Mecha Expansion Pack: Difference between revisions

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[[File:~~ButterflyWings_7443~~.jpg|link=Mobile Suit Gundam SEED|frame|[[Sarcasm Mode|Like that flight pack actually makes it aerodynamic now...]]]]

[[File:ButterflyWings 7443.jpg|link=Mobile Suit Gundam SEED|frame|[[Sarcasm Mode|Like that flight pack actually makes it aerodynamic now...]]]]

Whenever the plot of a Mecha series calls for a [[Mid-Season Upgrade]] you can tell there will be changes. However adding new powers to an existing robot will often require scrapping the old design altogether and bringing in a shiny new one, and this is not always convenient. One of the easiest ways to get around this is a separate add on, that can be used to grant the new powers, simply by attaching it to the existing robot.

Adding a flight mode to a previously land-bound machine is a favorite. Sometimes this add-on will be a separate vehicle that is piloted by another character, combining (pun originally accidental but we're keeping it) this with [[Combining Mecha]]. Since most [[Real Robot~~|Real Robots~~]] are modular and reconfigurable to begin with (just like the expensive model kits they're hawking,) this is pretty much standard operating procedure for them.

Adding a flight mode to a previously land-bound machine is a favorite. Sometimes this add-on will be a separate vehicle that is piloted by another character, combining (pun originally accidental but we're keeping it) this with [[Combining Mecha]]. Since most [[Real Robot]]s are modular and reconfigurable to begin with (just like the expensive model kits they're hawking,) this is pretty much standard operating procedure for them.

[[Merchandise-Driven]] franchises love these, mainly because it means they can release the expansion packs as separate sets, without causing the demand for the older sets to stagnate.

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** ''[[Gundam Unicorn]]'' has the Stark Jegan, which is a slightly tweaked Jegan with fitted new armor and armaments.

*** Unicorn itself receives an upgrade to "Full-Armor Unicorn", which is Unicorn with about [[More Dakka|fifty-bazillion guns]] on it back.

** The (short) manga and model series ''Gundam F90'' has the ...Gundam F90<ref>stands for 'formula', read as Eff-Kyujuu</ref>, which was designed to take advantage of this trope. It's an agile, if relatively underarmed (for a Gundam) MS on its own, but it was built with 11 hardpoints on its body and can mount armor packs to deal with practically any imaginable situation. 8 configurations were produced<ref>with two more for the refitted second unit, but apparently compatible with the first unit</ref>, with a 'Full Armament' version (essentially a custom version, with the pilot strapping on the best possible parts - piecemeal - for the mission) actually getting used in the manga's final battle.

** The (short) manga and model series ''Gundam F90'' has the ...Gundam F90,<ref>stands for 'formula', read as Eff-Kyujuu</ref> which was designed to take advantage of this trope. It's an agile, if relatively underarmed (for a Gundam) MS on its own, but it was built with 11 hardpoints on its body and can mount armor packs to deal with practically any imaginable situation. 8 configurations were produced,<ref>with two more for the refitted second unit, but apparently compatible with the first unit</ref> with a 'Full Armament' version (essentially a custom version, with the pilot strapping on the best possible parts - piecemeal - for the mission) actually getting used in the manga's final battle.

** The [[Mobile Suit Victory Gundam|V2 Gundam]] received the Assault and Buster variants, a melee to mid-range and long-range power-up respectively, and could even equip both outfits at once (giving it the cumbersome name of V2 Assault Buster Gundam). However, the energy requirements and additional weight of the packs lowered the V2's max specs at the same time...

** And the G-Falcon of ''[[After War Gundam X|Gundam X]]''. A better example appears earlier though, the Gundam X Divider which adds the "Beam Harmonica" Divider shield, a double barreled beam machine gun, a second beam sword, and better thrusters.

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** Play straight with Freedom and Justice in ''[[Gundam Seed]]'', Strike Freedom and Infinite Justice in ''[[Gundam Seed Destiny]]'' with their METEOR weapon systems. It's pretty much the same in both series, but their destruction in the finale of Seed lets them bring them out again for the finale of Destiny.

