Mini-Mecha: Difference between revisions

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But what about the middle ground?
But what about the middle ground?


[[Mini-Mecha]] are machines too big or complex to be considered [[Powered Armor]] but not quite ''humongous'' enough to fit in the other category. A telltale sign you have a [[Mini-Mecha]] instead of a [[Powered Armor]] is the presence of a physical cockpit, typically small and exposed; if the user can be described as a "pilot" or "driver", then you have a [[Mini-Mecha]] on your hands.
'''Mini-Mecha''' are machines too big or complex to be considered [[Powered Armor]] but not quite ''humongous'' enough to fit in the other category. A telltale sign you have a '''Mini-Mecha''' instead of a [[Powered Armor]] is the presence of a physical cockpit, typically small and exposed; if the user can be described as a "pilot" or "driver", then you have a '''Mini-Mecha''' on your hands.


As the above comparison may suggest, these are about evenly distributed between Japanese and Western works, though becoming more popular in mainstream sci-fi.
As the above comparison may suggest, these are about evenly distributed between Japanese and Western works, though becoming more popular in mainstream sci-fi.
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== Anime ==
== Anime ==


* ''[[Gall Force]]'' has the Bronze-D and Bronze-X versions of a mecha about 12-14 feet tall that the Solonoids use remote or piloted for ship to ship combat.
* ''[[Gall Force]]'' has the Bronze-D and Bronze-X versions of a mecha about 12–14 feet tall that the Solonoids use remote or piloted for ship to ship combat.
* ''[[Rideback]]'' takes place in a universe featuring motorcycles that transform into humanoid robots with their riders still riding on their backs.
* ''[[Rideback]]'' takes place in a universe featuring motorcycles that transform into humanoid robots with their riders still riding on their backs.
* The Sonic Divers from ''[[Sky Girls]]'' falls somewhere between [[Powered Armor]] and [[Mini-Mecha]]; the machine's legs move with the pilot's, but the arms are controlled with a pair of joysticks.
* The Sonic Divers from ''[[Sky Girls]]'' falls somewhere between [[Powered Armor]] and Mini-Mecha; the machine's legs move with the pilot's, but the arms are controlled with a pair of joysticks.
** It is also [[Transforming Mecha]] (from "G" Flight Mode to "A" Walker Mode, so it makes a Transformable Mini Mecha).
** It is also [[Transforming Mecha]] (from "G" Flight Mode to "A" Walker Mode, so it makes a Transformable Mini Mecha).
* The various [[Transforming Mecha]] in ''[[Megazone 23]]'', futuristic motorcycles with humanoid combat modes. Cutouts of the interior show that their combat mode is basically a motorcycle chassis surrounded by a bipedal shell.
* The various [[Transforming Mecha]] in ''[[Megazone 23]]'', futuristic motorcycles with humanoid combat modes. Cutouts of the interior show that their combat mode is basically a motorcycle chassis surrounded by a bipedal shell.
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* Lagann from ''[[Tengen Toppa Gurren Lagann]]'' is actually shorter than most of the adult characters in the series. Its purpose is to take control of and combine with larger mecha, though it can fight on its own.
* Lagann from ''[[Tengen Toppa Gurren Lagann]]'' is actually shorter than most of the adult characters in the series. Its purpose is to take control of and combine with larger mecha, though it can fight on its own.
* The [[A Mech by Any Other Name|Landmates]] in ''[[Appleseed]]'' are halfway between this and powered armor. The pilot's legs go into the mech's legs, and their arms jut out from the torso under the mech's arms, which mimic the wearer's.
* The [[A Mech by Any Other Name|Landmates]] in ''[[Appleseed]]'' are halfway between this and powered armor. The pilot's legs go into the mech's legs, and their arms jut out from the torso under the mech's arms, which mimic the wearer's.
* The Tachikoma from ''[[Ghost in the Shell: Stand Alone Complex]]'' are sentient [[Spider Tank|Spider Tanks]] that can be manned, but largely operate on their own (inexpressibly adorable) artificial intelligence.
* The Tachikoma from ''[[Ghost in the Shell: Stand Alone Complex]]'' are sentient [[Spider Tank]]s that can be manned, but largely operate on their own (inexpressibly adorable) artificial intelligence.
