Mega Man X (series)

The Mega Man X series made its debut in December of 1993 on the Super Famicom and Super Nintendo Entertainment System (SNES).

Story
The series is set in the 22nd century, almost one-hundred years after the events of the first Mega Man series. The story revolves around Mega Man X, the final creation of Dr. Thomas Light, who is discovered by world-renowned archaeologist Dr. Cain and used to create an advanced race of robots known as "Reploids" (called so because they are literally replicas based on the design of X). However, not long after their creation, some of the Reploids begin to go "Maverick" and attack humans. Because of this, Dr. Cain is asked by the council to put a stop to this, and as such, forms a special unit to stop these "Mavericks" known as the "Maverick Hunters." However, the leader of the Hunters and Dr. Cain's creation, Sigma, goes Maverick himself, taking many of the Hunters with him. Thus, the "Maverick Wars" begins to take shape...

Mega Man X games
The list of games in order of the events that happen in them.


 * Mega Man X (began in June 4, 21XX, according to the Journal of Dr. Cain)
 * Mega Man Maverick Hunter X (remake of the first game)
 * Mega Man X2 (six months after the first game, as shown in the opening scene)
 * Mega Man Xtreme
 * Mega Man X3 (several months after Mega Man X2, as shown in the opening scene)
 * Mega Man Xtreme 2
 * Mega Man X4 (After Mega Man Xtreme 2)
 * Mega Man X5 (Several months after Mega Man X4)
 * Mega Man X6 (Three weeks after Mega Man X5, as shown in the opening scene)
 * Mega Man X7 (A long time after Mega Man X6)
 * Mega Man X8
 * Mega Man X: Command Mission (22XX, a side story set outside of the main storyline)

Series Backstory
The following timeline events take place between the end of the Mega Man Classic series and the events leading up to X's discovery.

20XX AD:

» The era of the Robot Rebellions comes to an end, and a period of peace ensues.

AD 20XX:

» Dr. Wily seals his final creation, Zero, away after not completing him to his final specifications (as shown in Mega Man 2: The Power Fighters).

September 18, AD 20XX:

» Dr. Light completes his work on X and seals him away for approximately 30 years of diagnostic testing, believing that the world is not yet ready for a robot that can fully make his own decisions.

» Dr. Light leaves a video message for whomever finds X, and crafts a holographic artificial intelligence template that resembles him as a younger man.

AD 20XX: Dr. Cain is born sometime prior to the deaths of Dr. Light and Dr. Wily.

''{ 100 years pass during which time X and Zero are both still sealed away. }''

Current Story, AD 21XX
The following timeline events take place between Dr. Cain's discovery of X and the final historical entry of 21XX.

April 8, 2114+ AD: Dr. Cain embarks on an expedition to research a fossil record of Mesozoic plant life that he estimates will take approximately one month to complete.

April 9, 2114+ AD: Dr. Cain sets up his camp and draws out the preliminary groundwork for his dig. He notices an odd metallic reading at location "E-46", and resolves to investigate the following day.

April 10, 2114+ AD: Dr. Cain uncovers the remnants of Dr. Light's laboratory. He examines some papers that keep referring to "the capsule".

April 13, 2114+ AD: Dr. Cain locates the capsule. He notes in his journal the specifications (14 meters tall by 8 meters wide ) and that it was found under a collapsed ceiling. Dr. Cain clears the dust from part of capsule to find a large letter "X", and he activates the message left by Dr. Light . He notes that the indicators on the capsule all appear green, and that he plans to open it the next day.

April 14, 2114+ AD: Dr. Cain succeeds in opening the capsule and activates "X".

April 15, 2114+ AD: Dr. Cain examines the design notes and specifications for X left by Dr. Light and realizes that X is a quantum leap above anything the world has ever seen.

April 16, 2114+ AD: Dr. Cain abandons his digging expedition and begins transporting X and the rest of Light's materials to his own laboratory.

November 22nd, 21XX: After making minor modifications to Dr. Light's original designs, Dr. Cain (with X's help) succeeds in creating what he dubs his first "Reploid". Dr. Cain engages in an argument with his Reploid and is highly intrigued.

