The CONFUSING History of Zero's Buster - Mega Editorial

[@CrimsonMoonM]

I always liked the small story detail of how Z-era Zero simply picked up the dead Milan's Buster Shot pistol and jammed the saber's hilt into it to use as a limitless power source. The poor guy appeared for a mere few seconds before dying, yet Zero ended up using his weapon throughout the entire series to save the people Milan gave his life to protect. There's also a neat tidbit in a piece of supplementary material that states that X had his own buster's charge chip incorporated into the hilt of Zero's saber during the Elf Wars, so the buster shot is literally just a generic peashooter that runs on limited ammunition and can't even be charged without the aid of the saber's hilt. You wouldn't think the most visually unremarkable weapon in the franchise would have so much lore attached to it.

[@VoidJWKDDOUS]

Did he really jam his saber hilt into that buster shot pistol? Cuz honestly That's fucking badass

[@maroski64]

​@@VoidJWKDDOUSThe concept art shows the z-saber slotting into the top of the buster shot.

[@NintendoFan7141]

But Zero didn't have his Z-Saber until X dropped it for him in the tutorial boss fight. I guess that's just yet another inconsistency we can add to Zero's buster history.

[@maroski64]

@@NintendoFan7141 The Z-Saber integrating into the Buster Shot is what allows for charge shots, that's all.

[@demothiguillermo2059]

​@@NintendoFan7141I just checked, and before the tutorial boss you can't charge the buster shot at all

[@ajshiro3957]

I think Zero is holding back. His X3 buster might be emergencies only. Like out of desperation

[@basedcringechad5640]

Of course he's holding back. He's barely ever used his toe attackers in canon

[@9fmradisapratama]

Don't forget that in every cutscene no matter which Z buster format he uses that buster will literally bust everything in one shot Including scripted enemies such as Vile's ride armor

[@Fallen-Saint]

@@basedcringechad5640 lol this

[@funfries3857]

@@9fmradisapratama cutscene doesnt equal to real lore.

[@demothiguillermo2059]

​@@funfries3857 cutscenes are literally the closest we have to canon in the games.

[@heartnet40]

As a long time Megaman fan and as a Zero fanatic, I loved this more than I can really convey. One thing I've always told people to keep in mind is to never forget that Zero's never actually portrayed as being a worse gunman than X, save for one really weak scene from Day of Sigma. Tohru Nakayama, the artist for the Megaman Zero series, typical portrays Zero as actually being pretty fierce with his buster often using it to tear his enemies apart with powerful shots of energy at point-blank. Couple this with Zero's design and fighting style painting him as a close-range berserker, I always imagined that he had a much more violent shooting style than X. Like, even in his first appearance, Zero's trump card against Vile is to blast his mech at point blank. We don't get to see it due to the limitations of pixel artwork, but it isn't all that difficult to imagine that the reason the explosion was so lethal and violent was because Zero use his buster to force a blast directly into the machine itself, and when I think about that being his Buster's origin, I think it makes sense that it continues to have hints of this throughout the series. The design changing constantly between X2 and X3 is really odd though, but I imagine trying to reuse assets to save time might have the most to do with it.

[@MrCat-zz5eo]

I should add to that: Zero's named after the Mitsubishi Zeroes, airplanes from WWII infamous for their kamikaze attacks. Just like the Zeroes, Zero himself is infamous for point-blank, dangerously self-destructive charges that risk his life in a death-or-glory attack. As you've said, Zero's all about point-blank range combat, which makes me think that his specs weren't meant for long-distance combat. He's a martial specialist with all his proficiency in melee combat, not a sharpshooter. So he's all about moving himself into range then opening fire. As for the Day of Sigma scene, I remember that Zero had to jump in to make the shot in the incident proper, whereas the simulator showed he ran the risk of harming the innocent Reploid being used as a shield if he tried making the shot at the same distance X was at. If we thus assume Zero's raw firepower is exceedingly destructive and he's only good at close-range, it isn't great for situations that require precision at a distance, particularly delicate ones like these. It supports the idea that Zero's a berserker in close-quarters combat while reminding us that long-range ain't his field of expertise.

[@Fallen-Saint]

have you looked in to he's saber in other media ? like ULT. MVC 3 or Project x Zone ?

[@commandervile394]

Zero just got lucky is all. Vile was distracted and let his guard down, exposing a weakpoint in the joint of the mech armor. His buster didn't help him much the second time around.

[@kentzu3557]

​@@commandervile394hey...Zero IS Simply good at both things...because if he is EXTREMELY GOOD with the Sword and ALL kinds of Edged Weapons (including Energy) and for that you need A LOT of precision...then IT MEANS THAT THE MORE WITH LONG DISTANCE ATTACKS FOR GOD'S LOVE.

[@cameronharding6055]

@@kentzu3557Being good with a knife doesn’t make you good with a gun, those are two VASTLY different types of precision and the fact you even compared them really shows how little you know.

[@celsosepulveda3363]

Please keep doing more in this format, I really enjoyed it and I am glad you are thinking of more stuff similar to this

[@ColeFam]

I have at least 4 more ideas rumbling around. I'll do my best to make them the best I can. I'm very happy to hear that you enjoyed.

[@FenLupimo]

Officially, X and Zero should have 2 busters to use, and this would be a nice explanation of why Zero can double shot in megaman X3, I think he has 2 busters that do different things, one for powerful shots and another for normal shots, probably the theory of one being used only in desperation is the true explanation

[@HarbingerYT]

My headcannon for Zero using a similar buster to X's first armor in X1 is that the buster he uses is a mass produced model used for the Maverick Hunters (It's known as the Military Buster in X Dive), that he got given when he joined the Hunters after the events of that flashback in X4.

