Vile

"I'll make you understand! You will know that I am the one who holds the key to the future!"

- Vile

Vile, known as VAVA (ヴァヴァ) in Japan, is a major antagonist in the Mega Man X series. He used to be a member of the Maverick Hunters prior to the first Mega Man X game and was ranked S-A Class in Sigma's 17th Elite Unit prior to his commander's rebellion against humanity. He appeared in multiple games of the series as a boss character and was playable for the first time in Maverick Hunter X, a remake of the first game for the PlayStation Portable.

Appearance
Vile is adorned in basic armor with a distinct purple sheen and gold highlights. Like some Maverick Hunters, Vile wears a helmet with a T-shaped visor that conceals his face in shadow. It is unknown if this is his face or it is simply hidden by the shade as in the Mega Man X3 opening video, his Mega Man X3 artwork, the Rockman X3 manga and the Ruby-Spears cartoon, Vile is seen with a singular glowing eye. Attached to his shoulder is a cannon featuring an ammo belt arching over his back. Vile's later appearances retain the overall basic appearance but takes on different color schemes with stylized accents.

When he walks, there is something of a metallic clank with every step. Vile is heavily designed as a war machine, which was quoted by Zero after Vile escapes.

Personality
"Friends? I don't have any. Not now. Not ever."

- Vile, to X

Vile is a very arrogant, violent, and rude character who has a very unstable and enraged mind. Though he used to be a member of the Maverick Hunters, he never once considered himself as one. He is a lone wolf who dislikes the thought of having friends or superiors to help him. He also had a habit of not accepting orders from anyone except himself, which often resulted in fierce arguments with his commander. Even when freed from containment by Sigma, he showed little gratitude and continued to disrespect him.

Because of an irreparable short circuit in his electronic brain, Vile developed a strange, almost sociopathic passion for hunting down Mavericks and totally annihilating them, while causing as much damage as possible on the territory. This also includes innocent bystanders and comrades alike. This passion is also what may have led to his own arrest and, inadvertently, being labelled a Maverick. His emotions often got the best of him, shown after his first defeat when he admitted to Sigma he wasn't really sure what he intended to do after invading his fortress. Incidentally, in the Rockman X3 manga, he brags about having a "demon" inside him, and taunts X about him having one too, which also shows in Project X Zone 2.

In all incarnations of the character, Vile holds a deep grudge against X and looks down on him for the fact that despite X having a lower rank than him, he receives more attention. Vile is very bitter towards X and devotes his existence to destroying and humiliating him, and proving that he is the stronger one. Zero, on the other hand, has his respect for the most part and Vile acknowledges his formidable strength. He has also been a traitor to both the Maverick Hunters and the Mavericks on different occasions.

The Day of Sigma
Shortly before Sigma declared war on humanity, Vile was arrested by the Hunters for unknown reasons; Zero claimed that he "must have caused a ruckus again". It is presumed that he, once again, disobeyed orders from superior officers and/or threatened the safety of his comrades and innocent bystanders while hunting Mavericks. During the chaotic search for the perpetrator who hacked the Hunters' database (which was actually Sigma himself) and the defense of Abel City from another berserk Mechaniloid, Vile was freed by his former commander. Sigma requested his assistance in defeating X, saying that he needed a Reploid that could go Maverick of his own volition. Eventually, Sigma left Vile, alone and freed of his chains, with open access to his arsenal, so he could make the decision to join Sigma's rebellion.

Mega Man X
In the original Mega Man X, Vile's character hadn't been expanded on yet. He was pictured as nothing more than Sigma's loyal soldier and bodyguard who led his attack teams against the humans. Vile first appeared in the Opening Stage, where he jumps from Death Rogumer using a powerful Ride Armor to attack X. X is unable to cause damage to Vile's Ride Armor, and after taking some damage, he is eventually caught by Vile's paralyzing beam, and had to be rescued by Zero, who damages Vile's Ride Armor and forces him to retreat.

When X and Zero later attacked Sigma's fortress, Vile rushed to stop them. While Zero chased after him, X was left behind for a moment. During this time, Vile had jumped aboard his new Ride Armor, had imprisoned Zero in a cage, and used him to blackmail X to surrender. X fought him, however, up to a point until he was again caught by Vile's stun attack. In order to save his friend, Zero mobilized all of his power to break free and destroyed the Ride Armor by overloading his Zero Buster. Vile was then destroyed in a one-on-one battle with X.

Mega Man Maverick Hunter X
"I'll show you how strong I am!"

- Vile

In the remake Maverick Hunter X, Vile's persona was greatly expanded as a rogue character with a strong hatred for X and a desire for destruction. Though he joined Sigma's rebellion and helped attack the Central Highway on board Storm Eagle's Death Rogumer, he hardly followed any orders and did what he did best: causing havoc and fighting X. At first it seemed X was able to defeat him, but was captured between the fingers of Vile's Ride Armor, stating that he'll destroy him and eventually defeat Sigma as well to change the world. X was then rescued by Zero and Vile retreated. Before retreating, however, he asked Zero why he'd bother aiding a B-Class Hunter, only for the latter to rebuke Vile and coldly remind him of his Maverick status.

Vile then showed up in the Sigma Palace, having already defeated Zero like in the original game and laid him in a hallway as a bait for X. When X approaches Zero, Vile appears and catches him with his Ride Armor (though it was implied via dialogue on Vile's part that he was considering letting X go, though only because he thinks that him destroying X would be part of Sigma's plan and he doesn't like following orders ). However, he had underestimated Zero, who was able to stand up and destroy the Ride Armor, as in the original Mega Man X, forcing Vile to face X without the Ride Armor. After a long battle, he was destroyed by X, with him only expressing shock and denial at losing to X.

Vile Mode
In Maverick Hunter X's Vile Mode, an unlockable bonus mode, Vile took a different path. Instead of joining Sigma's rebellion, Vile decided to prove to Sigma that he was better and more powerful than X. After fighting X on the Central Highway, he decided to battle against Sigma's followers to gain more power and reputation. Though most of the eight main Mavericks were rather friendly to him (and offered to let him leave), he destroyed all of them and obtained their powers in order to create new weapons. Afterwards, Sigma extended an invitation to fight against him in order to prove whether he is indeed worthy. Ultimately, he infiltrated Sigma's fortress and fought his way through it until he was cornered by X and Zero. Both of them battled him at the same time, yet were defeated by him.

