Armored Armadillo, known as Armor Armarge (アーマー・アルマージ) in Japan, is a Maverick from the X era, first appearing as one of the main bosses in Mega Man X. He is a shield-themed Reploid based on an armadillo, boasting impenetrable defenses and counterattacks. He was a Maverick Hunter leading the 8th Armored Unit until he joined Sigma's rebellion.
Armored Armadillo debuted in Mega Man X as one of the eight Mavericks on the Stage Select screen. He serves as the boss of Gallery Stage. The Japanese game manual states he is a former Maverick Hunter of the 8th Armored Unit who joined Sigma's rebellion out of loyalty to his commander. He has taken over a mine in order to secure minerals for weapons manufacturing.[4]
Armored Armadillo's attacks are deceptively fast and his defenses will repel careless attacks, requiring careful strategy to even damage him. Defeating Armadillo grants X the Rolling Shield. His weakness is Electric Spark, from Spark Mandrill, which totally removes his armor and makes the fight considerably easier. A boss attack rematch with Armored Armadillo later occurs in Sigma Stage 3.
Mega Man Xtreme
Sprite from Mega Man Xtreme.
In Mega Man Xtreme, Armored Armadillo returns as a digitized Maverick in the Mother Computer. He is one of the four bosses in Hard Mode, being the boss of Gallery Stage. He again yields Rolling Shield to X and his armor can still be removed with Electric Spark. Armored Armadillo is later part of the boss attack in Sigma Stage 3.
Mega Man Maverick Hunter X
Render from Mega Man Maverick Hunter X.
In the remake Mega Man Maverick Hunter X, Armored Armadillo receives a redesign but plays largely the same role as in Mega Man X, being the boss of Energy Mine Ruins. He is a disciplined soldier who followed Sigma's rebellion out of obedience to his commander.
In Mega Man Xtreme 2, Armored Armadillo returns for the Boss Attack mode alongside the other Mega Man Xtreme bosses. His weakness is adjusted to Tri-Thunder, which weakens him similarly.
Leader of the 8th Armored Unit. Though Armadillo is a stoic soldier who never disobeys an order, he is loyal to a fault, continuing to obey Sigma's orders despite the fact that he has turned against humanity. The mine he has captured is the prime source of the raw materials Sigma needs to manufacture weapons. With a body shielded by a stout steel, Armadillo is ideally suited to fighting underground.[2]
He is coated in steel armor and uses a Special Weapon called Rolling Shield, which lets him roll up and spin his body to move at incredible speed. He is a Reploid who serves as the captain of the 8th Armored Unit. He has the heart of a first-class soldier and is a stubborn man who absolutely follows the orders of his superior, Sigma.[JP]
Former captain of the 8th Armored Unit. A strict warrior, he obeys the orders of his superiors. Once Sigma took over his Maverick Hunter Unit, he followed Sigma. To secure natural resources, he seizes control of the mines.[JP]
Former captain of the 8th Armored Unit. A strict warrior, he follows the orders of his superior, Sigma, and joins the rebel army. His sturdy armor can even deflect X's Charge Shot. Appeared in Mega Man X.[JP]
Leader of the 8th Armored Battalion. The steel armor than envelopes his body boasts a high level of defensive strength, rendering most attacks useless. Just like his hard exterior suggests, his personality is rough and gritty. Even though Sigma has taken control of the Maverick Hunters Battalions, he fervently obeys orders from all commanders. Since he needs mined ore and minerals for ammunition, he must maintain control over a mine to keep his supply coming.
"Inafune did Eagle and Penguin, Kaji designed Mandrill, Octopus, and Chameleon. Mammoth, Armadillo, and Kuwanger were Tazaki's. Even as I watched them work, I could really see each of their distinct flavors coming out in their illustrations." - (Tatsuya Yoshikawa)[3]
