Masō Kishin

Masō Kishin (lit. "magic-adorned machine god", translated as "Elemental Lord" in the North American localization) is a term used to refer to four distinct mecha in the Super Robot Wars franchise, and the Cybuster animated series. They are considered to be the most powerful mechs in the underground world of La Gias. These units appeared in all Super Robot Wars installments, from Super Robot Wars 2 to Super Robot Wars Alpha Gaiden, though most of the time, it is the Cybuster and the Granzon that constantly appears. The term "Masō Kishin" is sometimes used by fans to identify characters and plots revolving around the Masō Kishin storyline.

The Masō Kishin Pilots

An average person cannot pilot any of the Masō Kishin machines. Instead, one must be "chosen" and be able to prove himself/herself worthy, in order to become its pilot, as well as possessing a considerable amount of prana energy. The law of La Gias decrees the pilot of a Masō Kishin must be someone from the surface world, Earth. This rule is enacted so that whoever pilots the machines will have an objective viewpoint, enabling them to fight even against Langran forces or royalty if they are acting against the public good. Also, if a person can hear the thoughts of a Masō Kishin itself, it is likely that person will become its user. Once the pilot has mastered the use of the Masō Kishin, they will be able to use the power of their familiars, magical animals that assists the pilots in various ways, and also said to be the materialization of the pilot's personality.

Masaki Andoh

"Main Article: Masaki Andoh"

Familiar: Masaki's familiars are Kuro, a female black cat, and Shiro, a male white cat. They tend to make fun of Masaki's lack of sense of direction.

Voice Actor: Hikaru Midorikawa

Huang Yanlong

25 year-old Huang Yanlong (zh-tp|t=黃炎龍|p=Huáng Yánlóng) is a Chinese P.E teacher and martial arts expert, summoned to La Gias to eventually become the pilot of the Granveil. He is the direct opposite to Masaki, in that he is level-headed, calm, loyal, and logical. Although he and Masaki had their uneasy differences, he eventually came to respect the Masō Kishin pilot. Yanlong tends to spend his time training and holds high honor to the royalty of La Gias, specifically those with large amounts of prana. This leads him to develop somewhat romantic feelings towards Princess Monica Gran Bilseia, and has difficulty fighting her after she begins to follow Shu Shirakawa. Yanlong has a habit of mixing Chinese proverbs into his speech, often confusing Masaki and Mio.

Familiar: Yanlong's familiar is Ranshao, a black panther. Much like its master, Ranshao is loyal and, despite his name sounding like "Blazing" in Chinese, calm.

Voice Actor: Kazuhiko Inoue

Tytti Noorbuck

"Main Article: Tytti Noorbuck"

Familiar: Tytti's familiars are two Nordic wolves called Freki and Geri. Both of them often argue with Kuro and Shiro, due to some form of superiority complex.

Voice Actress: Kikuko Inoue

Ricardo Silveira

Ricardo is a 36 year-old Brazilian Air Force pilot, later becoming the pilot of the Zamzeed. He's a brash, energetic, hard-working man, but had an unfortunate past. He develops romantic feelings with Tytti Noorbuck during their interactions with one another, though she tends to reject his advances. Ricardo's life met a tragic, albeit a bit heroic, end when he protected Tytti from gunshots from Lubikka. In his last breaths, he tells her that he's glad to die, after being tended by an angel like her. This fuels more of Tytti's pain caused by Lubikka, for she secretly loved him as well. The Zamzeed would be temporarily used by Rodney Jash of the Shutedonia Kingdom before it's officially passed on to Mio Sasuga, during the events of Super Robot Wars EX.

Familiar: Ricardo had mastered all the uses of the Zamzeed, but his familiars were never shown.