After defeating both of them, Vile admitted that X, whom he hated more than anyone else, had grown stronger, but was still a wimp to the very end and never had the power to change the world. He then proceeded to beat up X's already injured body by kicking it around and then stomping savagely on X's head while angrily demanding that he show him his true power. He was then attacked by a weakened Zero before he could deliver the finishing blow with his cannon, who grounded him (as well as commented that Vile's comments of changing the world was "Maverick talk") before he was hit by X's charged shot. When he awakened, he was accompanied by Sigma. Heavily damaged, he asked what was so important about X. Yet, instead of answering, Sigma asked Vile why he did all this and whether he wanted to stand before him as a Maverick Hunter or kneeling before him at his mercy. Upon this question, Vile wasn't unable to comply and started laughing, stating that he wasn't actually sure about it himself. He was then left by Sigma (though not before radioing some of his men to "retrieve Vile"). As he walked away, Vile stated that by fighting X, he proved the right of his existence, that he is Vile. But as he reached out to stop Sigma from leaving, his functions ceased, and he was left frozen in his desperate position.

Ride Armor
Vile is invincible in both battles against him with his Ride Armor in Mega Man X. He is frequently moving and attacks by dashing and punching. After lowering X's health, he will end the battle by firing paralyzing projectiles from his shoulder cannon until he catches X. While attempting to catch X, Vile will keep distance from him to avoid causing more harm, which can result in the player losing a life and repeating the battle. If the player reaches Vile with low health, he may start using his paralyzing attack from the beginning.

Attacks:
 * Charge (突進) - Vile charges forward with the Ride Armor, causing contact damage.
 * Dash Punch (ダッシュパンチ) - A dash punch.
 * When X is weakened, Vile will fire paralyzing projectiles from his shoulder cannon in several angles until he lands a hit, ending the battle.

In the remake Maverick Hunter X, Vile can be harmed and must be defeated to complete the stage. Vile mainly attacks by jumping on X, and will occassionally punch and fire paralyzing projectiles from his shoulder cannon. He can only be harmed by shooting on his head, as the Ride Armor is immune to damage. Unlike the original game, the stage can be revisited and Vile can be fought any number of times. Hadoken can't be used against him due to his head being out of range, but a fully charged shot from the Arm Parts obtained from Zero will be lethal.

Vile
Vile appears in the first stage from Sigma's hideout. X tries to face him, however, the same battle from the Opening Stage repeats, with X being unable to cause damage and being caught by Vile when his health is low. After his capture, Zero breaks free and destroys Vile's Ride Armor. Angry with the loss of his friend, X breaks free from the trap and his health refills, facing Vile in a one-on-one battle. Vile has high mobility, constantly dashing and jumping while attacking. He is weak to Rolling Shield. Homing Torpedo also causes

Attacks:
 * Dash Attack (ダッシュ攻撃) - Vile can dash at high speed, causing contact damage.
 * Head Bomb (ヘッドボム) - Vile jumps over X and drops bombs from his knee. Upon impact, it splits in two spheres that spread through the ground. Causes 4 points of damage.
 * Electric Shock Bullet (電撃弾) - Vile can fire paralyzing projectiles from his shoulder cannon in several angles. They cause no damage, but X will be stunned when hit, being open for attacks.

In Mega Man Maverick Hunter X, Vile is encountered in the third Sigma Palace stage, and the Ride Armor battle doesn't repeat as Vile captures X with the Ride Armor's hand as soon as he appears, being freed when Zero destroys the Ride Armor. Despite being angry for Zero's loss, as X isn't defeated by Vile before the actual battle, his health will not recover during the scene. Vile uses attacks similar to the ones used in the original game and in his playable appearance.

Attacks:
 * Note: Attack names are unofficial.


 * Dash Attack - Vile dashes at high speed to cause damage, being shrouded with energy while dashing.
 * Napalm - Vile jumps over X and drops a bomb from his knee, releasing a large flame when it hits the ground.
 * Cannon - Vile fires electric spheres from his shoulder cannon in a curved angle. Upon impact, the spheres split in two and spread through the ground. It causes no damage, but can temporarily paralyze X.
 * Vulcan - Vile fires bullets from his fingers.
 * Laser - Vile fires a blue laser beam from his shoulder cannon straight forward.

Mega Man Xtreme
"...Die! X!"

- Vile, in data form

Vile makes a small appearance in the opening stage of the game. Said level is a digitized version of the opening stage from the original Mega Man X. He serves as the boss of this stage and is again seen riding his Ride Armor. However, this version of Vile is not the actual one but merely a data record of the character that had been stored in the archives of the Maverick Hunters' Mother Computer, and as such he can be defeated and he will not use his paralyzing attack. In this game, he is erroneously referred to as "VAVA", which is actually his original Japanese name. He is deleted by X after his defeat.

Mega Man X3


What was left of Vile after his destruction at the hands of X in the first game was salvaged. A Reploid scientist named Dr. Doppler, who was infected with the Sigma Virus and controlled by Sigma himself, created a new body for Vile and upgraded his weapons to be more powerful. However, the only thing Vile could think of was to get revenge on X, who had previously killed him. Instead of assisting Doppler in creating a new body for Sigma, he left Doppler's lab on his own accord.

The English SNES manual has a small alteration: After Dr. Doppler became virus-infected, his first move was to revive Vile. Vile was also infected with the same virus, which caused him to go nuts and out of Dr. Doppler's control. Vile went on a rampage, stricken with hatred for X and Zero.

Vile MK-II lured X into an abandoned factory which was set up to self-destruct and tried to hinder X from escaping by fighting him with the Ride Armor Kangaroo. He is an optional secret boss where if he is defeated with both of his weaknesses (Ray Splasher and Spinning Blade), he won't appear in the final stages and X will be able to gain Zero's saber.

If X didn't use Vile's weaknesses on him, he would flee the scene. He would then reappear at Dr. Doppler's Laboratory as one of the final bosses, riding the Ride Armor Goliath. Eventually, he was destroyed by X, but not before swearing to haunt him until the day he died.

