Sigma/Maverick Hunter X

"Listen well, X. There are times when we Maverick Hunters cannot afford to hesitate in pulling the trigger. We must become both sword and shield to those who cannot protect themselves - that is our sworn duty. Never forget that!"

- Commander Sigma before his rebellion

"It's not over yet, X! The battle! The angst! The destruction! I will make you understand the true potential of Reploids!"

- Sigma as a Maverick

Sigma is a character from Mega Man Maverick Hunter X, a Reploid that was originally the leader of the Maverick Hunters, but betrayed them and Humaninty, becoming the leader of a Maverick army.

The Day of Σ
Sigma appears in a short unlockable OVA in the game Mega Man Maverick Hunter X for the PSP entitled "The Day of Σ". It shows the Maverick Hunters prior to the events of the game under Sigma's command, before he ultimately revolts, declaring total war on humanity. It should be noted that the events in this OVA coincide more with the canon of Mega Man Maverick Hunter X than with that of the original game.

Commander Sigma, deciding to put Reploid potential to "the ultimate test", hired some hackers to hijack a Mechaniloid and have it attack a building, then killed them and stole the data presumably to cover up his involvement. He then led the Elite 15th Unit to the building, with Zero and Chill Penguin directly participating on the ground, while X was to be delivered and airdropped to the target. 45 seconds prior to X's drop point arrival, Sigma contacted X and relayed orders to fire at will at the Maverick once it appeared in range. Sigma then motioned Zero and Chill Penguin's respective companies to get into position. After X seemingly disabled the Mechaniloid with a charge shot, Sigma then ordered Chill Penguin Company to "commence operation" (presumably recovering the Mechaniloid and inspecting it), although before Chill Penguin could begin to secure the area, the Maverick Mechaniloid suddenly rose back up, with barely any noticeable damage from X's earlier attack. Sigma, undaunted, then contacted Zero and inquired if he is able to aim for the Mechaniloid's sole weakness: its main reactor, although Zero replied negative due to it moving too fast to get a good lock on it, and its attacks are unable to get him or his men close enough to do so. After a failed attempt at restraining it from Chill Penguin Company, Sigma ultimately was forced to dodge its laser weapons before it could slice through him, jumping all the way up to the top of a skyscraper building before resuming observing the attack. Eventually, he had to directly interfere as a result of X hesitating to shoot the generator due to a captive Maverick Hunter being placed in front of it, slicing the generator with a deep enough gash to leave it permanently out of commission, although at the cost of the captive Hunter losing his arm. Afterwards, presumably after relaying clean-up orders to a Maverick Hunter, Sigma then approached X and, after noting that X's aiming abilities were no different from his own and deducing that X hesitated due to fearing that he'd hit the captive Hunter by mistake despite the small chance of such occurring, lectured him about how they must never afford to hesitate to pull the trigger. He then departs, although not before relaying to the other Hunters to commence a retreat after assessing all casualties.

He then arrived at Dr. Cain's house to debrief him on the events of the Maverick attack, also revealing that the Maverick attack was at least among the first of its kind to involve giant Mechaniloids. He also revealed when Cain inquired of X's status among the Hunters that X has shown exceptional promise on the battlefield, though his worrying tends to cloud his judgment. However, Sigma ended up surprised to learn that X's worrying was in fact an outlet to his inner potential and not a weakness, at least, not purely a weakness. This ultimately has Sigma becoming interested in seeing X's limitless potential be awakened as part of his agenda. He is then informed of the hack's origin at Sector 16 East of Abel City, with his then ordering X and Zero to investigate, secretly aware that the perpetrators are all dead. Later that night, after X and Zero discovered the hackers, or what was left of them, Sigma then arrived and, after being informed of the attack most likely being an inside job, then asked Zero what he made of it, with Zero stating that while he doesn't know who did it, he definitely was certain that the perpetrator possessed incredible combat skills due to each blow being directed at a weak spot. Sigma then silently left before wordlessly signalling Storm Eagle and Chill Penguin to begin a manhunt on the "fugitive."

The next day, after a significantly increased amount of Maverick activity, he then went to the brig where Vile was being detained for something that happened the day before, and slaughtered all the guards before promptly freeing Vile and explaining he needed the latter's help in defeating X by drawing out the latter's limitless potential via his worrying. Vile refused due to seeing such a plan as insane, though Sigma took it in stride and left him to his own devices, although not before making clear his plan required someone who could go Maverick of their own accord, implicitly considering Vile to be such a Reploid. He then relayed that Vile had escaped from his cell and ordered the Operator to dispatch X and Zero to the detention center to investigate, and then entered radio silence just as he arrived at the Missile Base.