[@ColeFam]

I'm half and half on that. If we take X5's Zero ending into consideration, Zero is shown fighting Sigma using his X1 Buster, but that art piece has other errors, so who knows. But maybe that becoming a standard issue weapon after the events of X1 kinda makes sense.

[@galten7361]

@ColeFam The X1 novelization makes it obvious Zero's buster was made from Light's tech.

[@pcj3229]

Remember how in x3 u can do a double shot with zero? aparently he has 2 busters, but the sprites look the same so... yeah I guess they just messed up, but he could have the 2 busters just one in each arm, maybe the x3 buster he doesn't use it that much cuz he uses more the saber with his left arm

[@ColeFam]

That one is a hard call since X does a double charge shot the same way in X2 and X3 by forming the Buster on either hand. I do love the idea of using both, though. My Kotobukiya Zero is currently posed as if doing a double charge shot with both and it looks pretty neat.

[@Fallen-Saint]

@@ColeFam NICE

[@The_Natalist]

​@@ColeFam Yes, but replay it, you will see he physically moves his shoulders back in forth, he clearly has 2

[@ColeFam]

Each arm uses the same sprite for the Buster, is what I meant.

[@androgamerzx389]

Well, i think Zero changes his buster in each game. I mean he has 2 busters and equips whichever he wants. In X5's intro stage, he equips with x2 buster. Then during the Sigma showdown, he equips X3 buster and then again in X6, he equips x3 buster. That's it.

[@megamix5403]

I like how in Maverick Hunter X. You're able to use the some charge shot Zero used when you get his Buster in the cutscene rather than the Light Capsule. It is a nice attention to detail and maybe hints towards Zero's true power.

[@ColeFam]

I love the Z-Shot so much. It's a shame you gotta wait til Sigma 3 to get it, but it's so much fun. That would have been such a fun NG+ bonus

[@Xion_Toshiro]

Zero's X6 Sprite was his best look, IMO

[@PippinFisherreed]

Without a doubt.

[@The_Natalist]

X6 looked and sounded amazing, it was to bad it was so rushed. I still really like the game, but it could have been so much better

[@ThanatosZero]

When the X9 forums were still around, I, Zan and others did discuss about Zero's buster, about why it went absent for Zero Series Zero. We came to the conlusion, that the buster was destroyed by acident during his first sealing, as both his body and mind were studied.

[@SKKaelth]

I have a headcanon that after the events of the elf wars, all reploids have been "de-weaponized", and/or time of peace made it so no reploid could have an inbuilt weapon/gun.. even the four guardians doesnt have it, only the ruler(copy x, and x, presumably) have a built in buster.

[@The_Natalist]

​@@SKKaelth ... not to burst your bubble, but the Pantheons all have busters

[@SKKaelth]

@@The_Natalist But the pantheons are old models of mass production, with a variety of attachments. They could probably be built as an empty frame with no in-built weapon, and only then attached weapons and tools.

[@cynthricsgamingchannel9177]

The reason for Zero's X3 look in Power Fighters is the X3 design was Wily's intended final design for Zero but he died before he could complete Zero. In X1 Zero is incomplete and Serges finishes the design in X2 because Serges is a reploid with a Wily AI copy in it that was left over after his death. Same way the Light AI copy continues building X new armors throughout the games.

[@MegaMask335]

1:17 Finally! After all this time, I now understand the toe attacker joke! It's taken me so long but now, I feel truly enlightened! I'm guessing Zero holds back from using his buster on purpose since he doesn't want to be overshadowed by X's skills with a buster (even if he can use buster abilities in Xtreme 2) or he just prefers using the Z-saber in X4, 7, 8, and CM. Also I just noticed that Zero shows his teeth when firing the buster in X6. Those were some detailed sprites back then.

[@ColeFam]

Toe Attacker is a gift to the world

[@TheGV369]

Since the Stock Shots X fires in X4 with the Arm Parts appear similar to Zero's buster shots from X3 and X5, I believe that the Zero Buster in that game, since Zero himself did not use it, might have been made into the Arm Parts with the Stock Charge Shot. And a fact that proves my theory: the first four sprite frames of the Stock Shot when fired from the X-Buster were also used for when a shot is fired from the Z-Buster in X5.

[@ModernVintageTV0]

I never really paid much attention to the differences of Zero's Busters in-game,especially in X5 and X6. I didn't really care either,to me they were just cool looking arm canons. Anyway,thanks for doing this,Coleman,it was quite informative.

[@Ragnarok182]

I think Zero has multiple busters that he can pick and choose, Maybe if he wants a challenge Zero chooses his weakest buster, but it depends on if he wants to dominate or just fight Zero picks the buster depending on how he feels.

[@Sprinqgueen]

Set the buster to “dominate”

[@ColeFam]

@Sprinqgueen Make it so.

[@roomofcybertron6380]

I think when Serges rebuild Zero, he designed him to have both X2 and X3 busters that Zero can alternatively choose which one to transform his hand into what buster he chooses (its kinda like TRANSFORMERS when some transformers has 3-ALT-MODES, a vehicle mode, a flight-vehicle mode, and a robot mode).. That idea applies to Zero.

[@Forty3Snakes]

This seems like it should be way more accepted as the answer than it is. The x3 buster appears on his off hand in most cutscenes with it although its not 100% obviously but that seems like more evidence to your theory which i tend to believe.

