Soldier Stonekong

"We...We have already strayed from the path. Now all we can do is stay true to our beliefs, wherever they might lead us."

- Soldier Stonekong

Soldier Stonekong, also known as Solider Stonekong (ソルジャー・ストンコング) in Japan, is a Gorilla-based Reploid and one of the Mavericks in Mega Man X7. He dwells within the Deep Forest, and acts somewhat like a medieval knight. He is one of three Red Alert members who is aware that he is being manipulated by "the Professor" (the other two being Red and Tornado Tonion). However, unlike the other two, he doesn't seem to regret being used for evil (something noted by and scolded by Axl), as he only fights for loyalty, not for justice.

Strategy
This battle takes place on what is basically a 2-D arena wrapped around into a ring. Stonekong will run around this ring. He has a large stone sword, as well as his Gaea Shield. His sword can be destroyed, and this may make things easier.
 * His first attack involves him releasing his tiny shield and letting it fly around the arena once. Jump over it to dodge it (Zero's double-jump makes this easier). When he's standing still, use rapid fire to lower his life quickly or slash him with the Z-Saber as much as possible before the shield returns.


 * After that, he will rush towards the player. Jump over him to avoid a hit, then fire at him or slash him again.


 * His third attack involves him jumping up and latching onto the cylinder-like obstacle in the center of the ring. Stonekong will then create a huge rock which will split in two, each part flying in opposites directions around the arena. They'll break just before they make contact with each other, allowing X and Axl to avoid being hit by the rocks if they're right between the parts as they break; Zero can double-jump to dodge them as well.


 * At one-fourth health he has a final attack, but doesn't use it very often. If the player is standing too close to him, he will raise his sword and slash at them; this will take off almost half of the character's health, so watch out. If using Zero, his Hadangeki will cause Stonekong to slip and fall. Hit him with the G-Launcher to lower his health rapidly (since Explosion can only be fired twice, the G-Launcher alone is best as it can be used indefinitely).

Stage enemies
Enemies in Soldier Stonekong's stage, the Deep Forest:
 * Blockape
 * Ape Stone
 * Ruinsman
 * Kyuun B
 * Rolling Stone

Dialogues
X: Why...Why do you insist on fighting?

Soldier Stonekong: First I ask you! What is strength? What is war?

X: A method for imposing one's will upon another.

Soldier Stonekong: Precisely! Now, no more talk! Let our swords speak for us! Only the victors will be viewed as righteous in the eyes of history.

Zero: You're something else.

Soldier Stonekong: So, you are Zero, the grace of whose attacks is like no other... I am Stonekong. I live only to fight. Just like you.

Zero: No! There's more to life than fighting!

Soldier Stonekong: Silence! I've never seen a battle Reploid as perfect as you. We shall have the fight to end all fights. En garde!

Axl: The great and wise Stonekong. How could you, of all people, do such a thing?!

Soldier Stonekong: We...We have already strayed from the path. Now all we can do is stay true to our beliefs, wherever they might lead us.

Axl: But what Red Alert is doing is wrong.

Soldier Stonekong: I know that! Both you and I know they are being manipulated! I fight for loyalty. Ready yourself! 

Production Notes
Designer Comments "I was in charge of Stonekong's design. I was going for the sort sophisticated design reminiscent of 'X1' and the robot animes from the 80s, the kind of thing the kids love. I was kind of hoping that my design would influence the other designers to an extent, but I came into 'X7' a little late in the game, so it was too late for that." - Tatsuya Yoshikawa

Trivia

 * Soldier Stonekong has a brief appearance in the last issue from Dreamwave Productions' Mega Man comic.
 * The helmet Soldier Stonekong wears seems to resemble the skull armor of the Wily Machines.