New Zoids translations

[Falcarius]

I've been pretty busy with uni lately, but I have still been working on Zoidy translations. So, here's some translated info from the various Zoids websites...
EDIT: Since this post gets updated fairly often, I'll put the latest changes in orange to make them easier to spot.
EDIT2: I've decided to put a contents list here to make this thread easier to navigate.

Invasion of the Dark Army: story / fact files
Mirage Fox: fact file / chapter 1 / chapter 2
Geno Ritter: fact file / chapter 1 / chapter 2 / chapter 3
Command Wolf RGC: fact file / chapter 1 / chapter 2 / chapter 3
Storm Sworder FSV: fact file / chapter 1 / chapter 2 / chapter 3 (/ my April Fool's version)
Zoids Photo Contest: rules / winners




Official TakaraTomy Zoids site

Animated banner
ZOIDS: They are machine life-forms possessing organs similar to gears and motors and the forms of animals and dinosaurs.
Zoids Original: Moving Zoids revived! Zoids Original is developing!
Modelers Spirit Series: A 1/144-scale, partly prepainted kit series based on the first generation of Zoids.
Highend Master Model, D-Style: HMM Zoids and D-Style Zoids series currently selling well!!
Thank you for celebrating "ZOIDS 30th ANNIVERSARY"

6/15 (Sat) ~ 16 (Sun) - Tokyo Toy Show 2013 - Public Day
New products from each Zoids line will be displayed at the TakaraTomy booth!
Zoids 30th Anniversary commemorative stickers are also set for distribution!!
We are awaiting many attendees.

(Zoids will be displayed at the Kotobukiya booth at "Wonder Festival" on 28/7.)
("Zoids: Invasion of the Dark Army" goes on sale 31/8.)
(All sorts of Zoids will be displayed at the Takara Tomy booth at 'Chara Hobby 2013', 31/8 ~ 1/9.)
("Zoids SS" manga 'Chapter 4: The Azure Dragon and the Aloof Knight (2)' appears in the October issue of Dengeki Hobby Magazine (on sale 24/8).)
(Zoids Photo Contest prizes on display at Kotobukiya Akihabara hall.)
("Zoids SS" manga 'Chapter 5: The Azure Dragon and the Aloof Knight (3)' appears in the November issue of Dengeki Hobby Magazine (on sale 25/9).)
(3 company combined Zoid event set to be held at Kotobukiya Akihabara hall 5F in mid-December!)
("Zoids SS" manga 'Chapter 6: The Young Wolves and the Three Arrows (1)' appears in the December issue of Dengeki Hobby Magazine (on sale 25/10).)
(Zoids 30th Anniversary Exhibition to be held 13~18/12!!)
("Zoids SS" manga 'Chapter 7: The Young Wolves and the Three Arrows (2)' appears in the December issue of Dengeki Hobby Magazine (on sale 25/10).)^(*3)
("Zoids SS" manga 'Chapter 8: The Young Wolves and the Three Arrows (3)' appears in the February issue of Dengeki Hobby Magazine (on sale 25/12).)
(Now presenting all winning creations from the Zoids Photo Contest!!)
("Zoids SS" manga 'Chapter 9: The Pterosaurs of Flame and the Flying Force of Crimson (1)' appears in the March issue of Dengeki Hobby Magazine (on sale 25/1).)
(HMM Zoids dedicated Gojulas colour [paint] on sale now from GSI Creos.)
("Zoids SS" manga 'Chapter 10: The Pterosaurs of Flame and the Flying Force of Crimson (2)' appears in the April issue of Dengeki Hobby Magazine (on sale 25/2).)
("Zoids SS" 'Final Chapter: The Pterosaurs of Flame and the Flying Force of Crimson (3)' appears in the May issue of Dengeki Hobby Magazine (on sale 25/3).)
(Thank you for celebrating the 30th anniversary. Currently presenting specially-made Twitter icons.)

(current releases - third/fifth period of Geno Ritter orders, second/third period of Command Wolf RGC orders, second/third/fourth/fifth period of Storm Sworder FSV orders, Blu-ray Box, Invasion of the Dark Army, HMM Fire Fox, D-Style Iron Kong, MSS Command Wolf, HMM Gojulas)
(upcoming releases - September: HMM Iguan, MSS Greatsabre / October: HMM Fire Fox, MSS Command Wolf / November: D-Style Iron Kong / December: HMM Gojulas / early April: threezero Shield Liger / 2nd August: New Century /ZERO Blu-ray Box)

ZOIDS PHOTO CONTEST
TakaraTomy x Tomytec x Kotobukiya
Exhibition decided! Now presenting regulations!
Now accepting entries! Application period: 26/8 (Mon) to 15/10 (Wed)
Entry deadline approaching! Ends 15/10 (Wed)
Finished accepting entries. Results published: 25/11 (Mon)
Now presenting prize-winning creations