[@kindasomeviews]

The "Zero is holding back" theory is funny, I find. Still remember how much he just tears through with fully charged double Charge Shots into Z-Saber combo back in X3. Maybe he thought "We defeated Sigma. I'll let X show off more after switching Busters" then after X5 he just became more comfortable fighting without that combo in X3

[@SilBee64BH]

So happy you were finally able to get this out for everyone to watch, it turned out great! I can really tell lately how you've had ways to push your creation skills further on the mind. Keep going, you have my support all the way! I like the idea that Zero holds back his X3 buster as a way to easily reconcile all the differences, as flaky a handwave as that is lol. Funnily enough his X1 buster is the one that had the most impact in-story, even if it's arguably at its best when it's his sidearm in X6.

[@ColeFam]

Funny how that all works, eh? X1 Buster is definitely the most important, the rest is like a whirlwind. Thanks for all the help and thanks for listening to me rant about the subject so long ago. I'm glad it's finally a reality.

[@merchantziro4285]

I'm for him having both and X3 being for emergencies, I imagine he uses X3 over his X2 Buster in X6 because he's gonna need the big guns to clean up this mess. I mean if High Max wasn't even scratched by X earlier, he'd definitely have to bring out the X3 Buster to stand a chance especially since he might have not fully repaired himself, since it did take 3 weeks to do. There's bound to be some imperfections in his own self repairs. ...actually maybe that or he couldn't fully repair it/had the time to repair it after "dying" in X5. I mean either of the three are completely possible and I accept Zero having two different busters with open arms.

[@elwinxiao]

Btw, the reason why Zero didn't use his buster in X4, in Yoshihiro Iwamoto manga it stated that he got trauma so his hand can't change to buster XD

[@MH_Zard]

Good video. Never noticed too much between the two busters. Aww man, why you gotta do my boy MMZ Zero like that. I love the sentiment and the detail put behind his buster, even when it isn't mentioned. His buster was a standard-issued, mass produced model that was used in old wars. The one Zero had belonged to Milan, who died in Z1's intro, and it gets access to its charge abilities once Zero obtains and attachs the Z-Saber to it.

[@ColeFam]

Glad you liked it! The Buster Shot is just too different to be in the conversation to me. I do love the idea that he just grabbed what he could and got going, but I'll always prefer the arm mounted Busters. It's cool that the Buster Shot(s) have Buster technology in them, it just didn't fit the theme of the video. We do have a thing, probably a Ramble, about the Buster Shot planned, though.

[@MrCat-zz5eo]

Adding to that, I personally think the reason why the Buster Shot Gun works better with Zero (compare: he can use different shot types and fire off 4 shots at a go from the little pistol) is that it's handheld as opposed to being arm-welded. We know Zero's good with melee weapons and the dexterity required to handle arms like sabers, polearms, Japanese war fans, spinning shields, tonfas, and even his own hands is pretty much his forte. The Buster Shot is good for someone like Zero who needs to be mobile and have an all-around versatile toolkit for combat. Zero can run and fire with it, and the power cell lets him load his Z-Saber in as a charging power source and apply the EX Skills he's learned. On the other hand, the Z-Buster was built into his arm, which kinda cuts out some of his specialties there. It's designed for raw firepower, and in its playable iterations in X5 and X6, it forces Zero to remain stationary when firing. Notably, it doesn't appear in the X-series after X6, with X8 giving greater focus to Zero's learning potential with different types of weapons. To wit: An arm cannon isn't great for someone with a DEX build (but it is a powerful weapon in their arsenal), whereas a lighter, more versatile pistol is better for someone like Zero.

[@Sombra_zx]

@@MrCat-zz5eo don't forget the O buster from Omega Zero aka The brother of Zero Z that omega is the maverick personality of him and of course he uses a New Wars Buster modified

[@dylansylvester4719]

​@@ColeFamI've always hated the bustee shot in the mmz series. Busters are supposed to be cookie jars mounted to your arm!

[@cardinalhamneggs5253]

I the first Z-Buster is my favorite design, and I love how it’s also the same as X’s First Armor X-Buster

[@OlimTR]

it may be that Zero has a double buster and uses them on different occasions

[@ColeFam]

I have my model kit posed with both Busters, so I really like that idea.

[@MacrosV]

I like how in X5 he usually shoots his left arm buster, which is the X2 buster and the one that got blown off at the beginning, but at the end of the game when he shoots it is with his right arm, so maybe he just keeps his more powerful buster on his right arm?

[@twilightcloud18]

I’m pretty sure this is just a simple case of the person in charge simply forgot, or as I like to call it the Super Saiyan 2 phenomenon.

[@Shadowzero347]

TBH I look at it like this... Zero's upgrade in X2 was supposed to be his buster for most of the games, with his X3 Buster design being an external attachment that mounted over it. (Zero's X2 upgrade would probably have made him more compatible with Reploid tech making something like that possible) Then advance to X6 where his Buster is a version of his X3 design being properly internalized as part of the weapon. (Nevermind on the second part... I got that wrong rewatching the video and checking stuff)

[@omegawolfbrony]

It could be a dual configuration thing. His arm can probably change between the two based on need. X3 might be a heavy cannon while X2 is a general-use cannon with less draw. A police-grade arm and a military-grade arm.

[@cronical246]

Zero hates his buster so much he had it removed when he got his full body makeover in the elf wars

[@thestickopia4619]

I don’t care if the Zero game gun isn’t a buster, that one is my favorite

[@Miranha-SupremoV18]

6:35 no Copy Zero, this is a Gun, not a Buster.