** They are also incredibly fast and agile, often chasing helicopters by jumping over the roofs of buildings or climbing skyscrapers.
** They are also incredibly fast and agile, often chasing helicopters by jumping over the roofs of buildings or climbing skyscrapers.
** Suits similar to the ones in ''Appleseed'' exist.
** Suits similar to the ones in ''Appleseed'' exist.
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** The original [[Light Novel]] and Manga version versions of the Arm Slaves are even smaller at 10 feet for most AS only the Behemoth is still humongous in-verse at 20. the heights were doubled for the anime versions.
** The original [[Light Novel]] and Manga version versions of the Arm Slaves are even smaller at 10 feet for most AS only the Behemoth is still humongous in-verse at 20. the heights were doubled for the anime versions.
* The walkers and snake-mechs from [[Now and Then Here and There]] are exactly this. However, their hatch seems to close only to protect the pilot as both models rely on direct sight (ie, no cameras; if the hatch is closed, the pilots will be blind)
* The walkers and snake-mechs from [[Now and Then Here and There]] are exactly this. However, their hatch seems to close only to protect the pilot as both models rely on direct sight (ie, no cameras; if the hatch is closed, the pilots will be blind)
* ''[[Bubblegum Crisis]]'' has both powered armor ''and'' a sort-of [[Mini-Mecha]], the DD Battlemover. Plus that MADOX thing that Mackie drives.
* ''[[Bubblegum Crisis]]'' has both powered armor ''and'' a sort-of Mini-Mecha, the DD Battlemover. Plus that MADOX thing that Mackie drives.
* Most of the [[Code Geass|Knightmare Frames]] used in the first season of ''[[Code Geass]]'' count more as [[Mini-Mecha]] than [[Humongous Mecha]]. After all, the cockpits take up a considerable amount of space, and jut out of the back of the devices quite noticeably. Some of the later Knightmare Frames (especially in season two) are large enough to be truly "humungous," however, such as the Middle Eastern League's [http://codegeass.wikia.com/wiki/Bamides Bamides], which are shown to be all but immune to ''tank rounds''.
* Most of the [[Code Geass|Knightmare Frames]] used in the first season of ''[[Code Geass]]'' count more as Mini-Mecha than [[Humongous Mecha]]. After all, the cockpits take up a considerable amount of space, and jut out of the back of the devices quite noticeably. Some of the later Knightmare Frames (especially in season two) are large enough to be truly "humungous," however, such as the Middle Eastern League's [http://codegeass.wikia.com/wiki/Bamides Bamides], which are shown to be all but immune to ''tank rounds''.
* ''[[Innocent Venus]]'' has the Gladiators, which are about 15-20 feet tall.
* ''[[Innocent Venus]]'' has the Gladiators, which are about 15–20 feet tall.
* While ''[[Gundam]]'' is a [[Humongous Mecha]] franchise, several of the universes have smaller machines that are typically used for civilian construction (and, in a [[Zeta Gundam|couple]] [[Gundam Unicorn|of cases]], building contests and races). Sometimes they're given weapons, but this never ends well. Which is [[Reality Ensues|kind of what you'd expect]] when you try to use construction equipment against [[Humongous Mecha|actual military hardware]]. Every time it's been attempted has been out of sheer desperation.
* While ''[[Gundam]]'' is a [[Humongous Mecha]] franchise, several of the universes have smaller machines that are typically used for civilian construction (and, in a [[Zeta Gundam|couple]] [[Gundam Unicorn|of cases]], building contests and races). Sometimes they're given weapons, but this never ends well. Which is [[Reality Ensues|kind of what you'd expect]] when you try to use construction equipment against [[Humongous Mecha|actual military hardware]]. Every time it's been attempted has been out of sheer desperation.
* [[Ken Ishikawa|Ken Ishikawa's]] freeder bug features mecha smaller than the characters, which are controlled from a seat fixed to the back. They can also transform into neat little skimmers.
* [[Ken Ishikawa|Ken Ishikawa's]] freeder bug features mecha smaller than the characters, which are controlled from a seat fixed to the back. They can also transform into neat little skimmers.