PRODUCTS
ZOIDS ORIGINAL
Check out the main stream of 1/72 motorised Zoids, reborn with a new charm through the new story setting!
Zoids are on the move. The Mirage Foxes, two foxes that roar in a loophole in history, are declassified^(*1) here!
Mirage Fox story updated! Currently accepting reservations amid rave reviews!
Huge volumes of Geno Ritter product info updated! Hurry to the reservations!
Secondary reservations have begun for the second release of the series, "Geno Ritter"! The original story is also being updated!!
The third release of the series, "Command Wolf RGC" has begun impressive reservations!
7/8 - The third release of the series, "Command Wolf RGC" is currently accepting reservations with great popularity!!
Enter the contest with Mirage Fox!
The fourth release, "Storm Sworder FSV" begins reservations from 13:00 25/10 (Fri)! We are also accepting the second round of "Command Wolf RGC" reservations with great popularity!!
"Storm Sworder FSV" order period extended until 13:00 2/12 (Mon)! Presenting image of clear red wing parts! Currently accepting reservations with great popularity!!
We have begun accepting the second period of "Storm Sworder FSV" reservations! The final part of the Command Wolf RGC story has been updated!!
Mirage Fox and Command Wolf RGC are currently accepting reservations with great popularity!! The first part of the Storm Sworder FSV story has been published!!
Mirage Fox, Command Wolf RGC and Storm Sworder FSV are currently accepting orders with great popularity!! The second part of the Storm Sworder FSV story has been published!!
A "moving Zoids" series crammed with new components. Each machine's story has been published to high praise!!
MODELERS SPIRIT SERIES
1/144-scale, partly prepainted kits based on the first generation of Zoids. They can also be posed thanks to moveable joints.
New products "Sabretiger" and "Godos" are currently selling well.
New product "Shieldliger Mk-II" planned for June release!!
New product "EMZ-19 Sinker" planned for July release!!
"Zoids Diorama Bases: Maintenance Facility & Hangar" on sale in August!!
New product "EPZ-003 Greatsabre" planned for September release!!
New product "RHI-3 Command Wolf" on sale in October!!
"RMZ-11 Godos" currently selling well!!
"EPZ-003 Sabretiger" currently selling well!!
"RPZ-03 Shieldliger" currently selling well!!
ZOIDS -BONDS OF STEEL-
A Zoids social network game appears on GREE!
Successive generations of anime-edition Zoids and characters are gathered together. You should enlist too!
A social game where Zoids fans gather. Become a commander and lead a Zoid force.
The battle heats up more with your participation!!
You too can become the commander of a Zoid force! Enjoy organising your preferred force and weapons!
Strengthen Zoids with your preferred weapons! Challenge people to battles with your dream force!
A social game where popular characters appear! Become a commander and direct a Zoid force!!
HIGHEND MASTER MODEL
An ambitious creation aimed at high-end users which reproduces "Zoids" with finer detail and joint gimmicks.
"Iron Kong", from the highest class of the HMM Zoids series, is reactivated as the personal machine of "Karl Lichten Schwarz".
The favourite machine of Ballad, the mercenary employed by Team Blitz! "Command Wolf LC & AC Ballad Spec." appears!
The "Geno Breaker" - in which the Empire army's strongest Zoid pilot, "Raven", appeared - is revived and reclothed, cast in colours matching the anime setting!
"Liger Zero", which boasts outstanding fame and popularity among the numerous Zoids as the leading machine in "Zoids New Century /ZERO", is set to be reproduced in August!
From the greatly popular HMM series, the "Iguanodon-type all-purpose infantry Zoid" 'Iguan' will roll out in September!
The "fox-type high-speed combat Zoid" 'Shadow Fox' appears as 'Fire Fox', clad in 'Special Recursive Hologram Armour'!!
The super-huge gorilla-type Zoid "Iron Kong" appears in the "cute" form characteristic of D-Style!!
Boasting the greatest size in HMM history, the "RBOZ-003 Gojulas" has flexibility and high detail far surpassing that of the past HMM series!!
With the greatest size in HMM history, the "RBOZ-003 Gojulas" is currently selling extremely well! It reproduces flexibility and high detail far surpassing that of the past HMM series!!
The "Blade Liger" piloted by "Van" is currently selling well! Includes figures of Van, Fiona and Zeke of course, as well as Zeke in his state fused with the Zoid Core in the story!
The high-speed combat form that raised the manoeuvrability of the "Liger Zero" to the utmost limits, "Liger Zero Jager" has been reproduced!
The greatest long-hit product in HMM history! The "Liger Zero" is currently selling extremely well!

MECHANIC FILES (updated on the 25th of each month)
Presenting mechanic files for each machine from the Zoids Concept Art series, with different specifications to the books!

NEW EPISODES (updated on the 25th of each month)
ZOIDS: Invasion of the Dark Army
The much-awaited new episodes of the mecha organisms "Zoids"!
Planet Zoid-- The long war between the Republic and the Empire on the Central Continent had ended, and peace had finally appeared on this planet. But several years afterwards, the Federation Government was facing a serious situation--
price: 2857 yen (+ tax)
released by: Hobby Japan

ZOIDS CONCEPT ART
The first concept art books of the mecha organisms "Zoids". They depict everything from the birth of wild Zoids to the Central Continent War in full colour!
3000 yen each (tax included)
price: 2857 yen (+ tax)
released by: Hobby Japan

SPECIAL
Footage Collection: now displaying a number of film works engraved in the history of Zoids!
"Mecha Organisms Zoids" - created: 1983
The first CM of the series, where the first-generation electric Zoid Bigasauru appeared!
"Zoids Republic Collection" - created: 1985
A CM overflowing with intensity, where various Zoids such as 'Gojulas' and 'Salamander' appear!
"Zoids Empire Collection" - created: 1985
The Empire army's 'Ironkong' appears. Its overwhelming presence is impressive in this CM!
"Ultrasaurus" - created: 1986
The 'Ultrasaurus' appears! A CM with the intense presence of the Republic army's largest and strongest combat mecha!
Specially displaying a video of the Shield Liger "Thruster Gun Spec." concept model, which was first announced at the Tokyo Toy Show 2013
"Zoids Battle Video" - created: 1989
A short story that depicts the Battle of the Central Continent. The intense combat scenes, with many Zoids interwoven, are notably spectacular!
"Sabretiger" - created: 1986
The Empire army's super-high speed attack mecha 'Sabretiger' appears. Shining its sharp fangs and running through the wilderness, its appearance is impressive in this CM!
"Dimetrodon & Wardick" - created: 1987
A CM with tension floating in the battle of the Empire's newly-produced mecha 'Dimetrodon' VS the Republic army's amphibious mecha 'Wardick'!^(*2)
The forms of the Empire army's newly-produced mecha 'Dimetrodon' and the Empire army's amphibious mecha 'Wardick' both standing together are impressive in this CM!
"Shieldliger and Command Wolf" - created: 1987
The Republic high-speed combat force's "Blue Hurricane" Shieldliger appears! A CM where the charm of the machine is conveyed as much as you could want, beginning with the production of the shield generating scene!
"Deathsaurer" - created: 1987
The advent of the Empire army's largest and strongest mecha, "Deathsaurer"! Equipped with a Charged Particle Cannon and reaching the extremes of destruction, its form is impressive in this CM!
"ZOIDS WORLD"
The spark-scattering combat scenes of 'Gojulas' vs 'Redhorn' are loaded with intensity!! A creation where you can be thoroughly satisfied with the world of Zoids!
"Megatopros" - created: 1988
'Megatopros' from the 24 series appears! A CM where the sense of unity between Zoids and Republic soldiers is skillfully represented!
"Gorem" - created 1988
'Gorem' from the 24 series appears! A CM that depicts everything from its boarding by an Empire army special force member up to its departure!


