Zero (Mega Man)
- This article is about theMega Man character. For other uses, seeZero (disambiguation).
| Zero | |
|---|---|
  Official artwork of Zero fromProject X Zone. | |
| Universe | Mega Man |
| Debut | Mega Man X (1993) |
| Smash Bros. appearances | SSB4 Ultimate |
| Most recent non-Smash appearance | Picross S Capcom Classics Edition (2025) |
| Console/platform of origin | Super Nintendo Entertainment System |
| Species | Reploid[1][2] |
| Gender | Male |
| Designed by | Keiji Inafune |
| Englishvoice actor | Johnny Yong Bosch |
| Japanesevoice actor | Ryōtarō Okiayu |
| Article on Wikipedia | Zero (Mega Man) |
Zero (ゼロ,Zero) is a recurring character in theMega Man series. He is a supporting protagonist in theMega Man X sub-series of theMega Man universe, and the main protagonist of theMega Man Zero sub-series.
Origin[edit]
Conceptually, Zero was one of the earliest characters Keiji Inafune designed forMega Man X. He initially intended for the design to be used as the main protagonist, but upon realizing that players may have a hard time recognizing such a different-looking protagonist, he got fellow artist Hayato Kaji to design one closer to the originalMega Man; thusX was born. Meanwhile, Zero's design was repurposed into a supporting character.
Zero debuted inMega Man X as X's mentor and only friend in the Maverick Hunters, eventually sacrificing himself to help X defeat Vile and go on to stop the leader of the Mavericks, Sigma. InMega Man X2, Zero's body was repaired and split into pieces by the X-Hunters, forcing X to face them to retrieve his parts so he could be rebuilt. If the player failed to do so, Zero would be revived as a Maverick and fought in a boss battle. This game began to imply that Zero was secretly created by the evilDr. Wily, which would be built upon in later games. InMega Man X3, Zero returned as an ally of X who could be summoned to trade places, letting the player temporarily play as Zero.
InMega Man X4, Zero became a fully playable character alongside X for the first time. His usage of his iconic beam sword, the Z-Saber, was expanded with special Techniques gained by defeating Maverick bosses. His past was also explored, as Sigma revealed that Zero was once an insane Maverick whom Sigma fought to defeat; in the process, Sigma was infected by a virus created by Dr. Wily that helped him go Maverick in the first place. InMega Man X5, it becomes Sigma's plan to return Zero to his original evil purpose as intended by Dr. Wily, forcing him to fight X. Depending on the player's actions, Zero may "awaken" and challenge X as a boss. Despite the battle, afterwards X and Zero work together to defeat Sigma, and Zero is thought to perish in the process. He later returns inMega Man X6 under mysterious circumstances, and remains a playable character in the series all the way untilMega Man X8.
Zero became the star of his own sub-series with the release ofMega Man Zero, a new video game series set two centuries after theMega Man X series. After having been sealed away for years, Zero is reawoken by a human scientist named Ciel, who begs him to help liberate the dystopia of Neo Arcadia from the ruthless rule of who appears to be X himself. The game continued for a total of four installments, until the finale inMega Man Zero 4 where Zero sacrificed himself to stop the mad Dr. Weil from destroying all life. Zero also returned in some form in theMega Man ZX sub-series, which was set another two centuries after theMega Man Zero series and featured a Zero-inspired artifact called Model Z that gives the user similar abilities to him.
InSuper Smash Bros. Ultimate, all of the attacks that Zero uses as an Assist Trophy originate from his Technique abilities in theMega Man X series:
- His triple slash attack first debuted inMega Man X4, where it is his basic grounded attack, with each of the slashes being activated with additional presses of the attack button. InUltimate, it most closely resembles the version fromMega Man X4 andX5.
- Ryuenjin is one of Zero's Techniques inMega Man X4, obtained by defeating Magma Dragoon. Zero also uses Ryuenjin in several of his crossover appearances, such asTatsunoko vs. Capcom,Marvel vs. Capcom 3: Fate of Two Worlds and its updateUltimate Marvel vs. Capcom 3,Marvel vs. Capcom: Infinite,Project X Zone,Project X Zone 2 andTeppen.
- Kuuenzan is another of Zero's Techniques inMega Man X4, obtained by defeating Split Mushroom. This rolling slash also returns in another forms across the games.
- Genmu Zero is a Technique only used by Awakened Zero inMega Man X5, though he also uses it in theMarvel vs. Capcom series. He uses it after the battle has gone on for too long, and functions as an unavoidable attack that instantly kills X.
Zero's double jump and air dash, which he uses inUltimate, were originally special techniques inMega Man X4, known as the Kuuenbu and Hienkyaku (respectively), that had to be obtained by defeating Mavericks (Split Mushroom and Jet Stingray). In certain later games, they have been available to him from the beginning.