Mio Sasuga

A 15 year-old Japanese high school student, nihongo|Mio Sasuga|貴家澪|Sasuga Mio was found by Masaki during the beginning of his return to La Gias, after the battle with Shu Shirakawa, where she mistook him as a kidnapper. She later attempts to pilot the Masōki, Diablo, and helps Masaki along the way, until she encounters Ricardo's Zamzeed, now in lieu with the enemy. Upon hearing the thoughts of the Masō Kishin, Mio is chosen to become the next pilot of the Zamzeed.

A spunky girl who tends to cause mischief, Mio holds a black belt in aikido. Despite that, she could act deeply when necessary, as she reveals she is an orphan. She tends to poke fun at the fact that Lune Zoldark was just a 'self-proclaimed' girlfriend to Masaki, which tends to annoy her.

Familiar: Mio's familiars are three platypi called Shoji, Jun and Josak. Much like their mistress, they tend to joke around and often act stupid.

Voice Actress: Mika Kanai

hu Shirakawa

"Main Article: Shu Shirakawa"

Familiar: Shu's familiar is Chika, a bird. Unlike its master, Chika is a money-hungry, greedy creature with a foul mouth, a direct contrast towards Shu's personality.

Voice Actor: Takehito Koyasu

The Masō Kishin

As part of the line of seventeen Masōki, created by the Langran Kingdom, the Masō Kishin are the four strongest machines designed to fight against the revival of the dark god, Volkruss. What separates the Masō Kishin from more conventional Masōki is the fact that they are blessed by a high-level, "Saint-Grade" spirit, which gives the machines exceptional power. Only other Masōki that are blessed by Saint-Grade spirits are on-par with the A Class Masō Kishin, and only the S Class Chou Masōki surpass them, in terms of individual might. The Masō Kishin represent the classical elements in literature: Air, Fire, Water and Earth. Although not an official Masō Kishin, the Granzon can be considered to be the representative of the Void element. Just like the other Masōki, the Masō Kishin are designed by "Wendy Rasm Iknart".

Cybuster

The Cybuster represents the element of Wind, piloted by Masaki Andoh. It's built is based on high-speed combat, and is the fastest Masō Kishin to be created. It's also the only Masō Kishin that can transform. It's blessed by the Saint-Grade Wind Spirit, Cyfis.

"Main Article: Cybuster"

Granveil

The Granveil represents the element of Fire, piloted by Huang Yanlong. It possesses high offensive capabilities, enabling it to cause extensive damage to enemies. It's blessed by the Saint-Grade Fire Spirit, Granva.

pecifications

Height: 28.4m
Weight: 36.5t
Weapon Systems:
*Megiddo Flame:
"As Yanlong yells out "Megiddo Flame!!", the Granveil generates a line of flame pillars that rise from the ground, burning any enemies within the vicinity."
*Plasma Cutter:
"A standard sword for a fire-based Masōki."
*Flame Cutter:
"Literally a curved blade made entirely of fire, the Flame Cutter attack leaves the character "斬"(zan) in its wake, which appropriately cuts itself in half before dissipating."
*Familiar:
"Yanlong sends out Ranshao, who transforms into a crescent-shaped bladed weapon, and flies out to the enemy, cutting it to shreds. This weapon is only seen in Super Robot Wars Gaiden."
*High Familiar:
"The upgraded version of the standard Familiar attack. Instead of simply cutting the enemy, Ranshao's High Familiar form crashes through the enemy, burning it in his wake."
*Caloric Smash:
"Yanlong turns his prana into fire energy as it gathers on the ground where the Granveil is standing. The flames fill into the Granveil's open shoulder cannons, creating the image of a pair of dragon heads. Spewing forth the gathered flame, the pair of beams tear through the enemy."
*Kafuu Seiun Ken:
"The Granveil's final attack, learned by Yanlong, after training in the Dimension of the Elements and mastering it. Yanlong chants "Rin Pyoh To Sha Kai Jin Retsu Zen", and the matching kanji appearing around the Granveil, as it uses complex hand jestures. The kanji combine and transform into a mecha-sized broadsword. Leaping to the sky, the Granveil slashes its sword, with the wind created by the weapon's wake cutting the enemy. The Granveil then dashes to the enemy, covered in flames, and slashes it, the fire surrounding both units. The Granveil circles around its enemy, slashing it with the Kafuu Seiun Ken repeatedly until it leaps away. The surrounding fire follows in the Granveil's wake, creating a fiery tornado that finishes the enemy off. This attack is seen is Super Robot Wars Gaiden and Super Robot Wars Alpha Gaiden."