Archive Collection: archiving past top animations and the like!
- Top Animation Number 1 (25/3~25/10/2013):
The mecha organisms "Zoids"... They are machine life-forms possessing organs similar to gears and motors and the forms of animals and dinosaurs.
30 years after Zoids were born - the curtains open on a new legend!
ZOIDS 30th ANNIVERSARY
- Top Animation Number 2 (25/10/2013~25/3/2014):
ZOIDS: They are machine life-forms possessing organs similar to gears and motors and the forms of animals and dinosaurs.
Zoids Original: Moving Zoids revived! Zoids Original is developing!
Modelers Spirit Series: A 1/144-scale, partly prepainted kit series based on the first generation of Zoids.
Highend Master Model, D-Style: HMM Zoids and D-Style Zoids series currently selling well!!
ZOIDS 30th ANNIVERSARY
- "Zoids Photo Contest" (held in 2013):
[see Photo Contest posts]


Twitter Icon Presents
Thank you for celebrating the Zoids 30th anniversary.
For 30th anniversary products, events and so on, please check the entries on this site.
And now, let us present some specially-made Twitter icons, with our feelings of gratitude.
We hope you continue to support the Zoids series from now on.
*Please click each image to download.
- Twitter icon bulk download (zip)


*1: The exact verb (解禁) is something about "lifting a ban".
*2: The authors have since corrected their rather bizarre mistake of describing Wardick as a Republic mecha.
*3: Typo on the original page, probably due to copy-pasting information.



Concept Art summaries (on pictures)

CONCEPT ART I
The mecha organisms "Zoids" are born!
The distant future-- the spaceship "Zoic-Noa" escaped from Earth, which was perishing due to war and environmental destruction, and landed upon an unknown planet hundreds of millions of light years away. Primeval metallic lifeforms inhabited this planet, and with the genes of Earth creatures inserted into them by the scientists of Zoic-Noa, they evolved into "Zoids" shaped like beasts and dinosaurs. Using the nanomachines loaded onto the Zoic-Noa, the Zoids were again reborn as "mecha organisms" possessing machine- like bodies. Meanwhile, the Zoidians came to have two great powers confronting each other, those who wished to live symbiotically with the Zoids and those who planned to control them. The Zoids were once again remodelled into battle machine beasts, given strengthened weaponry, and released into battle--.

CONCEPT ART II
Republic vs Empire, the great war breaks out!
A planet investigation ship from Earth, the "G III", suddenly flew down into the skies of the battlefield where the two great powers had collided. Through the technology brought by the G III, the defensive power and combat force of the Zoids rapidly increased, and the two great powers each established countries and made their preparations. And then, the war between both sides, the "Republic" and "Empire", expanded its fighting across the entire Central Continent of Planet Zoid, and an intense battle unfolded with no sign of ending. At that time, in a liquid metal lake in the depths of a remote region, a huge, evil, jet black Zoid was about to reach its time of awakening--.

CONCEPT ART III
Fight to the death, Deathsaurer!
In the war that still continued, the Republic army was superior. However, the Empire army was reviving a huge, jet black Zoid collected from a liquid metal lake as the battle machine beast "Deathsaurer". Beginning its advance, the Deathsaurer annihilated key positions of the Republic army one by one, and aimed for the Republic capital. As crisis approached, the Republic army hastened the development of the "Madthunder", a Zoid for use against the Deathsaurer. In addition, a "Gojulas" driven by an ace pilot of the Republic army also participated, and with the far north lands as a stage, he rushed into a battle with the Deathsaurer that would determine his manhood--.






Official Zoids Original site

Mirage Fox & Geno Ritter colouring samples on special display at the Kotobukiya Akihabara store (4F)! Let's go take a look!

What's ZOIDS ORIGINAL?
On the 30th anniversary of ZOIDS in 2013, sales of TakaraTomy's ZOIDS series will be revived as "ZOIDS ORIGINAL", centred on an official online shop. "ZOIDS ORIGINAL" will develop following on from the Concept Art stories, and will be a new series constructed on the basis of a new story rather than simple reissues of past merchandise. Please enjoy both the reborn ZOIDS series and story.

ZOIDS ORIGINAL Lineup!
Mirage Fox: Release Jun. 2013
Zoids Original G: Release Sep. 2013
- Will be displayed at Tokyo Toy Show on 6/15 (Sat) and 16 (Sun)!!
Geno Ritter: Release Sep. 2013
Zoids Original C: Release Nov. 2013
Command Wolf RGC [Rail Gun Custom]: Release Nov. 2013
Zoids Original X: Release Unfixed
Zoids Original X: Release Unfixed
Storm Sworder FSV [Flame Slash Ver.]: Release Mar. 2014

The Zoids 30th anniversary commemorative series "Zoids Original" will conclude with the sale of the 4th item, "Storm Sworder FSV". We humbly request from the depths of our hearts that you continue to give your patronage to the Zoids series from now on. Thank you so much.
With our feelings of gratitude to everyone, we are currently carrying out free downloads of package illustration "wallpapers" for all four models!!

Story
MIRAGE FOX: Part 1 "Tis and Kai"
Part 2 "Resistance on the Snow"
Machine and Character Introductions
GENO RITTER: Part 1 "The Genes Were Too Strong"
Part 2 "The Azure Dragon and the Aloof Knight"
Part 3 "The Tip of an Evil Sword"
Machine and Character Introductions
COMMAND WOLF RGC: Part 1 "A Sudden Sortie"
Part 2 "The Young Wolves and the Three Arrows"
Part 3 "The End of a Fierce Fight"
Machine and Character Introductions
STORM SWORDER FSV: Part 1 "Set Out, Operation Storm"
Part 2 "A Shooting-Down Battle on a Dark Night"
Part 3 "The Pterosaurs of Flame and the Flying Force of Crimson"
Machine and Character Introductions

Movie
Mirage Fox
Geno Ritter

Goods
Coming Soon


ZOIDS MIRAGE FOX

The 30th anniversary of the birth of Zoids!
Released by TakaraTomy, "Zoids Original Wave 1" Mirage Fox appears!
-What is Mirage Fox?
At the end of the Central Continent War, 2 fox-type Zoids, "Mirage Foxes", unfolded a defensive battle that never appeared upon the centre stage of history. Possessing excellent mobility and combat power, A Type is equipped with super-high frequency vibrating blades, "Wing Blades", while B Type is equipped with the small-calibre, high-penetration "Armour-Piercing Laser Vulcan".
They excel at "secret manoeuvres" and have smoke dischargers with radar-disrupting functions mounted on their legs, and even a single machine has high combat abilities, but by having two machines cooperate, combining communication through super-directed sound and speeds of close to 300km/h, they move like phantasms and do not allow enemies to grasp their existence.

