Zoids - the OAR

The Original American Release (OAR) was the first incarnation of Zoids to hold the 'Zoids' name and began with five models (three of which were directly reissued from the failed Mechabonica). Though referred to as the Original American Release, the OAR was also available in Australia, the UK and mainland Europe. The only difference between the OAR released in America and the OAR released elsewhere is that the American Serpent's wheels are green instead of brown.

As with the Mechabonica line, the first five Zoids initially went un-named but later became Tyrannazoid (Garius), Terrazoid (Glidoler) Spiderzoid (Garantula) Aquazoid (Aquadon) and Protozoid (Elephantus). They were later joined by several other Zoids including Giant ZRK and two Zoids unavailable in Japan, Tank and Serpent.

Around the time of the OAR, the American company Radio Shack produced a Mammoth kit. This is identical to the OJR version with the exception of coming in an English-language box and having 'Tandy' on the battery cover instead of 'Tomy'. Though not technically part of the OAR it is widely considered such.

Though unsuccessful in Australia, the OAR in America went on to become Robo Strux and the OAR in Europe spawned the OER (see Zoids - the OER). The combined success of the OAR in Europe and America led Tomy to release the Zoids line in Japan - a wise move since it became the largest and most definitive Zoids line of its time.

Information

* [http://www.pheno.zoids.org.uk Phenotype's Zoids Site (The largest English-based Zoids Site)]
* [http://www.kitty-bot.com/offline/models/models.htm Alteka's Zoids (with prototype Gashapon)]
* [http://www.bloodforthebaron.com/Blood/Zoids/Index.html Blood For The Baron!!!] Marvel UK Zoids comic scans
* [http://kryptotoyz.com/goj/ Gojulas' Lair (Fan site with vintage collection photos)]
* [http://www.creativeinsanity.net/zoids Tilly's Zoids Page]