May 3rd, 21XX: Dr. Cain reports that the Reploids have been running off the assembly lines for several weeks, and that the general populace seems happy to accept the new robots.

21XX: The first recorded instance of "Maverick" behavior is reported. The term "Maverick" is coined and applied to Reploids who disobey orders and/or injure humans.

AD 21XX: A second instance of Maverick behavior occurs.

July 16, 21XX: The third Maverick instance occurs, this time with 2 people injured after 3 Reploids went Maverick. Dr. Cain reports that the council is debating halting the assembly of Reploids, but he doubts it will come to pass.

November 20, 21XX: The council forms the Maverick Hunter organization. Dr. Cain places Sigma, who contains his latest circuit designs, as Commander.

{ Two years pass.} 

December 10th, 21XX: With the Maverick Hunters maintaining an admirable efficiency rate, Dr. Cain takes note of how X seems rather unsure of his place in the world, and what Dr. Light intended for him to be.

21XX: Zero awakens and heads to the "Forbidden Place". He is found, classified as Maverick, and engaged by a squadron of Maverick Hunters led by Gamma. Gamma's unit is decimated, and Commander Sigma goes to investigate. Sigma battles Zero, is damaged and infected with the Virus, but subdues Zero. Zero is taken to Dr. Cain, repaired, and trained as a Hunter under Sigma's wing.

21XX: X joins the 17th Battalion of Maverick Hunters under the command of Sigma.

Six Months after Sigma's Battle w/ Zero, 21XX: Sigma slowly succumbs to the Virus, but keeps his infection and Maverick thoughts a secret.

21XX: Sigma secretly approaches his strongest warriors and talks them into joining his cause. Chill Penguin, operating with the 13th Battalion, agrees to help and is summoned from the South Pole to operate with the 17th Battalion until Sigma declares his revolt. Vile is arrested and imprisoned for being too reckless on Hunter operations.

July 4th, 21XX (The Day of Σ): Sigma openly revolts , calling all Reploids to join his rebellion. Both Storm Eagle (leader of the 6th Air Cavalry Battalion) and Sting Chameleon (a Hunter in the 9th Special Ops Battalion), disagree, but they are both defeated by Sigma and forced into subordination. Sigma frees Vile to help him prior to his launching missiles at Abel City.

21XX: Zero becomes Commander of the Maverick Hunters. Sigma's forces attack the city again, and X resolves to go after him.

21XX: The events of Mega Man X / Maverick Hunter X occur. Zero sacrifices himself during a battle with Vile, and Sigma is destroyed by X.

21XX: X becomes the Commander of the 17th Battalion.

21XX: Serges, a Reploid who followed Sigma, revives him and begins the X-Hunters' plan to rebuild Zero and use him as a weapon against X.

Six Months after MMX1/MHX, 21XX: The events of Mega Man X2 occur. X takes a squadron of Hunters to an abandoned Reploid production factory, and discovers evidence of a new Maverick plot.

True Scenario:

X fights the X-Hunters, recovers Zero's parts, and he is rebuilt at Hunter Base. X encounters Sigma, who uses a fake clone of Zero, but the real Zero shows up and defeats the clone. X fights Sigma while Zero takes down the main computer, and Sigma is defeated once again.

Alternate Scenario:

X fights the X-Hunters, but does not recover Zero's parts. Zero is rebuilt and used against X by the resurrected Sigma, but X battles and defeats Zero, who comes to his senses. X fights Sigma while Zero takes down the main computer, and Sigma is defeated once again.

21XX: Zero is appointed Commander of his own special 0th Battalion.

21XX: The events of Mega Man Xtreme (Cyber Mission) occur. X and Zero employ the help of Middy to stop the hacking into the Hunter Base's Mother Computer, and defeat Sigma once again.

A Few Months Prior to MMX3, 21XX: Dr. Doppler is created, and uses his keen intellect to examine Maverick Data. He discovers that there is a computer virus causing Reploids to go Maverick, and constructs his "Neuro Computer" to combat the virus. DopplerTown is founded as a haven for Reploids. Through his research of the virus, Dr. Doppler becomes infected.