A Zoids 30th Anniversary commemorative logo sticker will be given as a present to everyone who purchases this! (1 per product)
Reservations begin: 8/5/2013 (Wed) 10am ~
Reservations end: 21/6/2013 (Fri) 5pm
Reservations end: 1/7/2013 (Mon) 12pm
(Reservation end date has changed)
Products will be shipped any time after the end of June 2013.
First wave special price: 2100 yen (incl. tax)
<Reserve purchase>
*Number that can be purchased: up to 10 per person
*Upon reaching the planned sale number, we will cease to accept reservations.
*With regards to sales after reservations finish, these are currently undecided. Sales may be performed from other stores.
*Immediately after reservations begin, there is a possibility that it will be hard to connect due to excessive accessing of the site.
Please be aware of the above points in advance.

VARIATIONS
This product can be assembled in form [01], [02] or [03] as below by selecting parts.

Assembly Example 01: MIRAGE FOX (A TYPE) FOXY
Mirage Fox A Type, Foxy. Its pilot is "Tis", a girl possessing superhuman hearing abilities. The "Wing Blades" equipped on the back of the Mirage Fox she pilots are characteristic to it.
The Wing Blades are super-high frequency vibrating blades, letting it jump into the midst of opponents with wondrous manoeuvrability and slice up the enemies.
They can be used in a closed-blade position or a position where they are unfolded like wings, as in the name, and combined with the mobility of the freely moving Weapon Rack, it can take varied approaches to combat by changing its shape to suit the situation.

Assembly Example 02: MIRAGE FOX (B TYPE) LUKEXY
Mirage Fox B Type, Luxy^(*2). Its pilot is "Kai", a boy possessing extremely high intelligence. The Mirage Fox he pilots is equipped with an Armour-Piercing Laser Vulcan, which would become standard equipment for the later Shadow Fox.
It boasts wondrous manoeuvrability just like the A Type, and its battle style is basically centred on close combat. However, it is not a complete melee type,
and can perform attacks rich in changes that combine melee and shooting at close to medium range, thanks to its close combat weapons such as the Strike Laser Claws and the mobility of its Armour-Piercing Laser Vulcan and the Multi Weapon Rack that supports it.

Assembly Example 03: SHADOW FOX [COLD DISTRICTS TYPE] / SNOW FOX
A customised type of Shadow Fox released in the Dark War. Remodelling Shadow Fox, which was cunning in its ability to adapt to the environment, it has become a version adapted to usage in extremely cold areas. Among soldiers, it is called by its nickname "Snow Fox".
Like Luxy, it is equipped with a high-penetration Armour-Piercing Laser Vulcan.

DATABASE
Length ... 17.3m
Height ... 9.7m
Weight ... 48.5t
Max Speed ... 295.0km/h
*Data is that of the setting
*Values are those of [A-type]/FOXY

WEAPONS
Wing Blades
Smoke Dischargers
AZ 70mm Internal-Type Electromagnetic Net Gun
Anchors
Strike Laser Claws
Composite Sensors For Combat
Super-Directed Sound Transmission System
Electron Bite Fangs
3D Radar & Multi Ear Sensors
Shoulder Weapon Rack
Multi Weapon Rack
AZ 30mm Laser Vulcan

CAUTION
*The target age of this product is 15 and over.
*This product has sharp parts, so please do not let small children touch it.
*Products in photos have been coated for photographing, so pictures and photos on this page may differ in appearance from the actual product.
*Please note that due to manufacturing conditions, specifications may differ slightly.


*2: The site uses the English spelling "Lukexy" (for the pronunciation "look-see"), but I refuse to call it that.


TakaraTomy Mall official shopping site original item:
COMMAND WOLF RGC [Rail Gun Custom]

Advent of a famed machine!
The well-known Command Wolf appears, carrying a huge railgun!
The details of its equipment and characteristic scope will be updated along with reservations on the 7th of August!
Expected price: 2,625 yen
Shipping date: planned for the final third of November
Reservations begin 13:00 on the 7th of August!!
*Image is of a prototype sample. It is possible that some parts may be changed.






Other sites

Dengeki Hobby Magazine July^(*3) 2013 contents
Zoids 30th Anniversary Commemoration!
Original comic starts serialisation!!
ZOIDS SS
Siblings^(*4) Kai and Tis and the Mirage Foxes live in a snowy country on Planet Zoid. The Empire Army approaches their village, where they live peacefully...... This part of Zoid history can finally be told. The new story starts here!

Announcement in magazine, with character art

*3: The "July" issue comes out on May 25th, because Dengeki is silly like that.
*4: Specifically, Kai is the older brother and Tis is the younger sister.


ZOIDS -Bonds of Steel- homepage
Upon Planet Zi, on the other side of the galaxy, there existed the "Zoids", metal life-forms possessing excellent combat abilities.
The temporary peace was destroyed by the mysterious invader "Another". The pupils of the Republic military school Zoids Academy were unexpectedly dragged into that battle.

Character names, corresponding personality choices and starting Zoids (left to right):
Nina Liebert (intuitive, Godos), Yui Suzushiro (hot-blooded, Command Wolf), Elma Palme (calm, Cannon Tortoise)


Official MSS Zoids site
Apparently the third wave is going to be MZ005 Shieldliger Mk-II and possibly Sinker, not Command Wolf and Sinker as originally teased.
Upcoming releases according to official site and this event:
MZ005 RPZ-07 Shieldliger Mk-II (June)
MZ006 EMZ-19 Sinker (July)
MZ007 RHI-3 Command Wolf ("summer 2013")
MZ008 EPZ-003G Greatsabre ("summer 2013")
Diorama Bases [hangar + maintenance platform] ("summer")
RPZ-01 Salamander ("this winter")

[Maethius]

Wow, thanks for all the work! This is great stuff!

[Snowflake]

I'm so excite I can't even
nice to see them legitimizing things a bit. I know some amazing kids that can build zoids but I sure as heck couldn't handle them til I was 15

[wolves]

Thank you!!

