Rainy Turtloid

"It is my duty to believe my master... My master was punished because of me... And yet, he let me live. That is why... I'll do what I have to do, even it means my life..."

- Rainy Turtloid

Rainy Turtloid (レイニー・タートロイド) is a turtle-based Reploid created by Gate as a member of a water quality research team. He was designed to explore areas with high levels of pollution too great for humans and other Reploids to investigate. As such, his defense systems were greatly heightened. However, concerns grew that his defensive capabilities were too great, and the other researchers demanded he be weakened. Gate refused to comply, and as a result, Rainy Turtloid took his own life so as not to be a burden to his creator. He was later revived by Gate to serve as one of his "Nightmare Investigators".

Strategy
Turtloid attacks by drawing into his shell and spinning in the direction of the enemy (Ensuizan). He can also launch single Meteor Rain projectiles while moving in his shell, and on higher difficulties can summon a literal shower of them much like X's charged version of the weapon (he will shout "Tenmorikori" before the rain begins). He can only be damaged when the two crystals on his shell are destroyed. With X, Turtloid can be frozen with Ice Burst and attacked while he's vulnerable. But, since the ceiling is too high for Zero to use Hyoroga, the player will just have to rely on regular saber strikes. However, players can also use Shoenzan to easily destroy the crystals in two strikes.

Attacks

 * Missile Attack: Rainy Turtloid will remain still and fire several missiles from the two jewels on his back. Easily stopped by X's buster or Zero's saber.


 * Rolling Attack: Rainy Turtloid will retract into his shell, then start rolling across the screen. In Xtreme mode, when Rainy Turtloid hits the wall, he will bounce. To avoid, climb the wall and jump over him.


 * Metoer Rain: With 1/2 health left, Rainy Turtloid will retract into his shell, then start to roll across the screen while firing off Meteor Rain. Rather difficult to avoid due to the little space one has to jump between Meteor Rain without being run over. On higher difficulties, he will fire a shower of Meteor Rain projectiles much like X does with the charged version of his weapon (he will shout "Tenmorikori" before the rain falls, signaling the attack).

Stage enemies

 * Batton Bone B81
 * Monbando
 * Nightmare Virus
 * Probe 8201-U
 * Sea Attacker ST

When Playing as X
X: Rainy Turtloid! You must be one of the investigators of the Nightmares.

Rainy Turtloid: I've heard a lot about you. You have my respect.

X: Huh? Respect? Then will you stop the Nightmare phenomena for me?

Rainy Turtloid: Nightmare... It is the only thing that can save the future of the Reploids...

X: What are you talking about! They have hurt us all...

Rainy Turtloid: It is my duty to believe my master... My master was punished because of me... And yet, he let me live. That is why... I'll do what I have to do, even it means my life...

X: Turtloid! I know you can understand. You know what you should do right now.

Rainy Turtloid: X, I understand what you mean, but it's my duty. It's also my duty to eliminate anything that disturbs my master... X, my life is yours!

X: No! I don't want to fight you!

When Playing as Zero
Zero: Are you Rainy Turtloid?

Rainy Turtloid: Zero, the famous Maverick Hunter! X and Zero are Reploids I respect.

Zero: Fine. So don't fight me, help me.

Rainy Turtloid: I've been resurrected to carry out an important duty. A very important duty given by my master... Though I brought shame on my master, he allowed me to live. That's why... I have to finish my duty, even if it means sacrificing my life.

Zero: I see...

Trivia

 * He is the largest standard-boss maverick in the Mega Man X series.
 * Turtloid's sprites never depict the front of his body, always keeping his back to the viewer.
 * In contrast to Turtloid's "heightened defenses" through his shell, real tortoise's shells are highly susceptible to injury and pain, being large growths rather than a carapace.