Gaddeath

The Gaddeath represents the element of Water, piloted by Tytti Noorbuck. While its combat abilities pales in comparison to the other Masō Kishin, it has more ranged attacks, thereby being best suited for supporting other units. Blessed by the Saint-Grade Water Spirit, Gadd. Gaddeath has no movement restrictions when moving underwater. Exclusively in Super Robot Wars Gaiden, Gaddeath is also capable of resupplying (restoring HP) other mechs as well.

pecifications

Height: 28.4m
Weight: 38.5t
Weapon Systems:
*Kelvin Blizzard:
"Tytti yells "Kelvin Blizzard!!" and the Gaddeath generates a large, spiked ring of ice. This attack can hit any allies before it was strengthened, but afterwards, it can differentiate between enemies and allies, although in Super Robot Wars Alpha Gaiden, it will still hit friendlies."
*Trident:
"The Gaddeath's trident, used for melee purposes."
*Gungnir:
"The strengthened Trident, used by the Gaddeath. In Super Robot Wars Gaiden, instead of being used to slash the enemy, it is used to stab the enemy multiple times. In Super Robot Wars Alpha Gaiden, Tytti would turn the Gungnir into an orb of water and send it to the enemy, as it suddenly materializes in front of the unit and stabs it, as the Goddess dashes to the enemy and pulls the Gungnir out of it, giving one final thrust. Named after the javelin of Odin, Gungnir."
*Familiar:
"Tytti sends out Freki and Geri inside two water orbs and they circle around the enemies, crashing through the enemies several times."
*High Familiar:
"The upgraded version of the standard Familiar attack. After several crashes, the two familiars would send out high-pitched energy waves to damage the enemy further."
*Hydro Pressure:
"The Gaddeath would spin its trident and point it at the enemy, sending out a powerful water beam."
*Jötunheimr:
"A powered up Hydro Pressure attack, seen only in Super Robot Wars Gaiden." Named after Jötunheimr.
*Fenrir Crash:
"The Gaddeath's final attack, after Tytti mastered it in the training at the Dimension of Elements. In Super Robot Wars Gaiden, Tytti sends out her familiars and they merge into the enemy, destroying them from within. In Super Robot Wars Alpha Gaiden, the battlefield is suddenly flooded as the Gaddeath floats above the water. As Tytti chants out a spell, a huge wolf formed from the water emerges. Tytti commands it to attack and the wolf pounces onto the enemy, biting and tearing it apart. The wolf then leaps to the air and tackles the unit, crushing it towards the water. Named after Fenrir."

Zamzeed

The Zamzeed represents the element of Earth. It is first piloted by Ricardo Silvera, but after his death, it was seized by the Shutedonia Kingdom and unofficially piloted by Rodney Jash, until it chose Mio Sasuga to become its new pilot. It boasts powerful defensive capabilities, and is blessed by Zamzu, the Saint-Grade Spirit of Earth. The Zamzeed is capable of burrowing itself to the ground, similar to Getter Robo's Getter 2.