In addition to his original shoulder cannon and knee-mounted napalm launcher, Vile gained a new weapon on his left shoulder in this form. He also acquired a shield bearing his personal V-insignia worn over his back, although this was never used during his in-game battle. The shield was only seen in use in the Rockman X3 manga, where he used it to defend against X's Tornado Fang. "Vile's Shield" is also an equipment that can be obtained from him in Project X Zone 2.

Stats:

Power: 9200 rp

Speed: 7200 rp

Mega Man X8
X, Axl, and Zero are sent on a mission near the Jakob Orbital Elevator to investigate a unique crab-like Mechaniloid. They manage to defeat it, but are then interrupted by a hail of missiles from Vile, who has apparently been resurrected from his earlier defeat in Mega Man X3. Vile had kidnapped the Jakob Space Elevator project leader, Lumine, for unknown reasons and it becomes the Maverick Hunters' mission to rescue him. Oddly, while Axl was dazed when he heard his name (which is understandable, since he didn't really know him, or even his existence, until now), Zero and X weren't completely shocked to see him alive (as X was with Vile MK-2 in X3), calling him a 'wanted' criminal as if he's been revived for quite a while. He will sometimes appear as a mini-boss in certain rooms in stages, rather than doing the 'puzzle' of that room (this can be very useful on hard mode, especially in Gravity Antonion's spiked block room). He also appears as the boss of the Jakob Orbital Elevator stage, but isn't destroyed. Rather, he teleports away.

Vile in this game is likely a New Generation Reploid with a Copy Chip installed inside him—although he never used that ability, he keeps talking about trying to create a new world that seems to include New Generation Reploids only. In this incarnation, Vile has been upgraded in terms of weaponry as well as adding flight capabilities, flying around the stage most of the time. In addition, his shoulder cannon can now shoot rapid-fire sparks as well as flames in later parts, while his missile pod allows him to rapid-fire missiles. Both weapons are noted for being removed from his actual shoulders and relocated to his backpack, a redesign that would be later applied to his original form in Maverick Hunter X. In times of extreme stress, he demonstrated the ability to discharge high voltage electricity from his body. His main color scheme is changed from the original purple and blue to green and yellow.

In the final stage, Sigma Palace, Vile reappears as a mini-boss, this time in his trademark Devil Bear Ride Armor. Unlike before, Vile demonstrates a remote link with the Ride Armor, controlling it without manipulating the controls in the cockpit. He has to be knocked off it with a Guard Break before being fought one on one, preferably with his weakness, the Drift Diamond, Hyouryuushou, or Ice Gatling. On Easy and Normal modes, Vile explodes upon victory, but on Hard, he comes back and attacks the reserve character, forcing the remaining character to go through the rest of the stage alone until the two are reunited during the Sigma fight. His ultimate fate is unknown, but it is implied that the other character destroyed him.

Mega Man X/Maverick Hunter X
Being a "fortress" boss with Bospider and Rangda Bangda, fights with Vile use the Mega Man X fortress boss appearance and battle themes, even in the mock fight at the very beginning of the game. The appearance theme is an ominous repetitive chord, while the battle theme is a chaotic string of electronic keyboards and whistles. In the remake Mega Man: Maverick Hunter X, the former is slightly more higher pitched, and the latter uses more electric guitar.

The fortress battle theme reappears in Mega Man X5 when fighting Rangda Bangda W.

In Vile Mode, aside from the above two themes, Vile also has three additional themes, one for the stages, one for the stage select, and the other for the Maverick stages' start. Both dip into electric guitar as well.

Mega Man X3
If Vile is encountered in his own stage (which features its own theme), his battle will be accompanied by the normal boss theme, which is a series of intense guitar riffs. If he's fought in Doppler's fortress, his battle uses the fortress boss theme, which also features guitar riffs but is slower and more foreboding.

In the 32-bit version of X3, the boss theme still heavily uses distorted guitars, but the fortress boss theme is much more energetic; its tempo is faster, the guitar riffs have been replaced with higher-pitched synths, and the melody has been altered.

Mega Man X8
In this game, Vile has his own boss theme that's only used during his fights. This time around, his theme is an upbeat, fast-paced tune with electric guitars and organs.

Arsenal
Vile uses a great variety of weapons hidden inside his body, but his most significant weapon is his trademark shoulder cannon, the Front Runner.

In the Maverick Hunter X remake, Vile is able to acquire 45 different weapons. These are divided into three main categories (Arm Weapons, Shoulder Weapons, and Leg Weapons), and then each are again divided into nine weapon systems, ranging from vulcans and napalms to rocket punches and flamethrowers. His standard weapons are his Front Runner, the Cherry Blast vulcan, and the Bumpity Boom napalm.

Appearances in other games

 * Vile and Vile Mk-2 are two of the four opponents available in Rockman X3 Buster Battle.
 * Vile appeared in Street Fighter × All Capcom.
 * Vile is an unit card in TEPPEN.
 * Vile appeared as an event character in the games Zombie Cafe, Dragon Poker and Elemental Story.

Project X Zone
Vile appears as a rival-type character in the Capcom, Sega, and Namco Bandai crossover game Project X Zone. He makes his first appearance in the game during Chapter 20, titled "The Maverick Hunters" (イレギュラー・ハンター, "Irregular Hunters" in the Japanese version). His next appearance is during Chapter 27 in the Geo-Fortress from Shining Force EXA, where he gets into a heated argument with Ciseaux from Sakura Wars 3 about which of them would take control of the fortress as their base. Following that, he appears during Chapter 29 in the online game "The World" from the .hack series, where he taunts Zero for having an emotional breakdown at the sight of Iris, who appears during the middle of the chapter to tell him she still wishes for a Reploid only world. His final appearance is during Chapter 37 in the aerial city of Tarqaron from Tales of Vesperia where he and the game's main villainess Due Flabellum warp in. It is at this point that he is finally defeated by the party after receiving a verbal browbeating by X, Zero and Yuri Lowell. His personality in this game is exactly like his personality in Mega Man Maverick Hunter X.

His attacks in the game are Rising Specter and Splash Hit.

Project X Zone 2
Vile returns as a villain, once again upgraded to Vile MK-2, in the sequel. Similar to the Rockman X3 manga, Vile often mentions he has a "demon" inside of him, and claims that X also has one.