[@ColeFam]

It's finally here! I've wanted this video to happen for some time now. I hope you enjoy. Please, let me know what other subjects you would like to see covered in this style! Also, please check out our affiliate links if you are looking for some Mega Man toys! ▶HobbyLink Japan Affiliate Link: tinyurl.com/2stpbdr4 ▶BBTS Affiliate Link: tinyurl.com/5cdc8sru

[@SWATSrocks]

If you haven't done it already, I'd love a video on his different armor designs/styles too, plus eye color lol

[@ColeFam]

@@SWATSrocks You're in luck! We have a 2-part Ramble on the subject of (almost) every Zero design! kzbin.info/www/bejne/eKi9hZeep9Ghm7c

[@SWATSrocks]

@@ColeFam let's goooo!!

[@ryukusu_luminarius]

I never payed attention to different busters. But I think its just miscommunication between the teams. One team used x2 buster design and another one used x3 buster design. And as it is a secondary weapon, it wasn't that important for them.

[@nerkskerk8774]

Nice topic, good humor; just a cool video. I personally think he just has both, cause let's be real; if Wily knew about X as he most likely did due to them having the same busters in X's first armor and Zero's initial form: he'd absolutely be like "Well, I'm gonna give him TWO different busters, a plasma saber, long flowing hair and BOOB LIGHTS. Thomas will NEVER match this!" He just wasn't able to do so before dying, which is why Serges did the final, intended design...and probably left a schematic behind for the other one that they ended up using to upgrade Zero one final time, I dunno. But that's my story, and I'm sticking to it.

[@ColeFam]

I love Wily's pettiness here. I can just imagine him coming up with Boob Lights and sitting back in his chair more pleased with himself than ever before.

[@nerkskerk8774]

@@ColeFam Considering the blonde hair and boob lights are both things that Roll and Auto did first, I gotta imagine Wily wasn't just content with surpassing Megaman, but ALL of Light's humanoid creations, with Zero. Truly in character for him.

[@GameboyFanatic]

@@nerkskerk8774 I thought you implied that Roll had boob lights at first 💀

[@kentzu3557]

​@@nerkskerk8774XD

[@StarscreamSigma]

For why the OG Z-Buster Zero had in X1, I have a theory for that. In an alternate reality, Dr. Wily stole X's Blueprints and created his own version of the Maverick Hunter named χ -kai-. But what if Dr. Wily did in fact steal X's Blueprints in the Main Reality, but instead of using it to create a replica of X in the form of χ -kai-, he used the blueprints to try to finish Zero before he met his final moments. But just like Dr. Light, Wily could not fully complete his masterpiece. That is why I believe the Z-Buster in X1 resembles the First Armor X-Buster, Dr. Wily, knowing his time was running out, begrudgingly had to use most of Dr. Light's ideas in order to try to complete Zero before that happened, which unfortunately as we all know, could not do in time.

[@electrikvocal9590]

Personally, I think that Zero in Megaman X2 had an energy source at the level of X's third armor, and because of that, Zero in Megaman X2 could shoot an energy wave when he used his Z-Saber. In Megaman X3, X could only fire the energy wave if he had the third armor equipped, but if he didn't, he was only limited to using the Z-Saber without the energy wave. In Megaman X3, the energy source that Zero used in Megaman X2 was probably removed, and that's why when you play Zero in X3, he can't use his Z-Saber wave shot, and he can only use the normal Z-Saber which is short range. In Megaman x4, I don't understand why his Z-buster was taken away (beyond the gameplay, in the story it doesn't make much sense, unless we think about the distribution of his energy for the robot abilities), but it could be who he focused the handling of Zero energy (Power Supply Unit) on the speed of melee attacks, having to take away his Z-buster. In Megaman x5, they decided to return his Z-buster to him, but since his power source was largely dedicated to speed and combat strength, the Z-Buster was weaker than previous Z-buster versions. But when Zero gets infected with the dangerous Zero Virus because he spends too much time in Zero Space, his energy source becomes much higher, so he could use the Z-Saber's wave shot again and also use the Z-buster at the same time with the maximum power reached, and all without losing its melee combat capabilities. In Megaman X6, since it wasn't too long since Zero was trapped in Zero Space (in the previous game), he still had a part of that energy boost provided by Zero Virus exposure, and that's why his Z-buster in Megaman X6 was more powerful than in Megaman X5. In X7 and X8, it has been a long time since Zero entered to Zero Space and the virus concentrations in his body decreased, so his system's power management was focused on melee speed, losing all the Z-buster capabilities.

[@ColeFam]

I really like the idea of Zero Space powering him up

[@electrikvocal9590]

@@ColeFam I think it will make a lot of sense that when Zero is in Zero Space his power increases exponentially based on the time Zero remains there. The Zero Space owes its origin to high concentrations of the Zero Virus in a specific reduced area (thereby creating that kind of hole that is the entrance to the Zero Space). During the entire course of events on Megaman X5, we can see that Zero is empowered when he contact with the viruses(the virus are negative energy that provides power to Zero), and during the boss fight with Awekening Zero we can see that when more time passes Zero becomes stronger, until his energy is enough to create giant waves of energy with his Z-Saber (that giant wave that causes instant death is the Genmu-Zero or Genmurei attack, and this I suppose is due to the high concentration of energy that Zero releases every time he executes that attack, and as Zero inside the Zero Space has access to infinite energy so it can infinitely execute that dangerous and energetically expensive attack). Another proof that would justify this theory is that even in the boss fight with 'normal Zero', we can see how he sends blasts with his Z-buster much larger than the normal ones, and he can shot Z-Saber waves like in Megaman X2, and he can do this because he extract an additional energy source provides by the Zero Space. If this theory is true, then Virus Zero would actually be a type of energy that enhances the abilities of certain types of robots, much like the evil energy during the events of Mega Man 8. Something curious, that I have also noticed regarding the energy wave that the Z-Saber emits, is that when X uses the Blade Armor, this armor gives X enough energy to make an attack similar to the one Awakening Zero does, but Unlike Awakening Zero, the Blade Armor can only perform that attack once in a while (in its Giga Attack) because it doesn't have enough energy to send out an energy wave after attacking with the Z-Saber.