* Most Round Bucklers in ''[[Mars Daybreak]]'' are around 4-5 meters tall, Cordless (piloted, as opposed to the more conventional remotely controlled types) are a tad taller than that.
* Most Round Bucklers in ''[[Mars Daybreak]]'' are around 4–5 meters tall, Cordless (piloted, as opposed to the more conventional remotely controlled types) are a tad taller than that.
* The [[PPO Rs]] in ''[[Key the Metal Idol]]'' could probably qualify as this, despite being controlled from a separate location.
* The [[PPO Rs]] in ''[[Key the Metal Idol]]'' could probably qualify as this, despite being controlled from a separate location.
* The Stratos of ''[[Infinite Stratos]]'' are probably closest to this, albeit edging closer to [[Powered Armor]] territory than [[Humongous Mecha]].
* The Stratos of ''[[Infinite Stratos]]'' are probably closest to this, albeit edging closer to [[Powered Armor]] territory than [[Humongous Mecha]].
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* ''[[Warhammer 40000]]'' uses the term Dreadnought to refer to bipedal war machines larger than [[Power Armor]] but smaller than [[Humongous Mecha|Titans]]. Like everything in the 40K universe, the trope is turned [[Up to Eleven]] so much that "Mini" is stretched to it's limits. Space Marine Dreadnoughts, standing [[Depending on the Writer|between 15 and 25 feet]] tall, are somewhere between walking tanks and venerated tombs, piloted by a mortally-wounded Space Marine in a life-sustaining sarcophagus. [[Our Orcs Are Different|Ork]] Deff Dreds and Killa Kans follow the Marines' example and have their Ork and [[Our Goblins Are Wickeder|Gretchin]] pilots crudely wired into the contraptions, while [[Space Elves|Eldar]] Wraithlords are graceful constructs "piloted" by the [[Soul Jar|soulstone]] of a mighty warrior.
* ''[[Warhammer 40000]]'' uses the term Dreadnought to refer to bipedal war machines larger than [[Power Armor]] but smaller than [[Humongous Mecha|Titans]]. Like everything in the 40K universe, the trope is turned [[Up to Eleven]] so much that "Mini" is stretched to it's limits. Space Marine Dreadnoughts, standing [[Depending on the Writer|between 15 and 25 feet]] tall, are somewhere between walking tanks and venerated tombs, piloted by a mortally-wounded Space Marine in a life-sustaining sarcophagus. [[Our Orcs Are Different|Ork]] Deff Dreds and Killa Kans follow the Marines' example and have their Ork and [[Our Goblins Are Wickeder|Gretchin]] pilots crudely wired into the contraptions, while [[Space Elves|Eldar]] Wraithlords are graceful constructs "piloted" by the [[Soul Jar|soulstone]] of a mighty warrior.
** Similar to the ''[[Star Wars]]'' scout walker examples above are Imperial Sentinels and Eldar War Walkers, both of which are open-topped, though the former has an enclosed crew compartment in its heavier version while the latter's pilot is protected by a force field.
** Similar to the ''[[Star Wars]]'' scout walker examples above are Imperial Sentinels and Eldar War Walkers, both of which are open-topped, though the former has an enclosed crew compartment in its heavier version while the latter's pilot is protected by a force field.
** Tau Battlesuits are the smallest of ''40k'''s [[Mini-Mecha]], and are just large enough to fit their pilots in the suits' chests. Since they are so much smaller compared to the other Dreadnoughts, the tabletop rules count Battlesuits as infantry rather than walker vehicles.
** Tau Battlesuits are the smallest of ''40k'''s Mini-Mecha, and are just large enough to fit their pilots in the suits' chests. Since they are so much smaller compared to the other Dreadnoughts, the tabletop rules count Battlesuits as infantry rather than walker vehicles.
* ''[[Rifts]]'' is the purveyor of countless examples, including many Triax half-and-halfs that seem inspired by Appleseed to the fully piloted Ultimax and Terror Trooper.
* ''[[Rifts]]'' is the purveyor of countless examples, including many Triax half-and-halfs that seem inspired by Appleseed to the fully piloted Ultimax and Terror Trooper.