pecifications

Height: 28.4m
Weight: 38.5t
Weapon Systems (Based on the Zamzeed piloted by Mio):
*Resonance Quake:
"After Mio yells "Resonance Quake!", the Zamzeed would generate a wide earthquake, attacking all enemies. This attack can hit any allies before it was strengthened, but afterwards, it can differentiate between enemies and allies, although in Super Robot Wars Alpha Gaiden, it will still hit friendlies. It is unknown if flying enemies are affected or not."
*Plasma Sword:
"The Zamzeed's standard sword, with an appearance similar to a dagger."
*Linear Railgun:
"The Zamzeed's shoulder cannons fires two powerful shots of energy that blasts the enemy away."
*Familiar:
"Mio sends out Shoji, Jun and Josak inside yellow colored orbs and they home in on the enemy, tackling it one by one."
*High Familiar:
"The upgraded version of the standard Familiar attack. True to the teasing nature of the familiars, the final familiar orb would pull out a harisen and bash the enemy with it."
*Boost Knuckle:
"Not to be confused with the Grungust series' Boost Knuckle attack, the Zamzeed's Boost Knuckle attack has the machine rushing towards the enemy, delivering a damaging punch."
*Chou Shindou Ken:
"A powered up Boost Knuckle attack. The Zamzeed stuns the enemy with one punch and follows up with a series of rapid punches. Tributing to Kenshiro from the Fist of the North Star anime/manga series, Mio usually accompanies this attack by reciting his famous kiai "Atatatatatatata". In Super Robot Wars Alpha Gaiden, Mio adds up the tribute further by pointing the arm of Zamzeed in front of the enemy and exclaims Kenshiro's catchphrase, "Omae wa mō shindeiru" (literally meaning, "You are already dead") and adds, "Just kidding!", as the enemy explodes."
*Gorounyuudou Masamune:
"The Zamzeed's final attack, after Mio trained in the Dimension of Elements. Mio's prana would call out a sword hilt, with its blade covered inside a massive boulder. The Zamzeed would grab the hilt, leap high into the sky and bash the enemy with it like a club. Eventually, the boulder crumbles, revealing a long nodachi and Mio slashes the enemy several times. Eventually the enemy explodes, as the ground beneath it erupts."

Granzon

Mistaken by many as a Masō Kishin, it is actually an Armored Module. Piloted by Shu Shirakawa.

"Main Article: Granzon"

Other Characters

This is the list of characters that has appeared in Super Robot Wars titles that are related towards the Masō Kishin plots. Most of them have only appeared in Super Robot Wars Gaiden and EX, but some also made an appearance in Alpha Gaiden.

"Zeoroot Zan Zenoskis"
When Masaki Andoh was transported to La Gias, Zeoroot Zan Zenoskis took him into his family, adopting him and becoming the father that Masaki had lost. Zeoroot is known as La Gias' finest swordsman and taught many La Gias traditions to Masaki. However, Zeoroot would die by Shu Shirakawa's hands, fueling Masaki's hatred for his nemesis.

"Presia Zenoskis"
12-year old Presia Zenoskis is Zeoroot's biological daughter. Although not biologically related to Masaki Andoh, she behaves like any sibling would towards an older brother, although her independency gets the better of her, as it usually forms some cause of trouble. After Mio Sasuga inherited the Zamzeed, Presia ended up piloting her Masōki, the Diablo. She is also playable in Super Robot Wars Alpha Gaiden. She is voiced by Satomi Koorogi

"Wendy Rasm Iknart"
The chief designer of the Masōki project, creating all the Masōki and Masō Kishin, Wendy Rasm Iknart is an extremely beautiful and intelligent woman. Masaki Andoh is deeply attached to her, and Wendy is considered by many fans to be Masaki's true love interest, as opposed to Lune Zoldark, who is his "self-proclaimed" girlfriend. She saved Masaki's life, when he was possessed by Cyfis, in order to defeat Shu Shirakawa, by transferring a large amount of prana energy into his body. Wendy also has a deceased twin sister named Tudy. She makes a nonplayable appearance in Super Robot Wars Alpha Gaiden.

"Alzarl Gran Bilseia"
The emperor of the Langran Kingdom, one of the kingdoms in La Gias, Alzarl Gran Bilseia was the one who initiated the Masōki project and allowed outsiders (namely, surface dwellers) to enter La Gias. He was killed during an attack from the Shutedonia Kingdom that leveled down the Langran Kingdom.