Vile MK-2 first appears in Chapter 7 "Going Commando" where he taunts X and Zero about Sigma and the remnants of his army. X expresses shock at his return, saying he died in the last battle, and he is shaken about a "demon" inside him. He is defeated and leaves Cyberspace. He shows up in Chapter 14 "Renaissance of Fate" where he is a customer of Sylphie, having gotten his Ride Armor Goliath back and ready for action, much to the dismay of X, Zero, and their allies. After his Goliath is destroyed, he's unfazed, but when beaten again, he retreats.

Following his World R:2 exploits for the time being, he returns to the tower of Tarqaron with some Mavericks in tow with Sylphie's help in Chapter 22 "The Demons Within". He aids M. Bison in keeping Yuri and their allies busy, but Sylphie betrays Bison and Vile by revealing the Balrog has returned, despite having a hand in destroying it the last time Ouma caused trouble. When Estelle is freed from her Psycho Power brainwashing, Vile is ordered by Bison to come down and help due to some Mavericks and Aragami being killed, which Vile agrees to, but knows someone else is coming. Sure enough, Zagi has returned from beyond the grave and is excited to see Yuri again, much to his enemy's disgust. Vile is interested in seeing Zagi having a "demon", but the assassin says he doesn't know what he's talking about, because he kills cause he wants to. Vile points out that's exactly what he means, since it's tormenting the enemy until they're finally dead for good, which Zagi realizes all this time and agrees, to Yuri's annoyance. Despite X telling him to leave Yuri, Flynn, and Estelle alone, Vile tells him that Zagi has his own enemy to fight, since that's revenge justice. Despite some later help from the servants of the Adephagos which Zagi's blastia draws in, they are defeated and take their leave.

In Chapter 27, "A Summation of Malice", Vile separated from Zagi and shows up to get his Goliath, which was repaired by Sylphie again. After some Maverick minions, Kurohagane and Nakatomi ninjas are defeated fighting Shinra, Dokumezu and some Ouma grunts, and Ranmaru show up and do their fighting, Vile accumulates a large amount of AIDA, with a combination of the gold chains, and some energy from Sylphie's shop (Thus, taking advantage of her kindness) to revive Sigma. Despite the Maverick leader thanking Vile for reviving him, Vile thinks nothing of it and says that bringing misery and death to X and Zero will do just fine. Despite this, Vile is defeated in his Goliath again, but retreats again before the Ride Armor is destroyed. Following these events, he introduces Zagi to his boss, who, predictably, in Chapter 30 "Way Beyond Good and Evil", doesn't like working with him since he just wants to fight his enemy (Yuri) without the task at hand (the Golden Seed). Vile laters shows up in Ylisse, (And is mentioned to be mistaken for an armored knight, when in reality, he's a Reploid) to screw around with Tiki in Chapter 35 "Justice Enforced" with Zagi, Kamuz, and Juri. When the good guys show up to reclaim the Golden Seed and save Tiki, Vile brings in some of Sigma's Mavericks along with Kurohagane and some Nakatomi ninjas to stop them. He is beaten with and without his Goliath once again, and retreats.

In Chapter 41 "The 101 Embryo Project" he shows up in his Goliath with Zagi and Adephagos minions one last time on the Centipex to watch the worlds change through Ouma's plans while killing X. Despite a threat warning from Shtrom, Vile tells the Scumocide follower and leader of his kin it doesn't matter since he's only after X. After a grueling fight on Ouma's turf, Vile is killed again, and reminds X that his "demon" will destroy him, with or without his help, but X will stop this demon if it's really there.

Unlike the other villains who reappeared in the first game and returned for the sequel, he has entirely different specials. They are Shoulder Cannon and Flames of Revenge.

Rockman ×over
Vile appears in Rockman ×over as a World 1 boss, accessible only after defeating the other bosses in the same world at least once each. He also appears in Battle Memory.

Cameo appearances

 * Vile has two short appearances in the opening of Mega Man X5, first as Vile MK-2 fighting X, and later the original with the Ride Armor fighting against Zero.


 * Vile has a small cameo appearance in Mega Man Zero 2 as one of the four "haunting spirits" that attacks Zero if he is grabbed by Phoenix Magnion.


 * There is a poster of Vile in Higsby's shop in the first Mega Man Battle Network game.


 * Vile appears in PTX-40A's ending in the game Tatsunoko vs. Capcom: Ultimate All-Stars as one of the robots fighting in the arena.


 * Vile appears in Ultimate Marvel vs. Capcom 3 as a card for the free DLC mode, "Heroes and Heralds" alongside X, Dr. Wily, Mega Man, and Roll. His primary effect is increasing the power of Hyper Combo attacks with his secondary effect being able to dash cancel ground moves at the cost of an HC bar. Zero also has an alternate color scheme based on him.

Mega Man (Ruby-Spears)
Vile appeared in Mega X, the 26th episode of the Ruby-Spears Mega Man animated series, voiced by Lee Tockar. He came from the future along with Spark Mandrill to steal Lightanium (which, according to Mega Man X, is worth billions in the future) from Dr. Light's newly opened Plasma Power Plant to finance Sigma's war against humanity. He's depicted as near-invincible in the cartoon, as Dr. Wily's robots and even Mega Man are no match for him (mostly because Mega Man's cannon couldn't so much as scratch him). However, he himself was no match for Mega Man X (some lines in the episode heavily implied that Vile had a grudge against him). Vile is depicted as extremely arrogant, looking down on both humans and robots of the present and calling them puny.

He and Spark Mandrill both appear to Wily near the start of the episode and force him into helping them after easily defeating his robots. The two Mavericks later encounter Mega Man and Roll and easily defeat them, but are driven off by Mega Man X, who followed them back from the future. Dr. Wily reveals his plan to rob the Plasma Power Plant to Vile by flooding the plant in belief that it would stop all its defenses. Vile actually likes the plan (commenting it wasn't bad, "for a puny human"), though after breaking a dam and flooding the plant, some defenses were still active. Vile and Spark Mandrill, however, easily break through them. They successfully steal the Lightanium, along with some materials Dr. Wily needed for a new laser weapon. Though Vile got what he came for, he decides to remain in the past a little longer to destroy Mega Man X. Wily unleashes his new laser weapon on Mega Man and Mega Man X, who avoid getting hit by it, and X destroys the weapon with his own version of Snake Man's weapon. Vile and Spark Mandrill open a portal to return to the future with the Lightanium, but X pushes them both through leaving the Lightanium behind.

