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If you weren't old enough to remember the first release of Zoids as "Zoids" in the US, chances are you caught them afterward in the form of Robo-Strux and/or Techno-Zoids. And if you don't recall any of those, then it's a good bet you discovered the line as its most recent US release, where we've come full-circle back to Zoids being just "Zoids" again. Robo-Strux was introduced around the time that the Transformers were taking hold in the US toy market. Many of the designs were easily recognizable as descendants of the earlier Zoids Tomy had released in the US. The color schemes were themed similarly to the Japanese line (which was still in production at the time). That is, "good guys wear blue, bad guys wear red". Robo-Strux lasted for a couple of years before shifts in the toy market shut sales of the line down. High price points for many of the larger items (compared to other toy offerings of the time) were probably a factor in assisting the line's quick demise.
So, Techno Zoids died an even quicker death than Robo-Strux. But the appearance of the line was enough to keep my interest in all things Zoid sated. I figured it would only be a matter of time before Zoids came back again. Luckily, I was right... When Zoids returned to the US in 2001 (this time under the "Zoids" banner again), I was (luckily) already ahead of the curve on the line. Far easier access to product from Japan made my interest in US-released product pretty low. This time, it was Hasbro calling the shots here in the US. Hasbro's handling of the line didn't endear me to their efforts...from their lackluster box art to their copying of my Dibison info from my website for their website. Plus there were those hideous pseudo-Zoids that just looked...like some American guy who knew nothing about Zoids tried to design one. Ugh. But, Hasbro did throw us a bone here and there...like the Tigers Team-colored Saber Tiger (ne Zaber Fang), and some of the Iron Kong PK weapons that were packed in with the Iron Kong, and the black Energy Liger. Plus, they got a whole new generation of kids in the Western world interested in Zoids...so I can't totally diss them. Still, I say they should have hired me at the time to go to work for them and spruce up their efforts. Oh well...their loss was another large American corporation's gain... So after a couple of years, Zoids finally shot their wad here in America again, and now they're gone. Again. Well, except for the occasional lingering Gustav on a clearance shelf here and there, anyway. For the most part, recent US stuff is easy to find on places like Ebay, and is usually not that expensive. Techno-Zoids and Robo-Strux, though...as with any older toy line...are tough to snag, and tend to get expensive, especially if they're unbuilt. Robo-Strux, Techno-Zoids, and other US-release stuff Listing To see the Robo-Strux, Techno-Zoid, or other US-released critter of your choice, please click on its name in the list below. If there is no link, or the link isn't active, well...that means I'm still working to get the page posted. Please check back from time to time for more additions. PLEASE NOTE: These pages are best viewed by setting your web browser to the "Full Screen" mode.
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Then, out of left field, in 1994, Kenner acquired the rights to release some Zoid kits in the form of Techno-Zoids (a move likely borne of the desire to capitalize on the insane popularity of Mighty Morphin' Power Rangers at the time). Most of this line's offerings were hit-or-miss, as the color schemes for most of the kits released were garish and hideous, to say the least. A few managed to dodge that bullet (Demon Lizard, Strike Zilla, Iron Kong, Evil Pegasus), but some REALLY needed to be toned down (Battlesaurus, Armored Gator). Again, high price points caused sales to stagnate. As part of a clearance deal, Wal-Mart stores ended up with most of Kenner's stock and cleared them out at rock-bottom prices. I have to admit, I didn't pick any of these up until they went on special. How can you beat $13 for a Battlesaurus? $11 for an Iron Kong? You can't.