* The later eras of ''[[BattleTech]]'' include Clan Protomechs, which are two- to ten-ton vehicles intended to fill a tactical gap between [[Powered Armor|battle armors]] and light 'Mechs. They deploy in the same manner as Clan Elementals, but are piloted by warriors of the short, slight-built aerospace fighter pilot phenotype.
* The later eras of ''[[BattleTech]]'' include Clan Protomechs, which are two- to ten-ton vehicles intended to fill a tactical gap between [[Powered Armor|battle armors]] and light 'Mechs. They deploy in the same manner as Clan Elementals, but are piloted by warriors of the short, slight-built aerospace fighter pilot phenotype.
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** On that note, the Gustaff from the ''[[Mega Man Legends]]'' series counts as a mini-mech as well; its pilot, Tron Bonne, is notably seen piloting this machine, which is almost as famous as the Legends-era's Blue Bomber himself. In ''[[Namco X Capcom]]'' and ''[[Marvel vs. Capcom]]'' the Gustaff has an open cockpit to show Tron piloting it, whereas in the actual games the mech is larger, about the size of a minivan.
** On that note, the Gustaff from the ''[[Mega Man Legends]]'' series counts as a mini-mech as well; its pilot, Tron Bonne, is notably seen piloting this machine, which is almost as famous as the Legends-era's Blue Bomber himself. In ''[[Namco X Capcom]]'' and ''[[Marvel vs. Capcom]]'' the Gustaff has an open cockpit to show Tron piloting it, whereas in the actual games the mech is larger, about the size of a minivan.
* The majority of the Vital Suits from ''[[Lost Planet]]'' fall into this category, though as the game progresses, larger and more heavily-armored models appear.
* The majority of the Vital Suits from ''[[Lost Planet]]'' fall into this category, though as the game progresses, larger and more heavily-armored models appear.
* ''[[Steambot Chronicles]]'' is set in a world where [[Mini-Mecha]] called Trotmobiles have become as ubiquitous as cars.
* ''[[Steambot Chronicles]]'' is set in a world where Mini-Mecha called Trotmobiles have become as ubiquitous as cars.
* ''[[Speed Power Gunbike]]'' is an obscure Japanese [[PS 1]] title featuring transforming motorcycles in the vein of the Megazone23 example above.
* ''[[Speed Power Gunbike]]'' is an obscure Japanese [[PS 1]] title featuring transforming motorcycles in the vein of the Megazone23 example above.
* The "Wolverine" units from ''[[Command & Conquer]]:'' [[Command & Conquer: Tiberium|Tiberian Sun]]. They are described as "powered assault armor", but bulky as they are, fit this trope instead. Interestingly enough, they use the infantry sound clips instead of the vehicle ones.
* The "Wolverine" units from ''[[Command & Conquer]]:'' [[Command & Conquer: Tiberium|Tiberian Sun]]. They are described as "powered assault armor", but bulky as they are, fit this trope instead. Interestingly enough, they use the infantry sound clips instead of the vehicle ones.
** And yes, interesting size comparison, as with [[media:GDI_size_3204.jpg|this]] and [[media:GDI_Sizes_2_3870.jpg|this]] (Official Artwork folks) Wolverine is large enough to accommodate a small cockpit, but the comparison to its height is strange (bordering [[Super-Deformed]])
** And yes, interesting size comparison, as with [[media:GDI size 3204.jpg|this]] and [[media:GDI Sizes 2 3870.jpg|this]] (Official Artwork folks) Wolverine is large enough to accommodate a small cockpit, but the comparison to its height is strange (bordering [[Super-Deformed]])
** The Mecha Tengu and Striker VX in [[Command & Conquer: Red Alert 3]], both can [[Transforming Mecha|turn into aircrafts and back]].
** The Mecha Tengu and Striker VX in [[Command & Conquer: Red Alert 3]], both can [[Transforming Mecha|turn into aircrafts and back]].
* Waffle's Police Robo and Cyan's Knight Robo from ''[[Tail Concerto]]''.
* Waffle's Police Robo and Cyan's Knight Robo from ''[[Tail Concerto]]''.
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* Special mention must be made for Hoover/Baby Head from ''[[Captain Commando]]'': A human-sized mecha being piloted by a hyper-intelligent baby.
