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The '''Lightning Saix''' is a type of Zoid, a race of mechanical lifeforms from the fictional '''''[[Zoids]]''''' universe. |
The '''Lightning Saix''' is a type of Zoid, a race of mechanical lifeforms from the fictional '''''[[Zoids]]''''' universe. |
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{{Zoids |
{{Zoids |
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|Zoid_name = Lightning Saix |
|Zoid_name = Lightning Saix |
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|Height = 8.3 |
|Height = 8.3 |
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|Speed = 325 km/h |
|Speed = 325 km/h |
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− | |Weapons = Laser Killer Fangs (2 |
+ | |Weapons = Laser Killer Fangs (2), Strike Laser Claws (4, Retractable), Double-Barrelled Vulcan Gun, Pulse Laser Rifle (2) |
|Equipment = Booster Pack, Wing Stabilizers, Vertical Stabilizers (2), Organoid System |
|Equipment = Booster Pack, Wing Stabilizers, Vertical Stabilizers (2), Organoid System |
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Revision as of 18:10, 7 June 2010
The Lightning Saix is a type of Zoid, a race of mechanical lifeforms from the fictional Zoids universe.
Overview
The Lightning Saix is a cheetah-type Zoid, used by the Guylos Empire.
Evolved from a Helcat using an Organiod System, the Lightning Saix is one of the fastest land-based Zoids ever created. In terms of pure running speed (as opposed to Zoids like the Berserk Führer and Energy Liger which both hover or fly), the Saix's speed is only matched by a few Zoids like the Liger Zero Jager, as well as a few now-extinct Zoids like the Zeekdober or Marder. However, very few Zoids can match the Saix's acceleration or degree of control at high speed. The Zoid is also surprisingly stealthy; while not invisible to sight or radar, it is very elusive.
The Lightning Saix is well armed, carrying a pair of powerful Pulse Laser Rifles on its back, as well as a pair of small Vulcan Guns in its head. The Saix's Pulse Laser Rifles only point directly forward and cannot be turned, meaning that the Zoid is rather vulnerable to attacks from the flanks or behind. However, the fixed position of the back-mounted weapons is a necessity, as the Saix would lose its balance if the rifles were to turn while running at its top speed. The Lightning Saix can turn its head to use the Vulcan Guns against opponents attacking from the flanks, though, and the Pulse Laser Rifles can still at least point about 5 degrees to either side and about 10 degrees up and downward to give it a small amount of freedom to move, even if only a little.
Battle Story appearances
The Helcat had been the premier covert operations Zoid of the Zenebas Empire, and later the Guylos Empire, for decades. However, by ZAC 2100, the Zoid had become obsolete. To replace the Helcat, the Guylos Empire developed the Lightning Saix. While not able to turn invisible like the Helcat, the Saix offered far superior performance.
The Lightning Saix could even outmatch the speed of the Blade Liger when dodging heavy enemy fire. The Zoid could evade any incoming missile fire by creating a holographic illusion of it by turning one direction to another.
The Lightning Saix was operationally deployed in ZAC 2100, serving the Guylos Empire during the Western Continent War. The Saix performed well against the Helic forces, but despite this, the course of the war turned against the Guylos Empire.
Media appearances
Anime
Guardian Force
The Lightning Saix first appeared in Zoids: Guardian Force. The high-performance Zoid was developed by Dr. D for the Guylos Empire. It was created from an Ancient Zoidian data-template, to counteract the threat of Raven's Geno Breaker. The performance of the test prototype was too much for the initial test pilot to handle, even with a limiting system installed on the Zoid. The pilot lost consciousness, and was remotely ejected before the Lightning Saix ran into a rock face. The Zoid was easily repaired, but the combat data was irreparably corrupted in the accident.
After his Command Wolf LC was destroyed by Raven, Irvine was convinced to have the combat data from his Command Wolf transplanted into the prototype Lightning Saix to replace what had been corrupted. After successfully testing the Lightning Saix in battle where it easily defeated enemy forces with its speed, Irvine became the Saix's pilot, using it to some degree of success against Raven's Geno Breaker and later the Death Stinger.
The Lightning Saix piloted by Irvine originally had the standard green cockpit eyes like the model kit, but they turned orange as a result of the transplanting of Irvine's Command Wolf's combat data. It is still officially registered to the Imperial military, but its sole use by the unaffiliated Irvine has been supported by Dr. D.
