Zoids - the OJR

After the success of the OAR Zoids line (see Zoids - the OAR), Japan was given its own version of the series which proved to be far larger and longer-lived than either America's Robo Strux or ).
The OJR line's backstory was mainly printed on the back of boxes (as opposed to Europe's comic books) and detailed the war between the Helic Republic and the Zenebas Empire. Later in the story, Zenebas was replaced by the Guylos Empire (also known as the Dark Empire) to give Helic a new enemy. Each side had its own design characteristics, strengths, weaknesses and colour schemes, all of which were reflected in the side's Zoids.
Alongside the battle story, the box also had a complete set of stats for the Zoid contained within such as max speed, armaments, height and weight.
As with the European line, Tomy's use of several manufacturing plants means that different versions of each Zoid exist. Such differences are caused by the molds not being identical and though they are slight (more/less detail, larger/smaller mounting points etc) they often mean that parts from one version of a Zoid are not compatible with another version. In general, Zoids made in Japan have better detailing and plastic quality than those made elsewhere (Singapore, France etc).
The original Iron Kong (and therefore also the OER Gore and Robo Strux Badox) has a 2AA battery motor. This was changed for later versions to a 1C motor.
One final point of interest is that the short-lived Korean version of the Japanese Zoids line contained two models unavailable elsewhere. These 2 would go on to be included in Tomy's Starriors line, a series very similar to Zoids, where they would be recoloured and renamed as Deadeye and Runabout.
Sub Lines
There were 3 main sub lines within the OJR:
1:24 Scale Zoids
The 1:24 scale line was a short-lived line of scaled up Zoids. Each 1:24 Zoid had a typically Zoid-style construction but the main change was that they had jointed action-figure sized pilots. Colour schemes were also dramatically different; all the Imperial Zoids had white armour whilst the Republican Zoids were covered in smooth transparent blue shields.
Though considered a failure, the line was later reissued outside of the Zoids line as 'Zevle' (Zoic Battle Vehicle). Imperial Zoids now had pearlescent red armour whilst Republican Zoids had smoke-coloured shields instead of bright blue. Like its forbear, this line also failed and not all of the original 1:24 saw a reissue here.
Grade-Up Zoids
Each of these Zoids had a port (usually on their backs) that contained a spinning gear. When one of the Grade-Up weapons was attached here, special features would be activated on the weapon like spinning barrels.
Transfighters
Only three Transfighters made it into production, all of which were of Helic allegiance. They could function like Zoids on their own but could be transformed into what was essentially a Grade Up unit. They could then be plugged onto any Zoid's Grade Up port.
Accessories and Add-ons
Alongside the main line there were many sub lines and accessory sets for use with the Zoids models.
*Weapons sets - These include the four highly sought-after Customize sets (these could be used to give extra firepower to the larger Zoids) and the Remodel set (similar to the Customize sets but for the small Zoids).
*Diorama Bases - These were bases and depots that could be built and customized for use with the Zoids models. They could be used individually or combined to form an enormous headquarters!
*Grade-Up Units - These were issued later in the line and were specifically designed for use with Grade-Up Zoids. There are five GU sets in total, each (with the exception of the so-called 'Eye-Flasher') has features that will be activated once the weapon is plugged into a GU Zoid's Port.
Promotional Models and Unknown Items
The OJR line is well known for having a huge amount of promotional items. In fact, there are so many that new and previously unknown pieces appear all the time! Detailed here are only items that could be considered compatible with the normal line.
*Blue King Gojulas - Identical in design and packaging to the regular King Gojulas but the grey armour is now navy blue. It was the prize for a magazine competition.
*Purple Iron Kong - Identical in design and packaging to the regular Iron Kong but maroon parts are now purple (although the battery cover retains its original red). Unknown origin, though recently, this Zoid has been confirmed to be a prototype.
