High Max

"Data-wise, I've surpassed you... There's no chance for me to lose!"

- High Max

High Max, known as HI-MAX (ハイマックス) in Japan, is a Reploid made by Gate with a piece of Zero's DNA. Gate uses him as a false leader in his "investigation" of the Zero Nightmare in order to goad Reploids into working with him. High Max is shown to be very arrogant and considers himself superior to both X and Zero in terms of specs. When they defeat him, he expresses surprise that they were able to do so.

When first encountered, he is practically invincible and X must simply outlast him. When encountered again, whether in the secret areas (after Zero is regained) or in Gate's Lab, the player must get creative to defeat him. X should stun him with charged X-Buster shots and, while he's stunned, use the Magma Blade (or even better, the Nova Strike). The Shadow Armor's charged attack is also effective against him, and High Max also takes considerable damage from said armor's Giga Attack. Zero should reverse this — use Shouenzan, and then regular Z-Saber strikes. With patience, persistence, and perhaps both Sub Tanks full, High Max should not be much of a problem.

By defeating High Max in the secret area, Gate will appear in a cutscene to challenge the Maverick Hunters directly, and the first Secret Laboratory stage will become accessible, even without having to defeat the remaining Mavericks, if any.

Intro Stage (After X defeats the Giant Mechaniloid)
(A purple phantom Zero appears, finishes off the mechaniloid and then vanishes)

Alia: Z... Zero!?

??: I knew Zero was doing this.

X: Who are you!?

??: High Max... I am called... I'm investigating the Zero Nightmare.

X: What! Did you say the Zero Nightmare?

High Max: What are you trying to do? What is your connection to the Zero Nightmare?

X: What about Zero? You are behind this!

High Max: You are dangerous... I'll dispose of you.

Intro Stage (After battle)
High Max: Maverick Hunter... Not amazing. We will destroy the Zero Nightmare. You are not wanted here. Keep out.

X: I could not inflict any damage on him... High Max. The Zero... Night...mare... Hmm, did I dream about Zero? What is happening?

Commander Yammark's Stage as X
High Max: I'm warning you. Do not get in the way of our important investigation.

X: What are you investigating? Why are you so deep in this deadly area?

High Max: I won't waste anymore time. I'll delete you now!

Commander Yammark's Stage as Zero
High Max: You're not wanted here. Do not disturb our important investigation.

Zero: Your investigation? Come on! You're examining the Nightmare!

High Max: You are nuisance. I'll delete you.

Ground Scaravich's Stage as X
High Max: What made you come here?

X: I came here to stop the Nightmare phenomena! They must be your doings...

High Max: You are very persistent. I'll make sure I destroy you!

Ground Scaravich's Stage as Zero
High Max: You Nightmare scum! What made you come here?

Zero: I came here to eliminate you.

High Max: No! It's you who will be eliminated!

Blaze Heatnix's Stage as X
High Max: You have no need to be here. Leave.

X: Why are you with the Nightmare? Stop it!

High Max: That's what I'm supposed to say. Leave, Maverick!

Blaze Heatnix's Stage as Zero
High Max: Here comes a nuisance...

Zero: I don't think you are helpful. Leave.

High Max: Hey! That's my line!

Blizzard Wolfang's Stage as X
High Max: You again? You will never beat me.

X: Do not involve innocent Reploids!

High Max: ...You're annoying. I will delete you.

Blizzard Wolfang's Stage as Zero
High Max: You offend me, so I'll delete you!

Zero: You are the offensive one!

High Max: ... Annoying. I shall delete you!

Rainy Turtloid's Stage as X
High Max: I have no interest in an incompetent Maverick Hunter.

X: Withdraw all the Nightmares and the investigators!

High Max: Let's not talk about, let's fight about it!

Rainy Turtloid's Stage as Zero
High Max: Nightmare scum! You have appeared at last!

Zero: Shut up! All of you, withdraw!

High Max: Let's not talk about, let's fight about it!

Metal Shark Player's Stage as X
High Max: You again... Haven't you learned yet? You stand no chance of winning...

X: I won't yield to evil!

High Max: ... Silence. I will delete you.

Metal Shark Player's Stage as Zero
High Max: The Nightmare... What are you doing here?

Zero: What are you talking about?

High Max: ... Silence. I will delete you.

Shield Sheldon's Stage as X
X: Abort your lame plan! And tell Isoc to do the same.

High Max: I won't take orders from you!

Shield Sheldon's Stage as Zero
Zero: Why do you try to hide with such a big body?

High Max: It is you who were trying to hide!

Infinity Mijinion's Stage as X
High Max: You don't quit do you?

X: Release the Reploids! And where is Isoc!?

High Max: You don't need to know!

Infinity Mijinion's Stage as Zero
High Max: I've been expecting you, Nightmare scum!

Zero: What is your intention!?

High Max: You don't need to know!

After defeating High Max in a secret area as X
High Max: No! I can't believe this. I'm superior to him in every respect, the speed, the power and the body... An old robot like you can't beat me... This can't be true!!

Isoc: Ummmm. High Max is down... Kugh! We'd better withdraw for now!

X: Wait! You can't escape!

Isoc: You ancient piece of junk, it's not over! I'll destroy you myself! For the time being, farewell!

Signas: X! Cool down! We don't want to lose you. You may be damaged in the battle. Return to the Hunter Base, now!

X: Darn! So close... But I must be cautious... Roger that! I'll be back.

Final Battle Against High Max as X
High Max: Data-wise, I've surpassed you... There's no chance for me to lose!

X: Are you still babbling about things like that? I just have to win!

Final Battle Against High Max as Zero
High Max: Just die! Die, original one!

Zero: What is he saying? Anyway, it's time to finish!