- "We'll work to build a real utopia! It is the world where the human race and Reploids coexist."
- ―Signas, Mega Man X6
Signas (シグナス Shigunasu) is a character from the Mega Man X series. He is a Reploid who commands the Maverick Hunters from Mega Man X5 to Mega Man X8. He can normally be found at Hunter Base, issuing orders to the Hunters.
Characteristics
Appearance
Signas is a tall Reploid in black and yellow armor, designed to give him the look of a military officer with epaulettes and pauldrons, with six green lights on his chest reminiscent of badges and an additional one on each wrist. He has a military cap incorporated into his helmet.
Signas received a minor redesign in Mega Man X8. His design is mostly unchanged, but only the two upper-most green lights on his torso are retained and the smaller four are replaced by simple yellow bolts, while the ones on his wrists are completely absent. However, the only instance of this design neglects to show him from the waist down, leaving the new design of his lower half unknown. Signas, like most characters in the series, has reverted to his pre-X8 design in any appearances made since.
Personality
Signas was created as a non-combat Reploid with an incredibly powerful and precise CPU, giving him unparalleled quick thinking and decision-making skills. Thus he has the trust of the entire organization with his cool judgment and level-headed leadership. He handles chaos professionally, always remaining cool in tough situations and never letting emotion negatively affect his ability to find the best strategy.
Signas telling X to calm down in Mega Man X6
Despite his stoic temperament, Signas is one of the most emotionally mature members of the Maverick Hunters. He cares for both humans and Reploids, and believes in a future utopia despite their flaws. He also frequently plays the role of the peacemaker to X's more hot-headed moments: whenever X flies off the handle or reacts irrationally over situations like Zero risking his life, the constant cycle of violence or Axl's more reckless methods, Signas is always present to calm him down and remind him to stay sharp and focused on his objective. His logic helps him ground X's lofty idealism and emotional outbursts, such as during the Nightmare incident, during X's temporary retirement, or when Zero put himself at risk by crashing the space shuttle onto Eurasia. When X returned to the battlefield, Signas showed excitement and enthusiasm. He is also very patient with Axl's immaturity, and understands that Zero is not as invincible as he wants others to believe. He deeply cares about his subordinates and has great trust in them, as seen when he elected to observe Zero rather than apprehend him at Lifesaver's concerns of the Sigma Virus.
History
Background
Signas was created with a powerful CPU, making him a gifted military leader. When the previous commander of the Maverick Hunters resigned out of guilt for the casualties of the Great Repliforce War, Signas was chosen to take his place.[1]
Mega Man X5
Signas listens to Lifesaver.
Shortly after taking command, the Earth Crisis breaks out. Signas is first seen calling X and Zero back to headquarters after Sigma's explosion spreads the Sigma Virus across the globe. With most of the Hunters incapacitated by the virus, he briefs the two on the situation and proposes the plans to use Enigma and the Space Shuttle to fight the fall of Eurasia.
Signas is annoyed by Dynamo's intrusions, ordering X and Zero not to engage him until he attacks Hunter Base directly. When Lifesaver reports to Signas on Zero's peculiar response to the Sigma Virus, Signas seems unconvinced of any danger but promises to consider. He later gives the command to fire Enigma and launch the Space Shuttle. He is horrified by the destruction caused by Eurasia's crash, even if it was broken and the damage was mitigated, and is shocked if Zero awakens. In the outcome where Zero crashing the space shuttle into Eurasia fails and the colony crashes on Earth, he orders everyone to evacuate. However, X loudly objects over the perspective of sacrificing his best friend and has an emotional breakdown, refusing to leave Zero to die. Signas calms him down, reminding him that he understands how he feels, but they have to evacuate right now, otherwise, they will all be obliterated and no one will be able to protect the Earth or rescue Zero.
Mega Man X6
Signas continues to lead the Maverick Hunters in the aftermath of the Earth Crisis. When Isoc calls for volunteers for the investigation of the Nightmare, Signas reasons that they can't afford to lose any more Reploids and orders X to perform his own investigation in the same eight areas. When Zero miraculously returns, Signas humbly requests his help in defeating the Nightmare.