[Falcarius]

I've decided to spread content over multiple posts in order to shrink the wall of text slightly (and to bump the thread more easily ). Mirage Fox storyline coming soon!



New web storyline:

CHAPTER 1
The previous war had left great scars across the whole planet. Large quantities of "Zoidonium"^(*1), an energy resource vital to the lives of Zoids and livelihoods of people, had been consumed, and as a result it was now on the brink of exhaustion. In order to preserve the endangered Zoid organisms, the Federation Government hastened the completion of the "ZNA System", which aimed to protect Zoid cores and improve the compatibility and interchangeability of parts.
The Federation Government proceeded with the construction of the large-scale investigation ship "Whale Kaiser" to secure new energy resources. At the time of the investigation mission, they decided on the use of "ZNA Zoids", reborn using the just-completed ZNA System. Several investigation teams embarked on the completed Whale Kaiser. Among them were the forms of the "ZZ Trapper Force", including Bowie, a young man who had a hero from the previous war as a father.
Carrying the responsibility of Planet Zoid's fate and people's hopes for the future, the Whale Kaiser finally departed. It was aiming for a destination located 5 million kilometres away--

CHAPTER 2
At the end of a voyage that went on for weeks, the Whale Kaiser landed at its destination, the planet "Desertshore"^(*2). Beginning with the ZZ Trapper Force, the investigation team immediately commenced its search for energy resources.
The ZZ Trapper Force encountered an unknown machine lifeform while investigating. When they tried capturing it there and analysing it in detail, a surprising result awaited them. From the organic structure of the machine lifeform, nanomachines from the Zoic-Noa were detected, just the same as Zoids. Bowie's team decided to call the machine lifeforms of this planet "Primal Zoids"^(*3).
The ZZ Trapper Force discovered a vein of "Deathnium", an alternative energy resource for Zoidonium. But in that moment of joy, the people of the planet suddenly attacked, riding in the Primal Zoids. They called themselves the "White People". Bowie's team explained the situation, and negotiated to be given the Deathnium. But then, the "Dark Army" attacked in order to steal the Deathnium. Bowie's team worked together with the White People and drove off the Dark Army.
Having gained the trust of the White People, Bowie's team was invited to their commune in the mountain regions. Bowie became friends with Ziggy^(*4), a young White Person, and was led to the innermost part of the commune. And there, astonishingly, the engine of the Zoic-Noa was enshrined. Just like the people of Planet Zoid, the people of Desertshore were descendants of the crew of the Zoic-Noa, which had crash-landed due to an accident, and the Primal Zoids were the primeval metallic lifeforms of this planet, having taken in the nanomachines loaded onto the Zoic-Noa and achieved unique evolution.

CHAPTER 3
The Dark Army-- This was an army organised by the "Black People"^(*5), who had absolutely no interaction with the other People. The "Dark Zoids" that formed its main force were created through Dark Synthesis using Deathnium. Under their new leader, the Dark Army was starting to move towards the implementation of "Project Death Babel". The true identity of their new leader was the scientist Daemon, who had directed the awakening of the Deathsaurer in the great war on Planet Zoid.
In order to oppose the Dark Army, which was attacking them for the Deathnium, the White People formed an allied army with the "Green People" and "Blue People". Bowie and the ZZ Trapper Force decided to participate in the Alliance Army too.
The Dark Army was trying to take possession of all the Deathnium on Desertshore in order to carry out Project Death Babel. To accomplish that goal, they began to send out the entire army en masse. The allied army was forced into a hard fight before the fierce attacks of the Dark Zoid "Vikong", but succeeded in repelling it thanks to a desperate counterattack.
Not long after the offence and defence of the Alliance Army and Dark Army concluded, the elders of the White, Green and Blue People secretly established a site for discussions with Daemon. Bowie and his team had no way of knowing about this-.

CHAPTER 4
The Alliance Army, which had been assigned to guard the Whale Kaiser, suddenly rose up in revolt and restrained the crew. Moreover, a Dark Army platoon joined up with them and commandeered the Whale Kaiser. Among the implementation force was the form of Ziggy, who had been cultivating a friendship with Bowie.
To recapture the Whale Kaiser, and to determine the objective of Ziggy's group, Bowie and his team immediately climbed aboard the all-purpose transport ship "Hearts Club"^(*6) and chased after them.
The Whale Kaiser's destination... was Planet Zoid. The Whale Kaiser landed in a remote region of Planet Zoid, at the remains of a liquid metal lake where the wreckage of the bow of the "Zoic-Noa", the immigration spaceship from Earth, was spread out. Ziggy's group's aim was the navigation system built into the Zoic-Noa. However, the rebellion force was subjugated by the Trap Commandos who defended the region and Bowie's team, which had pursued them.
Meanwhile, in the far northern skies of Planet Zoid was the form of the "Dark Palace", Daemon's moving fortress which had flown in from Desertshore. Landing on a lone island, the Dark Palace pulled up a huge mass of metal that had been sleeping at the bottom of the ice sheets. This was the wreckage of the Deathsaurer, which had been destroyed in the earlier great war.

CHAPTER 5 ~PART 1~
When Bowie and his team returned to Desertshore, a tragic scene awaited them there. The Deathnium vein protected by the White People had been mined to exhaustion by the Dark Army, and the companions of the ZZ Trapper Force who had stayed behind to guard the mining team had borne severe injuries as a result of the fighting.
Meanwhile, Daemon had returned to Death Oasis, and using the great amounts of plundered Deathnium, he revived the Deathsaurer he had recovered. In the cockpit of the Deathsaurer was the figure of Johnny, the former Gojulas pilot.
In order to revive a pterosaur-type Zoid of the ZZ Trapper Force which had been injured in the battle with the Dark Army, as well as to increase their battle potential, the machine carried out fusion evolution with Bowie's favourite machine using the ZNA System. Looking towards the final decisive battle soon to come, the Alliance Army reorganised itself, and the ZZ Trapper Force strengthened the weapons on each of their machines.