Aside from more human-like proportional changes, Vile's design is noticeably accurate to his original game design, albeit with a more intimidating appearance overall. Curiously, his dialogue implies he is more bound to his "programming" than Reploids (which he refers to as Repliroids, the original Japanese term for Reploids) are known for, which if anything is the exact opposite of his game counterpart where he is less bound by his programming via a irreparable short cut that made him a borderline maverick.

Mega Man (Archie Comics)
Vile first appeared briefly in issue 35 among Sigma's Maverick Hunters. He later appears again as one of the Hunters that fought the Wily Walker and as a Maverick in the crossover Worlds Unite.

Rockman X manga
In the Rockman X manga, Vile only joined Sigma's forces because he wanted to destroy the legendary "Mega Man", even waiting and assisting X to grow stronger so he could destroy him when he was worthy of bearing the name.

X tried to face Vile in a highway in beginning of Sigma's rebellion, but Vile is too powerful for him and escapes. Later, Vile destroys Armored Armadillo and his soldiers, and X finds him in a bar, holding a glass. Vile tells X it would not matter if the glass is filled with Bourbon or mud as Reploids can't tell the difference between their taste, and breaks the glass. Vile explains his objective to take down "Mega Man" and informs X where he can find the Head Parts, and when he goes to his Ride Chaser to leave, X tries to stop him with charge shot, but Vile stops the shot only with his finger.

When X finds Vile in Sigma's fortress alongside Zero, who was imprisoned by him, Vile is disappointed with X's current state (his X Buster being damaged due to the battle against Boomer Kuwanger) and says that he will fight him as he is anyway, having enough of being nice and patient. Zero breaks free and sacrifices himself to destroy Vile's Ride Armor, and X obtains the Arm Parts that were with Zero, completing his armor. Vile is overjoyed to be finally able to destroy the legend, but despite doing his best to finish Mega Man X, he is unable to harm him. Even when heavily damaged and barely able to walk, Vile slowly approaches X and tries to choke him, and X puts him out of his misery.

Vile is later repaired and reappears in the Rockman X3 manga, watching the battle between the Hunters and the Nightmare Police from the distance and promising that he will be seeing X soon. X encounters Vile MK-II inside Sigma's fortress, where he is playing a piano. Vile tells X that each key makes a different sound, and when combined they make something that the majority considers art. But there are also those who don't agree with the majority, considering it mediocre, not following the flow nor caring for nice words, Vile saying he is like that while breaking the piano's keys. Vile also says that he and X are very different, with X having a nice life while he died and went to hell, becoming a demon. After seeing the way X was behaving, Vile is amused and wonders if it will be a fight between demons, but believes X is no match for him as he was born to be a demon, while X is forcing himself to be one. However, X manages to defeat Vile.

Rockman X The Novel: Irregulars Report
Despite not wanting to obey Sigma, Vile decided to join and obey him to have a chance to face the legendary "Mega Man", learning about X's specifications and potential from Sigma and deciding that he will raise X until he was ripe for the slaughter, even thinking of taking down Sigma if he doesn't keep his word of leaving X to him. Sigma assures him that he is only interested in X's potential and the possibilites for evolution, and that if it comes down to a battle, Vile can have X for himself, and they decided to start a rebellion to force X to grow stronger. In the beginning of Sigma's rebellion, Vile tests X in a highway, using a Ride Armor to avoid accidentally killing him, and escapes. Later, Vile knocked down X after he defeat Spark Mandrill, and he destroyed Launch Octopus and gave his weapon chip to X.

After X arrives to Sigma's base, Vile uses Zero as a bait to lure and fight against X with a Ride Armor, thinking that it is time for the long-awaited main dish. Vile is surprised with himself for being able to hold back for so long, but also disappointed that after all the trouble he had X appears all beaten up. To drive X to fight harder, Vile reveals that he was the one who destroyed Armored Armadillo's and Storm Eagle's soldiers, doing it to vent out because of all the holding back, and says he is considering to dispose of Zero. Despite X doing his best, he can't defeat Vile and he is disappointed, considering to go fight Sigma after destroying X. When he is about to give the finishing blow, Zero breaks free and destroys the Ride Armor, and X takes Zero's buster. Vile didn't stand a chance against the powered up X, but he didn't care. The violent battle fills him with joy, going after X with everything he got to destroy him, but in the end he is the one who is destroyed.

Irregular Hunter Rockman X
Vile, X and Zero were tasked to stop the Maverick Raigyan β, and Vile almost destroyed X alongside the Maverick, being locked in the Hunter Base for his behavior. Under Sigma's orders, Vile escapes and takes four Hunters with him to cause chaos and distract the Hunters from Sigma's actions. After Sigma is revealed to be the mastermind, Vile and Sigma attack X and Zero and are defeated, retreating and swearing that they will return.

Other appearances
Vile (with his original appearance and Ride Armor) also has a brief appearance in the last issue from Dreamwave Productions' Mega Man comic, where he catches X with a cable from his Ride Armor, but Zero appears and saves him, giving X a time machine while he fights against Vile and other Mavericks.

Mega Man X/Maverick Hunter X
Notes:
 * For X-Buster, the four damage values are listed according to how long the weapon is charged. The first number is damage done with normal shots; the second number is when the weapon is charged slightly (cyan); third number is when the X-Buster is charged even more (yellow); fourth number is when the X-Buster is fully charged with the Arm Parts (pink).
 * Sometimes, an uncharged shot will inflict two units of damage instead of one, if a boss has just started moving or if X fires a shot while he is dashing.
 * The Arm Parts from the First Armor and Zero are the same in the original version, but in Maverick Hunter X, Zero's Arm Parts are stronger.


