organization called the Maverick Hunters, the leader Sigma, was dispatched to the abandoned laboratory 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 virus from Zero at this point, which in the months following would mutate to merge with Sigma completely. (All this appears in the scene near the last battle in Megaman X4, in Zero play) NOTE: Zero was the first Maverick that existed, and after Sigma contracted the Original Zero Virus, he became a Maverick. The Virus inside him evolved to Sigma Virus, and he began to create other Mavericks, "clones" of himself. While the Mavericks were "clones" of Sigma, the Reploids were "clones" of X.

Zero was repaired and enlisted 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. Recent information from Capcom reveals that the change was due to the installation of a program from X called the "suffering circuit" which accidentally gets changed into the Maverick Virus in Zero's different system. Sigma took Zero under his wing and trained him to be an elite Maverick Hunter. Soon after the training was finished, Zero was already a Rank AB Hunter, and Sigma himself went Maverick, and the events in the game Mega Man X began to unfold. (This appear in the Megaman X OVA: The Day of Sigma [some people seem to call it Sigma's Day] )

Mega Man X

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 against Vile, Zero sacrificed himself to give X a fighting chance. If X had not already obtained the Arm upgrade from Dr. Light's hologram, Zero, in his dying breaths, gave his Z buster to X. The Z buster is functionally identical to the upgraded X buster.

Mega Man X2

In Mega Man 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; otherwise the X-Hunters attack Dr. Cain and steal Zero's body parts for their own. In either case, after X chases them down he will see what appears to be Zero standing by Sigma's side. If the X-Hunters had stolen the parts, this would be Zero himself who attacks X. But if X had collected the parts, the Zero standing there would instead be a black-painted copy, which the true freshly-revived Zero dispatches with his new Z-Saber; from then forward his signature weapon.

After the fake Zero was defeated, the real Zero helped X to 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 according to the storyline. It is in this game that it is first hinted that Zero was created by Dr. Wily. Sigma says when Zero destroys the cloned Zero: 'Wait Zero, I know your secret! You were destined to follow me!' Also, Sigma's dying words are 'I don't understand... why did Zero... he is... last of the doctor's creations...'. Exactly how Sigma became aware of Zero's origins is unknown (though it is presumed that he learned this via the virus).

Mega Man X3

In Mega Man 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. When X has Zero's Z-Saber, it gains extra functionality as it can charge up to an extra level. When this is released, a wave shoots out from the Z-Saber that is powerful enough to take out most bosses in 1-2 hits. This action also results in the less favorable ending, where Dr. Doppler sacrifices himself instead of giving Zero an antivirus boost on his Z-Saber. 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.^[8]

Mega Man X4

In Mega Man X4, Zero was fully playable for the first time. This is also the first game to confirm that Dr. Wily was Zero's creator, as Wily appears before Zero, referring to him as the doctor's greatest creation. It's also the game to first reveal an evil Zero in his original programming, via an animated flashback before the final battle with Sigma. Zero, unlike X, was more familiar with Repliforce (the game's main, antagonistic force), 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. After he escapes the destruction of the Final Weapon, Zero questions if he can really save others. ^[9]

Mega Man X5

Zero played a pivotal role in Mega Man 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" that the high concentration of the Maverick virus would purify Zero's body, awakening his original, evil self and unlocking his dormant powers. This unknown source is fairly obviously Wily; he is Zero's father, he hates X, the "W" insignia appears throughout the game's later stages, including the final stage where the boss is either Zero (In his "true" form if Eurasia crashes) or X. 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 machine looking exactly like the one Wily used in Mega Man 6 and who's theme is a remix of the Devil themes from the original series. 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. Dr. Light revived X, and the Maverick Hunter went on fighting Mavericks in memory of his fallen friend, adding Zero's Z-Saber to his arsenal. ^[10] The Z-Buster makes a comeback in this game (the shot's range is limited though).

Alternatively, Eurasia crashed with Earth, causing terrible problems on the surface (although it wound up all but destroying the planet). The end result was Zero emerging in his more powerful and malevolent true form, who X had to defeat later on. The ending was mostly the same, except X had no memories of Zero when he's revived 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 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 Mega Man X5 to be the final game of the Mega Man 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, Mega Man X6 was created and released before Mega Man Zero.

Mega Man X6

In Mega Man 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, self-repaired while under ground. 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 Gate's own men, but in this very cutscene Isoc says, "Now that I know you are alive I can capture you at anytime." If it was Isoc, he would have known Zero was alive. Again, in this game Zero has his Z-Buster with slight differences: It takes a bit less time to use than in X5 and it seems to do more damage at a close range.