CHAPTER 5 ~PART 2~
In order to prevent Project Death Babel, the ZZ Trapper Force and the Alliance Army began their advance on Death Oasis. The Dark Army amassed all their power and intercepted the approaching Alliance Army, and a great battle developed.
While the intense combat unfolded, the revived Deathsaurer showed its majestic form on the battlefield. Furthermore, the Dark Palace flew into the skies above, and began to take in the Deathsaurer. At last, Project Death Babel had been put into operation.
Project Death Babel-- This was a project to destroy the core of Planet Zoid, and using the enormous energy generated in that event, to open a space-time leap gate which would let one move instantly to any position in the universe.
In order to hold off the firing of the Death Babel Cannon, the Alliance Army commenced an all-out attack on the Dark Palace, but they were counterattacked by the Deathsaurer's Charged Particle Cannon and fell into a dilemma.

What will really be the fate of Bowie, the ZZ Trapper Force, and Planet Zoid? --

The shocking conclusion is recorded in "Zoids: Invasion of the Dark Army", on sale 31st August 2013!!
Price: 3000 yen (incl. tax)
Format: modified A4
Sale: Hobby Japan



*1: The "nium" here (ニューム) is a rare abbreviation of "aluminium".
*2: Possible album reference?
*3: The word "Genjuu" (源獣) means something like "Origin Beast", so I'm translating it as "Primal".
*4: I am not making this up.
*5: I should really try to find a different wording that sounds less racist.
*6: TAKARATOMY ARE YOU DOING THIS ON PURPOSE

[Snowflake]

Goshies, if this story gets into an anime and it gets dubbed, they're going to have to change that.. I assume the word there was 'zoku'? there's a few ways to translate that but they're all pretty race-ish sounding..
But then you can always just mess with the color thing, and call them either translations of the colors or names of pigments or gemstones or something.

[wolves]

LMAO all the colors. Thanks for the translation! Vikong...a new Kong variant? Hmmm.

[Maethius]

Hm. Interesting territory, here. Thanks again for all the work on this!

[Falcarius]

May 27, 2013 12:38:39 GMT -5 Snowflake said:

Goshies, if this story gets into an anime and it gets dubbed, they're going to have to change that.. I assume the word there was 'zoku'? there's a few ways to translate that but they're all pretty race-ish sounding..
But then you can always just mess with the color thing, and call them either translations of the colors or names of pigments or gemstones or something.

'Tami' (民), actually, which is just as bad (since 'people' is about the only fitting translation here). I suppose I could use 'the Black Ones' or something, to keep the translation fairly literal. Anyway, here's the Mirage Fox storyline!




PART 1:^(*1) "Tis and Kai"

[1]
The battle between the Republic and Empire armies on the Central Continent of Planet Zoid still continued on ceaselessly.
And that battle was about to reach this small, quiet village in the north of the Central Continent--.

"Sorry about the wait. I've made some tasty stew."
Yard, a Zoid Mammoth pilot responsible for transporting goods for the Republic army, called out to the siblings.
"Wow, it smells great! Let's eat! Oh yeah, sir, tell us about Earth again!"
The girl who said this with sparkling eyes was Tis, who had been found by Yard in a snowy forest a few years ago, and since then had been brought up as if she were his actual child.
Tis' older brother, Kai, spoke after her.
"Haven't we heard that story heaps of times already? Long ago, in order to find a planet they could migrate to, the people of Earth got on board a spaceship called Zoic Noa and came to Planet Zoid - right, sir?"
"Indeed, and that's why the civilisation of the planet called Earth, our home world, has been inherited by Planet Zoid. The story also says that the genes of creatures that lived on Earth were inserted into the Zoids."

Yard loved these times, when the three of them would sit around the dining table while having silly conversations.
"When you're finished eating, you can come play with Foxy and Luxy."^(*2)
"Okay!"
Once the two of them finished their meal, they nimbly cleaned up the cutlery and ran off towards the hangar.

[2]
"Foxy! Luxy!"
As if they had been waiting for Tis and Kai to call, the two fox-type Zoids, Mirage Foxes, raised their heads.
Perhaps because they and the Zoids had spent their lives together ever since the two were young, they understood each other's feelings.

Watching the situation over the windowsill, Yard thought to himself.
"They really are mysterious kids. It's almost as if they're having a conversation with the Zoids. When I found them sleeping in the forest and brought them home with me, their eyes were dark and cold and they rarely spoke, but now they're making such happy faces."
Yard smiled like a father watching over his children.
And so, another peaceful day was about to end.

[3]
At that time, to the north, a force led by Byan, an ace pilot of the Empire army who piloted a Dimetrodon, was on standby amid the swirling^(*3) snow.
"There don't seem to be any signs of enemies in this area. We'll continue the advance."
Having confirmed that there were no life signs on the radar of the Dimetrodon, which was loaded with the latest electronic equipment, Byan gave the instruction to his subordinates.

"......!? Sir, looks like Foxy and Luxy sensed something!"
Tis, who had excellent hearing, picked up the sounds of moving Zoids from within the darkness of the forest that extended into the distance, and quickly estimated the number of enemy machines.
"It's... Empire army Zoids! ...5...10 machines! They're advancing towards the village!"

"Sir, leave it to us! We won't let them invade the village!"
"You can't! You don't have any combat experience. And moreover, 10 machines... There's no way you could win."
The moment Yard tried to grab her arm, Tis jumped back in an agile motion.
"Don't worry, you just stay here, sir! No matter what!"
Tis' face, which had been innocent until now, suddenly changed into a stern expression.
"Let's go, brother!" "Alright!"
The two quickly ran towards the hangar, and gallantly climbed into Foxy and Luxy.

When Tis put on her specially-shaped headset, Foxy's hearing synchronised with Tis' hearing.
"Wait! Tis, Kai!"
Yard yelled as he came out of the house, but Foxy and Luxy were already leaving the hangar. Yard's voice was drowned out by the sound of the snowstorm.
Yard got into his Zoid Mammoth and tried to chase after them, but the radar showed no signs of them, and his vision was obstructed by the snowstorm.
"Tis, Kai... Please come home safe."

[4]
"Here we go, Foxy - Wing Blades on!"
When Tis called out, the blades on Foxy's back deployed.
"Luxy, begin combat!"
Kai also called out, giving his decision of battle.
The two machines headed towards the Empire army force like a lightning flash, tinged with pale light in the dark night.

"This is the first machine of the advance guard! Major Byan, two enemy machines have suddenly appeared. We engaged them, but our first, second and third machines are already half wrecked and cannot fight! The enemy machines are heading your way."
"What...!? Nothing's showing up on my radar!"
"They suddenly appeared from inside the snowstorm! The enemies are using a high-penetration Laser Vulcan and a cutting weapon."
"Hmmm... This is Byan; Buster Head unit, attack towards 12 o'clock at maximum speed!"
The Empire army's Buster Heads launched a fierce attack towards Foxy, which moved around as it pleased through the intense snowstorm.

