Ultimate X

Ultimate X Zoids are a special kind of Zoid featured in the Zoids: New Century anime.

Overview

The Ultimate X is described as a legendary Zoid of extraordinary power, shrouded in rumour and widely considered to be nothing more than a myth. The mystery of the Ultimate X forms the major recurring subplot of the series. The secret of the Ultimate X lies in its black box, which contains an "Integrated Organoid System" (not to be confused with literal Organoids.) It is described as a self-supporting artificial intelligence program that allows the Zoid to learn and develop on its own. As a result, every time an Ultimate X is defeated, it emerges with even greater power than before. Ultimate X Zoids, therefore, appear to be fully sapient beings, posessing a far greater degree of intelligence and autonomy than their merely sentient, animalistic brethren.

Ultimate X Zoids act upon their own whims and desires. They are extremely fickle and display unique personalities; the Liger Zero was free-spirited and independent, while the Berserk Fury was hostile and competitive. Ultimate Xes bond with their pilots, and only special "chosen ones", such as Bit Cloud and Vega Obscura, are capable of piloting an Ultimate X. Character seems to matter more to them than skill, as the Liger Zero systematically rejected pilots regardless of their skill or experience, but chose Bit after he treated it with respect and recognized its potential. (If only more humans could be so discerning about their partners!) When Bit took it for granted or tried to boss it around, the Liger Zero ignored him.

The mention of an Organoid System in the fluff text of many a Zoid has led to the fanon belief that these Zoids are Ultimate Xes. However, the Ultimate X is a plot device exclusive to the New Century anime. The Integrated Organoid System is completely different from the Organoid System seen in the Battle Story (unless one is willing to concede that every single Rev Raptor is an Ultimate X!) There are only two Ultimate X Zoids: the Liger Zero and the Berserk Fury, though fans have had unsubstantiated speculations that there could be others.