Line Art: https://www.deviantart.com/mattwilson83
Programs used: GIMP
Punch a Nazi, Kick a Commie, Resist Modern Attitudes, and Stay Gold!!
Line Art: https://www.deviantart.com/mattwilson83
Programs used: GIMP
And now For something a bit different. I've talked about a lot of things on this blog, but there's one part of Geekdom that I Haven't talked much about yet - Toylines. Well, that changes today.
This is the Top 15 Best Toylines of the 80's and 90's!!!
Okay, Before I Begin, I'm gonna be clear about something. I'm Only gonna be listing the Boys Toylines. Yeah, 'cuz let's face it, Boys had the Best Toys. Period.
Anyway, let's get to it.
15 - Super Soaker - Ok, who played with these when they were a Kid? I had to borrow from my cousin, since, I never owned Any of the Super Soakers. Anyway, whether you owned one or not, the Super Soaker Series made 90's Summers more fun.
14 - LJN WWF Wrestling Superstars - The Federation's First Figures. These big rubber guys were static and had permanent poses. But, thanks to being made of tough rubber, you can bash and slam them to your hearts content. This legendary line from LJN lasted from 1984 to 1989.
13 - M.U.S.C.L.E. - Aka Kinikuman. This Wrestling-based toyline was produced in Japan and imported over to America as M.U.S.C.L.E. Now M.U.S.C.L.E stands for Millions of Unusual Small Creatures Lurking Everywhere. Appropriate, since this toyline is made up of a buncha Weird characters. The other thing to note is that other than being made of a tougher rubber than LJN's WWF Figures, in America they only came in flesh tone, while in Japan they came in a few other colors. They also had a Championship Belt that doubled as a Ring Playset. Cool, huh?
12 - Monster in My Pocket - An Awesome Mini-Fig line based around various Ghouls, Ghosts, Goblins, Witches, Monsters and Other Horrors. Unlike M.U.S.C.L.E, these things were made with a more softer, more pliable rubber. They also came in a variety of colors. I actually had a few of these when I was a kid. Sadly they got thrown out decades ago.
11 - Voltron: Defender of the Universe - Voltron was Power Rangers Before Power Rangers (though super sentai existed before voltron). Anyway, The Main concept of this toyline was combining Lions (or Vehicles) to form a powerful robot. So, this was also before Transformers Combiners. I personalty never owned Any of the Voltrons (Lion or Vehicle), but I wanted too.
10 - Micro Machines - These Legendary Micro-Cars gave Hot Wheels a run for it's money back in the 90s. They came in a variety of vehicles and even had some playsets too. Later in the Toyline's run, gimmicks were introduced, such as light up lights and color change. I had a bunch of these when I was a kid, though I forgot which ones.
09 - Gobots - In the Early 80s Tonka brought over a fun and inexpensive little transforming robot toyline from Japan, similar to what Hasbro would do a year later with Transformers. Gobots had initial success, but was decimated by Transformers a year later, when That legendary toyline debut. Despite this, however, Gobots had 2 things that made it stand out from Transformers - A Playset and Affordability.
08 - Thundercats - Thundercats Ho!! This LJN produced toyline had a lot of fun characters, most of which had action features (including glowing eyes). One thing to note about this line is that it was mostly comprised of Bag Guys. Still, it was a cool line and I actually had some of the figures, though none of the playsets or vehicles, sadly.
07 - The Real Ghostbusters - Based on the Animated Series. Each Ghostbuster came with a Proton Pack (with movable steams) and a translucent little Ghost to bust. Besides the figures there were Deluxe Ghosts and Monsters, many different Vehicles, including The Ecto-1, The Firehouse Playset, and Roleplay Items like the Proton Pack and Ghost Trap. I had some of these when I was a kid too. I even had some of the Roleplay items, the Ecto-1, And the Firehouse Playset.
06 - Hasbro WWF Figures - One of My favorite Toylines. After LJN went out of business in 1989, the WWF license went to Hasbro. The line lasted from 1990 to 1994 and each Superstar had their own action feature. Believe it or not, I still have my figures, though never owned any of the Rings and I don't have all of the figures. Still love this toyline, regardless.
05 - Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles - Ninja Turtles was one of Thee 80s Toylines. I had a bunch of these when I was younger. I even had some of the Playsets and Vehicles too. Hey, I admit, I was Big into Ninja Turtles at the time. TurtleMania was running wild from 1988 to 1993, when it was overthrown by Power Rangers.
04 - He-Man and the Masters of the Universe - The 1st Great 80s Toyline. He-Man and the Masters of the Universe arrived on the scene in 1981 and was a hit with many young boys. For a good while, The He-Man Was America's #1 Boys Toyline, but in 1988, was quickly usurped by Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles and TurtleMania. And, Yes, I had some of the figures, though none of the Vehicles or Playsets.
03 - G.I Joe : Real American Hero - A fan favorite line from the 80s and early 90s. G.I. Joe was one of 2 of Hasbro's Main Toylines, along with Transformers. These figures were very articulated for the time, so articulated they an preform Wrestling moves. Anyway, The Toyline, of course, also had a a lot of unique Vehicles and Playsets. I personally only had a handful of Figures and the Skystriker. After Real American Hero, G.I. Joe would begin to fall off the map and eventually die thanks to 2 failed (financially) follow-ups, Sgt. Savage and the Screaming Eagles in 1994 and G.I. Joe Extreme in 1996. It would eventually be revived in the Early 2000s with what I call the "Valor vs. Venom" series.
02 - Power Rangers (Mighty Morphin' to Lost Galaxy) - The Phenomenon that Beat the Ninja Turtles and Dominated Toy Shelves. Heroes in Color Costumes and Cool Transforming Mecha that could combine into an Awesome Robot were this Toylines main selling points. Power Rangers would remain dominate until 1998, when Pokemon became the Newest Craze.