[@ColeFam]

@@electrikvocal9590 A shame that using X to fight Zero, but taking Zero into the final stage doesn't let him keep his powered up state.

[@electrikvocal9590]

​@@ColeFam But... at least in Megaman X6, Zero was much stronger than in X5 (his Z-buster and the maverick powers are so powerfull than his previous abilities), but I'm guessing not to the level of Awakening Zero because, canonically, Zero never managed to absorb enough evil energy from the virus to become corrupted in that state. Anyway the X6 version of Zero is quite fun to play. And is possible that one of the reasons that Zero isn't as powerful after facing him in his boss battle(in X5) is that the Zero Space at first stage is blue and as the concentration of Zero Virus increases, the next stages background gets closer to the color red, and the 'W' simbol was more visible in the boss battles. Perhaps the high concentrations of viruses made Zero more aggressive and that is why he decided to attack X, when he asked him to leave that place. Although Zero does not become infected enough to reach the Awakened Zero state , his Z-Buster's power temporarily improves (no matter if it was the Z-Buster seen in X3 or the one seen during X2 events). It is curious how after defeating Zero(boss) the concentrations of the virus begin to dissipate, causing Zero to lose that extra energy and the Zero Space begins to turn blue again until it disappears. I think it's a good theory to explain that instead of giving Zero armor, Willy decided to give him power through the energy of Zero Space, and maybe the type of Z-Buster was not that decisive but what really mattered was the source of energy Zero had at the time of the shot.

[@GenghisConnThr333]

I think the reason why Full-Armor X and Zero have the same buster in X1 is because if you enter the Sigma fortress without the Arm upgrade, Zero gives you his and I assume that's the canon explanation.

[@empagaming2341]

It’d be even more interesting if Zero just had both, but preferred his X2 Buster over his X3, either for personal reasons, power preservation, or to make X not feel inadequate with his own Buster, because Zero knows he’ll get yet another upgraded Buster anyway. But it’d be cool to see him dual wielding both busters to just kind of flex on other maverick hunters.

[@Mr.Board_]

3:32 with the coloration on the sprite I think it is supposed to be the x3 burster but simplified (tho why the gem inside is red idk)

[@monsutaman1]

It seemed the strongest in X, and very powerful in x6 when in close quarters.

[@rizkymh556]

Zero X series: *"pew pew strong arm buster attack"* Zero Z series: **Le Gun**

[@niclaswa5408]

My biggest question with his buster is how can he have the exact same buster as the one Dr. Light gives to you in X1?

[@RadTony]

Maybe wily stole some schematics from light. He steals robot masters so really stealing schematics shouldn't be too far fetched. It would have to happen while X is being made if we were to take this theory seriously. Other than theories I don't know if there is any official information on that.

[@LionelRGuy]

Well, if you fight Vile in Sigma stage 1 BEFORE getting the Buster upgrade, Zero straight-up gives you HIS Buster before dying. (It works exactly the same... except in Maverick Hunter X, where there's a different colored blast.) So for THAT path, it makes sense.

[@superoakwood5513]

It not the "same" buster it more like a compatible buster upgrade (as both technologies have similar origin and roots being protoman)and remember that there are a good deal of upgrades that both Zero and X can exchange with each other and use in some of the X games

[@kaienjin5468]

My headcanon is this. You know how bass took the Super Adapter blueprints in MM7. Maybe those blue prints also included an enhanced Mega Buster, which would grow on to be the X Buster upgrade in X1, and Wily puts his own twist on the Buster when making Zero with it.

[@bigdoggo5827]

Also Wily had a plan to upgrade Zero's buster as it is shown in the blueprints

[@MrMegamattX]

Am I the only person who notices in X6 the Z-Buster’s power depends on how close you are to the target??

[@AnAverageGoblin]

I always saw it as Zero picking instant results with his saber over having to aim and shoot his buster, or maybe after X2 he decided to go full weeb and hone his skills with laser swords.

[@ZardaffronTK]

2:05 Gotta say, I'm not a fan of the concept art here. The buster looks way too huge for his arm. The visual balance is completely skewed by it. It's really more like a blunt object to smack people with than a projectile weapon. Glad the sprites turned out better. 3:23 So THAT'S what it was for!

[@ColeFam]

Now that you mention it, it's pretty Xbox hueg. And yep, thanks for sending it!

[@Sprinqgueen]

Great work! I’m looking forward to more videos in this style.

[@ColeFam]

I'll do my best! Thanks for all the help!

[@normalperson9001]

It's kinda interesting that at the end of X5 Z-buster mk.3 was part of RIGHT hand, while in gameplay he used LEFT buster. It could be reference to X2 anb X3 where X used bought hands and power of charge shots was different P.S. forgive me, my english pretty shity 😄

[@rod_official6166]

X2 Buster is on the left side X3 Buster in the right side

[@kolkagaming1234]

Model ZX’s Buster works just like GBA Zero’s Buster, but the only difference is that it has X’s 1st armour’s Charge Shot.

[@TwilightWolf032]

I don't think Zero is holding back at all in X5. Remember, he's been affected by the Sigma Virus, which made him more powerful. Even if you get the "good" ending and still retain Zero sane until the end of the campaign, Zero still comments on how he's been made stronger by the virus' influence.

[@duckmananimations5723]

This was a fun video, makes me excited for what’s to come, keep up the good work dude!

