Malder

The Malder is a type of Zoid, a race of mechanical lifeforms from the fictional "Zoids" universe.Zoids
Zoid_name = Malder
ImageName =
Caption = OER Slime
Model_number = EMZ-19
Faction = Zenebas Empire
Zoid_type = Snail
Crew = 2
Weight = 34.6
Length = 8.5
Height = 6.5
Speed = 100-120 km/h
Weapons = Electromagnetic Beam Cannon, Beam Cannon, Tactical Missile Launcher
Equipment = Dual Laser Sensors

Overview

The Malder is a Snail-type Zoid, created and used by the Zenebas Empire.

The Malder is an early Zoid, one of the first created by the Zenebas Empire. Built to compliment the Marder and other Zoids, the Malder was created to act as a fire support and artillery unit. Whereas most of the early Zenebas Zoids were fast and mobile, the Malder is quite slow and clumsy. This lack of speed is due to its design; the Zoid is very heavily armed and armoured for its size, akin to the Republic's Cannon Tortoise.

While the Zoid at first appears to be innocuous and rather harmless, its looks are deceiving. Most of its weapons are concealed inside its body, hidden from view until required. The Zoid's long-range firepower is considerable for its size, giving it a good offensive punch. However, it is completely unarmed in melee combat, and very slow.

Battle Story appearances

The Malder was one of the first Zoids created by the Zenebas Empire, appearing in the ZAC 1980s. The Zoid was designed for fire support and artillery roles, ones that it excelled at. The Zoid usually worked with other types, like the Molga and Marder, providing support for them. Until the arrival of the Cannon Tortoise, no Helic Zoid could match it.

The Malder remained in service with the Zenebas Empire's forces, but was gradually replaced with newer and more powerful Zoids. Despite that, the design survived until the Empire's downfall in ZAC 2049. Considered to be obsolete, the design is yet to be revived.

Media Appearances

UK Zoids comic

The Slime was a common Zoid in the Red Mutant army, and appeared throughout the run of the comic. The Slimes were mainly seen working with other Red Mutants to fight the Blue Zoids. While many of them defected to Krark's army, a good number remained loyal to Mammoth, and later Redhorn, during the army's decline.

Video games

Malder appeared in the Game Boy Color game "Jashin Fukkatsu! Geno Breaker Hen (Evil God Revived! Geno Breaker Story)" where they are common 'wandering monsters'.

Model

Original 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.

The Malder comes on three frames along with a small wind-up motor, a separate head piece, a spring-loaded missile launcher, a small gear, a clear canopy, six rubber caps, a small chrome silver pilot, and label sheets. The Malder is moulded in maroon and silver, with a red canopy. The head was shared with several other early Imperial Zoids, including the Marder and Molga.

The Malder’s construction is relatively simple and straightforward. The Zoid uses a simple wind-up motor for its motion; once wound, the Zoid rolls forwards, its head retracting and extending from the shell. A section of the shell slides out to reveal a small weapons platform, while a section of the front of the shell flips forwards to reveal a missile launcher.

The Malder was released in Japan in 1983, with production continuing until about 1987.

Original European Release

The Malder was re-released in Europe in 1985-86, under the name Slime. This version was identical to the OJR version, except for the packaging and the removal of the spring from the missile launcher.

Robostrux

The Malder was re-released in the U.S. as a part of the "Robostrux" line, under the name Slithor. The Zoid was recoloured in blue and teal, with a red canopy. Like the OER version, its launcher lacked a spring.