01 - Transformers (G1, G2, and Beast Wars) - Transforming Robots will Always be cool. Imported from Japan and given personalities by Hasbro, Transformers Became an instant hit when it first debut in 1984 and would remain popular until 1990. In 1991, Hasbro would try to revive the brand with Generation 2, but it failed. Hasbro Then tried again in 1995 with Beast Wars and, with help from the Animated Series, succeeded. Today, the brand is still going strong as a Toyline and has become Hasbro's Cash Cow. And Yes, I Had some of these too.
Special Mention - Mega Man - Just thought I'd mention this line. Based on the Ruby Spears TV Series, these figures had very low articulation, but came with Special Weapons that could plug into Mega Man and Protoman's Busters in an attempt to mimic the Weapon Copy the characters had in the Cartoon and the Games. PVC figures were also made.
As you can see I've decided to talk about something a little different. Nice change of pace,huh? I may do Board Games next, who the hell knows?
Well, that's it for now. Until then, Punch a Nazi, Kick a Commie, Resist Modern Attitudes, and Stay Gold!
The Retro King Has Spoken!
This memoriam is a double-header, because we have lost not one, but two legends of wrestling within the month or two. Legends in their own right, and how they got through their careers in their own way. I am referring to both Steve "Mongo" McMichael and Sabu.
Originally a football player, and a member of the 1985 Super Bowl champion Chicago Bears, Steve McMichael started his wrestling career in 1995. In the WWF, he was one of many football players assisting Lawrence Taylor in his match against Bam Bam Bigelow at WrestleMania XI, where the former beaten the Beast from the East. Then, he joined WCW, originally a color-commentator for a short time, he eventually became a full time wrestler and joined Ric Flair and his stable, the Four Horsemen, alongside his then wife, Debra. Around that time, he won his only title, being the WCW United States Heavyweight Championship. He then retired around 1999, but then returned to his old stomping grounds with football, when he became the head coach of the Chicago Slaughter of the CIFL (Continental Indoor Football League) until the team disbanded in 2014. He died from complications from ALS aka Lou Gehrig's disease on April 23rd. He was 67 years old. His nickname "Mongo", was a nod to the name of the planet from the Flash Gordon series, along with his other nickname, Ming, named after Flash Gordon's archenemy, Ming the Merciless.
And now, from the grid-iron, to going hardcore, as we talk about...
Born Terry Brunk, and trained by his uncle Ed Farhat aka The Sheik, Sabu was best known for one thing, which became the norm for the most part in professional wrestling, his brutal, bloody, style of hardcore wrestling. Named after the famed Indian actor of the same name, Sabu cut his teeth in wrestling in the independent circle, but he rise in fame came when he was a part of ECW, alongside his friend and fellow student of the Sheik, Rob Van Dam. His type of hardcore wrestling almost pay homage to the type of brutality that the Great Muta brings, but brings it up 10xs more bloodier. I mean, scars from barbed wire, super gluing your wounds, not to mention all the bumps, bruises and broken bones that go with it, that guy's a savage, in more ways than one, and he is being doing this for 40 years, up until his eventually death on May 11th. He was 61 years old. Homicidal, Suicidal, Genocidal...now...you can add Eternal to that list, too. If not for Sabu, there wouldn't be the likes of Rob Van Dam, Taz, the Sandman, the Dudley Boyz, or even those in the present like Jon Moxley or Darby Allin.
Godspeed to you, too. Your paths in wrestling may differ, but you made wrestling even more cool. Thank you.
(TAPS plays)
Stephen Douglas "Mongo" McMichael
(October 17th, 1957 - April 23rd, 2025)
Terry "Sabu" Brunk
(1964 - May 11th, 2025) (Sorry, his birth month is not listed)
This has been a Retro Rebellion Special Report
Deep in the jungle, away from all civilization, after all the fun and mischief they had, Ayane, the kunoichi of the Hajinmon sect of the Mugen Tenshin clan, and Eliot, apprentice of Gen-Fu in the art of Xing Yi Quan, began to show their true feelings towards one another.
Eliot: "Ayane? Not that if it's any of my business, but how is everything with your clan?"
Ayane: "Well, just the same old stuff. Still burdened with the shinobi code, and all that, especially regarding my half-sister, Kasumi. But, my feelings towards her were different this time around, compared to what I have been through."
Eliot: "How exactly?"
Ayane: "For so long, I resented my sister, how she was pampered as the princess of the Mugen Tenshin, while I was being referred to as "The Cursed Child", all because of being the daughter of that monster, Raidou, who nearly killed Master Hayate, our brother. When she left the village and broke the shinobi code, my instinct as a ninja tells me to kill her. But Ayame, our mother, convinced me that family is much stronger than any shinobi code, and she couldn't be more right. All my mother ever wanted was for me to be happy, and to have the type of relationship I have with Kasumi since we were children. I may be a ninja, but I am not a cold-hearted person. I don't want to rob my sister of the life she wanted more than anything."
Eliot: "I'm sorry."
Ayane: "Don't be. I won't let the shinobi code control my life forever. Despite my differences with her, my sister means the world to me, and I intend to keep it that way, for my mother's sake.
(Ayane blushes)
Ayane (cont.): "You know, I thought I never say this to you, but...although I respect you as a fighter, and I don't show off my feelings as ninja, especially with Master Hayate around, for the longest time, I always have a crush on you."
Eliot: "You do?"
Ayane (nods): "Ever since I met you, you were this whiny, inexperienced little brat. But now, since you've matured a bit and gotten better in your fighting style, I have grown much respect towards you. But, overtime, that respect has grown into something more. My mother isn't the only person who made me normal."
(Ayane kisses Eliot on the cheek; Eliot blushes)
Ayane (cont.): "You've made me feel like a normal teenage girl with feelings," she said softly, her gaze never leaving his. "Thank you."
(Eliot smiles)
(Ayane and Eliot passionately kiss)
As she makes love to Eliot, Ayane doesn't see herself as a no-nonsense, cynical, well-disciplined ninja, she sees herself as an ordinary girl, not confined by the very shinobi code she follows. Her mother, Ayame, would be proud.
