Houndsoldier

The Houndsoldier is a type of Zoid, a race of mechanical lifeforms from the fictional "Zoids" universe.Zoids
Zoid_name = Houndsoldier
ImageName = Zoidslogo.jpg
Caption = No image available at this time
Model_number = RPZ-12
Faction = Helic Republic
Zoid_type = Shepherd Dog
Crew = 1
Weight = 66
Length = 23
Height = 7.4
Speed = 330 km/h
Weapons = Hound Buster Cannon, Chase Missile Pod x4, 3-Barreled Burst Cannon, Cross Lance x2, Bite Fangs
Equipment = Power Connector Port, Active Radar System

Overview

The Houndsoldier is a Shepherd Dog-type Zoid, used by the Helic Republic.

The Houndsoldier is designed for both speed and mobility; at 330 km/h, it is one of the fastest Zoids ever created. Additionally, while not as agile as some other Zoids, it is very adept at handling adverse conditions and rough terrain without too much loss of speed. The Zoid's design is very flexible and versatile, allowing it to adapt to different roles.

Unlike many other high performance Zoids, the Houndsoldier is rather well armed. The Zoid carries a pair of powerful beam cannons, as well as a quartet of missile launchers facing forward and aft. Its most unusual feature is a pair of lances that can swing forwards, locking in position to impale enemy Zoids. The Houndsoldier is equipped with a power connection port on its back, which allows it to connect modular weapons systems to its own power source, enhancing its combat capabilities.

Battle Story appearances

The Houndsoldier was created in ZAC 2051 as a part of the recreation of the Helic Army. Designed with the new Power Connector Port technology, the Zoid was intended to replace many older Helic Zoids, including the Command Wolf.

During the Helic invasion of the Guylos Empire, the Houndsoldier was a mainstay of the Helic army. The Zoid was used in the long stalemate in the Devil's Maze, fighting against the Guylos forces. The Houndsoldier units proved adept at dealing with the Guylos-operated Zeekdober and Gultiger units, although the Zoid stood no chance against the Gilvader. The few Houndsoldiers that survived Störmer’s attack were wiped out by the impact of the shards to Zi’s third moon on ZAC 2056.

Zoids Genesis

The Houndsoldier is an ancient Zoid from the Era of Technology, rediscovered in the modern age. While already capable, the Zoid is more highly treasured because its powerful lances can penetrate the Hell Armour used by the Bio-Zoids.

Media appearances

Video games

The Houndsoldier's sole media appearance is in the Game Boy Color game "Jashin Fukkatsu! Geno Breaker Hen (Evil God Revived! Geno Breaker Story)", where they appeared as "wandering monsters".

Models

Original Japanese Release - Grade-Ups

*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 Houndsoldier kit comes on five frames, along with a battery-powered motor, four gears on three axles, two metal contacts, a battery switch, eight rubber caps, a small chromed gold pilot, and label sheets. The Houndsoldier is moulded in white, light blue, black, and chrome gold.

The Houndsoldier is a part of the Grade-Up series of Zoid kits. These models have spinning connectors that are powered by the Zoid’s motor. Optional weapons systems can be mounted on these connectors, with the moving parts of the upgrade kit powered by the Zoid’s motor

The Houndsoldier’s construction isn’t overly complex or difficult, putting it roughly in the middle of the range for Zoid complexity. Like many of the other "Grade-Up" Zoids, the Houndsoldier's motor does not come as an assembled unit like other Zoids, and needs to be built. The Zoid uses a single "AA" battery for power. Once activated, the Zoid walks forwards, the power connection on its back spinning and jaws chomping. The lances on the back can be manually raised, and the cockpit can be opened.

No specific extra weapons were made for the Houndsoldier, beyond the Grade-Up units that were used by all Grade-Up Zoids.

The Houndsoldier was first released in 1989 with production continuing until 1990.

New American Release

The Houndsoldier was also intended to be released as a part of the "New American Release", although the line was discontinued before the Zoid reached production. A catalogue picture depicted the Zoid as recoloured in light blue, dull blue, flat grey, and beige.

It is speculated that the Zoid's mould had been repaired or recreated by Hasbro. The Zoid would have been designated as RZ-112 or RZ-113 to fit Hasbro's numbering scheme.

Genesis

The Houndsoldier was re-released as a part of the "Zoids Genesis" line in early 2005. The Houndsoldier was a part initial wave of "filler" Zoids not based on ones in the anime. This version was recoloured in tan, brown, bronze and dull grey; as the eyes were no longer coloured, it came with an orange sticker for them.

The Zoid had several moulding changes. Most notably, the Zoid's motor came pre-assembled, with the corresponding parts already deleted from the frames. The motor unit itself had several moulding changes, including the addition of a pair of screws over the battery case. These changes are similar to the changes made to the Hasbro Battle Cougar, suggesting that the mould of the Genesis Houndsoldier was one originally created for the unreleased NAR version.

Generations

Houndsoldier was also re-released in a box set with a Black Rhimos, as part of the Dengeki Hobby magazine line of limited Zoids; this version was coloured in tan, bronze, and light grey-blue. It also featured a unique sprue with a new spear and neck tank.