*Chromed Zoids - These are simply single-colour (silver or gold) chromed models. Many are known to exist with the main set appearing to consist of Hellcat, Hammerock, Twinhorn and Puterasu. Unknown origin, possibly a competition prize (although some appear to have been issued in bags with a large silver sticker denoting them as staff loyalty awards).
*Overseas Versions - These are what appear to be Robo Strux models repackaged in Japanese boxes (Gordox in a Gordos box). Boxes appear identical to that of the Japanese version but have an 'Overseas Version' sticker on. Believed to be convention pieces.
*MZ Zoids - A pair of Zoids recoloured to fit the current battle story of the time: Zatton Newtype (red and black) and Garantula MKII (blue and white). Produced by Tomy-Mate instead of Tomy.
*Gustav Empire Specification - A maroon and silver Gustav, identical to the OER Red Scavenger. It is unclear whether this is truly a limited edition piece or just a Red Scavenger that found its way overseas.
*MK-II Limiteds - Hugely valuable limited-edition versions of Gojulas and Iron Kong. Both are fully upgraded with all compatible weapons from the Customize sets and have new colour schemes; Gojulas MKII has a tan-and-brown colour scheme whilst Iron Kong MKII is pearlescent red and black. These saw a semi-reissue in the NJR Zoids line, with the Gojulas The Ogre and Iron Kong PK's color schemes being rather similar.
*Attack Zoids (reissued as Command Zoids) - These are tiny Zoids that were available in packs of candy. They remain 1:72 scale but have no motor or rubber caps.
*Prerelease Zoids - A Dark Horn and a Deadborder were used as a market test in 1999 (the test apparently proved successful as the NJR line was then launched). For the most part these Zoids are identical to their OJR versions with only subtle diffences like changes to the Darkhorn's battery compartment (one battery instead of two) and Deadborder's tubes changing colour (dirty brown-grey to light grey).
The Models
Each Zoid has its own designation number. The first letter of this designation gives the name of the Zoid's side while the final letters indicate its power source, as per determined by the model kit. Designations can be read as follows:
*R... = Republic
*E... = Empire
*D... = Dark Empire
*...MZ = Motorised Zoid
*...HI = Hi-Powered Zoid
*...PZ = Powered Zoid
*...BOZ = Battery Operated Zoid
*...TFZ = Trans-Fighter Zoid
Unfortuntely, the designations were often inconsistently applied; for example, Deathsaurer would have been better suited to an "EBOZ" designation then the "EPZ" designations they received, while similarly Dibison would have made more sense as an "RPZ" then a "RBOZ".
There are also a few missing numbers in sequence or contradictory entries; for example, both Gustav and Shield liger are designated RPZ-02.
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The Helic Republic
The Helic Republic was founded by Helic Muroa. Republican Zoids are characterised by a blocky design and are mostly lightly armoured - this may seem like a setback but it actually allows for ease of maintenance and speed of repair.
Although the Republic has no set colour scheme, the Zoids are generally dark earthly tones like black, grey, dull green, and navy blue. Only towards the end of the line did Helic Zoids feature brighter colours like red and silver.
The chrome on Republican pilots ranges in colour from a pale metallic lemon through to a deep, vibrant orange.
The 3 Transfighters are unique to the Republic's army and have no equivalent in any other faction.