It's no secret that I'm a big fan of the Mega Man franchise..as I have a section dedicated to it here on this blog. So, I've decided to take a break from my Wrestling kick to do something that I wanted to do for a while.
As you know, I did a revision to the story of the Mega Man Classic Series, now, I'm ready to tackle the X Series.
Despite being my favorite Mega Man Series, I really am not a fan on how the Story is set up and how X is eventually kicked out of his own series by Zero, and then Axl. Plus, there are some fans who hate that Sigma returns when he didn't even need too.
So for this revision, I'm gonna correct all of that and More. So...let's get started.
Oh, before I forget, I'll be leaving out Command Mission for now. The story is too long and it'll take me a while to come up with a good revision. Plus, it's not canon anyway, so it's okay.
For Mega Man X1, the only change I'd make is the intro. Instead of the screen that show's X's specs and Dr. Light's warning (that is saved for the manual), the intro will be the abridged origins of reploids (including how dr. cain found x) and the games plot.
The rest of the game will remain as is, no need for changes. The ending also remains the same.
That was the easiest revision, things are only gonna get tougher from there.
For X2, the big change that I would make is that the intro would mention that The X-Hunters were attempting to repair Zero at the Factory (the intro stage), but they escaped the moment X arrived. Other than this, the intro is as Capcom intended.
Once X defeats the Big Robot, he stumbles upon Zero's Control Chip. This will be revealed to the player via dialogue. He also briefly morns the death of Green Biker Dude (named harley). After this, he leaves the Factory.
During their Post-Intro Stage monologue, The X-Hunters mention that in their hasty escape, they accidentally left Zero's Control Chip, which they need back. It's also hinted at that Serges is Dr. Wily in a Reploid body.
After that, the game goes on as normal, though in the X-Hunter's 2nd cutsscene, Serges is, once again, hinted at being Dr. Wily. It's also mentioned that they recovered Zero as X was battling Sigma during the events of the previous game and made upgrades to him.
The game continues as normal...except for 3 things - Violen gets his 2nd Form, which is just him using a bigger Spiked Mace. Next is Serges being the boss of the 3rd X-Hunter level. Why? 1 - Agile's 2nd form the easiest of the 3 X-Hunters. And 2 - Serges is Dr. Wily...he Needs to be the final X-Hunter.
Anyway, the final change is that if X succeeds in gathering all of Zero's parts, He fights the Fake Zero, unlike in Capcom's game. However, because he's just a copy, the Fake Zero takes more damage and lacks the Sabre. He also doesn't have any of Zero's "Power Moves". After that battle, the Real Zero shows up and the 2 have their usual conversation.
The Ending is mostly unchanged. I just add in some extra text to the ending, mentioning Harley aka the Green Biker Dude.
Now, you all are wondering as to Why I decided to name the Green Biker Dude Harley? Simple - He's a Biker Dude and Harley is a name of a Motorcycle, which the Ride Chaser is based on.
Anyway, on to X3...and now the big changes happen.
The first change I'd make in X3 will be the total deletion of Mac. In his place will be Bit, complete with Shield. Bit captures X and Zero comes to the rescue. After Zero destroys Bit's Shield, Bit vows payback and escapes.
Side note - Why this change, you may ask? Well, Bit is depicted with his Shield in not only art, but in merch too. However, in the games, he doesn't have one... with no explanation why. Well, this little revision fixes that plot hole.
Plus, that part in the opening of X5, where Zero is battling Bit, now makes sense.
After defeating Moa the Giant, the conversation between X and Zero go on as normal, except it is mentioned that Zero is still not at full power yet, thus explaining Why he only has one life. Also, I'd have the events of this game take place 2-3 weeks after the events of X2.
Anyway, the game goes on as normal, except Vile Mk. II is fought in the Nightmare Police Rooms. So he doesn't have his own stage. But his music is Still used. It becomes Vile's personal battle theme.
Why This change? Because it would make more sense for Vile to fight X directly...without waiting long.
I'd add in an additional cutscene after beating 4 mavericks, where X and Zero are talking to Dr, Cain about Dr, Doppler, where it is revealed that Doppler and Cain were once friends and colleagues before the Maverick Wars. He then laments that his old friend has become a maverick.
Anyway, the game goes on as Capcom intended....except, after fighting Mosquitus as Zero (if you kept him healthy and didn't sideline him), he just gives X his Saber, telling his friend that he may need it later. After that, Zero teleports to another part of the Lab.
During The final Doppler stage, Zero appears and tells X to handle Sigma, while he finds and destroys the Lab's generator (as he does in capcom's version....provided you kept him healthy, that is).
Anyway, the ending will be different. Dr. Doppler, regardless if Zero is active or not, arrives and uses his newly created vaccine to detain the Sigma Virus. As the Lab is about explode, Dr. Doppler repents and tells X to escape while he deals with Sigma. X tries to convince Doppler to come back to Maverick Hunter HQ. Doppler refuses, telling X that he needs to stay to delete the Sigma Virus and that he must atone for his crimes.
X and Zero escape, with X morning the loss of Dr. Doppler. The ending text will reflect this.
The above changes reflect Zero's friendship with X and Dr. Doppler's repentance and sacrifice. Character development.
On to X4 and the Biggest changes yet.
Change 1 - The Mysterious figure which talks with General in X's opening is a generic-looking evil hooded character. Yes, this character Is Sigma, but the audience isn't supposed to know that until later. The conversation is more detailed, but the end result is the same. Zero's opening needs no changes.
Change 2 - Both Hunters will be present and interact with each other thought the game, regardless on whoever you play as.
Change 3 - Iris will be present in Both X and Zero's scenarios. There she'll interact with Both Hunters.
Change 4 - Eregion, the Giant Dragon, will have a Repliforce Emblem on it, signifying that it Does belong to Repliforce.