 * For the eight Special Weapons, the first number is damage done when the weapon is used in normal fire; the second is when the weapon is used in its charged state.
 * For Homing Torpedo, Boomerang Cutter, Storm Tornado and Fire Wave: the secondary fire for these weapons are capable of inflicting multiple hits on a target, so the values listed on the second number is the amount of damage done per hit, not the total amount of damage done.
 * For Chameleon Sting, as the weapon's secondary fire renders X invincible and is incapable of inflicting damage on enemies and bosses, the damage values list only the normal fire of this weapon.

Mega Man Xtreme
Notes:
 * For X-Buster, the four damage values are listed according to how long the weapon is charged. The first number is damage done with normal shots; the second number is when the weapon is charged slightly (cyan); third number is when the X-Buster is charged some more (white). Fourth number is damage done when the X-Buster is charged all the way with the Arm Parts (pink).


 * In order to inflict damage on Vile with a level-4 X-Buster shot or the the Special Weapons obtained from Normal Mode (Shotgun Ice, Electric Spark, Storm Tornado, Speed Burner), the player must have saved their game after completing such mode and then starting Hard Mode from that save file—these Special Weapons will otherwise be unavailable for the player if they begin Hard Mode from the title screen.


 * For the eight Special Weapons, the first number is damage done when the weapon is used in normal fire; the second is when the weapon is used in its charged state.

X Mode
X: Vile! I should have known you'd be involved in Sigma's rebellion!

Vile: Rebellion? Ha ha ha ha... I don't know what you're talking about!

X: !?

Vile: I'm just here to cause trouble for you! I hate you!

X: Zero!?

(X tries to approach Zero's body, but is captured by Vile's Ride Armor.)

X: Aagh!

Vile: Ha ha ha... You're no different than Zero...You worried about Sigma when you should've been worried about me!

X: Vile! You...

Vile: Hm... I guess my destroying you here is all part of Sigma's plan. I don't usually like following other people's plans.

(The Ride Armor starts squeezing X some more.)

X: Aaaaaagh!

(Zero gets up and grabs onto the Ride Armor.)

Vile: Wha-!? Zero! You're harder to destroy than I thought!

Zero: X! There's nothing more you can do. It's over!

(Zero sacrifices himself in order to destroy the Ride Armor)

X: Zero! Zerooooo!

Vile Mode
X: Vile! What are you doing here?

Vile: X... Ha ha ha ha... How do you like being Sigma's puppet?

X: You've been drawn into Sigma's rebellion as well?

Vile: Rebellion? I couldn't care less! I just hate you! That's all!

X: Stop right there!

Zero: You've really caused a lot of havoc, Vile...

Vile: Yeah? I was just taking care of a few loose ends.

X: So you're not on Sigma's side? You two aren't friends?

Vile: Friends? I don't have any. Not now... Not ever. I only know one thing for sure, X... You are my enemy!

When Playing as X
X: Vile! Where have you taken Lumine? Do you plan to hinder the Jakob Project?

Vile: Reunited after all this time apart and all you do is bombard me with questions? Don't worry about little Lumine. We're taking great care of him. Ha ha ha... The Orbital Elevator is too important to us to hurt the one who operates it.

X: Don't you know what you're doing? The Jakob Project is an important joint venture between humans and Reploids!

Vile: Chill out, X... Let's enjoy this little reunion, OK?

X: It's time to hand Lumine over, Vile. This time, I won't take "no" for an answer.

Vile: Ha ha ha... Lumine? Always the positive thinker, aren't you? Look around you, fool! Your world has already begun to crumble!

Vile: Ha ha ha. You're struggling awfully hard for a world that's doomed.

X: So, it was Sigma pulling the strings the whole time, wasn't it, Vile?

Vile: Ha ha ha... You finally piece it together, X? The Orbital Elevator... the energy... the space minerals... the rocket data... The route to space - the thing that's allowed this world to survive this long - is ours!

X: I don't care what you plan to do. I'll put a stop to it no matter what!

Vile: So, you still refuse to give up your struggle, huh? Are you so blind that you've somehow convinced yourself that hope remains?

X: As long as I'm standing, there's hope! I'll defeat both you and Sigma!

Vile: Ha Ha ha... I suppose it'd be a waste to just destroy you now. Maybe I'll wait till the last possible moment and have a little fun with this.

When Playing as Zero
Zero: Vile! What do you plan to do with the Elevator and Lumine?

Vile: Lumine? Ha ha ha... Don't worry. We're taking very good care of him. The Orbital Elevator is too important to us to hurt the one who operates it.

Zero: That toy's a little too complicated for Mavericks like you, Vile.

Vile: Ha ha ha... How I've missed you, Zero. What do you say we have a little fun and make the most of this reunion?

Zero: I'm through chasing you down. Let Lumine go. Now!

Vile: Lumine? Are you so dim as to think you're in a position to make demands? Look around you, fool! Your world has already begun to crumble!

Vile: Don't you ever get tired of the whole "justice" thing?

Zero: Don't you ever get tired of being Sigma's lap dog?

Vile: The Orbital Elevator... the energy... the space minerals... the rocket data... The route to space - the thing that's allowed this world to survive this long - is ours! How can you take this world seriously when it's all about to end?

Zero: Hmpf! I think I'll take care of you before I go after your boss.

Vile: So, you still refuse to give up your struggle, eh? Are you so blind that you've somehow convinced yourself that hope remains?

Zero: Struggle? I'm just tired of running into you and Sigma every time I turn around.

Vile: Ha Ha ha... I suppose it'd be a waste to just destroy you now. Maybe I'll wait till the last possible moment and have a little fun with this.

When Playing as Axl
Axl: Vile, was it? What are you up to here? What do you plan to do with Lumine and the Elevator?

Vile: Don't worry about Lumine. Unlike you, he holds some importance to our plan.

Axl: I don't care if you were once a Class A Hunter... You're Maverick now, and I know just how to deal with scum like you!

Vile: Ha ha! Did I make you mad? Bring it on!

Axl: Oh man... I'm getting sick and tired of seeing your ugly mug, so often. It's time you let Lumine go and turned yourself in.

Vile: Lumine? Ha ha ha. The world's falling apart at the seems, and you're worried about him? I'll send you to oblivion along with the rest of this rotten world!

Vile: Ha! You're still concerned with justice when the world is on the verge of destruction?

Axl: You got it, buddy! Thought I'd dispense a little justice your way before I go after Sigma!