"It's... so fast! Our bullets won't hit it! It's showing a speed close to 300km/h."
"Impossible! Even the Shield Liger, the Republic's fastest, can only reach 250km/h!"
"This is an unidentified machine!"

"Brother, I can hear them... diagonally ahead and to the left!"
"Got it."
Tis advised him of the enemies' locations through their sounds, and Kai's Luxy accurately pierced the enemies with its Laser Vulcan.
Tis' Foxy also approached the enemies with ever-changing appearance, and cut them up precisely with its Wing Blades.

Sensing a crisis, Byan went further into ambush preparations.
"...The enemies are approaching at high speed! In that case, I'll launch an attack personally."
Byan gave a weak smile.

[5]
"Heheheh, my radar is a high-efficiency all-weather model. Since you've come in close, I've caught your signal."
Byan's Dimetrodon, which specialised in electronic warfare, fired a guided missile.
It looked like it had definitely hit the signal on the radar, but that signal was still being displayed to the right of the missile impact point.
"Wh-what!? That should have been locked on...!?"
Having avoided the Dimetrodon's missile attack, Foxy and Luxy commenced their own cooperative attack, communicating with high-frequency contact calls. Because of it, Byan's force's formation collapsed in an instant.
"Nggh...!"

Byan put his left hand to his mouth and thought, then gave an order.
"All machines, retreat! I'm changing our mission from the current one! Bringing back data of combat with the unknown Zoids is our highest priority."
Byan's force retreated, having been toyed with by Foxy and Luxy, Zoids they had never seen before.
"Looks like they've left already. We're safe now."
When they confirmed that the enemy machines were retreating, the siblings showed their still-innocent smiles.

Yard learned from a transmission from the Republic that a mid-sized force of the Empire army had invaded the area, then retreated after only two hours.
"What are you saying? Those kids drove away the Empire army...? How could those kids have such power..."

[6]
The night ended, the fierce snowstorm completely settled, and a quiet morning came, just as usual.
"It's like them repelling the Empire army was a lie. How could such combat instincts be hidden in those kids, playing so innocently...
Who on earth are those kids?"
"Sir! Come here, let's play together!"
The siblings called, and while Yard still held some simple doubts, he tried not to think about them too much. He felt that if he thought about them, he would lose those children.
"For now, I shall treasure this warm life with those two as if they were my own children."


Part 2^(*1) is set to be presented on the 25th of June



*1: More literally, 'beginning part' and 'end part'.
*2: I still refuse to call it 'Lukexy'. I'm also sticking with 'Kai' over 'Ki' for now.
*3: The actual verb is 降りしきる ('pouring', as in rain), but that sounds weird for snow. 'Driving', perhaps?




MACHINE INTRODUCTION

Individual name / Foxy (white)
Model name / Mirage Fox
A medium-scale, melee-type, high-manoeuvrability Zoid piloted by Tis.
It is equipped with Wing Blades as its main weapon, and spreading them like the wings of an angel, it leaps into enemy Zoids magnificently.
The edges of the Wing Blades, which vibrate at super-high frequency, give off a clear sound and light when their output is raised. They are able to cut through the armour and body of a standard medium-scale Zoid easily.
It has excellent acceleration, mobility, turning and jumping abilities, and as it is also equipped with a silencing system, optical camouflage and smoke dischargers that disrupt radar, it excels at secretive activities.

Individual name / Luxy (white) [Lukexy]
Model name / Mirage Fox
A Zoid piloted by Kai which uses shooting as its main weapon, contrasting with Tis' Foxy which specialises in melee.
It toys with enemy machines with its ever-changing appearance, using the weather and terrain, and fires into them with the Laser Vulcan mounted on its back.
It performs cooperative combat while communicating with Foxy using directed ultrasonic waves.

Model name / Zoid Mammoth MP (Mobile Power)
A Zoid based on the Zoid Mammoth - which specialised in shooting attacks and could also handle melee battle, using the beam gun on the tip of its trunk and its large tusks specialised for combat - that raised its mobility by converting it to small-scale. It captures enemy machines with its ear-shaped radar and fires beams at them. Its shooting abilities have high precision. Moreover, although it is a general purpose machine suited to transport and civil work, it is a powerful small-scale machine.

Model name / Dimetrodon strengthened type (Byan's personal machine)
Its abilities have been increased by giving mobility-style customisation, for instance to the undercarriage and tail, to the all-purpose Dimetrodon, which does battle using electronic warfare such as reconnaissance, analysis and jamming.
It can be equipped with all kinds of missiles, and with its superior electronic warfare equipment and accurate sniping using its Guided Laser Guns, it is a newly produced machine whose total combat power has been increased remarkably compared to ordinary machines.
It also performs shooting control automatically for the ally machines around it, and has become a machine that is surely appropriate for a commander.

Buster Head
A melee-type Zoid of the Empire army possessing a heavily armoured head and the ability to rapidly start moving from a standstill^(*4).
Its simultaneous attack, combining a charging headbutt and the Laser Bazooka mounted on its head, displays tremendous force.

CHARACTER INTRODUCTION

Name / Tis (age 13)
She is the owner of a bright and active personality, but when in combat, she moves towards enemies with daring actions.
She skillfully evades enemy attacks using her excellent hearing and brings them into close combat, her strong point.

Name / Kai (age 15) [Ki]
Tis' older brother. A boy who is usually quiet, and although young, is well-advanced in ingenuity.
His strong point is shooting tactics, skillfully making use of the terrain with his precise judgements of the situation and calm but detailed thoughts.

Name / Yard Bans (age 56)
A reserve soldier who withdrew from the front line and now lives in a house-turned-supply base^(*5) on the village outskirts, in charge of supplying materials for the Republic. He is the owner of a gentle personality, and also acts as the foster father of Tis and Kai. Although it is called a supply base, his job is to deliver crops from the area to a transfer station within Republic territory, and until Tis and Kai came along, he and his Mammoth bore this mission alone. He often explains to the siblings in detail about the history of Earth and Planet Zoid.