Change 5 - During the conversation with Colonel, Magma Dragoon and Rookie Hunter Double intervene and accuse Repliforce of Mass destruction and the Death of Tens of Thousands. Colonel rightfully gets test and declares the Maverick Hunters as enemies. After, X and Zero scold the 2 for escalating things. Dragoon leaves to take care of other things, while X, Zero, and Double head back to MHHQ.
Change 6 - In the Post-Intro Stage cutscene, It's the evil cloaked figure instead of Sigma.
Change 7 - X accompanies Zero in during his cutscene with Colonel and has a part in pleading.for peace and battling Colonel along side Zero. After Zero tells Iris that "Repliforce Must Be Stopped", X promises Iris that they'll try their best not to kill Colonel.
Change 8 - X doesn't fight Colonel mid-game. Instead, a brand new cutscene plays, where Dr. Cain is talking with X and Zero about the origins of Repliforce, where it is revealed that Repliforce was created by Cain Labs and 7 of the Greatest World Governments as a Global Military Force that would handle the jobs that the Hunters can't do or are just too busy too do.
The 7 Countries are - The United States, Japan, The United Kingdom, Canada, Brazil, China, and Australia
I figure, We should learn more about Repliforce.
Also, Zero reveals that he met Iris during the Hunters first meeting with the Repliforce, and since grown fond of her. He also reveals that his Busters were burned out during a previous mission, so so he only uses his Saber. Another plot hole filled.
Change 9 - When Iris and Double go missing, X and Zero are informed that they have left for the Final Weapon. Once there, X and Zero decide to take separate paths to widen their search. Which path of the Final Weapon you take will depend on who you're playing as.
Change 10 - After Zero's famous cutscene with Iris, He is confronted by the Evil Cloaked figure, who reveals himself to be Sigma. After the Evil Master of Mavericks reveals that Dr. Doppler's Vaccine was too weak to destroy him, he tells Zero about his origins. (which is that Maverick Zero v. Hunter Sigma FMV from the game).
After that, the battle begins. After the 1st form, Sigma battles Zero in his 4th Body, which he manipulated Repliforce Scientists to make for him...as he manipulated Doppler last time. After that battle, Sigma escapes, leaving Zero alone.
Zero, not feeling the fight right now, feeling that he needs to take care of Iris first. He contacts X and asks him to finish the fight, while he heads back to earth to lay Iris to rest. X accepts and wishes Zero a safe journey home.
Change 11 - Zero's ending. As he is traveling back to Earth, he has Iris in tow. He then laments about failing to save the Only girl that he loved and wonders if there was a better way to fight this War.
Change 12 - During the opening dialogue with Double, I'd add in a few things. Double reveals that he was the one who manipulated Magma Dragoon into not only destroying Sky Lagoon, but also escalating the war with Repliforce. As well as manipulated Iris, who's fighting against Zero. He then reveals his motivations - Money and Power, which was promised to him by his Boss (revealed to be sigma later).
Change 13 - After destroying Double, X gets contacted by Zero, telling him to finish the mission, while he takes care of Iris, who he was forced to kill.
Change 14 - During his confrontation with Sigma, X is surprised that Sigma is still alive. Sigma reveals that Dr. Doppler's vaccine was too weak to destroy him and that he hired Double to manipulate Dragoon and escalate the War, soley because he hates Repliforce and that he wanted them eliminated before they became a threat to him. He then reveals that he also did a bit of manipulating with General.
Then, to be an even bigger jerk, reveals Zero's origins to X. X, upon hearing about Zero's origins, tells Sigma that he doesn't care and that Zero isn't that person anymore. The fight begins soon after.
Change 15 - Sigma reveals that his battle bodies were made by Reploid Scientists that he manipulated...just like how he manipulated Doppler last time.
Change 16 - X's Ending is changed, X recalls the Repliforce War and wonders if it could've been prevented? He then contacts Zero, telling him mission accomplished. They then have a conversation about the Greater Maverick War, both are committed to end it as soon as possible. X never brings up Zero's past, feeling that it is irrelevant at this point.
I just thought I'd add some character development, while filling up some plot holes. Other than these changes, Mega Man X4 remains as Capcom intended. Now...on to X5..
For my X5 revision, everything remains the same except for the following things - For one, Alia mentions a hostage situation in each stage after explaining the missions. This refers to the Rescuable Reploids, which never get mentioned in Capcom's X5 (aside from the manual).
It'll also mentioned that Dr. Cain retired from the Maverick Hunters and created Signas to be the new Commander.
Next, Dynamo, who's motivation to help Sigma crash the Eurasia Space Colony to Earth, made no sense for a Merc like him. So, he's replaced by someone much more appropriate....Vile Mk. III!!!!
Vile is the kinda guy, who, loves carnage and death, Dynamo doesn't seem like the type to want the World destroyed. Don't worry, Dynamo fans, he'll play a role in X6.
The Hunters fight and defeat Vile Mk. III, who reappears later in Area Zero as Vile Mk. IV, replacing that God Awful Rangda Bangda Boss. Vile reveals that Sigma, though this Cyberspace, has granted him this powerful new form and has given him an awesome new Ride Armor, The Behemoth.
After destroying Vile Mk. IV, the hunters continue on as usual. And the Game continues as Capcom intended. However, when Sigma mentions the "Old Man that He was working with", he reveals that the Old Man also made his battle bodies.
From then on, everything stays the same. Oh, and the "Awakened Zero" Ending is Still the non-canon "Bad" Ending.
Not bad, huh? Not too many changes needed...unlike the Next Game.
Oh, and this was the Absolute Last Time Sigma appears in a Physical Form. You'll see what I mean soon.
In My revision of Mega Man X6, most things will remain the same, but the few that Are changed or altered are done in a big way.
Change 1 - There is more talk about Nightmare Zero, questioning whether he's friend or foe. And about who made him.
Change 2 - Alia will now tell X (and zero, later) that he must also rescue Reploids who are trapped within the Nightmare Investigator's areas.