21XX: Doppler releases an antidote for the Maverick Virus, but it is revealed to be a placebo. Maverick riots break out in DopplerTown.

21XX: The events of Mega Man X3 occur. Doppler's Army attacks Maverick Hunter HQ as X and Zero are battling the armies in DopplerTown. X and Zero repel the invasion and go after Doppler's Mavericks, while Doppler finishes upgrading the revived Vile. Doppler commissions the Nightmare Police to hunt X, and completes work on a new body for Sigma.

True Scenario:

X battles the Mavericks with Zero's help and defeats Dr. Doppler. While X fights Sigma, Zero visits Doppler and receives an antivirus program that can be adapted for his Z-Saber. Zero rescues the trapped X by defeating Sigma with the antivirus program.

Alternate Scenario:

X battles the Mavericks with Zero's help but Zero is damaged and returns to Maverick Hunter HQ for repairs. X defeats Dr. Doppler and Sigma, but is trapped by the Sigma Virus. Doppler aids X by showing up with the true antidote for the Sigma Virus. Doppler sacrifices himself to destroy the Sigma Virus.

Undetermined Number of Years Later, 21XX: Cain Labs initiates Repliforce v3 program to aid Maverick Hunters (MHv3) in maintaining order.

January 1, 21XX: Cain Labs issues a directive officially forming Repliforce.

21XX: Repliforce scientists being research on the "Ultimate Soldier Program". Research is partially successful, but cannot merge the perfect qualities of two diametrically-opposed viewpoints; thus two separate Reploids are created: Colonel and Iris.

21XX: Iris trains with the Maverick Hunters and operates on a temporary basis in a Navigator capacity.

21XX: The events of Mega Man Xtreme 2 (Soul Eraser) occur. X and Zero are dispatched to Laguz Island to investigate the mysterious Erasure Incidents. They defeat the resurrected Mavericks and put a stop to Sigma's scheme involving the Soul Erasers, Gareth and Berkana.

June 1, 21XX: Cain Labs issues directive deeming Repliforce ineffective, and mobilizes Maverick Hunter Battalions #0 and #17 to deal with riots at the Sky Lagoon. This directive marks the last time Dr. Cain is seen in the series continuity (barring rewrites from Maverick Hunter X).

21XX: A resurrected Sigma meets with the General of the Repliforce and encourages him to revolt against the Maverick Hunters. General dismisses him, and Sigma threatens that this is not the end.

21XX: The events of Mega Man X4 occur. Egregion attacks Repliforce Command and kidnaps Iris, then proceeds to wreak havoc on the Sky Lagoon colony.

Combined Scenario w/ X and Zero:


 * Zero saves Iris from Eregion.


 * X and Zero tackle the Repliforce officers, including the three Mavericks who have infiltrated their ranks.


 * X fights Colonel at the spaceport, but leaves for the Final Weapon. Zero also fights him, and destroys him. Zero travels to the Final Weapon as well.


 * X and Zero are both on the Final Weapon; X meets Double (aka Jello Man) while Zero fights and defeats Iris, who is enraged over her brother's death. X moves on and defeats General.


 * Zero finds Sigma and learns of his past as a Maverick. He confronts Sigma, but returns to Hunter Base without finishing him off. Zero fears himself as he remembers Iris, and ponders whether or not all Reploids are destined to become Mavericks.


 * X destroys Sigma and watches General sacrifice himself to give X enough time to escape. He contacts Zero on his way home and expresses his concerns that he might go Maverick. Zero calls it ridiculous and does not wish to speak of the subject.

21XX: The Commander of the Maverick Hunters retires out of guilt over the events of the Great War. A new Reploid named Signas, who was designed with the most precise CPU in existence, is appointed as the new Commander because of his calm judgment and quick thinking.

21XX: Alia and Gate, two prominent research Reploids, work at the Reploid Research Center. Gate's research into DNA Resurrection techniques lead to censure from his colleagues. Alia is tasked with assisting in the disposal of Gate's creations, and Gate is forced into exile.