After X and Zero arrived, Sigma motioned to the nearby terminals showing the Maverick attack, indicating the perpetrator was using the missile base to instigate the Maverick attacks. Sigma then approached Zero and, while explaining he deactivated his transmitter to "maintain cover" before ominously stating it doesn't matter now, drew his beam saber and attempted to kill Zero with it. However, Zero, having already deduced Sigma of being responsible for both slaughters, proceeded to parry his attack, with Sigma being impressed by Zero's detective work and asking him how he figured it out. Sigma then explains that, while impressed by Zero's deduction, he nevertheless was focused on X, as the latter's potential could help Reploids seek out their independence and increase their potential before promptly pinning Zero to himself. As X attempted to talk Sigma out of his actions and beg him to let Zero go, Sigma then demanded that X take his chance and fire, also adding that he'll risk destroying Zero in the process. When it became clear X was too worried about harming Zero and hesitating, Sigma then laughed exhileratedly before inflicting saber wounds to Zero after throwing him aside. He then rushed at X as he was distracted by Zero's injuries and proceeded to grab him by the neck. Sigma, while giving a cruel echo of his earlier lecture to X, then unveiled he planned to launch all the base's missiles into Abel City. He then gives X a choice: Either let Sigma launch the missiles, or shoot him, before suggesting X "lay down his arms". X then ends up doing that in a very literal manner by dislodging his X Buster, to Sigma's deranged amusement, before Sigma tossed him to the side. Sigma then explained he was doing these actions for the future of Reploids and testing their potential, with X deducing all the maverick attacks they had been doing were due to Sigma, with Sigma implying he's got others on his side before declaring that evolution requires sacrifices to be made, and demonstrated his point by launching the missiles, to X's horror. Sigma then stabbed X in the gut when the latter rushed to stop Sigma, with Sigma coldly stating that X brought it all upon himself for having limitless potential and limitless danger inside him, and then declaring that it was the beginning of his new world. However, X's limitless potential briefly awakened, with Sigma being knocked back before X managed to place his hand on Sigma's face, with Sigma barely managing to get free from it, although not before X managed to etch scars into his eyes, with Sigma becoming prepared to face off against X, although because of the damage he had suffered earlier, X shut down prematurely before the fight could reach a conclusion. Nevertheless, this brief witnessing of X's limitless potential impressed Sigma enough that he started laughing with some joy.

Some time later, he observed the ruins of Abel City, before demanding that X come and get him, declaring they are now to fight to decide the fate of all Reploids, also making clear this was just the beginning of a major war.

Mega Man Maverick Hunter X
Presumably a while later, Sigma arranged via his followers to have a highway pylon affixed with an explosive, which caused the highway to be destroyed and ended up killing a Reploid bystander, with X witnessing this and deducing Sigma's involvement by a bomb fragment possessing Sigma's emblem. True to what he claimed earlier, he managed to get eight Maverick Hunters to his side, most of them willingly, though Storm Eagle ended up forced to join outright.

Eventually, Sigma confronted X in the central part of his fortress. Sigma then noticed that X's eyes had a determined look and that X no longer looked troubled since their last encounter, with X angrily telling Sigma that his actions were unforgivable. Sigma then decided that X might in fact be ready to face him, although he wished to test X further by siccing Velguarder on him. After X bested Velguarder, he then decided that X did indeed have the potential he thought he saw in him earlier, and vowed their combined potential would make them unstoppable, although X decried Sigma as insane for even thinking that he had potential at all, although Sigma implied in turn that X's ideals in justice were simply implemented in rather than genuine before fighting X. X ultimately did significant damage to Sigma, with Sigma congratulating X, while admitting that designating X as a B-class hunter was a mistake before laughing exhileratedly while X angrily tells Sigma his Maverick plans are to end. He then detached his head and merges with a separate Mechaniloid body to become Wolf Sigma. His head then tells X that their battle is not over yet, and declares his intent to make X understand that Reploids' true potential is in battle, angst and destruction, with X declaring that he's ending it right then and there and vowing to defeat him. Sigma ultimately was bested by X, with Sigma making a final attempt at X with his Wolf Sigma body, only to end up having his body's explosions worsen and force him to let go and fall to his death as X warps out.

In Vile Mode, Sigma also effectively acts as Vile's commanding officer, telling him to challenge his lieutenants. After Vile successfully does so, he also invites Vile over to fight him. However, Vile was unable to get the chance to do so after being (barely) defeated by X and Zero. Sigma also finds Vile's broken body and questions him in regards to what his motives were in the Maverick Wars. When Vile couldn't give a direct answer, Sigma then leaves him, although not before making sure to radio some of his men with the order to retrieve him.

First battle
Sigma retains his original Mega Man X counterpart's attacks, retaining his ability to use his beam saber to block the player's attacks. He will then rush at the player's location followed with a slash or jump across walls to reach the player should they be on a wall. He however gains two new attacks:


 * While on the ground, Sigma will fire five small energy shots from his head at various trajectories.
 * Sigma will charge vertically downwards if he is above the player while jumping across walls. This attack can somewhat be difficult to avoid if the player does not have the Foot Parts to quickly dash away. (Hard difficulty only)

Second battle
The battle against Wolf Sigma has been slightly altered compared to its original Mega Man X counterpart, with the Maverick Hunter X version using new attacks while replacing some of the attacks. Also, Sigma's paws no longer move around randomly across the room. When Sigma attacks by shooting lightning from its paws, the lightning's hit box now covers the entire width of the paw, making it no longer possible to stand on the paw without taking damage from the lightning. Unlike the original Mega Man X, Wolf Sigma is fully affected by the Hadoken.