"Feil-Lord Gran Bilseia"
Alzarl Gran Bilseia's first son and the heir to the Langran Kingdom. A respectful prince and hard worker, Feil-Lord Gran Bilseia's life was shortened, in order to pass a magic energy exam and shortened further after too much summoning various surface dwellers during Super Robot Wars EX. He ended up as one of the main enemies in the said game, and Masaki Andoh had to end his life, in order to fulfill one of his duties as a Masō Kishin Herald.

"Xenia Gran Bilseia"
Xenia Gran Bilseia is the elder twin daughter of Alzarl Gran Bilseia, but younger than her brother, Feil-Lord Gran Bilseia. Xenia has a penchant for modifying and designing mechs. She hated the formalities of being royalty, and thus was glad when she failed to pass a mandatory magic energy exam. Xenia is known to be extremely intelligent, being the head of the La Gias' Intelligence Bureau and able to hack into networking systems. She designed a Super Masō Kishin called Duraxyll, along with Wendy Rasm Iknart. In her free time, she tends to associate with the Masō Kishin pilots and gossip. Xenia is playable in Super Robot Wars Alpha Gaiden, commanding the ceremonial Masōki, Norse Ray. She is voiced by Yuko Minaguchi.

"Monica Gran Bilseia"
Xenia Gran Bilseia's younger twin sister. The opposite to Xenia, Monica Gran Bilseia is a quiet, elegant, dignified woman who passed the mandatory magic energy exam with no troubles. However, she ended up becoming infatuated with Shu Shirakawa and his workings, and followed him around. Much like Lamia Loveless, at least in the Japanese versions, Monica has a broken, grammatical speech pattern, something that Shu has to correct sometimes. She appeared in Super Robot Wars Alpha Gaiden as an enemy, using the same Masōki her sister utilizes. She is also voiced by Yuko Minaguchi.

"Tellius Gran Bilseia"
Alzarl Gran Bilseia's youngest son, Tellius Gran Bilseia is actually the half-brother to the rest of his sibilings, conceived when Alzarl had an affair with another woman from another tribe (polygamy was normal in La Gias). A timid, pessimistic boy, Tellius looks up to Shu Shirakawa, vowing to be a strong man like him.

"Ibun Zeola Klassul"
Ibun Zeola Klassul is the archbishop of the Langran's Kingdom's Holy Temple. She can summon people from the surface world and able to identify a person's full potential. Ibun also grants Masō Kishin users the use of their familiars, but tends to be too occupied with her research.

"Saphine Grace"
A servant of the dark god, Volkruss, Saphine Grace (though her real name is Saphina Zeola Volkruss, thus solidifying her relation with Volkruss) is Shu Shirakawa's partner in crime. Like Monica Gran Bilseia, Saphine developed an infatuation with the man. A gorgeous, erotic woman, her love for Shu caused her to betray Volkruss in Super Robot Wars EX. She constantly competes for Shu's affection with Monica. Canonically, she pilots the Wizoll and Wizoll Custom. She has appeared as an enemy in Super Robot Wars Alpha Gaiden. She is voiced by Rica Fukami

"Luozorl Zoran Loiel"
The high priest to the dark god, Shiva Volkruss, Luozorl Zoron Loiel will do anything to resurrect his lord and master. Amongst his servants are Shu Shirakawa and Saphine Grace.

"Karx Zan Valfarbia"
Karx Zan Valfarbia was a former general for the Langran Kingdom who retired to form his own military force in Super Robot Wars EX, hiring Huang Yanlong as a mercenary, and attempted to quell the Shutedonia Army. However, driven with his ambition to unite La Gias, Karx eventually aligned himself with Luozorl Zoran Loiel, and Yanlong and Lune Zoldark had to kill him.