Zero's ending in this game helps to mend the storyline between the Mega Man X and Mega Man 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). This was originally going to show that the X series had ended, but fans loved the series so much, Inafune was forced to continue, making many people believe that this is either a glimpse of the future, or non-canon. However, recently revealed backstory information in the Japanese Mega Man Zero Sourcebook "Rockman Zero Official Complete Works" has revealed that this ending is indeed canon, takes place in an unspecified time period beyond the last X series game, and is in fact considered the first of 2 different times when Zero sealed himself away (The second time being after the Elf Wars when he sealed himself away once more in the Rockman Zero TELOS drama tracks, and was then finally reawakened in the Zero series).

Alternatively, it is possible to clear Mega Man 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, canonically, this ending does not happen.

Mega Man X7

In Mega Man 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). Mega Man 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 melée weapons to replace his saber. This tradition would continue through Mega Man X8 and Mega Man X: Command Mission.

Mega Man X8

File:Zero x8.jpg

Zero as he appears in Mega Man X8.

Zero continues to work with X and Axl, now working with the Maverick Hunters, in dealing with new threats in Mega Man X8. One of the new navigators, a purple-haired girl named Layer, has shown a romantic interest in him; Zero has not returned the emotion, simply keeping the relationship professional. Zero's memories of the virus incident from Mega Man 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, though the unlockable animation "Day of Sigma" in the PSP remake of Mega Man X has put a few doubts on this). This information was long-since stated in Japanese sourcebooks but was never before made officially available to the public in other regions.

Mega Man X: Command Mission

In the game Mega Man X: Command Mission, Zero is sent along with X and another Reploid, 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, although Spider eventually turns on them and reveals himself as Colonel Redips. He had hid his true identity from the group by using a replica of Axl's DNA change, hinting toward the possibility that Spider could have actually existed at one point (since Axl needs to take DNA from an already exsisting Reploid in order to change into their form). ^[11]

Sealing, Reawakening, and the Elf Wars

According to the Japanese Source book, "Rockman Zero Official Complete Works", sometime during the middle of the Maverick Wars, Zero decided to seal himself away for 102 years with the specific intention of "removing" a component that he believed still made him a serious danger (Presumably the Virus and his own unique ability to easily pass it on to other reploids, even against his will). During this time period (which may or may not have lasted the intended 102 years), Zero's mind was removed from his body, and his body and the unique properties of the virus were extensively studied for the sake of eventually creating the unique anti-virus Cyber Elf, known then as the Mother Elf, which eventually was used by X to end the Maverick Wars.

One of the human scientists responsible for the research, Dr. Weil, eventually stole Zero's body and used it to create the most deadly reploid of the time known as Omega. Weil used Omega and the stolen Mother Elf, now redubbed the Dark Elf, in order to wage a massive worldwide war known as the Elf Wars. In response to this, a copy of Zero's original body was created and Zero's mind was loaded into this copy in order to fight against Weil and Omega. Together, X and Zero were finally able to retrieve the Dark Elf and seriously damage Omega, bringing the war to an end. However, the damage caused by the Elf Wars weighed heavily upon Zero, and he still continued to view himself as a threat. One day, Zero finally decided to seal himself away once more. X made a last ditch effort to attempt to stop Zero from doing this, but the sealing was already half-way completed by the time he arrived and could not be stopped. The defeat of Omega and Zero's sealing are both covered in one of the drama tracks found within the remix album, Remastered Tracks Rock Man Zero TELOS.

Mega Man Zero

At the beginning of Mega Man Zero, 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. Reploids were discriminated against and often deemed Maverick and terminated without justifiable cause. Copy X, a ruthless, conceited weaker clone of the real X, was in charge of this policy. Zero agreed to join Ciel's team in fighting this oppression of Reploids. Zero would then go on to defeat Copy X's 4 Guardians as well as destroying Copy X himself. ^[12]

Mega Man Zero 2

Later on in Mega Man 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. ^[13]

Mega Man Zero 3

In Mega Man Zero 3, Dr. 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 X, the Guardians and even 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. However, X now cannot roam in the real world any longer. Before X goes away, he tells an unconscious Zero to always protect the peace between Reploids and humans.^[14]

Mega Man Zero 4

In Mega Man 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 Mega Man 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 spaceborne 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 (until Mega Man Zero 3, of course; this is how Weil survived when Kraft 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 to stop Ragnarok. To which Weil proclaims that he is of the human race that he has sworn to protect. And how can a hero claim to be fighting for justice if he destroys what he has dedicated his life to protect is the question Zero is faced with. Zero's response echo his words from ending of the first game "I never cared about justice, and I don't ever recall calling myself a hero... I have always only fought for the people that I believe in. I won't hesitate... If an enemy appears before me, I will destroy it!"