Change 3 - Most of Gate's cutscenes now include him talking to a mysterious force about his plans to use DNA souls to make himself a God and to eradicate all humans and weak reploids. Then give the Scientific Community that shunned him and his Work, Total Hell. Also in these cutscenes, Isoc is alluded to being Dr. Wily in another Reploid body.
Change 4 - After defeating an Investigator, Alia will mention that Nightmare Zero has been spotted and is enhancing the power of the Nightmare Souls. Now X must not only confront Gate's Investigators, Rescue the Trapped Reploids, but now Stop the Nightmare Zero.
After defeating Nightmare Zero, the Real Zero appears.
Change 5 - Zero explains to X that he was revived while in Cyberspace, as well as granted a new Beam Saber. And that thanks to this Nightmare Phenomenon, it opened up a portal to Earth from the Cyber Realm, where he escaped. Now Both X and Zero have Sabers, with X having the one Zero used in X2 - X5. This little bit would be included in the cutscene.
Another plot hole filled. And this is Much better than "I Hid Myself, As I Repaired Myself!!"
I'd also add in a cutscene where Gate is talking about Nightmare Zero add his/its defeat. He then begins talking to a mysterious mercenary, whom he tells that he has a job for.
Change 6 - Sometime after defeating Nightmare Zero, The Hunters are alerted of an intruder, Dynamo. when confronted, Dynamo reveals that he is a Merc hired by Gate to keep the Hunters from getting in his way and that he will be rewarded with all of the DNA souls that he needs. Dynamo is fought twice, before he's like "screw this, I'm outta here!!"
Change 7 - After defeating the Investigators, I added to Gate's dialogue to include the reason he created Nightmare Zero - He created a copy Zero out of Zero's DNA for the soul purpose of being His personal enforcer, but that Nightmare Zero went wild and escaped, but he didn't mind, as Nightmare Zero also helped power up his Nightmare Souls, Beings he created using a combination of Zero's DNA and Sigma's Virus. All to mold the World in his image. He then thanks his "Mentor" for the idea. Alia tries to get her former colleague to listen to reason, but it fails.
Change 8 - After the defeat of the Nightmare Mother, Alia informs the hunters that the Nightmare Souls have been instantly vanquished. X and Zero deduce that the Nightmare Souls were destroyed when the Mother was.
Change 9 - Instead of Gate, X and Zero battle Isoc in his Isoc Machine. Isoc is very hostile to X, while he has nothing but pride for Zero. Again, alluding to Isoc being Dr. Wily. Isoc dies in rage and frustration if defeated by X, but pride and bliss if defeated by Zero.
Change 10 - After defeating Gate, Gate's Mentor appears.. and to everyone's shock.. It's Sigma!!!! Sigma reveals that thanks to his Viral Form evolving, he is able to travel between the cyber realm and the real one. He also reveals that he now has the ability to power up any one who "Believes" in him. He declares himself to be "Satan" and will not rest until Everyone Suffers. Sigma then "possesses" Gate and powers him up into a Giant Form.
Change 11 - If you fail to find and beat Nightmare Zero, a Bad Ending will play after you beat Gate. This ending has the Nightmare Zero multiply by Millions and cause an Apocalypse for Both the Cyber Realm and Earth. This Ending is Non-Canon.
Change 12 - X and Zero share an ending, The Good Ending. The Ending itself is the same as X's X6 Solo Ending, except with some added dialogue from Gate. A repenting.Gate reveals that after he was fully shunned by the scientific community, he wanted revenge. But then Sigma appeared to him and offered his "services", so he took it and his Nightmare Plan began. After that, Gate dies.
Lotsa changes to a convoluted story. Though some things remain the same, such as Alia and Gate's history as Researchers (and accompanying cutscnes).
I also removed Zero's X6 Ending, since according to a few people at Capcom Japan, that ending takes place near the end of the X Series. So, there's no reason to include it here.
As to why I made Sigma this "Satan-type" character? Well, it was to appease Both the Sigma fans And the Sigma haters. It gives new villains the spotlight, while allowing Sigma to be involved in a big way without stealing said spotlight.
Well, that was exhausting. But things should get a bit easier from here. Stay tuned for part 2, where I do revisions for X7, X8, Xtreme 1, Xtreme 2, and even my take on what an X9 should be.
See ya there.
To Be Continued!!!!!!
Continued from Part 1.
It's now let's tackle the Worst game in the X Series and try to make it better (storywise at least). Time for my revision of Mega Man X7
The first change I make is X and Zero's personalities....they are the same as they were before. In Normal X7, X was whiny and intolerable, while Zero was...Garfield!!!! lol. Here they have their Normal personalities.
The next change will be that Axl and Zero's weapons are made Stronger. In Normal X7, they were like a damn Pea Shooter and Glow Stick respectively.
Change #3 will be a big one... X Is Playable From The Beginning. X does NOT retire from active duty, during the Intro Stage, it'd be revealed that X was back at the base helping with repair work. He becomes playable after the intro stage And replaces Zero in the solo cutscenes with Axl, while the rest will feature all 3 Hunters. Hey, this is X7, not Zero 7!!!!
Speaking of.. I'd change the story slightly. I'd make Axl an independent hunter, not part of Red Alert, though it would be revealed that he was friends with Red , Red Alert's leader. Why? Because I think it'd be more interesting that way. Plus, it makes Axl cooler.
The story itself will remain the same, except X is now more involved and Axl not having any ties to Red Alert. So the opening FMV features Axl working alone. And Red Alert will be fully established as a rival Maverick Hunter Organization. In Capcom's X7, it was only alluded to.
Also, I'd have Alia mention innocent Reploids being trapped in the stages and needing to be rescued. Thus explaining the reason why the player must rescue reploids.
I'll add in a cutscenne of X and Alia chatting about Douglas, and that he left the Hunters to help repair the World. Thus, explains his absence from X7 and X8. X would also reveal that he stopped using the Z-Saber because he wasn't that good at it, so he just keeps it as a reminder of His and Zero's friendship. Thus explaining why X stopped using the Z-Saber after X6.