21XX: Alia is reassigned from the Reploid Research Center to serve as a Navigator for the Maverick Hunters because of her top-class knowledge, her design skills, and her excellence in program analysis and data processing.

21XX: Alia analyzes the data for the Force Armor and manages to create a near-duplicate called the 4th Armor. Alia is unable to fully replicate the design because some parts of X's armors, like his design, cannot be analyzed.

Several Months after the Repliforce War, 21XX: The events of Mega Man X5 occur. Sigma attacks the city. X and Zero battle him, and his ensuing explosion spreads the Sigma Virus across the Earth. With this and a special virus from the Eurasia Colony, Sigma hopes to corrupt Zero enough that his "true self" is awakened. The attempt at stopping the Colony with the Enigma fails, and the Shuttle mission partially succeeds, although fragments of the Colony slam into the Earth, ruining the landscape.

Accepted Ending (combined X and Zero scenarios):

X defeats Sigma, who threatens to take Zero with him. Zero's lower body is vaporized in the resulting explosion. X picks him up, and Sigma's remains fire a blast which cuts through both X and Zero. Zero wakes up long enough to finish Sigma off, and his life flashes before his eyes. He realizes what he is, ponders who this old man in his dreams is, and decides that at this point, he can finally die. He loses consciousness as he remembers Iris. Zero explodes again and destroys most of X's body as well. Dr. Light's hologram appears and repairs X's body. In memory of his friend, X carries the Z-Saber with him.

Alternate Event (does not occur in continuity):

X is shown three years later leading a group of Maverick Hunters into battle. The Hunters recall that X's battle with Sigma and the loss of Zero have changed X, and he is now a sharper Hunter. In memory of his friend, X wields the Z-Saber.

Alternate Ending (as X with Maverick Zero):

The amount of the Virus overcomes Zero and he reverts to his true self, and vows to destroy X. X fights Zero hoping to save his friend and defeats him. As Sigma prepares to destroy both of them, Zero awakens and leaps in front of the blast. X is revived and goes to confront Sigma. X is grievously wounded after Sigma's explosion, but Dr. Light's hologram appears and repairs X. Back at the Hunter Base, Alia remarks that it is strange how X was repaired, and how his memories of Zero have been erased. In fact, he cannot even accept new input related to Zero. X works with the Hunters to repair the damage from the crash and speaks of his dream to create a world, "Elysium", where there is harmony (Neo Arcadia?).

21XX: The Maverick Hunters work to repair the damage wrought by Sigma during the Earth Crisis. Humans are forced underground due to the acid rain and polluted atmosphere. X continues to battle the Mavericks left over from Sigma's war, while he continues to search for any trace of Zero.

2 Weeks After the Colony Crash, 21XX: The exiled Gate explores the crash site and finds fragments of Zero's body that are laden with the remnants of the Colony and Sigma Viruses. Gate becomes a Maverick and uses the DNA fragments to create High Max, the Zero Nightmare, the Nightmare drones, and he revives Sigma's consciousness. He also rebuilds his eight creations that were disposed of by the Reploid Research Center.

1 Week Later, 21XX: The events of Mega Man X6 occur. Gate unleashes the Nightmare as X continues to search for what happened to Zero. The Zero Nightmare appears near the crash site, and Isoc puts a call out to Reploids who want to help hunt the Nightmare. X investigates the situation on his own, with support from Signas and Alia.

Accepted Ending:

X defeats the Zero Nightmare and discovers Zero fully repaired. X works with Zero to defeat Gate and the revived but not-quite-there Sigma, and Zero is present with X in the end as they ponder Gate's fate and the future of the Earth. Alia promises to try and create a program that is resistant to all viruses.

Alternate Ending:

X never defeats the Zero Nightmare, but he does destroy Gate and Sigma. Zero is shown to be alive, but he refrains from revealing his presence to X. The two sense Zero's presence, and Zero remarks that he has something he needs to take care of.

Future Event (Post-Elf Wars):

Zero (in his Copy Body) seals himself away because he fears he might present a danger

21XX: X retires as the commander of the 17th Battalion and chooses to search for more peaceful resolutions. He helps with the restoration of Earth, and Red, a former Repliforce officer , creates the Red Alert Syndicate to fill the void.

