Glidoler

The Glidoler is a type of Zoid, a race of mechanical lifeforms from the fictional Zoids universe.

Overview
The Glidoler is a duck-type Zoid, and was the first flying Zoid deployed on Zi.

A rather unlikely-looking machine, the Glidoler appears to be rather clumsy. While a cutting edge machine in its day, the Glidoler is nonetheless a very primitive Zoid. In flight, the Glidoler very slow and its agility is average at best. The Zoid’s sole weapon is a gattling beam cannon which, while effective against Zoids of its own generation, has minimal effect on later designs. Finally, the Zoid is virtually unarmoured, making it very vulnerable to fire.

The Zoid has one particular unique ability. Its large, pontoon-like feet allow it to take off and land from water, an ability no other Zoid possesses.

Battle Story appearances
The Glidoler is an ancient Zoid, first deployed in about ZAC 1930 by the Helic Republic. One of the first Zoids, the Zoid was considered to be an incredible technological development at the time, and was a revolution in warfare on Zi. The Zoid was very effective against the Zenebas Empire's forces.

Unfortunately for the Glidoler, the pace of technological development quickly left it behind. The Republic developed the Pegasuros, a Zoid that surpassed it in every way. At the same time, the Empire began to deploy their own flying Zoids, which completely outmatched the Glidoler. By ZAC 2029, the Glidoler was largely retired.

Media appearances
UK Zoids Comic
The Terrazoid was one of the oldest Zoids used by the Zoidariyans and later the Blue Zoid army. The Terrazoid had been a key part of the Zoidariyan army, along with the Trooperzoid and other small designs, and had been used in the conquest of many worlds.

Despite being legally obsolete, the Terrazoid remained in the inventory of the Blue Zoid army. This was because the Zoids possessed a strong desire to fight, making them very dangerous despite their limited abilities. Terrazoids would often wantonly attack any enemy Zoid they encountered, even if they were hopelessly outmatched.

A group of Terrazoids were captured by Redhorn and force-mutated into red Zoids. Re-named as Terrareds, these Zoids proved to be even more dangerous and aggressive than their blue brethren. Terrareds were so aggressive that they would often resort to kamikaze tactics in order to destroy their foes. The Zoids also retained their Blue Zoid transponders, which meant that their former allies would not identify them as foes until they attacked.

Video games
Glidoler’s appeared in the Game Boy Color game (Evil God Revived! Geno Breaker Story), where they were common 'wandering monsters'.

Models
Original model kit
*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 Glidoler kit comes on three frames (one of which was re-used by the Pegasuros), along with a small wind-up motor, cockpit, canopy cover, six rubber caps, a small chromed pilot and label sheets. The Glidoler is moulded in grey, blue and white. The head was shared with a number of other early Zoids like the Garius and Elephantus.

The Glidoler's construction is relatively simple and straightforward. The Zoid uses a simple wind-up motor for its motion; once wound, the Glidoler will roll forwards on small wheels inside its feet, while the feet themselves flap to simulate walking, and the wings flap.

The Glidoler, like the other early ‘whitehead’ Zoids, can be equipped with the optional weapons and equipment released in the Zoids Remodelling Set.

The Glidoler was initially designed for and released in the Mechabonica line in 1983. When the line failed, the Zoids were re-boxed and re-released in North America under the name Zoids, and then re-released in Japan. The Glidoler was discontinued in 1985.

Starzeta
The Glidoler was released in Spain under the name Starzeta III. The body became silver, the caps became white and the feet became royal blue.

Original European Release
The Glidoler was later re-released in Europe under the name Terrazoid. There were no changes to the model for this release.

Terrared
A second version of the OER Terrazoid was released as a part of the Original European Release in 1985. This version was re-named Terrared. The model was recoloured in red and silver, while the head was replaced with a red version of the head used by early Imperial Zoids, such as the Molga and Iguan.

Robostrux
A different version of the Glidoler was released as a part of the Robostrux line. The Zoid wasn't sold as a part of the regular line, however, but was a promotional giveaway item. The Zoid was unnamed, and came in a plastic bag rather than a box. This version was based on the Terrared, but coloured in blue and teal.

Toys Dream Project
The Glidoler was re-released in 2006 by Toys Dream Project in a boxed set along with the Garius, Elephantus, Aquadon and Gargantulus. There were no changes to the model itself, although an alteration to the pilots of all the Zoids in the box set was made.

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See Also

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