Overview:

Zoids are a line of model kits produced by Takara-Tomy that largely resemble robotic dinosaurs and wild animals. While each kit requires assembly Zoids share the somewhat unique characteristic of being motorized. Ranging from large battery operated Zoids to small wind-ups each Zoid has it’s own unique movement and features. While Zoids encompasses much more than just the model kit line the focus and center of Zoids will always be the kits.

History :

Tomy began the line in 1982 under the name “Mechabonica” but sales were poor and the line was dropped, it was then renamed “Zoids” and re-released in 1983. This line is known among collectors as the OJR (Original Japanese Release) line. Zoids were very successful in Japan and were released in Europe the following year (known as the OER line) and the United States (under the name Robostrux) in 1985. While Zoids remained profitable for many years after their inception the line was eventually dropped in 1990 due to poor sales.

In 1999 Tomy decided to reboot the Zoids franchise, this is commonly referred to as the NJR (New Japanese Release) line. While all of the kits released in 1999 were reissues of older Zoids the year 2000 hailed the first brand new Zoids designed in over 9 years. The NJR line was the most commercially successful line of Zoids to date and spawned a sub-line known as Zoids Blox, three animated shows, and a plethora of related merchandise. The NJR line continued on until 2004 when the official Battle Story was dropped and the line was reinvented as “Zoids Fuzors” (with an accompanying anime), then again the following year as “Zoids Genesis” (also based around an anime), and a third time in 2006 as “Neo Blox Zoids”. Arguably Fuzors, Genesis, and Neo Blox are all part of the NJR line since the line has never actually stopped since its rebirth in 1999, it’s merely shifted focus, however for the sake of the reader they will be referred to as distinctly different lines.

Current:

Zoids are still being sold in Japan as Neo Blox Zoids, a retooling of the previous Blox concept. Sales appear to be poor with Takara-Tomy putting little effort into the promotion and creation of new kits. The slump Zoids are currently suffering could be largely to blame on the merger between rival Japanese toy companies Takara and Tomy, which has caused the company to scale back many of its popular properties.