The end depicts Ciel looking into the distance, then switches to a cracked and broken part of Zero's helmet. By this point he's made heroic sacrifices repeatedly, but never as climatically or by being downright shattered. Furthermore, for the first time throughout the series, the world appears stable. Capcom has indeed hinted that Zero 4 is the last in the series.^[15]It is interesting to note that he crashed into Ragnarok similar to crashing into the Eurasia from Mega Man X5.

As depicted in the album "Remastered Tracks Rockman Zero: Physis," humans and Reploids started to establish peaceful lives after the destruction of Ragnarok, which in turn leads to the events of Mega Man ZX.

Other Appearances/Cameos

Mega Man Legends

Main article: Mega Man Legends

In the game Mega Man Legends 2 (the exact date of this, or even the century for that matter, are not positively known; however, according to an interview with Keiji inafune, it would seem the Megaman Legends titles take place in roughly 56XX.), 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 Mega Man 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 (the player can also earn an X-Buster in the game). You still win the toy in the English version of the game, only without the explanation of its origin. This is thought to be evidence of Rockman creator Keiji Inafune's desire to create a series starring Zero, 5 years prior to it becoming a reality. In Legends 2, the Z-Saber is described as "a weapon used by a legendary hero."

Onimusha Blade Warriors

Zero also appears as a character in the Playstation 2 game Onimusha Blade Warriors. He must be unlocked and is depicted in his Mega Man Zero rendition along with MegaMan.EXE. He uses the Buster, Saber, and shield, along with the Normal, Proto, and Ultimate forms.

SVC chaos: SNK vs Capcom

Main article: SVC Chaos: SNK vs. Capcom

In the Capcom roster, Zero (as he appears in the Zero series) is a hidden (although initially available) top-tier character who utilizes Cyber elves for special attacks. In addition to his Z-Saber, Zero also uses his other weapons from Mega Man Zero, such as the Triple Rod and Shield Boomerang.

Mega Man ZX

Main article: Mega Man ZX

File:Biometal z.jpg

Zero's Biometal in the Mega Man ZX series.

Zero makes a major cameo in the Nintendo DS game Mega Man ZX, as Biometal Model Z, which was modeled after him. Omega Zero also appears as an optional boss in Area N-1. Defeating him in Normal or Hard will allow access to a rock which gives you Model OX. Although Biometal Z is not usable by itself it can be combined with Biometal X to form Model ZX, the title character.It is rumored that Zero's soul was encased in Biometal Z in order to live on.

Zero appears in a flashback scene in Vent's story where Prairie explains that her sister was a human (obviously referring to Ciel) that defended the reploids, the scene then shifts to a view of Zero and Ciel looking at an army of pantheons, Zero is mentioned when (again in Vent's storyline) Prairie explains that Model W is the spirit of Dr. Weil, and that the last time Dr. Weil had appeared he was stopped by Zero (although the game never addresses Zero by name, simply calling him "a hero"). Prairie also has a picture of him in her bedroom.

References

• Instruction manuals from each game

1. ^ N/A (2003). "The Mega Man network". N/A. Retrieved N/A. {{cite web}}: Check date values in: |accessdate= (help); Unknown parameter |accessyear= ignored (|access-date= suggested) (help)
2. ^ Capcom (2000). "Rock Man X4 X to Z Kouryaku File (ISBN 4-06-329293-2)". Capcom. Retrieved N/A. {{cite web}}: Check date values in: |accessdate= (help); Unknown parameter |accessyear= ignored (|access-date= suggested) (help)
3. ^ Capcom (2000). 4063292932&sv=30 "Rock Man X4 X to Z Kouryaku File (ISBN 4-06-329293-2)". Capcom. Retrieved N/A. {{cite web}}: Check |url= value (help); Check date values in: |accessdate= (help); Unknown parameter |accessyear= ignored (|access-date= suggested) (help)
4. ^ Mega Man Network (2004). "Interview with Keiji Inafune". Capcom. {{cite web}}: Unknown parameter |accessmonthday= ignored (help); Unknown parameter |accessyear= ignored (|access-date= suggested) (help)
5. ^ Mega Man Neoseeeker (2005). "Interview with Keiji Inafune". Capcom. {{cite web}}: Unknown parameter |accessmonthday= ignored (help); Unknown parameter |accessyear= ignored (|access-date= suggested) (help)
6. ^ Various (2005). "Mega Man X disambiguation page". GameFAQs. {{cite web}}: Unknown parameter |accessmonthday= ignored (help); Unknown parameter |accessyear= ignored (|access-date= suggested) (help)
7. ^ Various (2005). "Mega Man Zero disambiguation page". GameFAQs. {{cite web}}: Unknown parameter |accessmonthday= ignored (help); Unknown parameter |accessyear= ignored (|access-date= suggested) (help)