[@ColeFam]

Thanks! I appreciate the support

[@Yuwaethomas617]

So I agree with you on that I think zero was always holding back and I felt his X3 buster always outclassed mega Man X's armor upgrades and he only used it to match himself with x and power basically Lauren his power level but his ex-2 buster was stronger than any of X's previous formations and he only used that to make sure he stayed in power with x. If you think about it anytime they really show his X3 buster whoever he hit with it was dominated like in the x ending it shows up again it was just one of those things that hey you may get all these armor upgrades but my buster when it comes out I'm widen that gap again

[@michaeloverton04]

If miss the buster upgrade in X1, Zero straight up gives you his buster upon death.

[@superbodoque7860]

very nice video, Zero should just replace both his buster and saber for the all powerful Z-Pipe like the one he used against Sigma

[@ColeFam]

The Z-Pipe truly is the ultimate weapon!

[@SteelRims]

The Z-Pipe is the most useful weapon in the hood!

[@BladeCrossEXE]

The MMX3 Anime OP also made a massive blunder by showing X1 Zero using the Z Saber, AFTER showing X2 Zero chop Vile in half. Like in-between cuts, Zero reverted to his X1 self, buster included.

[@KillKing12]

When your character is so cool, you don't remember what weapons he had.

[@sikitrakix]

Finally someone makes a video about an ever lasting pet peeve of mine! Very well put together. Awesome vid.

[@ColeFam]

Thank you! Glad you enjoyed

[@sikitrakix]

Same here This inconsistency always bugged me to no end…

[@dukedumastv2250]

Tbh personally I liked the look of a gun in Zeros hand, and a blade in the other

[@joshuagreen8995]

Don't we see Zero using two busters? Like with the ending cutscene of x5, we see zero blasting Sigma with his right arm blaster and at the beginning of the game you see zero with the x2 buster removed from his left arm.

[@runningoncylinders3829]

I wouldn't be surprised he just has two at his ready. There's all kinds of good parts for Maverick Hunters.

[@MoeMoeJoeJoe]

My head canon is that one arm is X2 and the other is X3.

[@kaienjin5468]

My headcanon is that he uses the X2 buster normally, but switches to the X3 Buster for more powerful shots, like in X5, he uses X2 since he didn't think it'd be that necessary, but in X6 he realizes he may need to fight at a long range a lot more than he originally thought.

[@hessiankyojin]

Zero might have 2 different busters per arm. X2 buster on the left while X3 buster on the right.

[@lawrence3185]

unpopular opinion i love the buster shot

[@Kruppuchino]

How dare you. But you're right

[@ColeFam]

Unpopular, but valid. I personally don't care for it, but I'm happy to see that it has fans.

[@ZZtheDark]

I'm reminded of the anime Mark Gatha and a lot of the other Megaman X Command Mission voice vets voiced in called Mobile Fighter G Gundam where Burning Gundam piloted by Domon Kasshu was fighting against Dragon Gundam which used a kamikaze attack and decimated the right arm of Burning Gundam which used a special technique called Burning Finger. The fight was about to be won by Dragon Gundam but surprise, surprise! Burning Gundam had two of the same weapons used for Burning Finger in case of emergency hence the pilot's shocked reaction 'BURNING FINGER WITH THE LEFT HAND?!!' Hence, Zero was only gonna use his X3 Buster in case of emergency and since the Nightmare Virus was already out of hand, take matters into his own hands you might say.

[@jasonstephens6109]

In megaman X, if you dont collect the buster from the Drm Light capsule, Zero gives you his buster upon his death. Maybe that is why they are the same.

[@bardinblue9830]

Awesome video, Colefam! Fun and thorough!

[@RodrigoMacielCosta]

Remembering that in X1, if you reach Vile's 2nd fight without the First Armor's buster, you gain it from Zero after he dies, so makes some sense they are similar. As for XZ's gun, yes, according to X Dive, only "arm cannons" are considered busters. That one gun is a pistol model, among other models like spreaders that shot eletricity or fire, rocket launchers, and machine guns.

[@ColeFam]

I know I kinda worded it poorly, but I more meant "why are the designs the same in the first place?" But I love getting the Buster from Zero. Makes the story flow better.

[@swordchucks777]

In the first MMX, if you make it to the scene where Zero sacrifices himself without getting the buster upgrade, he will give you his buster, which is the same thing.

[@serPomiz]

with how zero grows in-game, it feels like the different equipment make sense. he's supposed to be able to adapt to whatever weapon is used against him, so using different busters depending on what kind of shots is needed (from the sinple 'lemon' to the teshouha reverse laser) is something that works

[@TechnoKnight2520]

Will there be video about MMZ Buster Shot (Z-Buster) analysis?

[@ColeFam]

There's something Buster Shot adjacent in the pipeline. It'll probably be a Ramblin' Reploids episode

[@demi-femme4821]

Doctor: "Now, Zero, I hate to say it, but this slimming process will make it much harder to install a buster without a more complicated energy-matter conversion system, which will be a bit of a drain on your power in addition to your saber." Zero: "Just get rid of it." Doctor: "What?" Zero: "I usually just dash in and attack with my saber anyways. If it's gonna cause complications, don't bother with it."