** The trend continued in ''[[Mobile Suit Gundam 00]]'' with GN Arms and 0 Raiser for Exia, Dynames, and 00 Gundam.

** The Arios' GN Archer, which is both a [[Mecha Expansion Pack]] ''and'' a [[Transforming Mecha]]. Also strange in that they only combine in jet mode. Think Dreadwing from ''[[Transformers]]''.

** The Arios' GN Archer, which is both a Mecha Expansion Pack ''and'' a [[Transforming Mecha]]. Also strange in that they only combine in jet mode. Think Dreadwing from ''[[Transformers]]''.

** Played straight one more time towards the end of the series, long ''after'' the [[Mid-Season Upgrade]]. Most of the Gundams received add-on weapon and equipment packs (the 00 just got a new sword and the 0 a new battery pack) in time for their swansong.

** ''[[Gundam AGE]]'' has this all over the place with the Wear Parts produced by the AGE Device. The Gundams can swap out arm and leg units to gain new weaponry and abilities. The AGE-1 and AGE-3 Gundams swap out the parts depending on the situation. The AGE-2 more or less kept its only set of Wear Parts as a permanent upgrade. Some episodes show that even the [[Mook]] mobile suits on the Federation's side can be equipped with Wear Parts if needed.

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* Numerous [[Power Rangers]] and [[Super Sentai]] series use this mechanic when a [[Sixth Ranger]] joins up.

** The [[Mighty Morphin Power Rangers|first season]], the Dragonzord could either be combined with the Mammoth, Saber-Toothed Tiger and Triceratops Zords to make a new humanoid machine, or truer to the trope, combine with the completed Megazord as an extra weapons pack. The Falconzord from the later seasons could also combine with the Ninja Megazord as a jetpack, or the Shogun Megazord as a set of chest-mounted guns.

** Some seasons go a bit crazier with it, and ''numerous'' new Zords are introduced, each attaching to the standard formation in a way that adds one or two new capabilities. Eventually enough show up for the new ones to make their own formation, but that usually waits until near-midseason. ''[[Power Rangers Lightspeed Rescue]]'' and ''[[Power Rangers Operation Overdrive]]'' didn't stop bringing out new formations until near the ''end'' of the series, and the greatest criticism about Wild Force is that it was more about its ~~[[Mecha Expansion Pack|~~Mecha Expansion Packs]] than its story or characters.

** Some seasons go a bit crazier with it, and ''numerous'' new Zords are introduced, each attaching to the standard formation in a way that adds one or two new capabilities. Eventually enough show up for the new ones to make their own formation, but that usually waits until near-midseason. ''[[Power Rangers Lightspeed Rescue]]'' and ''[[Power Rangers Operation Overdrive]]'' didn't stop bringing out new formations until near the ''end'' of the series, and the greatest criticism about Wild Force is that it was more about its Mecha Expansion Packs than its story or characters.

** ''[[Hyakujuu Sentai Gaoranger]]'' and ''[[Power Rangers Wild Force]]'' were probably one of the best examples of this, since each new zord provided a new weapon or upgrade specific to the animal in question. The long trunk and large ears of the elephant became a sword and shield, the long neck of the giraffe became a spear, and the horns of the deer created a claw/clutcher. Still overdone, but there was a certain pattern to it.

** ''[[Super Sentai|Engine Sentai Go-onger]]'' (aka ''[[Power Rangers RPM]]'') sets the new record, though, with EngineOh G12, the series' largest combining mecha yet in terms of individual ~~components--as~~ the name suggests, it's formed by combining 12 Engines (that can form ''four entire separate robots!'') into what this troper has heard described as a member of Team Hilarious Overkill.

** ''[[Super Sentai|Engine Sentai Go-onger]]'' (aka ''[[Power Rangers RPM]]'') sets the new record, though, with EngineOh G12, the series' largest combining mecha yet in terms of individual components—as the name suggests, it's formed by combining 12 Engines (that can form ''four entire separate robots!'') into what this troper has heard described as a member of Team Hilarious Overkill.

== [[Video Games]] ==

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** The VOB's average speed is around 2500 kph. It's possible to build a mech that has a normal OB ''faster'' than that, and actually get slowed down by missions that require the VOB. Many optimized OB Lancer and Twin Blade builds can accomplish this with ease, especially when you turn on the [[Game Breaker|Unlimited Energy Regulation]].