 * Sigma breathes fire across the floor, towards one paw that will shoot lightning.
 * Both paws shoot lightning at the same time. This will also happen if X is standing on the paws after he uses another attack.
 * Sigma will try to crush X with his closest paw.
 * Sigma attempts to crush X with his paw while one of his shoulders glow, charging for a brief period after which he will rain the entire room with a wave of blue lasers. The shoulder that glows indicates the starting position of the lasers. The lasers do not pierce through Sigma's paws so the player can take shelter underneath to avoid the lasers.
 * Sigma will try to "grab" at the middle of the room. (Hard difficulty only)
 * Sigma charges a large orb of electricity in his shoulder and after a short period, he will launch a bolt of lightning at the center of the room, which then shocks the entire floor for a split second. The player can either wall jump or time their jump from the ground to avoid this. (Hard difficulty only)

Once Sigma's health is below half-full, he may use the lightning shock attack immediately after firing the lasers.

Quotes

 * "As far as his judgement and abilities on the battlefield is concerned, he has shown tremendous promise. However, he tends to hesitate when the situation calls for decisive action."
 * "I congratulate you on your detective skills, Zero. But it is X who deserves my admiration. His innocence is what makes him special, you see. He's an incredible Reploid specimen, wouldn't you agree?"
 * "You invited all of this upon yourself, X. Limitless potential and limitless danger both lie within you. Is this the end? Not at all. It is the beginning. The beginning of my new world!"
 * "Come and get me, X! The time has come to prove your mettle against me. This fight will decide the fate of all Reploids! The battle may be over, but the war is just beginning!"
 * "I see a new clarity in your eyes. You are no longer troubled."
 * "X... That look in your eyes makes me think you might be ready to face me. But why don't you try this on for size first!"
 * "Impressive, X... It looks like you really do have the potential I had seen in you. Our potential is limitless..."
 * "That's not what you really think."
 * "You say you believe in justice. But that's not true. You've only been lead to think that. Nothing more!"
 * "Magnificent, X! And to think you've been classified as a B-Class Hunter! Ha ha ha ha!"
 * "Mwah hah ha! Hah ha ha ha ha ha!"
 * "It's not over yet, X! The battle! The angst! The destruction! I will make you understand the true potential of Reploids!"
 * "I need your help... to defeat X."
 * "Yes. In order to ensure our future and speed along our evolution."
 * "His...worrying... That is precisely the quality that will prove beneficial to our cause. He alone possesses that ability. He thinks more deeply than the rest of us. He feels... normal Reploids are no match for his art. But... he is unaware of his incredible power."
 * "I won't force you; this isn't something most Reploids could do. I need someone who can go Maverick of their own accord."
 * "Vile... My supporters have been revolting across the land. What is your plan?"
 * "Vile... So this is your way of handling things?"
 * "Hm... Interesting... Why don't you come find me using your methods? I want to see you in action with my own eyes."
 * "What exactly did you plan to do, Vile? Would you stand before me as a Maverick Hunter? Kneel at my feet and place yourself at my mercy?"
 * "Retrieve Vile."
 * First phase
 * I'll take you on! Here I come, X! (pre-battle)
 * This is for you! (when using his eye-lasers)
 * You're weak, X! (when landing a hit on X)
 * I should have known... you could do it, X! (after losing all his health)
 * Second phase
 * X! (When attempting to slam his paws on X)

Trivia

 * There was a slight change in music prior to confronting Sigma upon defeating Velguarder. In the original game, Sigma, when appearing to confront X personally, had the pre-Fortress battle music playing. In the remake, an entirely new tune was used for his interactions with X during this time.
 * On a similar note, in the original game, he warped out just before the Velgaurder boss fight, and only returned after Velgaurder was destroyed. In the remake, he was present the entire time and saw the entire fight.
 * A similar change of music was also present in regards to the leadup to the Wolf Sigma boss fight, partly due to the inclusion of a voiced cutscene before the battle. Originally, the second phase theme started playing as Sigma's head merged with the mech. In the remake, it played after the boss health bar filled up, with a lower mix of the Day of Sigma theme playing during the cutscene leading up to the boss battle instead. Even though Sigma in this game got his scars from X in The Day of Sigma, the image of Sigma's face that appeared just before the battle against Wolf Sigma has him sporting similar injuries to the ones Zero inflicted upon him in the flashback from Mega Man X4.
 * Largely because of a lack of explicit evidence that Sigma was infected by the Maverick virus during the game, it is commonly assumed that Sigma had gone Maverick of his own free will. However, the beginning of Vile Mode had Sigma, before leaving Vile to his own devices after failing to recruit him, specifically stating that his plan for defeating X required someone who could "go Maverick of their own accord", strongly implying that Sigma did not willingly become Maverick, but ended up becoming one due to external measures.