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'{{About|the character|the series|Mega Man Zero}} {{DISPLAYTITLE:Zero (''Mega Man'')}} {{General VG character | name=Zero | image=[[File:Zero-mmx.png|200px]] | caption= Zero as he appears in the ''X'' series | series= ''[[Mega Man X (series)|Mega Man X]]'', ''[[Mega Man Zero (series)|Mega Man Zero]]'' | firstgame= ''[[Mega Man X (video game)|Mega Man X]]'' (1993) | creator=[[Keiji Inafune]] | artist=Keiji Inafune (''X'' series)<br /> Toru Nakayama (''Zero'' series) |voiceactor=Jack Merluzzi (''Mega Man X7'')<br />[[Lucas Gilbertson]] (''Mega Man X8'', ''Command Mission'', ''Maverick Hunter X'')<br />Jamie West (''Mega Man ZX Advent'')<br />[[Rino Romano]] (''Onimusha Blade Warriors'')<br /> [[Johnny Yong Bosch]] (''Marvel vs. Capcom 3'') |japanactor=[[Ryōtarō Okiayu]] (''Mega Man X'' series, ''Tatsunoko vs. Capcom'', ''Marvel vs. Capcom 3'', ''Project X Zone'', ''Project X Zone 2'')<br />[[Yūto Kazama]] (''Mega Man Zero'' series) | motionactor= | inuniverse= }} {{nihongo|'''Zero'''|ゼロ}} is a video game [[character (arts)|character]] present throughout [[Capcom]]'s [[Mega Man|''Mega Man'' franchise]]. First appearing in the 1993 game [[Mega Man X (video game)|''Mega Man X'']] for the [[Super Nintendo Entertainment System|Super NES]], Zero is a Maverick Hunter, a mechanical soldier in charge of defeating Mavericks, robots who turned against humanity. He continues his job as the main character of the [[Mega Man Zero|''Mega Man Zero'' series]]. Zero has also played a supporting role in other game series such as the [[Mega Man ZX|''Mega Man ZX'' series]] and appeared in crossover video games as a guest character. First developed by [[Keiji Inafune]] when he was attempting to create a new design for Mega Man for the ''X'' series, Zero was instead used as a secondary character. In the ''Zero'' series, which was developed by [[Inti Creates]], Zero is the [[protagonist]] and had a change in his design, which was meant to create a more "human feel" to him. Zero has since played a minor role in the ''ZX'' series as Model Z. His inclusion in the ''Mega Man X'' series has generally received positive critical response from video games reviewers. ==Conception and creation== Zero was created by designer [[Keiji Inafune]] when he was told to recreate Mega Man for a new series on the [[Super Nintendo Entertainment System|Super NES]], ''Mega Man X''. He wanted to design a Mega Man different from the original one.<ref name="bestdamn">{{cite magazine |author=Hoffman, Chris |title=The Best Damn Mega Man Feature. Period |magazine=[[Play (US magazine)|Play]] |volume=3 |issue= 4 |date=April 2004}}</ref><ref name="gamespot"/> However, Inafune realized afterwards that the character he created was too different from Mega Man's old appearance to be viewed positively by fans.<ref name="bestdamn"/> Deciding to let another designer work on the character that eventually became [[Mega Man X (character)|Mega Man X]] while he developed Zero, Inafune created the character intending him to be "the 'other main character' that would "steal all the good scenes".<ref name="gamespot">{{cite web |url=http://www.gamespot.com/saturn/action/megamanx4/news_6179759.html |title=TGS '07: Mega Man celebrates 20th anniversary |date=2007-09-24 |author=Hirohiko, Niizumi |publisher=[[GameSpot]] |accessdate=2009-09-13}}</ref> He further described Zero as representing the idea that "nothing is absolute", and circumstances can change anything. When asked if Zero had killed the cast of the original ''Mega Man'' titles, suspected due to their absence in the ''X'' series, he replied no, adding that given how he had designed the character, "Zero is not such a person--it is not in his profile."