When X confronts Gate in his Secret Lab, Signas rebuts that a society of only Reploids will be just as flawed as a society of only humans. He reminds X not to let Gate get on his nerves. After Gate's defeat, Signas promises to work towards building a utopia of both Reploids and humans coexisting.
Mega Man X7
Signas greets Zero after he arrests Axl. He shows disdain for Red Alert, calling them "wannabes", and uses Axl's story as proof that they should take action to stop Red Alert's illegal bounty hunting. Once Red proposes their duel, Signas assures X that violence is the only option in this situation (despite telling Axl that it could have been avoided had he not defected, which Zero disagrees with).
Signas discusses Zero and Axl's progress with Alia.
Once 64 Reploids have been rescued, Signas and Alia discuss Zero and Axl's progress. They are pleased, but acknowledge the two's limits. X is finally inspired to come out of his short-lived retirement, and Signas is enthusiastic about his return.
In X's ending, Signas disagrees with X's reluctance to make Axl an official Maverick Hunter. He tries to temper X's idealistic pacifism and states that there will always be more Mavericks.
Mega Man X8
Signas takes a more backseat role during the Jakob incident, letting Alia serve as the head of X, Zero, and Axl's missions instead. He assesses the Hunters when they return from a mission, granting a Hunter Rank on the result screen, but otherwise has little story importance.
Other appearances
- Signas was planned to appear in the cancelled game Rockman Online.
- Signas appeared in Battle Memory from Rockman Xover.
- Signas is an unit card in TEPPEN.
- Signas is a card in Mega Man X DiVE.
Other media
Archie Comics
Despite the fact that the Archie Comics Mega Man series had yet to adapt a single game of the Mega Man X series, Signas appeared on the cover of Sonic Boom #8 alongside Alia and Sticks the Badger in the Worlds Unite crossover, despite the fact that he and Alia are nowhere to be seen in the crossover, only being mentioned by X in Sonic Universe #77.
Quotes
- Are you all right? X! Zero! The entire Earth has been thrown into a panic because of the Sigma Virus. It's dangerous to stay there. Report back to the Base! (After Sigma Head battle.)
- The situation is far worse than expected. Sigma's explosion has spread the Virus all over the Earth. It's affecting both people and Reploids. What's worse, the Space Colony, Eurasia, is heading straight toward us. At this rate, it's going to crash into the Earth... in 16 hours. Everything... including Reploids and the entire human race, will be... annihilated... (After Sigma Head battle.)
- How's the condition of the Enigma? (Questioning Douglas about the Enigma.)
- Under the influence of the Sigma Virus, a lot of Maverick Hunters have become Mavericks, and only a few hunters remain normal. Let's join forces with the rest of our brothers and complete the Enigma!
- We only have 16 hours left before the collision! We have to upgrade the Enigma before then. There are 4 Mavericks that have the devices required to enhance the Enigma. CRESCENT GRIZZLY, a weapons broker. He has a CRYSTAL BALL. TIDAL WHALE, he lives in the ocean. We will have access to HYDROGEN if we can secure the ocean. VOLT KRAKEN, an Ex-Mavericks Hunter. He has an ENERGY CART. SHINING FIREFLY, a Doctor of Engineering. He has a LASER DEVICE. There are 4 other Mavericks but these 4 Mavericks are the only ones who have the devices to upgrade the Enigma. X, Zero... You are the only Maverick Hunters that can match these Mavericks. Split up so you can gather the devices! Prepare your equipment and fulfill your mission! (Stage select, first mission debriefing.)
- Who's this? I've never seen him... (Dynamo makes his first appearance.)
- How dare he... at a time like this?! Should we even attempt to fight against one so arrogant? (After Dynamo announces his intent.)
- Emergency! Dynamo is attacking the Hunter Base. Fight back immediately! (Dynamo's first attack.)
- The time has come at last! We are going to launch the Enigma. The fate of the Earth depends on it. (The Enigma is ready to 'fire'.)