The Helic Army contains 51 Zoids in total (not including promotional pieces):
*RMZ-01 Garius
*RMZ-02 Glidoler
*RMZ-03 Elephantus
*RMZ-04 Gargantulus
*RMZ-04N Gargantulus MKII
*RMZ-05 Aquadon
*RMZ-06 Gorgodos
*RMZ-07 Hidocker
*RMZ-08 Pegasuros
*RMZ-09 Spiker
*RMZ-10 Furolesios
*RMZ-11 Godos
*RMZ-12 Guysack
*RMZ-20 Barigator
*RMZ-21 Cannon Tortoise
*RMZ-25 Snakes
*RMZ-27 Puterasu
*RMZ-30 Double Sworder
*RHI-03 Command Wolf
*RHI-03N Command Wolf MKII
*RHI-04 Gorhecks
*RHI-06 Bear Fighter
*RHI-06N Bear Fighter MKII
*RHI-08 Arosaurer
*RHI-10 Raynos
*RHI-12 Cannonfort
*RTFZ-01 Shot Eagle
*RTFZ-02 Gorgo Launcher
*RTFZ-03 Thunder Cannon
*RPZ-01 Salamander
*RPZ-02 Gustav
*RPZ-03 Shield Liger
*RPZ-07 Shield Liger MKII
*RPZ-11 Gunbluster
*RPZ-12 Houndsoldier (Grade Up)
*RPZ-14 Salamander F²
*RPZ-15 King Liger (Grade Up)
*RPZ-18 Orudios (Grade Up)
*RPZ-19 Godkaiser (Grade Up)
*RPZ-20 King Baron (Grade Up)
*RPZ-22 Battle Cougar (Grade Up)
*RPZ-24 King Gojulas (Grade Up)
*RBOZ-001 Bigasaur
*RBOZ-002 Mammoth
*RBOZ-003 Gojulas
*RBOZ-003R Gojulas MKII Limited
*RBOZ-003P Gojulas MKII Standard
*RBOZ-004 Gordos
*RBOZ-005 Ultrasaurus
*RBOZ-006 Dibison
*RBOZ-008 Madthunder
The Zenebas Empire
The Zenebas Empire was founded by Helic Muroa's second son, Zenebas, who had been exiled from his homeland. The Empire's Zoids are characterised by a smooth aesthetic and have superior armour.
Imperial pilots can be recognised by their distinct vibrant silver chrome colour. The colour scheme of the Zenebas Army was originally maroon and silver (maroon and black for larger Zoids) but later became bright red and black/dark brown.
The Zenebas Army contains 30 Zoids in total (not including promotional pieces):
*EMZ-13 Merda
*EMZ-14 Gator
*EMZ-15 Molga
*EMZ-16 Geruder
*EMZ-17 Zaton
*EMZ-17N Zaton Newtype
*EMZ-18 Malder
*EMZ-19 Sinker
*EMZ-22 Iguan
*EMZ-23 Saicurtis
*EMZ-24 Helcat
*EMZ-26 Hammerock
*EMZ-28 Twinhorn
*EMZ-29 Storch
*EMZ-31 Sea Panther
*EHI-01 Wardick(Renamed Warshark outside Japan)
*EHI-02 Black Rhimos
*EHI-02N Black Rhimos Newtype
*EHI-05 Brachios
*EHI-05N Brachios Newtype
*EHI-07 Reddra
*EHI-09 Lidier
*EPZ-001 Redhorn
*EPZ-002 Iron Kong
*EPZ-002R Iron Kong MKII Limited
*EPZ-002P Iron Kong MKII Standard
*EPZ-003 Saber Tiger
*EPZ-003G Great Sabre
*EPZ-004 Dimetrodon
*EPZ-006 Death Saurer
The Guylos (Dark) Empire
Guylos Zoids are generally characterized by an almost organic appearance and sport a nearly unstoppable combination of deadly firepower and heavy armor. The bright green glow emitted by some Zoid parts is caused by the Zoids' processing of a special ore, Deochalcum (most likely a play on the legendary Orichalcum, though only in name), which is native to the Dark Continent. The energy produced allows Dark Zoids to power incredibly destructive weapons for their size.
Imperial pilots can be recognized by their distinctive dark chrome color scheme.
The Guylos Army contains 9 Zoids in total (not including promotional pieces):
*DHI-11 Heldigunner
*DPZ-09 Deadborder
*DPZ-10 Darkhorn
*DPZ-13 Zeekdober (Grade Up)
*DPZ-16 Gul Tiger (Grade Up)
*DPZ-21 Ice Blazer (Grade Up)
*DPZ-23 Gungyarados (Grade Up)
*DPZ-25 Descat (Grade Up)
*DBOZ-17 Gilvader (Grade Up)

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