<ref name="Staff2008">{{cite web |publisher=[[Capcom]] |work=Capcom Digital Downloads |author=Staff|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20080910223907/http://www.capcomdigital.com/blog/2008/09/05/inafunesan_answers_your_questions|archivedate=September 10, 2008 |accessdate=2009-09-18 |date=2008-09-05 |url=http://www.capcomdigital.com/blog/2008/09/05/inafunesan_answers_your_questions |title=Inafune-san Answers Your Questions!}}</ref> The concept of Zero starring in his own series was proposed by Inafune.<ref>Mega Man Zero Works, p. 168</ref> Inafune proposed that Zero star in his own series, and planned to go forward with the idea at the end of ''Mega Man X5''. However, he was unable to after Capcom announced another ''Mega Man'' title without his involvement.<ref name="bestdamn"/> Designed by Toru Nakayama of [[Inti Creates]], Zero was meant to have a more "human feel" rather than the complete "mechanical feel" of the ''X'' series. Nakayama wanted the public to recognize that this series was different from the ''X'' series. Since [[Capcom]] wanted Zero's general structure to be the same, Inti-Creates concentrated on how different they could make him, rather than how similar.<ref>Mega Man Zero Works, p. 171</ref> Zero's depiction in the series was intended to be morally ambiguous and depend on the perspective, appearing as a hero from one point of view and a [[terrorist]] from another.<ref>Mega Man Zero Works, p. 175</ref> ===Design=== [[File:Zero-mmz.png|thumb|In the ''Zero'' series, Zero possesses realistic, human-like features and a redesigned color scheme.]] Designed to be "harder and wilder" than the original Mega Man, Zero's design ultimately resembled Mega Man X in several ways due to his initial character concept, Inafune's insistence on drawing the character, and input from other project artists.<ref name="R20" >R20, pp. 205-207</ref> In the ''X'' series, Zero has red and white armor with twin "horns" on his helmet. Zero also has his signature long blonde hair. His main weapon is the Z-saber, an energy-based sword that introduced melee combat to the ''Mega Man'' games. His secondary weapon is the Z-buster, a cannon mounted at the end of his right arm, similar to Mega Man X's primary weapon.<ref>R20, p. 259</ref> A tertiary weapon that would orbit around Zero was also considered, but left uncompleted. Unlike the original Mega Man, who had a full head of hair under his helmet, Zero has a smooth secondary helmet, intended to imply the characters were older.<ref name="R20"/> In ''Mega Man X4'', Zero was going to receive his own enhanced armor in the same way X does, but the development team decided not to finish it.<ref name="ultimatearmor">{{cite journal | journal=CFC Style Fan-Book CAP! | volume=4 | publisher=Capcom | author=Ariga, Hitoshi | date=Summer 1997 | title=X4 Original Mega Armor: The Untold Story | page=8 | language=Japanese}}</ref> In the ''Zero'' series, Zero still possesses his blonde hair and general structure, though it has much less of a "cartoon" feel and more of a "realistic" feel. Instead of having red and white armor, Zero has black upper arms and wears a red vest, armparts, and boots. His helmet has horns, though they are more smoothly designed. The Z-saber was also redesigned in [[Mega Man Zero 3|''Zero 3'']], and has a more triangular shape compared to the original Z-saber, which is similar to a [[katana]] and the Z-buster was replaced with a handgun.<ref>Mega Man Zero Works, p. 141</ref> Early concept art featured Zero with solid-black, pupil-less eyes, though this changed to a normal set of eyes as development progressed.