* ''[[Assault Suits Valken]]'' had three [[Unexpected Gameplay Change|shooter levels]] where the player's mecha is outfitted with a rocket pack.

* ''[[Warhammer 40000]]'''':'' ''[[Dawn of War]]'' '':'' ''[[Expansion Pack|Dark Crusade]]'' ~~-- Though~~ used on [[Powered Armor|battlesuits]] and not [[Humongous Mecha]], the Tau Commander and Crisis suits can be further upgraded once built with different weapons (the jetpack needs to be researched elsewhere). In the campaign, the Commander gets a lot more upgrades, such as stealth and drones.

* ''[[Warhammer 40000]]'''':'' ''[[Dawn of War]]'' '':'' ''[[Expansion Pack|Dark Crusade]]''—Though used on [[Powered Armor|battlesuits]] and not [[Humongous Mecha]], the Tau Commander and Crisis suits can be further upgraded once built with different weapons (the jetpack needs to be researched elsewhere). In the campaign, the Commander gets a lot more upgrades, such as stealth and drones.

* [[Demonbane]]: The titular Demonbane later gain ''Shantak'' flight system.

* In ''[[Thunder Force]] V'', while not a mecha, the 5th mission start with your fighter RVR-01 Gauntlet docked with Brigandine module. It's [[Mighty Glacier|huge and slow, but can take lot of hits]] as well as unlimited [[Secondary Fire]] (one being [[Wave Motion Gun]]]). Too bad that [[Too Cool to Live|Brigandine only lasts for one stage]], but the Gauntlet will keep some upgraded from it and become RVR-02 Vambrace afterward.

* In ''[[Thunder Force]] V'', while not a mecha, the 5th mission start with your fighter RVR-01 Gauntlet docked with Brigandine module. It's [[Mighty Glacier|huge and slow, but can take lot of hits]] as well as unlimited [[Secondary Fire]] (one being [[Wave Motion Gun]]). Too bad that [[Too Cool to Live|Brigandine only lasts for one stage]], but the Gauntlet will keep some upgraded from it and become RVR-02 Vambrace afterward.

** On enemy's side, the [[Super Prototype|Original]] [[Evil Counterpart|Vasteel]] will fight you using its own modules, each one is larger and more bizzare than before . Then in ''VI'', Vasteel Nocht will upgraded itself by having new parts cannibal old ones and recombine.

** Also from ''VI'', the fight against Perfect Gargoyle start with its being serpent-like form, damage it enough, and the thing with combine with main body.

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** Once Dreamwave used this idea, Hasbro jumped onto it as well, with a number of white Optimus repaints named Ultra Magnus. The demand for a "real" Ultra Magnus brought about the creation of City Commander: a 3rd party add-on that serves as both trailer and armor for Classics Magnus. And later, matching repaints for Nemesis and Optimus Prime too.

** The company that made the City Commander also made [http://www.tfw2005.com/transformers-news/attach/4/0/5/9/7/T2EKpaXk8aXXXXXXXX_12770321_1265409055.jpg two kits] for the Energon/RoTF Bruticus mold that together provide two figures based on G1 Swindle and Blastoff that replace two of the existing limbs, and come with enough extra parts to make a modern take on the [http://www.seibertron.com/images/toys/uploads/1273597175_ca2_t1_20100417_38.jpg G1 Bruticus.]

** And believe it or not, Ultra Magnus himself became a [[Mecha Expansion Pack]] for Optimus in Car Robots/Robots in Disguise.

** And believe it or not, Ultra Magnus himself became a Mecha Expansion Pack for Optimus in Car Robots/Robots in Disguise.

** ''[[Transformers Armada]]'' takes this a [[Incredibly Lame Pun|step]] further, with Jetfire transforming into a pair of legs in place of Optimus' trailer. Overload could also combine at the same time, turning into a huge pair of shoulder cannons. The second series, ''Transformers: Energon'', provides even more "Powerlinks". This is different from other combinations such as the Gestalts of Generation 1 in that one member of the link (the top half) is completely in control, while the lower half Autobot is effectively dormant.

** The next movie, ''[[Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen]]'', has Optimus combine with Jetfire again, with Jetfire turning into, basically, a jetpack.