- All right... Blastoff!!! Blastoff!!! Blastoff!!! (The Enigma cannon 'fires'.)
- Did we make it? Did it crash? Alia, give us the report.
- Right. We have a lot to do... before the Earth can return to normal... (If the Enigma succeeds.)
- What's up, Alia? (Alia discovers the Zero Virus.)
- Curses! (Enigma fails.)
- All right! We will execute the Shuttle Operation! Don't give up hope! The future of the Earth depends on us! This is our last hope... "The Space Shuttle Operation."
- Okay, gather as many devices as you can.
- I know this mission is hard for you all, but the important thing is for us to stay optimistic... Now, let's get to work! Our only hope is the Space Shuttle. We can't waste any time... Let me describe the 4 Mavericks that have the devices to upgrade the Shuttle. SPIKE ROSERED, Details Unknown. He carries a concealed ORBITER ENGINE. BURN DINOREX, a weapons storage guard. He owns a BOOSTER for rockets. SPIRAL PEGASUS, Reploid Air Force. An ORBITER WING is in the base. DARK NECROBAT, A mysterious Maverick. He has a FUEL TANK. We have little time but... We have to gather as many devices as possible. (Stage select, second mission debriefing.)
- Zero has fought Sigma several times, I believe he has the Virus antibodies. (Listen to Lifesaver's report on Zero.)
- Keep this secret... I'll think it over. (Dismissing Lifesaver.)
- Emergency! Dynamo has come back here to attack! What on earth does he want?! Well it doesn't matter, we have to fight him! (Dynamo's second attack.)
- I trust you... Zero. I'm sorry I couldn't do more for you... (Shuttle ready to launch.)
- Ready, Zero? This is our last chance! Blast-off!!!
- Good luck, Zero! (Before shuttle impact.)
- ...Zero! Can you read me? (If shuttle will succeed.)
- Did we make it? Did it crash? [If shuttle will fail (Zero becomes Maverick).]
- No! He'll be sucked into the Colony... [If shuttle will fail (Zero becomes Maverick).]
- I understand how you feel, but you need to calm down and think straight. If we stay here we will be wiped out... Then who will protect the Earth? Who will rescue Zero? [Convincing X to evacuate (if shuttle fails).]
- Everyone, evacuate immediately!
- ... ... ... Anybody...who can hear my voice... Please answer me... (After Eurasia colony crash.)
- Alia...Are you all right? Can you give me an update?
- How about X... and Zero...
- It's unusual for you to say that... ...without any data... (Reacting to Alia's statement that she believes that X and Zero were OK.)
- ...What's up? Alia!
- ...You mean, Zero is alive?
- What's going on?
- No! None of our operations worked! (If player allows all 16 hrs to run out.)
- Everyone in the Hunter Base: Evacuate to the underground shelter! Move out! I repeat! Evacuate now to the underground shelter!
- What?! What are they doing at a time like this...?! Blast! ... Maybe they can survive on their own... (X and Zero were missing.)
- Yeah. Alia, Douglas! Move now! ...Where did they go...? Well, I just hope they're safe,... ... wherever they are...
- Alia... Give me an update!
- Are there any survivors?
- The Earth lies in ruins, a mere shadow of the great planet it once was... ...The Human race narrowly avoided extinction once... and is about to face destruction again...
- It truly is a miracle... Not only did he come back... but without so much as even a scratch! [Talking to Alia and Douglas (X's ending, if Zero went Maverick).]
- You never believe it's a "miracle"... [Talking to Alia (X's ending, if Zero went Maverick).]
- I have no idea... maybe it disappeared by itself? Otherwise it was deleted on purpose... [Discussing X's missing memory of Zero (X 's ending if Zero went Maverick).]
- The Nightmare... The mission is risky, but we must minimize the damage by uncovering and defeating it. As Isoc said, we cannot allow anymore Reploids to be lost... X! Return to the Hunter Base now! (End of Isoc's speech.)