<ref>Mega Man Zero Works, p. 147</ref> ==Appearances== ===In ''Mega Man'' video game series=== Zero made his debut appearance in ''[[Mega Man X (video game)|Mega Man X]]'' in 1993, and a cameo appearance in ''[[Mega Man 2: The Power Fighters]]''. Zero was revealed to have been originally created by [[Doctor Wily|Dr. Wily]] sometime during the [[Mega Man (original series)|''Mega Man'' series]]. Zero works as a Maverick Hunter, a soldier in charge of defeating Mavericks, robots who turned against humanity. He plays the role as [[List of characters in the Mega Man X series#Mega Man X|X]]'s comrade and best friend in the ''X'' series. The two, later accompanied by [[List of characters in the Mega Man X series#Axl|Axl]], fight [[List of characters in the Mega Man X series#Sigma|Sigma]], [[List of characters in the Mega Man X series#Vile|Vile]], and other enemies throughout the series. While in the first two titles he only assists X during gameplay, he becomes an optional character in ''X3''. In ''[[Mega Man X4]]'', Zero is one of two playable characters, along with X. In his scenario, Zero is haunted by nightmares of a shadowy figure (implied to be Wily) awakening him and giving him orders to destroy an unknown individual, and visions of ensuing carnage. Additionally, during his scenario, Sigma reminds him of the time that he led the Maverick Hunters, and the encounter between the two that led to a vicious battle that led to Sigma punching out the crystal on Zero's helmet, leading to Sigma later becoming infected with the Maverick Virus. Depending on the story development, Zero can be fought as a [[boss (video gaming)|boss character]] in ''[[Mega Man X5]]''.<ref name="CapcomProduction">{{cite video game|level=Unknown stage 3|title=Mega Man X5|developer=Capcom Production Studio 3 |publisher=Capcom |date=2000|platform=PlayStation }}</ref> In ''[[Mega Man X6]]'', Zero is not initially present in the game since he went missing in the end of ''Mega Man X5'' during a fight against Sigma, and he becomes an optional character depending on how the story develops throughout the game.<ref name="CapcomProduction_a">{{cite video game|level=Introduction|title=Mega Man X6|developer=Capcom Production Studio 3 |publisher=Capcom |date=2001|platform=PlayStation }}</ref> In the spin-off title ''[[Mega Man Xtreme]]'', he is an assistant character but becomes playable in the sequel, ''[[Mega Man Xtreme 2]]''. He is also playable during the prologue and the last chapters from the [[role-playing video game]] ''[[Mega Man X: Command Mission]]''. The ''Mega Man Zero'' series features Zero as the title character and protagonist. Set around 100 years after the ''X'' series,<ref>Mega Man Zero Works p. 18</ref> Zero helps a scientist named Ciel fight the human city of Neo Arcadia, during which he destroys Omega - his original body, Dr. Weil, and Copy X, leader of Neo Arcadia, twice.<ref name="mmz-21">Mega Man Zero Works, pp. 20-21</ref> Zero makes an appearance in the ''ZX'' series as Model Z, who plays a minor supporting role in the plot in the [[Mega Man ZX|first ''ZX'' game]]. In ''[[Mega Man ZX Advent|ZX Advent]]'', Zero plays an even smaller role, only having a few lines throughout the game. Zero's ''[[Mega Man Battle Network]]'' counterpart, Zero.EXE makes an appearance in ''[[Mega Man Network Transmission]]'' as the antagonist of the first half of the game. He later aids [[List of characters in the Mega Man Battle Network series#MegaMan.EXE|Mega Man]] against the true villain, The "Professor". ===Other appearances=== The ''Mega Man Zero'' version of Zero's character appears as a sub-boss in [[SNK Playmore|Playmore]]'s [[Fictional crossovers in video games|crossover]] [[fighting game]] ''[[SNK vs. Capcom: SVC Chaos]]''<ref>{{cite book | author=Enterbrain staff | date=September 2003 | title=Enterbrain Nook Arcadia Extra Vol. 12 SNK vs. Capcom SVC Chaos Extreme Encounter | publisher=[[Enterbrain]] | language=Japanese | page=220 | isbn=978-4-7577-1618-6}}</ref><ref>{{cite web | author=IGN staff | date=2003-07-31 | title=Secret SNK vs Capcom Characters | url=http://ps2.ign.com/articles/431/431095p1.html | publisher=[[IGN]] | accessdate=2012-01-29}}</ref> and as a hidden character in ''[[Onimusha Blade Warriors]]''.