* Special mention must be made for Hoover/Baby Head from ''[[Captain Commando]]'': A human-sized mecha being piloted by a hyper-intelligent baby.
** Which, like the rest of the characters, can in turn pilot another type of mini-mecha sometimes found during the levels.
** Which, like the rest of the characters, can in turn pilot another type of mini-mecha sometimes found during the levels.
* ''[[Sonic the Hedgehog]]'' got into the act in ''[[Sonic Adventure 2]]'' with [[Mini-Mecha]] piloted by Tails and Eggman, and later allowed [[Shadow the Hedgehog|Shadow]] to use similar vehicles.
* ''[[Sonic the Hedgehog]]'' got into the act in ''[[Sonic Adventure 2]]'' with Mini-Mecha piloted by Tails and Eggman, and later allowed [[Shadow the Hedgehog|Shadow]] to use similar vehicles.
** Also the series has GUN which uses robots like this with names like "Big Dog".
** Also the series has GUN which uses robots like this with names like "Big Dog".
* Some of the ''[[Metal Slug]]'' games feature small mecha the player can use.
* Some of the ''[[Metal Slug]]'' games feature small mecha the player can use.
* In the second and third ''[[Jak and Daxter]]'' games have a couple missions where Jak gets to pilot a [[Mini-Mecha]].
* In the second and third ''[[Jak and Daxter]]'' games have a couple missions where Jak gets to pilot a Mini-Mecha.
* The smaller combat Wanzers of the ''[[Front Mission]]'' series probably qualify, especially the [[Gaiden Game]] ''Gun Hazard'''s Harby, the Wanzer you start off in. It's a miracle Albert doesn't get turned into swiss cheese, since the Harby has almost ''no'' protection for the pilot whatsoever.
* The smaller combat Wanzers of the ''[[Front Mission]]'' series probably qualify, especially the [[Gaiden Game]] ''Gun Hazard'''s Harby, the Wanzer you start off in. It's a miracle Albert doesn't get turned into swiss cheese, since the Harby has almost ''no'' protection for the pilot whatsoever.
** Military Wanzers only slightly larger, in [[Front Mission]] 3, the pilot can jump out (or [[Oh Crap|ejected forcibly/ accidentally]]) out of their wanzers, and [[Too Dumb to Live|can fight enemy wanzer with a pistol.]] seems that most wanzer can vary between fifteen to twenty five feet, and [[Joke Character|Methane Wanzer is nothing but pickup truck on 10 foot tall chicken leg]] ([[Humongous Mecha|some are MUCH larger thought]])
** Military Wanzers only slightly larger, in [[Front Mission]] 3, the pilot can jump out (or [[Oh Crap|ejected forcibly/ accidentally]]) out of their wanzers, and [[Too Dumb to Live|can fight enemy wanzer with a pistol.]] seems that most wanzer can vary between fifteen to twenty five feet, and [[Joke Character|Methane Wanzer is nothing but pickup truck on 10 foot tall chicken leg]] ([[Humongous Mecha|some are MUCH larger thought]])
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*** ''Front Mission Evolved'' has the same relative proportions between Wanzers and humans as in the third game but the [[FM Vs]] display an incongruously spacious cockpit- as in, the pilot actually has space to stretch his/her arms. Footsloggers do get an anti-armor weapon this time though.
*** ''Front Mission Evolved'' has the same relative proportions between Wanzers and humans as in the third game but the [[FM Vs]] display an incongruously spacious cockpit- as in, the pilot actually has space to stretch his/her arms. Footsloggers do get an anti-armor weapon this time though.
*** Likely an in-universe case of [[Tech Marches On]], Cockpit in [[FM 3]] cutscenes are almost as spacious as the one shown in Evolved (in case of work loader/ construction wanzer, actually larger and spherical). The Statement that Wanzer cockpit is crampy and uncomfortable is from [[Front Mission]] 4 novel -Elsa-, which is set in 2090s. [[FM 3]] is set in 2112 and Evolved is in 2173.