- We are now beginning our mission to check the eight areas that Isoc had sent investigators to investigate the Nightmare phenomena! But considering the situation of the Maverick Hunters, you are the only Hunter who could accomplish these difficult missions. As we've lost Zero, you are our only hope... Can you do it, X?
- Don't push yourself too hard, X. Remember you are our only hope.
- Some Reploids may accept what Isoc says as true and come to the Nightmare areas... If you find them, secure them and then send them to the Hunter Base. The Reploids you have rescued can be surveyed here by pressing the R1 button.
- Good luck, X!
- X! Cool down! We don't want to lose you. You may be damaged in the battle. Return to the Hunter Base, now! [Stopping X from engaging Isoc (after defeating High Max).]
- Are you all right? Zero! We'll send a rescue team immediately! High Max won't be a threat for a while. So you can come back to the Hunter Base at once! (After Isoc paralyzes Zero.)
- Gate is behind everything!! Stop his evil!! (After Gate contacts X/Zero.)
- Don't let him bait you, X. [Gate trying to provoke X (after defeating Nightmare Mother).]
- Our mission is not yet complete. We must rebuild the Earth together! (X's ending, with Zero found.)
- We'll work to build a real utopia! It is the world where the human race and Reploids coexist. (X's ending, with Zero found.)
- Nice work, Zero. (Zero bringing Axl in.)
- X, cool it. Alright Axl, why don't you start by telling us why you left?
- Red Alert? You mean that gang of wannabe vigilantes?
- This is our chance. Red Alert has caused us far too much trouble.
- If you had just gone back, the problem would have been solved. But, I can see that won't be happening. (To Axl, after Red's transmission.)
- X, don't over think this. This time our only choice is to fight.
- Hmm, yes.
- Not much. Even Zero has his limits. Axl is doing good work, but he's still a child. We can't expect much more with their present abilities.
- Yeah! Let's show that Red Alert how it's done! (X returns to active duty.)
- Yes, it is a bit strange. Be on full guard. X, Zero... Axl is in your hands.
- Zero, you know how much trouble he's caused. Don't underestimate him.
- He's made mistakes... But in any case, Axl's efforts over the last few days have solved a lot of problems. (X's sub-ending.)
- X, do you think we could make Axl a hunter based on his good deeds? (X's sub-ending.)
- Methods!? X, ideals are not always for the real world. Without you, somebody has to become a hunter. Why can't you train Axl to be one? (X's sub-ending.)
- Please give it some thought. We may not be able to afford to stand by without fighting, although I know that's what you wish for. And we all know... That we haven't seen the last of the Mavericks. (X's sub-ending.)
- That looked like a hard fight, but there was never any doubt that you'd come out on top.
- Nice work out there. Take a well-earned break.
- Good job out there. You should head to the lab for maintenance.
- You got through that stage as if it were your own backyard. Nice work.
- Congratulations! You are officially the best Maverick Hunter in history! (Gaining a Hunter Rank of AAA.)
Gallery
Etymology
Signas' name may come from the identically-pronounced Cygnus, a star constellation which is itself named after the ancient Greek word for "swan".
Production Notes
"The Maverick Hunters organization has been in previous games, but no one other than hunters appeared, so I wanted to add more depth to that aspect this time. Keeping in mind connections to the previous work, I had the former commander resign as a way to take responsibility for declaring Repliforce as Mavericks, and I came up with the idea of a young(?) Signas. What kind of person was the former commander? Well, maybe he had a beard and looked bossy, like General? (laughs)" - (Developer Commentary)[2]
"Being an officer, I was worried he was similar to Colonel, but it would be strange to be too conscious of his role and not be able to tell from his shape, so I went for a bold, 'typical' shape. The large shoulders and six crystals on his chest give him a 'bossy' look." - (SENSEI, Designer Commentary)[2]
Trivia
- A Reploid similar to Signas is briefly seen in the Mega Man Maverick Hunter X OVA, The Day of Σ. He speaks to Sigma after the Mechaniloid is subdued, his only line being "Yes sir! Understood."
References