<ref>{{cite web | author=Alfonso, Andrew | title=Onimusha Guide & Walkthrough | url=http://guides.ign.com/guides/536091/page_4.html | publisher=[[IGN]] | accessdate=January 31, 2012}}</ref> The ''Mega Man X'' version of Zero appears as a hidden character in ''[[Tatsunoko vs. Capcom: Ultimate All-Stars]]'' and as a playable character in ''[[Marvel vs. Capcom 3: Fate of Two Worlds]]''.<ref name="ZeroandJoe">{{cite web|url=http://wii.ign.com/articles/103/1034545p1.html|title=Character Unveil: Tatsunoko vs. Capcom|last=Bozon|first=Mark|publisher=IGN|date=2009-10-13|accessdate=2009-10-13}}</ref><ref name="Ciolek2010">{{cite web|url=http://www.animenewsnetwork.com/the-x-button/2010-11-17|title=The X Button Yet More Heroes|last=Ciolek|first=Todd|publisher=[[Anime News Network]]|date=2010-11-17|accessdate=2010-11-17}}</ref> In the latter titles, Zero was chosen to represent the "Mega Man" franchise over Mega Man himself, as director Ryota Niitsuma thought he had more variation in his moves.<ref>{{cite web | url=http://spong.com/feature/10110305/Interview-Marvel-vc-Capcom-3-Producer-Ryota-Niitsuma|title=Interviews// Marvel vs. Capcom 3 Producer Ryota Niitsuma|date=January 24, 2011|accessdate=February 9, 2011}}</ref> Zero also appears in ''[[Project X Zone]]'' and its sequel ''[[Project X Zone 2]]'' as a playable character paired with X<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.siliconera.com/2015/04/12/project-x-zone-2-coming-west-fall/|title=Project X Zone 2 Is Coming To The West This Fall|publisher=Siliconera|accessdate=April 24, 2015}}</ref> and as a collectable trophy and costume for the Mii Fighters in ''[[Super Smash Bros. for Nintendo 3DS and Wii U|Super Smash Bros. for Wii U]]''. Zero's appearances in the two manga series based on the ''Mega Man X'' series resemble his video games one.<ref>{{cite book | author=Yoshihiro, Iwamoto|title=Rockman X|volume=1|publisher=Kodansha|year=1994|isbn=4-06-321704-3}}</ref><ref>{{cite book | author=Ikehara, Shigeto|title=Irregular Hunter Rockman X|volume=1|publisher=Kodansha|year=1994|isbn=978-4063217261}}</ref> However, in the ''Mega Man Zero'' manga, Zero is depicted as a Reploid having two personalities depending on his usage of a helmet: without his helmet he is portrayed as cowardly whereas the other one resembles his video games counterpart.<ref>{{cite book | author=Kajima, Hideto|title=Rockman Zero|volume=1|publisher=Kokoro Comics|year=2004|isbn=978-4091431714}}</ref> ==Reception== Zero's character was met with positive critical response. [[Game Revolution]] called him "mysterious, [[androgynous]]" and compared him to [[Proto Man]] "with a ponytail".<ref name="Tackett2006">{{cite web |publisher=[[Game Revolution]] |accessdate=2009-09-13 |title=Mega Man X Collection Review |author=Tackett, Tim |url=http://www.gamerevolution.com/review/ps2/mega-man-x-collection |date=2006-02-14}}</ref> Jeese Scheeden from [[IGN]] named him one of his ten favorite sword-wielding characters in the video games, describing him as an answer to the question of how Mega Man would fight if armed with a sword, and noted his fighting style as popular with gamers.<ref name="Schedeen2008">{{cite web |title=Top Videogame Sword Masters |publisher=[[IGN|IGN Entertainment]] |work=[[IGN]] |accessdate=2009-09-13 |page=4 |url=http://stars.ign.com/articles/915/915789p4.html |author=Schedeen, Jesse |date=2008-10-02}}</ref> [[GameZone]] writer Michael Knutson praised the inclusion of Zero in the ''Mega Man X'' series, citing his playability as popular amongst series fan as it expanded the gameplay.