"Lasett Nobaste"
A power-hungry general of the Shutedonia Army, Lasett Nobaste led the attack on the Langran Kingdom, with the help of Shu Shirakawa, causing the death of Alzarl Gran Bilseia. In the second part of Super Robot Wars Gaiden, he's involved in an internal power struggle for the Shutedonia Kingdom with Rodney Jash, who sided with the current ruler. Lasett is usually accompanied with his right-hand man, Kansworth Jog. He usually ends up as the one of the last bosses of the Super Robot Wars Gaiden.

"Lubikka Häkkinen"
A sadistic terrorist, who is a master of hypnotism, Lubikka Häkkinen was the man responsible for the death of Tytti Noorbuck's family. He is later summoned by Alzarl Gran Bilseia as a candidate to be a Masōki pilot, but Tytti hastily reported his past crimes. Alzarl then set up Lubikka for his execution, but he narrowly escaped. He later resurfaced as a mercenary, hired by Lasett Nobaste. He successfully hypnotized Tytti through the use of her trauma, and turned her against Ricardo Silvera. Though he defeated Lubikka and rescued Tytti, Lubikka would make the killing shot. He is eventually killed alongside Lasett. His demeanor and pleasure in the destruction of life makes him rather similar to Archibald Grims of .

"Rodney Jash"
Rodney Jash is a general from the Shutedonia Army. Although rather odd and patriotic, Rodney is considered more tolerable and honorable than his comrade, Lasett Nobaste. During the events of Super Robot Wars EX, he received the Zamzeed after Ricardo Silvera's death, and controlled it using a geas. But Masaki Andoh defeats him and the Zamzeed chose Mio Sasuga as its next pilot. In the second part of Super Robot Wars Gaiden, he discovered that Lasett was about to pull a revolt on the Shutedonia Kingdom, and attempting to protect the current ruler, Rodney would be on the run, along with his right-hand woman, Elis Radius, Masaki gave him shelter in his group because both Rodney and Elis had a friendly run-in with him when Masaki fought the incarnation of Shiva Volkruss during the events of Super Robot Wars EX, they helped him defeat the monster. In another route, he hopes to claim the throne of Shutedonia and make it a saner place. He's also noted for his silly sense of disguise, even worse than Rätsel Feinschmecker, where he once donned an outrageously funny mask resembling his face trying to cover his identity.

Other Appearances

*The 1999 Cybuster anime uses an alternate version of the Masō Kishin design by Yasuhiro Moriki. Its plot and characters is greatly different from the original Masō Kishin elements.
*The 1999 Sony PlayStation game Shin Masō Kishin Panzer Warfare() uses another variant of the Masō Kishin, which resembles more of the animated version's than the original's.
*The 2000 Sony PlayStation Seireki Rayblade(), produced by Winky Soft (former co-producer of Super Robot Wars series), has mecha, characters and a story that is similar to Lord of the Elemental.

Trivia

*All the official Masō Kishin pilots' voice actors have lent their voices in the earlier Tales Of... series of games, notably Tales of Phantasia and Tales of Destiny, in pairs of two: Kazuhiko Inoue (Yanlong) and Mika Kanai (Mio) voice Klarth F. Lester and Arche Klein from Phantasia, respectively, and Hikaru Midorikawa (Masaki) and Kikuko Inoue (Tytti) voice Leon Magnus and Philia Felice from Destiny, respectively.
*Each of the official Masō Kishin characters have voiced at least one major character in a Mobile Suit Gundam title:
**Hikaru Midorikawa (Masaki) voiced Heero Yuy in New Mobile Report Gundam Wing.
**Kazuhiko Inoue (Yanlong) voiced Jerid Messa in Mobile Suit Z Gundam.
**Kikuko Inoue (Tytti) voiced Aina Sahalin in .
**Mika Kanai (Mio) voiced Tifa Addil in Mobile Suit Gundam X.
**Takehito Koyasu (Shu) voiced Zechs Marquise in New Mobile Report Gundam Wing, Gym Ghingnham in Turn A Gundam, and Mu La Flaga/Neo Roanoke in Mobile Suit Gundam SEED.