Elephantus

The Elephantus is a type of Zoid, a race of mechanical lifeforms from the fictional "Zoids" universe.Zoids
Zoid_name = Elephantus
ImageName =
Caption = An Elephantus figure.
Model_number = RMZ-03
Faction = Helic Republic
Zoid_type = Elephant
Crew = 1
Weight = 17.7
Length = 8.3
Height = 4
Speed = 95 km/h
Weapons = Maxter 35mm Beam Cannon (2), Eruba Missile Pod (2), AA Missile Launcher
Equipment = 3-D Radar

Overview

The Elephantus is an Elephant-type Zoid, and was one of the first large-scale Zoids deployed by any force on Zi.

The Elephantus was created by placing the core of a “wild” Zoid into a completely artificial mechanical body, one that was far larger than its original form. Like the other early Zoids, the Elephantus was a rather "experimental" design, seen more as being a prototype than a true Zoid. Nonetheless, it was considered to be combat effective.

The Elephantus was a lot slower than the Garius, but at the same time it was more stable and more resilient, as well as being better armed. While capable in its day, the Zoid was quickly rendered obsolete by the advance of technology, and was largely retired in favour of newer designs.

Battle Story appearances

The Elephantus is an ancient Zoid, first deployed in about ZAC 1930 along other early Zoids like the Garius and Glidoler. The early Zoids essentially changed the face of warfare on Zi; until that point, armies mainly consisted of Infantry, or Cavalry riding on wild Zoids. The Elephantus was used by the Helic Republic to great success; however it proved to be outclassed by the first generation of Zenebas Zoids.

The arrival of Humans on Zi in ZAC 2029 spelt the end for the Elephantus. The introduction of human technology rendered the Elephantus obsolete and it was largely replaced with newer Zoids by the mid ZAC 2030s.

Media appearances

Video games

Elephantus’ video game appearances are limited to the Game Boy Color game "Jashin Fukkatsu! Geno Breaker Hen (Evil God Revived! Geno Breaker Story)", where they were common 'wandering monsters'.

UK Zoids Comic

The Protozoid was one of the oldest Zoids used by the Zoidariyans and later the Blue Zoid army. The Protozoid had been a key part of the Zoidariyan army, along with the Trooperzoid and other small designs, and had been used in the conquest of many worlds.

While often outperformed by their Red Mutant rivals, Protozoids were still used as the frontline soldiers of the Blue Zoid army. The Protozids were considered obsolete, however, and their numbers were being slowly depleted by attrition. The bulk of the extant Protozoids were destroyed while fighting the Black Zoid. Afterwards, the Blue Zoids began production of new Zoids to replace them.

Models and toys

Mechabonica

*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 Elephantus kit comes on three frames (one of which was re-used by the Hydocker and Gorgodos), along with a small wind-up motor, cockpit, canopy cover, six rubber caps, a small chromed pilot and label sheets. The Elephantus is moulded in grey, black and white. The head was shared with a number of other early Zoids like the Glidoler and Garius.

The Elephantus’ construction is relatively simple and straightforward. The Zoid uses a simple wind-up motor for its motion; once wound, the Zoid will walk forwards and flap its ears. The head can be manually positioned. The Zoid's walking motion is rather simple and tends to stick or jam a lot.

The Elephantus, like the other early ‘whitehead’ Zoids, can be equipped with the optional weapons and equipment released in the Zoids Remodelling Set.

The Elephantus was initially released in 1983. When the line failed, the models were re-boxed and re-released in North America under the name Zoids, and then re-released in Japan as part of the Original Japanese Release, after the success in America.

The Elephantus was discontinued in 1985.

tarzeta

The Elephantus was released in Spain under the name Starzeta II. The body became silver and the caps became electric blue. No other changes were made.

Original European Release

The Elephantus was later re-released in Europe under the name Protozoid. There were no changes to the model.

Toys Dream Project

The Elephantus was re-released in 2006 by Toys Dream Project, in a boxed set along with the Garius, Glidoler, Aquadon and Gargantulus. There were no changes to the model itself.