InSuper Smash Bros. 4[edit]
As a costume[edit]
Zero is the basis for a paiddownloadable contentMii Costume forMii Swordfighters. Nintendo also released aQR code for those who wish to have the exact Mii used in the costume's advertising.
Trophy[edit]
Zero's trophy is exclusive to theSuper Smash Bros. for Wii U version, under the name "Zero (Mega Man)" for disambiguation. It is part of theMega Man HeroesTrophy Box.
Zero
Zero (Mega Man)- A close friend and mentor to X, Zero first appeared in Mega Man X. He's a Rank SA Maverick Hunter and is capable of instantly learning new moves from his enemies. Zero has great faith in X's hidden potential, and together they fight to take down Sigma and defeat his rebelling forces.
:Mega Man X (01/1994)
:Mega Man Zero (09/2002)- A powerful SA-rank Maverick Hunter who can instantly learn new moves from his enemies. Zero first made an appearance in Mega Man X, and is a close friend and mentor of X, that game's protagonist. He believes in X's hidden potential, and together they fight to take down Sigma and his renegade forces.
- :Mega Man X (03/1994)
- :Mega Man Zero (10/2002)
InSuper Smash Bros. Ultimate[edit]
As anAssist Trophy[edit]
| “ | He appears from the Mega Man series. Just like in his original appearance, he uses his learned moves to wreak havoc on stage! | ” |
| —Super Smash Blog,Super Smash Bros. Ultimate Official Site | ||
Zero appears as anAssist Trophy. Upon being summoned, he says "Fight's on!" and chases opponents to attack them using a variety of attacks and Techniques from theMega Man X series:
- A series of three slashes with his Z-Saber, much like playable characters'neutral attacks, with the slashes linking into each other. However, opponents are able toair dodge in between the second and third slashes. The slashes deal 5%, 7%, and 9% respectively, for a total of 21% damage, and the third slash has enough knockback to KO at around 125% from center stage.
- Ryuenjin (龍炎刃,Dragon Flame Blade): Zero performs a rising uppercut slash with his Z-Saber engulfed inflames. Much likeRoy'sBlazer, it drags opponents along in multiple hits, then launches them upward at the peak of the jump. It deals up to 5 hits, with the first dealing 6%, the second to fourth dealing 1.2%, and the fifth dealing 10%, for a total of 19.6% damage. The final hit is powerful enough to KO opponents under 100% if all hits connect.
- Kuuenzan (空円斬,Air Circling Slash): Performs three quick somersaulting slashes in midair with the Z-Saber. The first two hits deal 4%, then the third hit deals 12%, for a total of 20% damage. The third hit is powerful enough to KO under 100% from center stage.
- Genmu Zero (幻夢零,Phantasm Zero): Holds the Z-Saber up, then slashes with it to launch a large, green beam forward. The Z-Saber itself deals 15%, while the beam deals 20%. This is Zero's most powerful attack, with the beam KO-ing opponents as low as 70% from center stage. He often uses it when opponents are at a long distance away from him, especially if they are at high percentages. The beam can bereflected andabsorbed.
Much like in his home series, Zero has adouble jump, and can move with high-speed dashes both on the ground and in the air. He is also one of the Assist Trophies capable of performing directional air dodges. For all his Techniques except the triple slash, Zero shouts their names when using them. He will then say "Back to base!" when departing. He also can be defeated; when he is defeated, he gets blast KO'd but also explodes into orange orbs, a reference to his death animation in most of his appearances.
Zero has a spawn chance of38/2086. He can be summoned on all stages in a standard versus match.
Zero's Japanese voice clips were by Ryotaro Okiayu, who has voiced him sinceMega Man X4. Okiayu was surprised to hear his recordings inUltimate and suggested they were reused from somewhere.[3] Zero's English voice clips were by Johnny Yong Bosch, who has voiced him sinceMarvel vs. Capcom 3. In the Chinese and Korean versions of the game, Zero uses his English voice clips.
As a costume[edit]
The Zero outfit that previously appeared inSuper Smash Bros. 4 returns once again as adownloadableMii Costume forMii Swordfighters, released with the third wave of Mii Fighters.
Spirits[edit]
Zero also appears as three differentspirits. InAdventure Mode: World of Light, the Zero (Zero Buster) spirit is located on the dark side ofThe Final Battle. The Zero (Z-Saber) spirit is obtained byenhancing the Zero (Zero Buster) spirit at level 99.
Zero (Zero Buster)'s Spirit Battle uses a redMega Man puppet fighter with 140 HP and is fought onBig Blue'sBattlefield form. Zero appears as a hostile Assist Trophy while Mega Man's energy attacks have increased power, referencing the stronger power of Zero's Zero Buster.
