Wardick
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
The Wardick (known as the War Shark in Western releases) is a type of Zoid, a species of biomechanical life forms from the fictional Zoids Universe.
| Wardick | |
 A War Shark attacks from underground |
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| EZ-040 Coelacanth Type Guylos Empire |
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| Crew | 1 |
| Weight | 32.2 tons |
| Depth | 17.0 m |
| Height | 4.3 m |
| Maximum Speed | 70 km/h, 43 knots |
| Weapons | Sonic Blaster, AZ Missile Launcher, Medium-Bore Beam Cannon (2) |
| Equipment | Waterproof Rolling Cockpit, Radar, Hydrojet Nozzles, Multi-Environment Main Engines (2) |
Contents |
[edit] Overview
The Wardick is a Coelacanth-type Zoid (often referred to as a "Fish-type") created by the Zenebas Empire.
Designed principally for underwater combat, the Wardick is a surprisingly versatile Zoid. Fast and agile while underwater, the Zoid can dive deeply and operate quietly without being detected before attacking. In addition, the Zoid is capable of operating on land, using its fins as legs the Wardick is able to walk, albeit slowly. The Zoid can burrow into soft soil and sand and tunnel through it; travelling underground as if it were in water.
The Zoid is well-armed for its role, carrying both beam cannons and torpedoes for use against land and sea targets, as well as a unique sonic cannon mounted in the Zoid's mouth. The Zoid is also well armoured, its tough body protecting it both from both weapons fire and the pressures of the ocean depths.
[edit] Battle Story appearances
The Wardick was developed on the Dark Continent of Nyx following the fall of the Zenebas Empire in ZAC 2039. When Zenebas launched his "D-Day" assault on the Central Continent in ZAC 2042, the Wardick lead the amphibious assaults, along with the Sea Panther and Brachios. The Zoids were able to brush aside the Helic defences, allowing the Zenebas forces to land on the continent.
During the course of the war, the Wardick was used to flank Republican forces and attack their supply lines. The Zoid developed a reputation for being unbeatable underwater; being vastly superior to the Helic Barigator, their main aquatic Zoid at the time. The Wardick was also able to ambush the mighty Ultrasaurus, taking out the larger Zoid form underwater, striking before they were detected.
After the second defeat of the Zenebas Empire in ZAC 2049, the remaining Wardicks were pressed into the service of the Guylos Empire, defending their coasts and leading amphibious assaults alongside the Guylos Heldigunner. All of the extant Wardicks were destroyed during the ZAC 2056 disaster, and the Zoid was believed to be extinct.
However, in ZAC 2100, the Guylos Empire discovered a new source of Wardick cores, and began producing new Zoids for their armies. The new Wardicks were deployed in naval battles around the Western continent, again attacking Republic supply lines and later their landings. This time they faced off with the newly-developed Republic Hammerhead, a Zoid that was able to match the Wardick in combat. While ultimately unsuccessful in defeating the Republican navy, the Wardicks managed to inflict significant damage.
[edit] Media appearances
[edit] Anime
[edit] New Century Zero
The Wardick's sole anime appearance is in New Century Zero, where they were piloted by the Backdraft's Fuma Team. The Fuma team appeared on three separate occasions, and prove to be consistently powerful adversaries. Led by Fuma, who pilots a custom red Wardick, they also fight dirty, attacking from underground at high speed and even aiming for the cockpit, a very dangerous tactic that is not allowed in an officially sanctioned battle.
Their first appearance was in episode 10: "Desert Tusk: Assault of the War Sharks!" In this episode, Alteil employs the Fuma team to face off against the Blitz team in an unsanctioned battle. The Fuma team catches the Blitz team off guard, and nearly defeats them; they employ several illegal manoeuvres, even disabling the Hover Cargo to prevent the Liger Zero from transforming. Jamie suggests a reckless tactic, which allows the Liger Zero to equip its Jaeger CAS and win the battle.
The Fuma team would make a return appearance in episode 21: "Harry's Disaster: Dr. Laon Traps Toros!" In this episode, Dr. Laon enlists the help of the Fuma team to get his revenge on Steve Toros, providing them with upgraded Neo Wardicks, as well as a Hammerhead. Equipped with powerful E-shields and capable of destroying a Dibison with a single shot, the Neo Wardicks were said to surpass even the Elephander in power. However, a Buster Cannon (not the same weapon possessed by the Buster Eagle) Toros equips to the Blitz Team's new Shadow Fox allows them to break through the Neo Wardick's shields. Fuma would then attempt to win by holding Harry Champ hostage and using her Hammerhead to take out the Shadow Fox and the Liger Zero. The plan was foiled by Leena; angry at Harry for standing her up earlier on in the episode, she shoots down the Hammerhead with her Gun Sniper.
The Fuma Team would appear during the Royal Cup, this time in the possession of Geno Saurers instead of Wardicks, where they would be easily defeated by the Berserk Fury. What happened to their Wardicks is never explained.
A trio of bright yellow Wardicks also appeared in the possession of Harry Champ in episode 22. Bit, Leena and Harry would use them to frolic in the same general area as an undersea archaeological expedition being undertaken by the Backdraft group nearby, prompting them to attack with a small army of Dimantis and Maccurtis.
[edit] Models
[edit] Original Japanese Release
- 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 Wardick kit comes on four frames, along with a wind-up motor, canopy cover, eight rubber caps, two Styrofoam blocks, a small chromed silver pilot and label sheets. The Wardick is moulded in silver and red with grey caps and smoke-coloured eyes.
The Wardick's construction is relatively simple and straightforward. The Zoid uses a simple wind-up motor for its motion; once wound, the Wardick will walk forwards on its fins while waving its tail form side to side. If placed in water, the Wardick will float and "swim" forwards.
The Wardick was released in Japan in 1986, with production continuing until about 1988.
[edit] New Japanese Release
The Wardick was re-released in 2000 as a part of the New Japanese Release. The Zoid was completely recoloured in metallic grey, purple and dull grey with red caps, green canopies and a blue pilot.
[edit] New American Release
The Wardick was also released in North America as a part of the New American Release under the name War Shark. The Zoid was identical to the NJR version, save for packaging.
The Zoid was also re-released in near identical packaging as a part of the New Pacific Release.
[edit] New English Release
The Wardick was also released in the New European Release, again under the name War Shark.
[edit] Holotech War Shark
The War Shark was the third Zoid released as part of Hasbro's Holotech series. The metallic grey and purple parts of the Zoid were recoloured in transparent purple and red. There were no other changes to the model.
The Holotech War Shark was initially released as part of the New Pacific Release, with the American release coming later. The Zoid only saw limited distribution in North America.
