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DNA
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DNA is a recurring concept in the Mega Man series. In genetics, DNA is short for deoxyribonucleic acid, which is a polymer found in all living organisms that carries genetic instructions for development, functioning, growth, and reproduction.[1] In the Mega Man series, Reploid and Mechaniloid bodies carry DNA-like digital instructions of their own, often called a DNA program (DNAプログラム) or DNA data (DNAデータ), which contains information about the structures of their bodies and minds.
In the Games
X era
Mega Man X5
DNA is first ever mentioned in Mega Man X5, where Alia informs the player that they obtained DNA data after defeating each Maverick boss. This reveals that X's Special Weapons and Zero's Techniques are derived from the DNA of the fallen bosses, mimicking their bodies' individual abilities. It can be assumed that this is how X has copied Special Weapons as far back as Mega Man X. Alia also mentions that Parts can be created from their DNA as well, if the boss's Boss Level is high enough.[2]
Mega Man Xtreme 2
In Mega Man Xtreme 2, DNA is further explored with the introduction of the DNA Soul concept. DNA Souls contain code not only regarding the structure of a Reploid's body, but also their entire personality, akin to a human soul.[3] The Soul Erasers, Berkana and Gareth, begin stealing the DNA Souls of innocent Reploids in order to make themselves stronger and build a Maverick army.[4] This leads to the Erasure phenomenon, which is when a Reploid loses their DNA Soul and is reduced to a hollow shell of a body. It is also the first time that a Reploid besides X or Zero is known to use DNA data from other Reploids to grow stronger. As X and Zero collect DNA Souls from enemies, Iris learns to make Parts from them to help fight back against the Soul Erasers. Upon defeating Berkana, all the DNA Souls taken from innocent Reploids automatically return to their bodies, restoring them to life.
Mega Man X6
In Mega Man X6, DNA plays an important role in the story. When the disgraced Reploid researcher Gate discovers a sample of Zero's DNA at the Eurasia crash site, his analysis results in him going mad and creating the Nightmare thanks to Zero's connection to the Sigma Virus. The Nightmare Virus enemies are capable of injecting the Nightmare into the DNA of Reploids, reducing them to zombie-like Mavericks.[5] Gate also uses the data from Zero's DNA to create High Max, a nigh-immortal Reploid meant to surpass X.
This game introduces the concept of DNA resurrection, the illegal practice of using a deceased Reploid's DNA to entirely reconstruct their body and resurrect them. Metal Shark Player was also a practitioner of DNA resurrection, thanks to the encouragement of Gate, which was what got him executed prior to the story in the first place.[6]
Additionally, the Nightmare Souls appear to be a form of DNA Soul. Dynamo is collecting Nightmare Souls in order to make himself stronger, stating that they contain DNA of some kind.[7][8]
Mega Man X7
In Mega Man X7, the introduction of Axl again re-contextualizes the use of DNA. Thanks to his copy ability, Axl can use A-Trans to absorb the DNA of defeated Reploids and Mechaniloids to gain their powers and even mimic their bodies. Axl's unique power makes Red Alert a force to be reckoned with, which attracts Sigma, who wants to use him to get the DNA of X and Zero for unspecified purposes.
Mega Man X8
In Mega Man X8, Axl is revealed to be a prototype of the new generation Reploids, who all contain Copy Chips that let them transform using stored DNA too. This comes under suspicion when X learns that they all contain the DNA of Sigma, shortly before they begin their rebellion.
Zero era
DNA is only mentioned infrequently in the Zero era. The Four Guardians were all created based on the DNA of the original X, while Copy X was directly copied from it and intended to be an exact duplicate of him.
ZX era
Mega Man ZX Advent
In Mega Man ZX Advent, DNA plays an important role in the story. First of all, both Humanoids and Reploids now carry DNA data, as the line between humans and robots becomes blurred in this era. As a gameplay feature, Model A can perform A-Trans after absorbing the DNA data of defeated bosses, which allows Grey/Ashe to freely transform into the majority of the game's bosses. Additionally, absorbing the DNA of fellow Mega Men unlocks hidden Ciphers in Model A, which reveal information about Albert's plans to Grey/Ashe.
Through these Ciphers, it is revealed that Albert has locked the usage of Model W to his own DNA signature. During the equality procedures for Humanoids and Reploids at Legion HQ, Albert surveys every individual and judges whether they are worthy of wielding the power of Model W - those chosen are instilled with Albert's DNA, granting them access and making them a Mega Man. When Ciel later created other Biometal based on Model W, this allowed them to use those Biometal as well.
References
- ↑ DNA on Wikipedia.
- ↑ Mega Man X5. 2000. Alia: "You got DNA data from the boss you have just defeated! From this DNA data, the special weapon has become yours! Equip the weapons using the L1/R1 buttons. Every enemy has a weak point. Find the most effective weapon for each enemy. Plus, if you defeat a high level boss, you may be able to create not only a weapon, but other items as well."
- ↑ Mega Man Xtreme 2. 2001. Iris: "A Reploid's DNA is like that of a human's soul. From now on, let's call it a DNA Soul. We may be able to create something useful from Mavericks' DNA Souls."
- ↑ Compendium of Rockman X. Futabasha. 2005.
- ↑ Mega Man X6. 2001. Alia: "I found out what the Nightmare is... The Nightmare is an artificial virus. It infects Reploids and rewrites their DNA and AI programs, immobilizing them. At worst, even their appearance changes."
- ↑ Mega Man X6. 2001. Boss data. Alia: "His most important work was to analyze and control DNA data of the Mavericks. His analysis ability was so great, that he succeeded in resurrecting dead Mavericks. Since DNA resurrection is explicitly prohibited, the law instantly dealt with him. Gate was also interested in DNA resurrection, so he encouraged him to collect the DNA data instead of stopping him."
- ↑ Mega Man X6. 2001. Dynamo: "The Nightmare Soul is nice DNA. I want to power-up with it. So I will take the Souls you collected!"
- ↑ Mega Man X6. 2001. Dynamo: "Very clever, but I am here for the Nightmares. I've been gathering them, thinking that I might be able to enhance my powers... So, will you do me a favor? Give me all the DNA Souls you have gathered!"
