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Introducing the Zoids...
Back in the 80s, Tomy released a small range of model kits. There were 5 in total, all animal shaped robots that had a wind up motor powering various actions and movement. As populalarity grew, more and more of them were released, and they become bigger, badder and more powerful. The wind up motors were soon replaced with battery units, flashing lights, speakers and firing missiles!
 The Story...
The Zoids line was also given a back story, but this was different depending on where you lived. The European story was rather complicated. Zoids were war machines built by the Zoidaryan race to gain control of the galaxy, but instead the pilots turned on themselves. To add to the plot, a spacecraft crash on the cold blue moon of Zoidstar resulted in the creation of red Zoids, mutants out to destroy the Zoidaryan (or Blue) Zoids. A small group of Humans were thrown in the middle of the battle and the Marvel 'Spiderman and Zoids' comic follows their adventure. Soon, two more sides to the battle were added, a group of troops sent from earth to capture the Zoids and bring them back, and Krark, a mutant zoid attempting to unite all zoids and regain galactic control. The series ended with a dramatic battle between the Reds, Blues, Humans, Krark's army and a huge cyborg called Silverman. A little later, the 'Super 1000' or 'Renegade' zoids were introduced, rogues created to destroy Krark's united army.
Japan's story
Japan was given a completely different story focusing on Planet Zi. It detailed the war between the Helic Republic and the Guylos Empire, and updates were given via a timeline on the back of each Zoid's box. Helic eventually stood victorious and Guylos was banished, only to later return as the Zenebas Empire with new Dark Zoids.
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