Vile: The Orbital Elevator... the energy... the space minerals... the rocket data... The route to space - the thing that's allowed this world to survive this long - is ours. At times like this, how important is your precious term, "Maverick"?

Axl: I'll tell you as soon as I'm done turning you into scrap!

Vile: So, you still refuse to give up your struggle, eh? Are you so blind that you've somehow convinced yourself that hope remains?

Axl: If all I have to do is defeat you, then I'm full of hope, buster.

Vile: Ha Ha ha... I suppose it'd be a waste to just destroy you now. Maybe I'll wait till the last possible moment and have a little fun with this.

When Playing as any character (After Defeating Four Mavericks)
Vile: Ha ha ha ha ha! Why don't you just give up now and get it over with? The world as you know it? Mavericks? Kiss it all goodbye! Mayhem, doom, and destruction! That's what we were built for!

Mega Man X

 * "You worthless piece of scrap metal, did you think you could defeat me?"
 * "X, do what I tell you or he's history!"
 * "Dream on Zero! X knows he can't defeat me! My armored carrier is more than a match for his ancient weapons!"
 * "What a worthless gesture! I can't be defeated so easily!"
 * "So X, it's just you and me now!"
 * "What the...?! Where did that energy come from?? It really doesn't matter how much energy you absorb X, you are still far too weak! Prepare to be terminated!"

Mega Man X3

 * "Alive, Dr. Doppler? You are so kind."
 * "Thanks for the upgrade Doctor, but I have a score to settle... ...and I'll do it my way..."
 * "Hee hee hee. You're trapped X!"
 * "This factory is set to blow in a matter of minutes! Until then, I'll try and keep you busy!"
 * "My waiting has finally come to an end! Prepare to die at the hands of the world's most advanced riding armor - the new "Goliath"!"
 * "Don't think that this is the end, X! I will haunt you to the day you die......"

Mega Man X8

 * "How nice to see you again, X!"
 * "I'd love to stay and play, boys."
 * "But I'm afraid I have too much work to do!"
 * "That's right"
 * "This orbital elevator is under our control now."
 * "It begins now, X."
 * "A new world will be born"
 * "You can't escape!"
 * "Hahaha!"
 * "Oh, no you don't!"
 * "Burn!" 

Mega Man Maverick Hunter X

 * "X... Why does it have to be you?"
 * "Come to reprimand me in person, did you?"
 * "To defeat X?"
 * "Hahahahaha. What on Earth are you talking about? What could that X|worrywart Hunter possibly do for us?"
 * "So, in order to take advantage of this POWER of X|his, you plan on going Maverick?"
 * "And you want ME to help you?"
 * "You're insane."
 * "Sorry to burst your bubble, but I'M the one that's gonna change the world!"
 * "Hmm... Incite rebellion... Split up the hunter's forces... That's the way to get to X."
 * "But Sigma, I may be the wild card you hadn't counted on!"
 * "I'll show you how strong I am!"
 * "I'm ready to give it a shot!"
 * "No! IMPOSSIBLE!!!"
 * "'Rebellion'? Ha ha ha ha. I don't know what you're talking about. I'm just here to cause trouble for you. I hate you!"
 * "I hope you're ready, X!"
 * "You underestimated me. I hate that about you... X! There's nothing you can do! I'll defeat you and Sigma! Then I'll change the world!"
 * "Zero! Why would someone as powerful as you align yourself with X? He's just a B-Class Hunter! Nothing more!"
 * "X... Ha ha ha ha. How do you like being Sigma's puppet?"
 * "Rebellion? I couldn't care less! I just hate you, that's all!"
 * "Now, let's see which of us is truly the better Reploid!"
 * "Sigma was wrong! You're not the Reploid with the power to change the world! I am! Me! Vile! Gha ha ha ha hah!"
 * "Zero! If you're going to take that B-Class Hunter's side, then I'll have to destroy you, too!"
 * "X, X, X! Why does everyone like that guy!? Whatever. When the time comes, they'll all know the truth."
 * "Sigma! I have my own way of dealing with things. You just sit back and enjoy the show."
 * "You'll find out who really has the potential you talk about..."
 * "Hunter? Ha! I've never once entertained such thoughts."
 * "Same thing I always do... Crush anyone and anything who gets on my bad side!"
 * "I should ask you the same question. What are you accomplishing by acting as Sigma's cheerleader?"
 * "Any plan involving X is wrong! I'll put a stop to it!"
 * "Ha ha ha... All you do is follow orders. You really think you can take me on?"
 * "Pity?! Don't pity me! You don't know anything about me!"
 * "I'll tell you one thing... I don't like working for others."
 * "I don't care if a pitiful fool like you likes me or not!"
 * "If you think so, then you must know... You know which Reploid can usher in the future for us..."
 * "But what?! Do you actually believe X is the one? No way!"
 * "In that case, get out of my way and let me pass."
 * "If you say so... I won't let you or Sigma stand in my way!"
 * "We're in agreement there. I have no reason to fight you either."
 * "I've always hated you, Storm Eagle! You and that smug face of yours!"
 * "Justice? Gimme a break, Flame Mammoth. I'll fight you if that's what you want. Bring it on..."
 * "Hmpf! Your underlings were a cinch to beat. They couldn't have been much good to you anyway."
 * "I'll make you understand! You'll know that I am the one who holds the key to the future!"
 * "Ha ha ha. You're no different than Zero! You worried about Sigma when you should have been worried about me!"
 * "Hm... I guess my destroying you here was all a part of Sigma's plan. I don't usually like following other people's plans."
 * "Zero! You're harder to destroy than I thought!"
 * "Hope you're ready, X!"
 * "Noooo... I can't lose to X...!"
 * "Yeah? I was just taking care of a few loose ends."
 * "Friends? I don't have any. Not now... Not ever."
 * "I only know one thing for sure, X... You are my enemy!"
 * "X... I'll admit, you HAVE grown stronger. But..."
 * "You'll hardly be able to change the world if you're dead!"
 * "What's the MATTER, X!? Aren't you gonna show me your TRUE power!?"
 * "Wimp to the very end, huh? End of the line, X!"
 * "NO! NOT A CHARGED SHOT!"
 * "Sig...ma... I fought X... but I still don't understand. Why him!? What... What's so special about HIM!?"
 * "What did I plan to do? Heheheh... Thinking about it now, I'm not actually sure."
 * "I don't care what happens to this world! By defeating X, I validated my own existence, and that's all that matters to me now!"
 * "My name... is Vile! I am... I... ..."

