Introduction to Zoids History

Zoids basically are model kits manufactured by Takara-Tomy that are akin to mechanical dinosaurs and feral animals.

The two distinctive features of Zoids are that each model kit is to be assembled by hand and able to be animated mechanically.

Zoids offer a variety of model kits from big battery operated ones to small wind-ups; each having its own special movements and defining features. While Zoids consists of a lot more than just producing model kits, the spotlight will always be on the kits. Tomy began the production line in 1982 adopting the moniker "Mechabonica" but it performed weakly in the market and the line was dropped. A year later it was renamed to "Zoids" which became a hit in its re-release. This generation is identified by collectors as the OJR (Original Japanese Release) line.

Zoids' successful release in Japan prompted Tomy to expand their market to Europe in 1984 (recognized as the OER line) and the United States (under the appellation Robostrux) in the following year.

Eventhough Zoids reaped profits for many years since their successful release, in time the line was stopped in 1990 due to weak sales.
In 1999 Tomy reintroduced the Zoids line into the market which is known as the NJR (New Japanese Release).

While all products released in this reintroduction were merely reissues of older models, the following year revealed a whole new showcase of Zoids sporting new designs.

To date, the NJR line has the highest commercial success among its kin. Numerous by-products were made from it such as a sub-line called Zoids Blox, 3 animated shows, and an abundance of associated merchandise.

In 2004, the NJR line was discontinued along with the official Battle Story.
This prompted the reinvention of it to "Zoids Fuzors" (supplemented with an anime), then in 2005 to "Zoids Genesis" (also with an anime), and finally to "Neo Blox Zoids" in 2006.
Debatably the three successors are still considered to be part of the NJR line due to its perpetuity since its revival in 1999, the center of attention has merely changed.