[@ColeFam]

Any explanation would have been good. That is a very Zero thing to say, though

[@Okada_Caelun]

One wild headcanon theory I have about the buster design is... that Zero wasn't designed with a buster by Willy. One of the artworks of Omega (MMZ3) shows his hand opening up like the Z-Knuckle from MMZ4. In Z4, the weapon is used to rip other weapons off enemies and use them... So, if Omega is the original body of Zero... Headcanon : Omega is the original robot designed by Willy, personality and all, with Zero being an amnesiatic alter-ego. The Knuckle was intented as a perversion of Rockman and Bass's Weapon-Get system, with the deliberate change that it now robs the victim of the weapon while turning it against them. A very devastating combination if the robot was to ever be used against the origional Rockman. Thus, Zero/Omega has no native buster. The X1 and X3 busters are proably just ones that he grabbed off enemies, with the X2 buster being an earnest repair attempt by someone who didn't understand the origional design. This also explains why he uses the handgun in the Zero series, rather than a traditional buster design.

[@Vincentvalentinezxa]

I loved the video, keep up the obscure megaman content!

[@ColeFam]

I'm happy to hear that! I have a lot more coming in the near future

[@Vincentvalentinezxa]

@@ColeFam I'll be sure to watch it all!

[@ColeFam]

@@Vincentvalentinezxa In the meantime, there's a good back catalog! Check out Ramblin' Reploids if you haven't already

[@SickleSlash]

I think it's that they didn't have a standard to follow like Sigma's Chin. Also when it comes to the X3 anime cut scenes that's not the only error but things that were animated at that time always had errors. I miss X3's Z Buster game play in later games.

[@derpherp4530]

Surprised you didnt touch more on x3 with zero being able to double charge shot but still glad someone finally is wondering whats up with the z buster.

[@ColeFam]

If the sprite had changed between shots, I'd have more to say. But I like to believe that he's calling on both the X2 and X3 Busters for that. That's how I have my Koto kit posed anyway, haha.

[@ADM1500]

Looks to me like in-game the x2 and x3 busters are on opposite arms. They do appear on the same arm in artwork though, so that's a bit of a doozy. Either they are strictly attached to a specific arm or he can use whichever one he chooses. Either way, it's probably safe to say each buster has some unspecified advantage(s) over the other depending on the situation.

[@condimentman9533]

All other zeros: we got guns for arms. Mmz zero: they gave me this hand gun

[@zatsuthedarskarstanian4051]

i mean, the mmz weapon may not be a z buster, but by it being a general weapon used by other reploids as well, it just shows its a really good weapon for zero to stick with it

[@JChaosMaster]

Maybe the 3x buster is also damages or is damaged. Depending how cannon zero getting hurt and x getting the z saber worked. If zero does get truly injured in 3x the x3 buster might be damaged requiring him to use the weaker x2 buster to save time. This might Also be the reason in cannon he can not use the buster in x4 and if he has fully repaired himself can use the x3 buster in 6.

[@Crow_Rising]

If we assume that everything we see on screen in this video is canon, then my headcanon would probably be that Zero is indeed using a weaker buster on purpose. We know that Zero is reversed in regards to the Maverick Virus compared to other Robots/Reploids. He's patient 0 (No pun intended), the virus is actually just the software Wily installed into his operating system designed to keep his personality in check. He can't "Go Maverick" because that's his true personality, it's only a corruptive influence on others when installed into their operating systems, as their systems weren't designed for it and so for them it counts as a sort of corruptive malware. For Zero, his "Corrupted" state is actually his sane, good guy persona who is friends with X and wishes to protect innocents from other mavericks. With that in mind, I'd say that Zero's good guy persona sees his default buster as being overkill. The weapon of a maverick designed to do excessive force. If true, it makes sense that he would replace it for use in his duties as a Maverick Hunter as his job is to stop Mavericks, not blow up the innocents that are being threatened by them. However, he does somehow seem to be keeping his original buster on his person at all times for use as a last resort or final trump card, though where he is keeping it I have no idea. This whole thing is ironic if true however, as X doesn't seem concerned with this at all and powers up his buster into a weapon of mass destruction on a regular basis despite X himself being a pacifist by nature. On the matter of the Z series Buster present in the GBA/DS series, I'd actually say that's the strongest of Zero's busters we have seen so far. It's charged shot is decent, but it's also able to be used with much more offence and utility than Zero's other busters and can be modified on the fly to fire off shots of several different elements and qualities. It pales in comparison to X's better busters, but it's definitely no slouch by it's own right.

[@alicevioleta3184]

actually, in X3, Zero has TWO busters(in gameplay). when you fully charge his buster, you get two charge shots, one from each arm, and then a saber slash.

[@altabalder]

I mean Zero literally gives you his buster in X1, that's why they look the same. Perhaps, lore wise, the buster part was from Zero only, but they included it in the capsules anyway.

[@ColeFam]

Yeah, if it wasn't for the capsule, it wouldn't be an issue. But I'm 100% in the camp that it's intended to come from Zero.

[@MatthewTheWolf2029]

Ever since MMX4, Zero only used his light saber for most of his attacks. His buster usually became secondary or nonexistent. And when it was existant, it usually did not inflict as much damage. And I always found it odd how he used a gun in the Zero series.

[@ColeFam]

The X6 Z-Buster is incredibly powerful, and gets stronger the closer you are to the enemy. The X5 one sucks, though

[@kevdoesstuff7435]

i like how you crossed out the buster shot on Zero's (post elf wars) hand

[@ColeFam]

🚫🔫🚫

[@BigaloMax]

Personally i like that the z-buster in the Zero series is not contradictory to canon because technically the zero in that game is a clone made because the original (omega) went Maverick. I think he actually gets the buster from one of the dead soldiers at the start of the game.

[@Okada_Caelun]

I think the most likely reason as to why the First Armor buster looks like Zero's is because it's supposed to be his buster. Apparently, if you make it to the Sigma Fortress without getting the buster upgrade capsule, Zero explicitly gives his buster to X after he blows himself up against Vile. Itnwouldn't make sense for their designs to be different, then.