*** Likely an in-universe case of [[Tech Marches On]], Cockpit in [[FM 3]] cutscenes are almost as spacious as the one shown in Evolved (in case of work loader/ construction wanzer, actually larger and spherical). The Statement that Wanzer cockpit is crampy and uncomfortable is from [[Front Mission]] 4 novel -Elsa-, which is set in 2090s. [[FM 3]] is set in 2112 and Evolved is in 2173.
* The AGWS (pronounced "Eggs") of ''[[Xenosaga]] Episode I''--4 meter tall mechs designed to operate inside of starships. Their full scale cousins, AMWS (pronounced "Aims") and ES appear in ''Episodes II & III''.
* The AGWS (pronounced "Eggs") of ''[[Xenosaga]] Episode I''—4 meter tall mechs designed to operate inside of starships. Their full scale cousins, AMWS (pronounced "Aims") and ES appear in ''Episodes II & III''.
* Giacomo's walker from ''[[Rise of Legends]]'' treads the line between this and [[Humongous Mecha]].
* Giacomo's walker from ''[[Rise of Legends]]'' treads the line between this and [[Humongous Mecha]].
* ''[[Supreme Commander]]'' has all of the factions getting Mini Mecha in their Tier 1 units. They progressively get larger with each level. The true [[Humongous Mecha]] of the series are the ACU/SCU and some of the experimental units, notably the Siege Assault Bot and Cybran Monkeylord, although both pale in comparison to the ACU/SCU.
* ''[[Supreme Commander]]'' has all of the factions getting Mini Mecha in their Tier 1 units. They progressively get larger with each level. The true [[Humongous Mecha]] of the series are the ACU/SCU and some of the experimental units, notably the Siege Assault Bot and Cybran Monkeylord, although both pale in comparison to the ACU/SCU.
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* In ''[[League of Legends]]'', The champion named Rumble pilots one, which, according to his lore, he built out of junk after mysteriously disappearing.
* In ''[[League of Legends]]'', The champion named Rumble pilots one, which, according to his lore, he built out of junk after mysteriously disappearing.
* Cerberus ATLAS mechs in ''[[Mass Effect 3]]''. Shepard can drive them either by finding an unmanned one or shooting out the cockpit and gundam-jacking it.
* Cerberus ATLAS mechs in ''[[Mass Effect 3]]''. Shepard can drive them either by finding an unmanned one or shooting out the cockpit and gundam-jacking it.
* Worn by the [[Giant Mook|Giant Mooks]] on the third planet in ''[[Alien Hallway]]''.
* Worn by the [[Giant Mook]]s on the third planet in ''[[Alien Hallway]]''.




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* Sheldon from ''[[My Life as a Teenage Robot]]'' uses one of these called the ''Silver Shell''.
* Sheldon from ''[[My Life as a Teenage Robot]]'' uses one of these called the ''Silver Shell''.
* ''[[The Batman]]'' saw Batman build a mecha suit in order to fight a Venom'd up Bane and kept it around just in case. He later used another one against Superman when Supes was under [[Mind Control]].
* ''[[The Batman]]'' saw Batman build a mecha suit in order to fight a Venom'd up Bane and kept it around just in case. He later used another one against Superman when Supes was under [[Mind Control]].
** In ''[[Batman: The Brave And The Bold|Batman the Brave And The Bold]]'', the [[Cool Car|Batmobile]] actually morphs into a [[Mini-Mecha]] (and a plane, and a boat, and a submarine...).
** In ''[[Batman: The Brave And The Bold|Batman the Brave And The Bold]]'', the [[Cool Car|Batmobile]] actually morphs into a Mini-Mecha (and a plane, and a boat, and a submarine...).
* The [[Bubble Boy|White]] [[Knight Templar|Knight]] uses one in an episode of ''[[Generator Rex]]''. While wearing powered armor under it.
* The [[Bubble Boy|White]] [[Knight Templar|Knight]] uses one in an episode of ''[[Generator Rex]]''. While wearing powered armor under it.
* ''[[The Legend of Korra]]'' has mecha-tanks. {{spoiler|They were built by Hiroshi Sato for the Equalists.}}
* ''[[The Legend of Korra]]'' has mecha-tanks. {{spoiler|They were built by Hiroshi Sato for the Equalists.}}
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