Name / Byan Wilson (age 35)
A machine enthusiast possessing abundant funds and a high position within the Empire army, he is the best mechanic-soldier in the Empire army, and thinks there is nobody greater than himself when it comes to handling mecha. He is a machine maniac who captures and weaponises numerous Zoids, voluntarily heads to the battlefield working as a test pilot, and adds the wreckage of Republic army Zoids to his collection under the pretence of research. Making use of his position, he has a completely independent force^(*6), but he has achieved considerable results in battle so far and is renowned as an ace pilot.



*4: A shorter translation of 瞬発力 might be nice.
*5: The word used here (兼) actually means 'both at the same time', but I couldn't think of a fitting one-word equivalent.
*6: I'm not entirely sure what this phrase ("完全な独立部隊だが") is saying.

[Tilly]

Hanyoutai over at The Iron Bible is planning to/has translated a lot of the Original/SS stuff, so you might want to get in touch with him or check his stuff on Tumblr?

www.theironbible.com/
hanyoutaikyoushu.tumblr.com/

That way you two can team up, if you want! Man, it's nice to see actual timely Zoids translations these days @_@. And I agree with you on the Luxy/Lukexy thing, I'm not entirely sure what I want to use myself but Lukexy is silly.

Darwock on ZP did a few of the other story things, though I don't know if he's still doing them. I like the way you wrangled the aluminum thing!

[Chuckles]

These are awesome and much appreciated. Thanks! ^_^

[Maethius]

A lot of work, Fal! Thanks a lot!

[Falcarius]

New page translated in under 24 hours. How's that for timely translations?
(Unfortunately, I have exams coming up, so I probably won't get to other new stuff quite as quickly.)



ZOIDS GENO RITTER

The 30th anniversary of the birth of Zoids!
Released by TakaraTomy, "Zoids Original Wave 2" Geno Ritter appears!
-What is Geno Ritter?
A machine based on the Geno Saurer, which was developed as a powerful trump card at the end of the Central Continent.^(*1)
However, it and the Geno Saurer were never released, the reason being the difficulty in controlling them.
The Geno Ritter later came to be controlled by the remnants of the Empire after the war ended, and performed secret manoeuvres.
Equipped with the large "Dragoon Stahl"^(*2) swords on its back, the large-scale evil dragon Zoid "Geno Ritter" gains tremendous propulsive power from the Magnesser Wing Verniers that support the swords, and when opposing prey, it approaches precisely and chops it down. Its characteristic headgear is a fetter showing it has been tamed by its pilot, and also works as a restraint against going berserk.

Limited to the first 2000! Member-limited reservation bonus!
A Geno Ritter clear file will be given as a present to members who reserve this! (1 per product: limited to first 2000)
If you reserve one without logging in as a member, no bonus will be included, so please note this in advance. >>Register as member (free)
Front / Back / *Design may be changed.
Reservations begin: 13/6/2013 (Thu) 10am ~
Reservations end: 1/7/2013 (Mon) 12pm
Products will be shipped any time after the end of September 2013. / Price: 5040 yen (incl. tax)
<Reservations here>
*Number that can be purchased: up to 10 per person
*Upon reaching the planned sale number, we will cease to accept reservations.
*With regards to sales after reservations finish, these are currently undecided. Sales may be performed from other stores.
*Immediately after reservations begin, there is a possibility that it will be hard to connect due to excessive accessing of the site.
Please be aware of the above points in advance.

VARIATIONS
This product can be assembled in form [01] or [02] as below by selecting parts.

Assembly Example 01: GENO RITTER [JAGD GENO]
Geno Ritter, formerly Jagd Geno. Its pilot is a former Empire army ace, Ash Labone.
The Geno Ritter he handles is endowed with astounding mobility and destructive power.
Its characteristic is the large "Dragoon Stahl" swords. They excel in both offence and defence, of course having a wide-ranged slashing attack, and they protect it from opponents' shots by deploying a wide-range shield using the Electromagnetic Blades connected to the hilts.
- It can be reconstructed into the "Jagd Geno", before it was restrained by its pilot!
In addition, as a difference from the Jagd Geno, the Geno Ritter is equipped with small-scale Magnesser Wings on its legs. It is able to precisely control the tremendous propulsive power of the Magnesser Wing Verniers that support the Dragoon Stahl on its back using the Magnesser Wings on its legs.
It is also equipped with a Charged Particle Cannon just like the Geno Saurer, but this is never used in one-on-one battles against enemies that confront Ash, who respects chivalry.

Assembly Example 02: GENO SAURER [PROTOBLUE]
The Geno Saurer that was the base for remodelling into Jagd Geno. Geno Saurers with a mass-produced base have a black theme, but this one is deep blue. It was a superior individual even among Geno Saurers, and its ferocity was also higher. It is said that there also existed a scarlet Geno Saurer as a similarly high-mobility individual.
The Focused Charged Particle Cannon is its main weapon, and it is equipped with Long-Range Pulse Laser Rifles on its back.

DATABASE
Length ... 23m
Height ... 15.8m
Weight ... 131.6t
Normal Speed ... 335km/h
Max Speed ... 450km/h *Full boost state in combat
*Data is that of the setting
*Values are those of Geno Ritter

WEAPONS
Electromagnetic Blades
Magnesser Wing Verniers
Dragoon Stahl
Magnesser Wings
Head Armour
Laser Charging Blade
Focused Charged Particle Cannon
Hyper Killer Fangs
Hyper Strike Claws
Hyper Killer Claws
*Equipment above is that of Geno Ritter

CAUTION
*The target age of this product is 15 and over.
*This product has sharp parts, so please do not let small children touch it.
*Products in photos have been coated for photographing, so pictures and photos on this page may differ in appearance from the actual product.
*Please note that due to manufacturing conditions, specifications may differ slightly.



*1: Yeah, whoever wrote the page forgot to add the word "War".
*2: "Dragoon Stahl" is German for "dragoon steel", so I'm not putting it in plural form. By the way, "Ritter" and "Jagd" are German for "Knight" and "Hunt", respectively.
*3: The author uses the wrong kanji for "kotai", 固体 (solid) instead of 個体 (individual).
*4: Another typo - "Dragoon" should be on the next line. - These typos have since been corrected.

[Snowflake]

I thought Stal was skull, shows what I know

[Chuckles]

That was fast, thanks. Good luck on your exams.

It is said that there also existed a scarlet Geno Saurer as a similarly high-mobility individual..

So is that referencing the Geno Breaker, or something else?