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.

Dialogues

 * * See Main Article: High Max/Dialogues

After X defeats the Giant Mechaniloid D-1000
(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.

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?

When Playing 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.

When Playing as Zero

 * *See Dialogues: Isoc

When Playing 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!

When Playing as Zero
High Max: Just die! Die, original one!

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