Mega Man Zero's Spirit Battle uses a redZero Suit Samus puppet fighter with 160 HP and is fought on a hazardlessMidgar. Zero appears as a hostile Assist Trophy while Zero Suit Samus starts off with aBeam Sword, referencing Zero's signature weapon, the Z-Saber.
| No. | Image | Name | Type | Class | Slots | Base | Max | Base | Max | Base | Max | Ability | Series |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 907 | .png) | Zero (Zero Buster) |  | ★★ | 2 | 1781 | 7149 | 1051 | 4218 | 730 | 2931 | Can Be Enhanced at Lv. 99 | Mega Man X Series |
| 908 | .png) | Zero (Z-Saber) | | ★★★★ | 2 | 4810 | 12026 | 2447 | 6118 | 1736 | 4340 | Weapon Attack & Move Speed ↑ | Mega Man X Series |
| 918 |  | Mega Man Zero | | ★★★ | 2 | 3224 | 9697 | 1773 | 5334 | 1158 | 3482 | Sword Attack ↑ | Mega Man Zero Series |
Gallery[edit]
Sprite of Zero using Ryuenjin inMega Man X4.
Sprite of Zero using Kuuenzan inMega Man X4.
Zero as a Mii Swordfighter costume
Zero as an Assist Trophy inSuper Smash Bros. Ultimate.
Zero dashing inWily Castle.
Zero attackingMega Man with Ryuenjin.
.png)
Names in other languages[edit]
| Language | Name |
|---|---|
 Japanese | ゼロ,Zero |
 English | Zero |
 French | Zero |
 German | Zero |
 Spanish | Zero |
 Italian | Zero |
 Chinese (Simplified) | 杰洛,Zero |
 Chinese (Traditional) | 傑洛,Zero |
 Korean | 제로,Zero |
 Dutch | Zero |
 Russian | Зеро |
Trivia[edit]
- The Mii used to show Zero's costume has green eyes, rather than the blue eyes that Zero has in most games.
- InMega Man X4, Zero is seen with green eyes in the animated cutscenes; however, official artwork ofX4 shows Zero with blue eyes.
- Zero is the onlyMega Man character with a trophy that is neither from the classicMega Man series nor part of Mega Man's Final Smash.
- Zero's reveal as an Assist Trophy, with him defeating aDitto version of anInkling, is a reference to fake, or "soulless", copies of Zero and X that Zero has fought over the years, such as Sigma's fake Zero, Copy X, and Omega.
- Zero is the onlyMega Man character to use a voice actor in theSuper Smash Bros. series.
- Although theTraining Mode menu states that Zero will unleash Genmu Zero when he's about to leave, his departure and when he will perform the attack are not connected.
- This is probably a reference to his fight as Awakened Zero where, after a certain amount of time passes, he will become invincible and start using Genmu Zero repeatedly, essentially ending the fight.
- Zero,Andross andNintendog are tied for the most Spirits out of non Fighter characters, with a total of three. In his case, his Zero Buster spirit, his Z-Saber spirit, and Mega Man Zero spirit.
- For unknown reasons, theSound Test and the Assist Trophy menu inTraining lists Zero's name as "Zero (Mega Man)", despite there being no other Assist Trophy with the name Zero, as well as none of Zero's spirits being specifically called "Zero (Mega Man)".
References[edit]
- ^"During Sigma's uprising, Zero detonated his own power core to save X and was critically damaged, but miraculously his cortex chip was unscathed. It is currently being stored at Maverick Hunter HQ, but even Dr. Cain has proven incapable of repairing his reploid body." - Zero,Mega Man X2 Gallery,Mega Man X Legacy Collection. 2018.
- ^Zero: "Even if we Reploids are destined to join the scrap heap when that evolutionary step does come about..." - Ending cutscene,Mega Man X8. 2004.
- ^"ゼロもボイスあるの？？？ あれ？","『帰還する！』という台詞が何処からか転用されているみたいです音源" - Ryotaro Okiayu's Twitter (@chikichikiko, both posted August 8, 2018)
External links[edit]
| Character Inspirations forMii FighterCostumes inSuper Smash Bros. 4 | |
|---|---|
 Mii Brawler | Akira ·Captain Falcon ·Flying Man ·Heihachi ·Jacky ·King K. Rool ·Knuckles ·Toad |
 Mii Swordfighter | Ashley ·Black Knight ·Chrom ·Dunban ·Gil ·Link ·Lloyd ·Monster Hunter ·Takamaru ·Viridi ·Zero |
 Mii Gunner | Fox ·Geno ·Inkling ·Isabelle ·K.K. Slider ·MegaMan.EXE ·Proto Man ·Samus ·Tails ·X |
| Headgear only | Barbara ·Chain Chomp ·Chocobo ·Daisy ·Inkling Squid ·Luigi ·Majora's Mask ·Mario ·Meta Knight ·Peach ·Red Shell ·Sheik ·Shy Guy ·Spiny ·Super Mushroom ·Waluigi ·Wario ·Zelda |