[@Zaryos]

In X3 intro PSX you can see how X can use buster, by changing his hand in X buster, maybe X3 buster is his R-hand and X2 buster is his L-hand

[@ColeFam]

The Sprites for X's Second and Third Armors, as well as Zero's X2 and X3 sprites also show them calling the Busters on each arm. I'm pretty sure the manga makes a note about how X can now call the Buster on both arms, but not both at the same time. I'm sure they were just trying to come up with an answer for the sprite situation. But I do like the idea of Zero having one on each arm, though.

[@eslm-studios2996]

I think Zero uses both X2 and X3 busters in Mega Man X3. In X3, when Zero's unleashing his three strike attacks, he uses one buster, then changes arms and unleashes a more powerful buster shot similar to X in X2. Perhaps he uses his X2 Z-Buster which is his default buster, then uses his X3 Z-Buster for the second shot. Perhaps Zero's Z-Buster was upgraded after the events of X2 for unknown reasons. And if we go with the canon that Zero lost to Sigma at the beginning of X5, perhaps we can come up with the idea that Zero lost his X2 Z-Buster in the fight and when he was repaired, he got it upgraded to his X3 Z-Buster, feeling like he needs it more than his X2 Z-Buster. *I know you pointed out the X Vs Zero fight, but just hear me out. Let's just pretend it's the X3 Z-Buster for the sake of this idea, which could also explain how his buster shots are more powerful during the fight as well* and then, when he returns in X6, (personally, I follow Twitch's idea that Isoc attempted to resurrect Zero again) Zero's X2 Z-Buster is completely abandoned and Zero only uses his X3 Z-Buster and Z-Saber from here on out until Mega Man Zero. Another thing I forgot to mention. After the fight with X in X5, when Sigma attempts to rid himself of X while he's unconscious, Zero leaps forward with his Z-Buster pointing at Sigma. If you look closely, you'll notice the Z-Buster is in his X3 design. So again, we can say Zero did indeed have his X2 Z-Buster replaced with his X3 Z-Buster permanently. I'm honestly tempted to make a comic out of this as a reference to your theory.

[@stevensteviepryde5888]

Personally I like the X2 style buster more. I feel like the simplified design is easier to remember the look of and to animate which is probably why the inconsistency. I noticed that the X3 buster was mostly in just artwork and static cutscenes while not being in proper sprite form until X6.

[@Azothify]

Honestly if we look at X3 buster and X2, then look at how his hand transforms into the Buster in X6. Why instead of thinking they have multiple busters (explaining how they can shoot from both hands) what if it's a lot more simple of a reason? When you do a single charged shot, there's quite a bit of recoil. However when using a double charge, the recoil is instead offset by a second shot. This would imply that they're instead absorbing the recoil and moving it through themselves. After firing the first shot, they retract and then expand the buster on their other arm to discharge said recoil as a secondary blast. One buster that just alternates hands. Using this thought in mind, It would lend credibility to the idea that the various buster appearances for Zero are just alternate firing modes. X2 is lower power consumption for more prolonged fights, while X3 because they're fully used to having the saber (as they only got it in X2) They can now use a higher power setting without as much risk to themselves. Alternating when needed based on the situation.

[@DjPrimeVideos]

I noticed that in the artwork Zero has his buster in his right arm but in the game its his left

[@AlanWGMeraz]

The Zero buster on X1 (and maverick hunter) looking a lot like X´s Spiral Crush Buster, its because if you somehow manage to destroy Vile on his 2nd encounter battle without the buster upgrade , Zero "gives" you his buster. The developers saved some time and kilobytes not drawing a 3rd different buster for X

[@Alouette_EXE]

The Zero series Zero just had enough of that lol

[@Dark_Mario_Bros.]

I Think Zero might have both busters... Which would explain the X3 charged attack, but it's just me

[@makithehype3903]

I really wish Capcom would make an open world slashing & shooting game with Zero from Megaman X saga as the main hero. ... The gameplay would be something like Devil May Cry, God of War or Kingdom Hearts that has a cool story mode from easy, normal, hard and extreme difficulties. ... It also has lots of extra missions to unlock rare items, weapons, other characters, images, videos/cut scenes, etc. ... Most of the bosses would be gigantic reploids affected by a unknown virus that turns them into Mavericks. ... I think that would be awesome if Capcom make it happen.

[@zakman6471]

Awesome video I been hanging to know about this.... I remember getting the buster coz I couldn't find it b4 it back in the day. Loved it. Thank you

[@JewelMaidenMusic]

Fantastic job!! I really enjoyed this!!

[@ColeFam]

Thank you, Jewel! I hope I could entertain you and maybe teach a thing or two.

[@hypergogeto9039]

Idk if it's 100% cannon but in Megaman XDive, X's first armor buster is called the "military buster", so that would explain why X1 zero would be using it, as it's one of the strongest busters for its time as well as not being exclusive to just X's use.

[@ColeFam]

I'd be more on board with that if the Falcon, Shadow, and Gaea Busters weren't also renamed in DiVE. And in Zero's ending to X5, you see him with the Buster while he was a Maverick. Still a good observation, though. That being said, there's no reason the Hunters couldn't reverse-engineer that Buster to an extent for general use.

[@hypergogeto9039]

@@ColeFam true

[@RelatosDeUnReploid]

Really interesting. It seems that there are either inconsistencies between the sprite artists and the concept artists when deciding how the z-buster should look OR the X3 buster is Zero's trump card. Anyhow, very good video!

[@ColeFam]

Glad you enjoyed! More to come in the future.

[@fredricorosenfield9976]

Beta Buster from sketch from X2 and X5 be looking good too. 😎