The Lightning Saix featured in Guardian Force is slightly better equipped than the Battle Story version; possessing holographic projection technology. This, combined with the Zoid's high speed, allows the pilot to create a 'false' Lighting Saix for a short period of time, which is used primarily to confuse and dodge enemy missiles. This technology has also been used on a handful of occasions to cloak the Zoid.
New Century Zero
In Zoids: New Century Zero, Jack Cisco, a mercenary Zoid warrior, used a Lightning Saix to a considerable degree of success, having never been defeated until his first battle with Bit Cloud in his Liger Zero. He later joined the Lighting team of Chris and Kelly Tasker, both of whom also piloted Lightning Saixes with blue painted markings on the heads. Together, the three of them use a technique called "drafting" where the Zoids would run in-line, cutting wind resistance by travelling in the slipstream of the leader. By using this strategy, it was possible for the rear Zoids to get a brief burst in speed when they exited the slipstream, from there, the lead Zoid (who wasn't in the slipstream) would get a significant burst in speed by being propelled forward from the drag as the other two passed. Using this technique, the Lightning Team was able to defeat the Blitz Team, making them the only such team to do so officially throughout the series (most other losing battles were interrupted).
Despite their win, the Lightning Team lost to the Blitz Team during the Royal Cup, predominately thanks to the introduction of the Shadow Fox onto the Blitz Team, which was able to set up a smoke screen and confuse the Lightning Team, breaking their formation.
Harry Champ also had a Lightning Saix in his collection, but never used it.
Video Games
The Lightning Saix made an appearance in both the Zoids Saga series and Zoids VS series of video games, playing a minor role in both. In the Zoids Saga series, there is a variant of the Zoid called the 'Lightning Saix BS', listed as being a prototype with more firing power. However, it appears to be slower than the standard Saix as its speed is listed as being 310km/h as opposed to the normal 325km/h. Its base color is white to distinguish it from the normal Lightning Saix.
Trading Cards
The Lightning Saix was also featured in all of the Zoids Trading Cards releases.
Model
New Japanese Release
- Assembly required. (Snap-together, no glue needed. Scissors or X-acto knife recommended for trimming off excess plastic bits.)
- The model's colours are moulded into the plastic, and it does not need any paint; however some details are pre-painted.
The Lightning Saix kit comes on four sprues, along with a battery-operated motor, a battery pack, a semi-transparent canopy cover, sixteen rubber caps and a small blue pilot figure. The Lightning Saix is moulded in metallic grey, dull silver and red, with a green canopy. The Saix features a considerable amount of paint details on the frames.
The Lightning Saix’s construction isn’t overly complex or difficult, putting it roughly in the middle of the range for Zoid complexity, although the 'shoulder' armor pegs are prone to breaking. The Lightning Saix uses a pair of "AAA" sized batteries stored in the pulse laser 'backpack' for motion. The model has two walking speeds, controlled by the position of the Zoid's tail; when activated, the Zoid walks forwards at high speed. The Zoid's canopy can be opened, and its claws can also be retracted into its feet.
TOMY also released a single upgrade kit of the Lighting Saix, the CP-16 Zoid Controller. Not meant to represent an "in-world" upgrade, the kit was a remote control unit that plugged into the Saix's back, in place of its regular battery pack.
The Lightning Saix was released in 2000, with production continuing semi-regularly until 2004.
New American Release
The Lightning Saix was re-released in North America by Hasbro in 2002, as a Toys "R" Us exclusive. This version differed from the NJR version only in detail; the moulding on the claws was somewhat blunter. This change was carried forwards to later runs of the NJR and all other versions.
NAR Lighting Saix with CP-16 Zoids Controller
Hasbro released another version of the Lightning Saix as a Toys "R" Us exclusive in 2003. This version included the CP-16 Zoids Controller with the kit. Additionally, the red plastic parts were changed to yellow, with the red painted areas similarly changed, also, the metallic grey was changed to bronze.
Generations
A customized version was done by Dengeki Hobby Magazine. Named Ninjasaix, the Zoid appears in the Zoids: Generations storyline. A custom was made that features a new color scheme, back-pack mounted gun, arm-mounted blades and a mask.