And when Red is talking with "The Professor", instead of being in a physical form , Sigma is in his Viral/Spirit/Satan form instead. Due to Sigma no longer having his own bodies. Otherwise, they remain as Capcom intended.
I'd also replace all of Axl's history with Red Alert with his Friendship with Red, pre-Red Alert, and his journey of becoming an Independent Hunter. All told though cutscenes.
After the battle With Red, Red realizes that he was wrong to let Sigma manipulate him and his ambitions of Red Alert becoming the greatest Maverick Hunter Organization and wishes things were different. He asks Axl for forgiveness and requests for X to train the young Hunter.
After that, Sigma appears and blasts Red for being weak. He then "possesses" Red and turns him into this big scary-looking Grim Reaper Bot. This is the Final Battle.
The Ending is very different, after the battle Sigma escapes, leaving Red on death's door. Red and Axl have one final conversation, before Red dies. Also, X agrees to take Axl under his wing and train him to be an Ace Hunter.
The Individual endings remain the same, except X is more supportive of Axl than he was in Capcom's X7.
Not too bad, huh? Now on to X8.
For X8, I'd only make some minor changes to the story, as well as make some additions.
Change #1 will be that Sigma himself will Not play a part until After Lumine reveals himself to be the true Mastermind. Making the Maverick attacks seem like a random outbreak. Of course, Lumine's goal still remains the same - Kill all Humans and Last Gen Reploids and the Rule a Next Gen Reploid dominated Earth.
Change #2 will have Vile Mk. V attack in Every stage..his goal is to Kill X.
Change #3, I'd make Palette the Younger Sister of Douglas, who was sent by him to run the Hunter's R&D Lab. In Capcom's game they ain't related, but I thought I'd be a nice little callback to an older Character.
Change #4 will be the Final battle.During the confrontation with Lumine, Lumine mentions that Sigma was able to help him make his dreams become reality thanks to the use of DNA Souls and that he will dedicate his Rule over a Next Gen Reploid Dominated Earth to him.
Change #6 - I'd only give the Copy Ability to a small handful of Next Gen Reploids, because having Every Next Gen have this ability is just plain stupid and wreckless. Seriously, it's NOT a Good Idea to give Reploids the ability to transform into others...including Important People. That would lead to Mass Chaos. *sighs* Capcom sometimes doesn't think.
Anyway, let's get into the additions, First, I'd explain the Redesigns. In Universe, Alia, X, Zero, and Axl received upgrades not too long after the events of X7. This will be mentioned briefly in a new cutscene. I'd also give Layer a backstory. In another new cutscene, Layer explains that she was once a supermodel before going into the field of Robitics Research. And that she joined the Hunters because she wanted to help fight the good fight.
Layer and Palette needed backstories. And the new designs needed some explanation.
The next addition will take place after the battle, Sigma appears (in his first appearance in my revision of this game, since the copy sigmas have been removed from this revision) and powers up Lumine. Giving us a new Final Battle (change #6).
The Ending will only include Sigma escaping, promising to return somehow. The next alteration is that any talk of Sigma not coming back is removed, as the Hunters know they'll see him again. Other than this, the ending is as Capcom intended.
Not a bad change, huh? The Sigma Haters would be happy with this...as would fans of Layer.
Now before I go on to My idea for X9, I'm gonna rewind back to the Xtreme Games.
First, I'd be established that Mega Man Xtreme 1 will take place after X2. Second my revised story will be the same as Capcom's, except No Sigma and Techno will be the final boss. First in as a Mechanaloid Trainer, then in a Giant Mech (ala Dr. Wily).
Also, Techno and Midi will NOT be sharing the same CPU, as they did in Capcom's version of the story. So when Techno dies, Midi doesn't. It's also be established though a new cutscene that Midi and Techno are Twin Brothers.
The biggest change will be the ending, which Techno reveals that he did what he did to get revenge on the humans who mistreated him. He repents and then dies, with Techno morning the death of his Brother and then retiring from the Hunters soon after.
As for Xtreme 2, I'd leave the story as is, except I'd add in a few things and subtract Sigma. Yeah, there's no need for him here. Also, Xtreme 2 takes place after X3.
Addition #1 - Explanation as to Why Iris is working with the Hunters. I'd have the intro mention that the hunters needed a Navigator for this big mission, so Repliforce simply loaned them one of theirs, which was Iris. In Capcom's story, Iris' involvement with the Hunters is never explained.
Addition #2 - I'd have Berkana reveal her origins and plot via new cutscene - Berkana was a researcher who once worked for the Hunters, but once she started researching DNA souls, it seduced her and she became power hungry. Once she went Maverick, She modified herself and her assistant Gareth into a Witch and Knight respectively. She then redesigned Garath's pet Mechanaloid Cat into a Fierce Lion via DNA Soul experimentation.
Berkana's goal is to become a Goddess and show the World her ScientifIc Genius via the use of DNA Souls.
Addition #3 - Gareth's lion would be fought in Berkana's Lab.
Addition #4 - In Extreme Mode, both Gareth and Berkana will gain more powerful forms. Garath will fuse with his Lion and Berkana will gain an Amazon Warrior Form (complete with sandals).
The Individual endings will remain the same...no need for changes.
The Extreme ending, however, Will have a few additions. The Hunters will talk about Berkana and how she wasted her life and skills by being evil. They then talk more about Iris and how she will be returning to Repliforce soon.
Well, so what do you think? Personally, I think my revision is pretty good. Berkana gets the full spotlight and we fill in a plot hole or two.
I also tried to alter the game with the limitations of the Game Boy Color in mind. So, there's that.
And now here is my blueprint for Mega Man X9.
Please note that at the time of this post's creation, an Actual Mega Man X9 had yet to exist. So, this Revision will likely line up Even Less than what Capcom eventually gives us. In the event that somehow Capcom Announces X9, which they likely will soon, My version of X9 will be referred to as "Alt-X9". And I'll post my revision of the Actual X9 in the future.