Project X Zone 2

 * "I see... So... This is as far as the demon I carry will take me... But don't forget, X! There's still a demon... within YOU as well... And it will one day destroy you... with or without... my... help..."

Trivia

 * It's commonly speculated amongst the Mega Man community that the character's name was changed from Vava or Baba (the letters B and V are interchangeable in Japanese) to Vile for the North American release of Mega Man X because Capcom USA was afraid of being sued by LucasFilm, given the character's resemblance to Boba Fett, a character from the Star Wars universe.  especially the helmet with T-visor, and because his Japanese name can also be spelled "BABA" (the letters B and V are spelled and written the same way in Japanese). However, TOM-PON has stated that Vava's name is actually in reference to the character Bubba Zanetti (ババ・ザネッティ) from the 1979 film Mad Max.
 * His Mega Man X8 color scheme more closely resembles Boba Fett's, which may be in reference to this comparison.
 * Coincidentally, this would also result in Dr. Weil's name being transliterated as such from Dr. Vile in order to avoid confusion with him.
 * Vile's original body was slightly redesigned for Maverick Hunter X. These changes are mostly proportion-based, although the most noticeable changes being the Maverick symbol on his helmet replaced with his signature V-insignia (first seen in his Mk-II incarnation) and his shoulder cannon being attached to his backpack instead of being directly mounted on his right shoulder armor.
 * When playing in X mode, Vile's in-game model displays the Maverick symbol on his helmet. However, both his bust shots and in-game model in Vile mode use the V-insignia.
 * Vile Mk-II had a model kit in the Mega Armor series (originally released as a conversion kit and later as its own model kit), and the original Vile in the D-Arts line. Vile also had small miniatures of him.
 * According to source material, Vile's X8 incarnation is referred to as "VAVA Pente" (meaning "VAVA 5"), romanized as "Vile V". As Vile's previous incarnation was Vile Mk-II, this may suggest that it is the fifth iteration of Vile's design, although it isn't made clear.
 * Vile and Sigma share the same Japanese voice actor in Mega Man X8, Mugihito. Vile's voice has a noticeably mechanical and insane-sounding echo in the Japanese audio of X8, which is not found in his English voice.
 * In Maverick Hunter X, Vile is very weak to Zero's buster parts. If X uses Zero's buster parts (not Dr. Light's buster parts) on Vile after the game has been completed, X can make short work of him with two correctly aimed shots at full charge. Using Dr. Light's Buster Parts at full charge will only do up to half the damage as compared to Zero's Buster Parts.
 * The phrase "Not a CHARGED SHOT!" in Vile's ending in Mega Man Maverick Hunter X could perhaps be a reference to Vile's damage data in the original version of Mega Man X, where he is the only boss to be weakest against a charged X-Buster compared to the rest of the bosses' damage data against it.
 * Similarly during the fight against X and Zero in Mega Man Maverick Hunter X, X will protect himself with Rolling Shield, send out Homing Torpedo or summon a charged Storm Tornado. This could be a reference to the Special Weapons that deal the most damage to Vile during his second encounter in the original game.
 * Interestingly, in Mega Man Maverick Hunter X 's "Vile Mode", Vile doesn't speak to his opponent(s) unless spoken to.
 * Vile is the second major recurring boss character in the Mega Man X series, next to Sigma.
 * Vile is the first antagonist in the X series to become a playable character.
 * Vile's weakness in Mega Man X and Mega Man Maverick Hunter X is the same as Wolf Sigma's primary weakness from the first Mega Man X game: Rolling Shield. After which, there will be different types of weaknesses against Vile in the concurrent games.
 * Vile's personality in the Rockman X manga is depicted much differently than the games. In the manga, Vile is seen as calculative, cunning, and calm, and can easily catch X off guard. When X encounters him at the abandoned saloon after the battle with Armored Armadillo, Vile mentions to X that he will hunt down all those who bear the name "Rockman" after he finishes him off once and for all, but he leaves while giving X the coordinates of the next Dr. Light capsule. X tries to shoot Vile as he is leaving, but is stunned with a sense of fear.
 * The D-Arts and 66 Action Dash Vile figures come with a glass of Bourbon, an homage to his appearance in the manga, where he tells X it would not matter if the glass is filled with Bourbon or mud as Reploids can't tell the difference between them. Later in Sigma's fortress, Vile asks X if he wants a glass of Bourbon when they started fighting, making a reference to their previous encounter.
 * In Project X Zone, it is noted in Chapter 37 by the main protagonist of Tales of Vesperia, Yuri Lowell, that Vile would meet his end the same way his own nemesis Zagi did. Zagi and Vile share similar parallels in that they are both single-minded in the pursuit of their goal and their existence can only truly be defined when they beat their respective rival (Yuri and X). The two villains finally get to team up in Project X Zone 2, being the wild cards in Ouma's 101 Embryo Project and, eventually, the VA.
 * His head-up display(HUD) is briefly displayed during the ending to Vile Mode in Maverick Hunter X, which was depicted as having a red tone.
 * Unused sprites found in Mega Man X reveal that Vile was originally going to use a buster. However, this was scrapped for unknown reasons.
 * It is unknown how Vile is able to boost in the air and use his dashing move when fighting with X in Mega Man X, as his concept art shows no propulsion outlet at his back. However, two propulsion outlets were added at lower parts of his back pack in Mega Man Maverick Hunter X.
 * In Mega Man X, Vile locked Zero inside a capsule that has Sigma's mark on the lower part. This capsule also appears in Mega Man Zero 3 as one of the modifications for the New Resistance Base's elevator.
 * VileDifferencesRockmanXDiVE.jpg promotional material for Rockman X DiVE, Vile was shown to be in his Vile MK-II incarnation with the Goliath Ride Armor. However, a different version of the artwork that promoted Vile MK-II was found following the end of the closed beta. Whether or not Vile MK-II will still appear in the final game is unknown.