Mechagodzilla original design 1/2

Mechagodzilla


Context

Mechagodzilla (メカゴジラ) is a mecha  that fights Godzilla, as one might have surmised. These notes are primarily about the 1974-75 Shōwa version of this giant robot monster, but there were other takes on the concept during the 1990s and 2000s.

So here’s the big G’s opposite number, the Bizarro of the Godzillaverse … Mechagodzilla !


Background

  • Group Affiliation: “Green Apes” (alien invaders).
  • Base Of Operations: Japan
  • Height: 460’ Weight: 150,000 tons (approx.)
  • Eyes: Photoelectric Hair: None


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Powers and Abilities

Mechagodzilla is an immense robotic superweapon constructed from “space titanium”. The robot is possesses the strength and durability fitting its size.

It is outfitted with a number of advanced weapon systems, including:

  • Eyebeam lasers.
  • A chest mounted electrobolter.
  • Missile launchers built into its “claws” on hands and feet.

Rockets in its feet allow it limited flight. It also includes a magnetic force field activated by rotating its head at high speeds.

Technical illustration for Mechagodzilla from a Japanese magazine, red background

Technical illustration of Mechagodzilla. Click for a larger version of the entire picture.


History

Mechagodzilla was created by an alien race seeking to take over the planet Earth.

Originally, it gave them an avenue to attack Earth’s military forces without revealing their presence, leaving the blame to Godzilla. But after being confronted by the real Godzilla, it dropped this disguise and brought its full weaponry to bear.

Though it seriously injured Godzilla in their first conflict, later bouts with the King of Monsters have proven its weaknesses. The main two ones are:

  • Limited tactics.
  • Structural flaws within its joints. On two occasions Godzilla has literally torn its head off.

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Description

Mechagodzilla (outside of its artificial skin) is a steely robot cast roughly in the form of Godzilla, with a smooth barrel chest ; squat, thick legs ; longer, thinner arms, and a short, immobile token “tail”.

Its head is more angular than Godzilla’s, and its nose more pointed, with gear-like teeth lining its jaws and featureless red “eyes”.


Personality

Mechagodzilla is a near-mindless robot, built only to destroy. It follows the will of its controllers absolutely, with no emotion or hesitation. It’s something of a 460’ tall Terminator.

View of Mechagodzilla's inner systems, from a Japanese magazine

Technical illustration of Mechagodzilla’s inner systems. Click for a larger version of the entire picture.


DC Universe History

In the DC Universe, Mechagodzilla could have similar origins to his movie, if you’re using Godzilla as well.

Otherwise, he may be the product of an inventor intentionally drawing from the Godzilla movies, in the same way the Creature Commandos were drawn from fiction.

In the Marvel Universe, it’s obvious you would have an Ultimo vs. Mechagozilla fight.



Game Stats — DC Heroes RPG

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Mechagodzilla (1974)

Dex: 03 Str: 23 Bod: 14 (32) Motivation: Mercenary
Int: 02 Wil: 04 Min: 04 Occupation: Robot Superweapon
Init: 007 HP: 030

Powers:
Flight: 08, Force Field: 13, Growth: 18, Heat Vision: 14, Lightning: 12, Projectile Weapons: 12, Water Freedom: 05

Bonuses and Limitations:

  • Growth is Always On (figured into Attributes above).
  • Projectile Weapons can fire up to four “racks” at once, adding +1 AP for each extra rack.
  • Force Field has no range, and Mechagodzilla can take no other actions when Force Field is in use.
  • Projectile Weapons must be “reloaded” (Automatic Action for each rack) after each use.

Skills:
Acrobatics: 05, Charisma (Intimidation): 10

Advantages:
Iron Nerves, Lightning Reflexes, Misc: Mechagodzilla is a robot, with no need to eat, breathe, or sleep.

Connections:
Green Apes (High).

Drawbacks:
Strange Appearance, Uncertainty, Attack Vulnerability: -2 CS vs. Grappling attacks, Misc: Damage to Mechagodzilla must be repaired as if it were a Gadget.

Equipment:
ARTIFICIAL SKIN [BODY 12, Chameleon: 12. Mechagodzilla first appears wearing this organic coating which served to make it exactly duplicate Godzilla’s appearance. Attacks directed on Mechagodzilla also attack this skin, and each RAP of damage the skin takes reduces its Chameleon power by the same amount.


Design Notes

These stats are roughly scaled to with Kevin’s Godzilla, except that it assumes Godzilla has 18 APs of Growth instead of 15


By Bryant “Vox Ludator” Berggren.

Source of Character: Godzilla vs. the cosmic monster, Toho Studios.

Helper(s): Darci.