With that message out of the way, let's get to it.
A new Anti-Human Terrorist group (to be named later) appears and starts it's attack on both Humans and Reploids who defend humans. The Leader (to be named later) Hates X most of all, due to him being Humanities biggest defender.
Meanwhile, Axl is struggling with something inside, which later turns out to be Limine's consciousness slowly trying to take over. Axl is studied by Lifesaver (yup, he's back), but the young buck insists that he can still do his job as a Hunter...so Lifesaver allows him to do so, but warns him to be careful.
After a while, the Hunters learn that the New Terror Group is planning to euthanize the Human Populace with a deadly gas and is almost ready to strike from their sky base.
During a cutscene, The Leader is having second thoughts about his plan and wonders if there is another way. But, a mysterious force arrives, and tells him that he is doing the right thing and gives him reason to carry it out. The Leader agrees.
After defeating all 8 maverick bosses, Axl is quarantined ,thanks to Lumines consciousness, which is fighting hard to take over him. With Axl unable to join the Hunters, it's up to X and Zero to beat the clock before the gas is released (this will be the goal of the fortress stages. more about this later).
They eventually battle the Leader of the Group,who reveals that his hatred for humans stems for their past treatment of machines.
It's soon revealed that The Leader had gained help from an "Angel" who hated humans too and has given him the power to wreck vengeance on humanity.
The hunters fight him and win. Sigma appears and chastises his protege for failing, but gives him the power anyway,by possessing him. The Leader then transforms into a giant Battle Machine.
After the battle,Sigma escapes.
The Leader, at death's door, regrets being manipulated by Sigma and reveals that his group was originally a Reploid Advocacy group, who wanted to do things in a more peaceful way, but they resorted to violence when peaceful solutions didn't work. So they changed their name and methods.
He gives X the codes to permanently shut down the gas machine before it activates. After the Leaders death, X shuts down the machine before it activates.
Note: If X and the Z-Man fail to complete the Fortress and beat the Leader before time runs out....it'll result in an instant Game Over.
But, before celebration, The Hunters are informed by HQ that Axl went crazy and escaped. The Hunters find Axl, now fully possessed by Lumine, in the Intro Stage and the Final Battle begins.
When Axl is defeated, Sigma arrives. When asked, Sigma reveals that he escaped the moon via construction workers.
Sigma then possesses Axl/Lumine and grants him a powerful 2nd form. After that form is defeated, Axl/Lumine is damaged greatly and powered down. X rushes to Axl and apologizes, but promises to make things right. Sigma, once again, escapes.
Back at Hunter HQ, Douglas and Palette transfer Axl's DNA soul into a new Next Gen Reploid copy body. X and Zero destroy Axl's old body,along with Lumines consciousness. The Hunter Trio are whole again and ready to battle any future Maverick threat.
As you can see, I've decided that it was appropriate to resolve the infamous X8 cliffhanger, But, what about the Dr. Wily sub-plot?
Well, in My Mega Man X10, a Reploid Scientist will be the big bad. And he Will be Dr. Wily in another Reploid body. It also goes without saying that he Really Hates X.
Another cool Idea I have is to have Dynamo return and work with a revived Vile (in a mk. VI body) and an upgraded Bass (or a brand new reploid, maybe even a repurposed Mac) to form some sort of "Psycho Rangers" to counter X, Zero, and Axl.
And Yes, all 3 will be working for/with that evil scientist.
As for the plot, We could just go back to focusing on DNA Souls, as there is much more to learn about them. I figure that the true potential of the Souls can be realised in this game.
And, of course, Sigma will be there to manipulate things in the shadows.
The Scienentist eventually reveals himself to the Hunters to be Zero's creator, Dr. Wily, in a Reploid Body. He also reveals that before he died while he was fully human he uploaded his consciousness into AI, which has since evolved into a living digital being thanks to the wonders of Cyberspace. He then reveals that he was Isoc and Serges all along.
He then explains the reason why he created Zero in the first place - To Help him take over the World, Destroy Mega Man, and Humiliate Dr. Thomas Light.
He then continues to explain that Zero was uncontrollable, but thanks to the Virus he installed in him, he was forced to shut down. And that that's when he sealed him up, with intentions on upgrading him later, but the evil scientist passed on before that happened.
The Evil Scientist also explains that the Wily Virus was meant to not only correct a cognitive error within Zero's brain, but also turn all robots into his slaves.
He then laments on how the Virus and Robotics have both greatly evolved and because of this, any Older Generation Reploid infected turns evil without any loyalty to him. He's also annoyed at the fact that Next Generation Reploids are completely immune to his Virus.
He also makes a promise to eradicate Dr. Light's Legacy by destroying X.
Zero is a bit troubled by this revelation, but then gets over it - Dad or not, Wily is Still a Maverick and that he must be taken down.
In the end, the villains are stopped, the Scientist is destroyed, and both Dr. Wily and Sigma escape.
Zero wrestles again with his past, but ultimately decides that it doesn't matter who he was or what his origins were. And that the only thing that matters to him is the here and now...as well as his friends, who he deems to be his Real Family.
And those are my ideas for X10. I don't know where to go from here, so I'm gonna let Capcom handle X11 and beyond.
And that,is how I would revise the Mega Man X series. Cool ideas huh? Yeah, I accidentally left some minor plot holes in, such as the ones regarding Zero's Buster, but I'm gonna leave that up to the rest of the Fandom.
Will I be doing a revision of the Zero Series? Nope. Too time consuming. Instead for my next revision, I'll be returning to my Wrestling Kick with my WWF Revised series!!
Well, that's it for now. Until then, Punch a Nazi, Kick a Commie, Resist Modern Attitudes, and Stay Gold!
The Retro King Has Spoken!
Continued from Part 1
Also, See Part one for the "Stat Explanations".
