Warshark

The Warshark, also known as Wardick in its Japanese release, is a Coelacanth type Zoid, a species of biomechanical life form from the fictional Zoids Universe.

Warshark
NJR Wardick
EZ-040 Coelacanth Type Zenebas Empire
Crew	1
Weight	32.2 tons
Depth	17.0 m
Height	4.3 m
Maximum Speed	70 km/h, 43 knots
Weapons	Sonic Blaster, AZ Missile Launcher, Medium-Bore Beam Cannon (2)
Equipment	Waterproof Rolling Cockpit, Radar, Hydrojet Nozzles, Multi-Environment Main Engines (2)

Overview

The Warshark is a Coelacanth-type Zoid (often referred to as a "Fish-type") created by the Zenebas Empire.

Designed principally for underwater combat, the Warshark is a surprisingly versatile Zoid. Fast and agile while underwater, the Zoid can dive deeply and operate quietly without being detected before attacking. In addition, the Zoid is capable of operating on land, using its fins as legs the Warshark is able to walk, albeit slowly. The Zoid can burrow into soft soil and sand and tunnel through it; travelling underground as if it were in water.

The Zoid is well-armed for its role, carrying both beam cannons and torpedoes for use against land and sea targets, as well as a unique sonic cannon mounted in the Zoid's mouth. The Zoid is also well armoured, its tough body protecting it both from both weapons fire and the pressures of the ocean depths.

Battle Story appearances

The Warshark was developed on the Dark Continent of Nyx following the fall of the Zenebas Empire in ZAC 2039. When Zenebas launched his "D-Day" assault on the Central Continent in ZAC 2042, the Warshark lead the amphibious assaults, along with the Sea Panther and Brachios. The Zoids were able to brush aside the Helic defences, allowing the Zenebas forces to land on the continent.

During the course of the war, the Warshark was used to flank Republican forces and attack their supply lines. The Zoid developed a reputation for being unbeatable underwater; being vastly superior to the Helic Barigator, their main aquatic Zoid at the time. The Warshark was also able to ambush the mighty Ultrasaurus, taking out the larger Zoid from underwater, striking before they were detected.

After the second defeat of the Zenebas Empire in ZAC 2049, the remaining Warharks were pressed into the service of the Guylos Empire, defending their coasts and leading amphibious assaults alongside the Guylos Heldigunner. All of the extant Warsharks were destroyed during the ZAC 2056 disaster, and the Zoid was believed to be extinct.

However, in ZAC 2100, the Guylos Empire discovered a new source of Warshark cores, and began producing new Zoids for their armies. The new Warsharks were deployed in naval battles around the Western continent, again attacking Republic supply lines and later their landings. This time they faced off with the newly-developed Republic Hammerhead, a Zoid that was able to match the Warshark in combat. While ultimately unsuccessful in defeating the Republican navy, the Warsharks managed to inflict significant damage.

Media appearances

Anime

New Century Zero

The Warshark's sole anime appearance is in New Century Zero, where they were piloted by the Backdraft's Fuma Team. The Fuma team appeared on three separate occasions, and prove to be consistently powerful adversaries. Led by Fuma, who pilots a custom red Warshark, they also fight dirty, attacking from underground at high speed and even aiming for the cockpit, a very dangerous tactic that is not allowed in an officially sanctioned battle.

Their first appearance was in episode 10: "Desert Tusk: Assault of the War Sharks!" In this episode, Alteil employs the Fuma team to face off against the Blitz team in an unsanctioned battle. The Fuma team catches the Blitz team off guard, and nearly defeats them; they employ several illegal manoeuvres, even disabling the Hover Cargo to prevent the Liger Zero from transforming. Jamie suggests a reckless tactic, which allows the Liger Zero to equip its Jaeger CAS and win the battle.

The Fuma team would make a return appearance in episode 21: "Harry's Disaster: Dr. Laon Traps Toros!" In this episode, Dr. Laon enlists the help of the Fuma team to get his revenge on Steve Toros, providing them with upgraded Neo Warsharks, as well as a Hammerhead. Equipped with powerful E-shields and capable of destroying a Dibison with a single shot, the Neo Warsharks were said to surpass even the Elephander in power. However, a long range Buster Cannon (not the same weapon possessed by the Buster Eagle) Toros equips to the Blitz Team's new Shadow Fox allows them to break through the Neo Warshark's shields. Fuma would then attempt to win by holding Harry Champ hostage and using her Hammerhead to take out the Shadow Fox and the Liger Zero. The plan was foiled by Leena; angry at Harry for standing her up earlier on in the episode, she shoots down the Hammerhead with her Gun Sniper.

The Fuma Team would appear during the Royal Cup, this time in the possession of Geno Saurers instead of Warsharks, where they would be easily defeated by the Berserk Fury.

A trio of bright yellow Warsharks also appeared in the possession of Harry Champ in episode 22. Bit, Leena and Harry would use them to frolic in the same general area as an undersea archaeological expedition being undertaken by the Backdraft group nearby, prompting them to attack with a small army of Demantis and Maccurtis.

Video Games

The Warshark made a minor appearance in the Zoids Saga series of games. It appeared as a common wandering monster, fought only in the oceans, and never appearing on any continents, despite its ability to tunnel through sand. In the English version of Zoids Saga II (Zoids Legacy), the game still refers to the Zoid as Wardick, its Japanese name. This is one of several inconstant translations found in the game.

Models

Original Japanese Release

OJR Wardick

• 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.

The Warshark kit comes on four frames, along with a wind-up motor, canopy cover, eight rubber caps, two Styrofoam blocks, a small styrofoam cube, a small chromed silver pilot and label sheets. The Warshark is molded in silver and red with teal caps and smoke-colored eyes.

The Warshark's construction is relatively simple and straightforward. The Zoid uses a simple wind-up motor for its motion; once wound, the Warshark will walk forwards on its fins while waving its tail form side to side. If placed in water, the Warshark will float and "swim" forwards.

The Warshark was released in Japan in 1986, with production continuing until about 1988. With Black Rhimos, it is the very first Power Up 1000 Zoids that was made.

New Japanese Release

The Warshark was re-released in 2000 as a part of the New Japanese Release. The Zoid was completely recolored in metallic grey, purple and dull grey with red caps, green canopies and a blue pilot.

New American Release

The Warshark was also released in North America as a part of the New American Release under the name War Shark. The Zoid was identical to the NJR version, save for packaging.

The Zoid was also re-released in near identical packaging as a part of the New Pacific Release.

New English Release

The Warshark was also released in the New European Release, again under the name War Shark.

Holotech War Shark

Holotech Warshark

The War Shark was the third Zoid released as part of Hasbro's Holotech series. The metallic grey and purple parts of the Zoid were recoloured in transparent purple and red. There were no other changes to the model.

The Holotech War Shark was initially released as part of the New Pacific Release, with the American release coming later. The Zoid only saw limited distribution in North America.

Dark War Shark

Dark War Shark

A promotional kit used to advertise Takara Tomy's Dark Zoids Army. The kit was released August of 2008.