<ref name="Knutson2006">{{cite web |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20070616045810/http://ps2.gamezone.com/gzreviews/r26873.htm|archivedate=2007-06-16|url=http://ps2.gamezone.com/gzreviews/r26873.htm |title=Mega Man X Collection Review |publisher=[[GameZone]] |date=2006-01-10 |author=Knutson, Michael |accessdate=2009-09-13}}</ref> Jeremy Parish from [[1UP.com]] stated that his appearance as a playable character with his own story in ''Mega Man X4'' by itself made it the best game in the ''X'' series.<ref name="Parish2006">{{cite web |url=http://www.1up.com/do/reviewPage?cId=3146893&did=1 |author=Parish, Jeremy |work=[[1UP.com]] |publisher=[[UGO Networks]] |accessdate=2009-09-13 |date=2006-01-10 |title=Mega Man X Collection Review}}</ref> [[GameSpot]] noted the contrast in his gameplay to that of Mega Man X in ''Mega Man X4'' increased the difficulty of using him in the title.<ref name="East1997">{{cite web |url=http://www.gamespot.com/ps/action/megamanx4/review.html |title=Mega Man X4 Review |publisher=[[GameSpot]] |accessdate=2009-09-13 |date=1997-11-12 |author=East, Mark}}</ref> Additionally, Brett Elston from [[GamesRadar]] credited Zero as one of the reasons the ''X'' series became so popular and that his own popularity within gamers earned him his own video game series.<ref name="Elston">{{cite web |url=http://www.gamesradar.com/f/the-ultimate-mega-man-retrospective/a-2008062794557758069/p-7|author=Elston, Brett |publisher=GamesRadar|title=The ultimate Mega Man retrospective |accessdate=2010-03-31}}</ref> IGN repeated their positive sentiments about Zero in their list of characters they wished to see appear in a future ''[[Marvel vs. Capcom (series)|Marvel vs. Capcom]]'' title, describing him as "arguably cooler than Mega Man", regardless of version in comparison.<ref name="Schedeen2009">{{cite web |title=Player's Wanted: Marvel vs. Capcom 3 |publisher=[[IGN|IGN Entertainment]] |work=[[IGN]] |accessdate=2009-09-13 |page=1 |url=http://stars.ign.com/articles/975/975223p1.html |author=Schedeen, Jesse |date=2009-04-20}}</ref> ''[[PlayStation: The Official Magazine|PSM]]'' praised the character as well, stating "[he] might wear some funky shoes, but that doesn't stop him from kicking some robot butt".<ref name="Staff1997">{{cite magazine |magazine=[[PlayStation: The Official Magazine|PSM]] |issue=2 |page=58 |author=Staff |date=October 1997 |title=Mega Man X4 Review}}</ref> While reviewing ''[[Mega Man X: Command Mission]]'', 1UP.com criticized that his English voice acting makes him "sound like a surfer".<ref name="Staff2004">{{cite web |url=http://www.1up.com/do/reviewPage?cId=3134859&did=1 |author=1UP Staff|work=[[1UP.com]] |publisher=[[UGO Networks]] |accessdate=2009-09-17 |date=2004-09-23 |title=Mega Man X Command Mission (GameCube)}}</ref> ==Footnotes== {{Reflist|30em}} ==References== *{{cite book |author=Capcom |title=Mega Man Zero Official Complete Works |publisher=[[Udon Entertainment]] |year=2008 |isbn=1-897376-01-4}} *{{cite book |isbn=978-4-86233-178-6 |date=March 2008 |language=Japanese |title=R20 Rockman & Rockman X Official Complete Works |publisher=Udon Entertainment |author=Capcom}} {{Mega Man X}} {{Mega Man Zero}} {{Mega Man Zero series}} {{Good article}} [[Category:Anthropomorphic characters in video games]] [[Category:Capcom protagonists]] [[Category:Characters designed by Keiji Inafune]] [[Category:Fictional swordsmen]] [[Category:Fictional characters who committed suicide]] [[Category:Male characters in video games]] [[Category:Mega Man characters]] [[Category:Robot characters in video games]] [[Category:Robot superheroes]] [[Category:Soldier characters in video games]] [[Category:Video game bosses]] [[Category:Video game characters introduced in 1993]] [[Category:Video game secret characters]] [[Category:Video game characters who can teleport]]'