Bill Goldberg / Goldberg
Ability - 4
Charisma - 4
Mic Skills - 2.5
Cool Factor - 4
Overall - 14.5
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Diamond Dallas Page / DDP
Ability - 4
Charisma - 5
Mic Skills - 4.5
Cool Factor - 4
Overall - 17.5
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Booker T.
Ability - 4.5
Charisma - 4.5
Mic Skills - 4
Cool Factor - 5
Overall - 17.5
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Glacier
Ability - 2 (as a wrestler) / 4.5 (as a martial artist)
Charisma - 3
Mic Skills - 1
Cool Factor - 5
Overall - 11 (Wrestler) / 13 (Martial Artist)
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Chris Benoit
Ability - 4.5
Charisma - 3
Mic Skills - 3
Cool Factor - 4
Overall - 14.5
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Chris Jericho
Ability - 4
Charisma - 5
Mic Skills - 4
Cool Factor - 4
Overall - 17
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Dean Malenko
Ability -5
Charisma - 1 (ain't nicknamed "the ice man" for nothin')
Mic Skills - 3
Cool Factor - 3
Overall - 12
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Eddie Guerrero
Ability - 4.5
Charisma - 4.5
Mic Skills - 3.5
Cool Factor - 4
Overall - 15.5
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Rey Mysterio / Ray Mysterio Jr
Ability - 5
Charisma - 4
Mic Skills - 3
Cool Factor - 5 (he's a luchadore)
Overall - 17
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Public Enemy (Rocko Rock and Johnny Grunge)
Ability - 3.5
Charisma - 4.5
Mic Skills - 4
Cool Factor - 4.5
Overall - 15.5
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Disco Inferno
Ability - 3
Charisma - 5
Mic Skills - 4
Cool Factor - 3 (bein' generous)
Overall - 15
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Todd Pettingil (Announcer)
Ability - 4
Charisma - 4
Mic Skills - 4
Cool Factor - 3
Overall - 15
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Michael "P.S." Hayes / Doc Hendrix
Ability - 4 (wrestler) / 4.5 (announcer)
Charisma - 5
Mic Skills - 4
Cool Factor - 5 (wrestler) / 4 (announcer)
Overall - 18 (Wrestler) / 17.5 (Announcer)
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Chyna
Ability - 4
Charisma - 3
Mic Skills - 3
Cool Factor - 5 (she's the fusion of xena and a bodybuilder)
Overall - 15
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Justin Hawk Bradshaw / John Bradshaw Layfield / JBL
Ability - 4 (wrestler) / 4.5 (announcer)
Charisma - 4
Mic Skills - 3 (hawk) / 4 (jbl)
Cool Factor - 3
Overall - 14 (Justin "Hawk" Bradshaw) / 15 (John Bradshaw Layfield) / 14.5 (Announcer)
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Ken Shamrock
Ability - 5
Charisma - 4
Mic Skills - 3
Cool Factor - 4
Overall - 16
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"Stone Cold" Steve Austin
Ability - 4.5
Charisma - 4.5
Mic Skills - 5
Cool Factor - 5
Overall - 18
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Rocky Maivia / The Rock
Ability - 4
Charisma - 3.5 (maivia) / 5 (the rock)
Mic Skills - 3 (maivia) / 5 (the rock)
Cool Factor - 3 (maivia) / 5 (the rock)
Overall - 13 (Rocky Maivia) / 19 (The Rock)
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The New Age Outlaws ("Road Dawg" Jesse James and "Badass" Billy Gunn)
Ability - 4
Charisma - 4.5 (road dawg) / 4 (billy gunn)
Mic Skills - 4.5 (road dawg) / 3 (billy gunn)
Cool Factor - 4.5
Overall - 16.5 ("Road Dawg" Jesse James) / 15.5 ("Badass" Billy Gunn)
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Edge and Christian
Ability - 4.5 (edge) / 4 (christian)
Charisma - 4.5
Mic Skills - 4
Cool Factor - 4.5
Overall - 16.5
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The Dudley Boyz (Bubba Ray and Devon)
Ability - 4.5
Charisma - 4
Mic Skills - 4.5
Cool Factor - 4.5
Overall - 16.5
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The Hardys (Matt and Jeff)
Ability - 5
Charisma - 4 (jeff) / 4.5 (matt)
Mic Skills - 3 (jeff) / 4 (matt)
Cool Factor - 5
Overall - 17 (Jeff Hardy) / 18.5 (Matt Hardy)
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Kane
Ability - 4
Charisma - 2 (early kane) / 3 (later kane)
Mic Skills - 0 (early kane) / 3 (later kane)
Cool Factor - 5
Overall - 11 (Early Kane) / 15 (Later Kane)
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Mark Henry
Ability - 4.5
Charisma - 3
Mic Skills - 3
Cool Factor - 4
Overall - 14
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Michael Cole (Commentator)
Ability - 4
Charisma - 3.5
Mic Skills - 4
Cool Factor - 2.5
Overall - 13.5
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Kurt Angle
Ability - 5
Charisma - 4
Mic Skills - 4
Cool Factor - 4.5 (because he won a gold medal with a broken freakin' neck!!!)
Overall - 17.5
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Brock Lesnar
Ability - 4.5
Charisma - 3
Mic Skills - 2
Cool Factor - 4
Overall - 13.5
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John Cena
Ability - 4.5
Charisma - 4.5
Mic Skills - 4.5
Cool Factor - 4
Overall - 16.5
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Randy Orton
Ability - 4.5
Charisma - 3
Mic Skills -3.5
Cool Factor - 4
Overall - 14.5
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Theodore "Teddy" Long (Manager)
Ability - 4
Charisma - 4.5
Mic Skills - 4.5
Cool Factor - 4
Overall - 16.5
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And that about wraps it up for Superstar Stars. Are these accurate to you? speak up if you think differently.
So, until next time, Punch a Nazi in the Face, Kick a Commie in the Balls, Resist Modern Attitudes, and Stay Gold!!!