21XX: Two renegades, Cedar and Aluce, obtain a copy of the Sigma Virus MK2, and are hunted down by Red and Axl . The success of this hunt attracts the attention of Sigma, who has been revived again and has been mentally restored.

A "Long Time" After MMX6, 21XX: The events of Mega Man X7 occur. Sigma plots to use Axl's copy ability to his advantage and coerces Red into following him, but the plan backfires when Sigma is defeated and blasted out of a window by Axl, who has assumed the form of Red.

21XX: Axl joins the Maverick Hunters and begins hunting alongside X and Zero.

21XX: Zero retires as Commander of the 0th Battalion but remains in his capacity as a Maverick Hunter.

21XX: The government begins colonization plans for the moon, and codenames the effort the "Jakob Project". New-Generation Reploids that possess with special Chameleon abilities and viral immunity are developed, and the Jakob Orbital Elevator is built at Point Galapagos. The New-Generation Reploid, Lumine, is assigned as the project director.

21XX: Sigma attempts to manipulate the project to suit his desires by having his DNA programmed into the copy chips of all the New-Generation Reploids.

21XX: The events of Mega Man X8 occur. X, Zero, and Axl defeat a resurrected Vile for the third time and put a stop to Sigma's plans. Sigma is destroyed for good, and Lumine is revealed as the chief architect behind the whole villainous plot.

21XX: The government orders all Copy Chip production and use cancelled due to the inherent dangers involved.

21XX: The Maverick Wars continue...

Current Story, AD 22XX
22XX: The Federation Government secretly restarts Copy Chip production in the vicinity of Giga City, which may or may not be under construction at this point in time.

22XX: X, Zero, and Axl all become S-Class Maverick Hunters. X and Zero each head up their respective Battalions again (Units 17 and 0), and a New-Generation Reploid named Colonel Redips becomes the commander of the Eastern Division Maverick Hunter base. His New-Gen abilities are hidden to hide his Maverick status.

December, 2202: Force Metal meteor identified and classified as 2202XA8.

22XX: Force Metal meteor hits Earth somewhere in the Pacific Ocean.

22XX: Giga City created for the purpose of mining the Force Metal.

22XX: The Federation begins secretly conducting Force Metal research, and the subjects soon rebel and form the Rebellion Army. Epsilon commands the army, and he banishes humans from Giga City.

22XX: The Federation sends Eastern Division Maverick Hunter operatives to handle the Rebellion Army. Some are killed, while other Force Metal-imbued Reploids turn Maverick and join the Army.

22XX: The remaining citizens of Giga City take matters into their own hands and form the Resistance to counter the Rebellion Army.

22XX: The Federation government determines that Epsilon is behind the uprising, and they request that X and Zero be sent to handle the threat once they realize the need for non-Force Metal-enhanced Reploids.

22XX: The events of Mega Man X: Command Mission occur. X and Zero battle the Rebellion Army, meet up with Axl while amassing a group of Resistance fighters, and they learn that Redips has been manipulating the entire incident to get his hands on Supra-Force Metal. Redips is defeated by X, Zero, and Axl, and the SFM destroyed.

22XX: The Federation government deems Redips a Maverick and defers determination of Epsilon's Maverick status.

22XX: The Maverick Wars continue for an unknown amount of time and take their toll...

Out-of-Continuity Events
21XX: The events depicted in the "Mega Mission 1" card series occur between the first riots in DopplerTown and the events of Mega Man X3.

21XX: The events depicted in the "Mega Mission 2: VS Revenge Limited" card series occur after MMX3, but before Mega Man X5.

21XX: The events depicted in the "Mega Mission 3: VS Hyper Limited" card series occur after Mega Mission 2, but before MMX5.

Trivia

 * The Mega Man X series was the first spin-off based on the original Mega Man series. The X series is perhaps the closest series to the original in terms of characters and gameplay, featuring some characters from the original series such as Dr. Light. Many enemies from the classic series also make appareances here, albeit mostly in new forms.