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The Sigma Virus (シグマウィルス Shiguma Wirusu) is Sigma's true form, a sentient virus first seen in Mega Man X2. It is an evolution of the Maverick Virus, maintaining the power to corrupt Reploids and Mechaniloids into Mavericks.

Description[]

The Sigma Virus is a program that can infect and manipulate the A.I. of machines and robots. Infected Reploids begin to behave irregularly and eventually become dangerously irrational.[1] These Mavericks often become delusional and act with complete disregard for the consequences.[2] When it manifests in reality, it resembles a disembodied head of Sigma.

Unlike its Maverick Virus predecessor, the Sigma Virus is unique in that it is part of the "spirit" of Sigma, and thus he can exert his influence onto the infected and motivate them to support him or destroy his enemies.[3] Once Sigma has taken hold of their systems, Reploids do not need to be persuaded to embrace his extreme anti-human sentiments; however, they become psychotically insane to the point of extreme violence, even towards other Reploids.[4] The virus is also the reason for Sigma's longevity, as Sigma is able to live on through the virus; if his body is destroyed, he can cling to existence through the Sigma Virus until he finds a new body to inhabit.[5] The virus is undetectable by conventional scanners, but its energy can be sensed by Reploids.[6]

The Sigma Virus is relentless, and once an infection has reached the critical stage the infected cannot be easily returned to normality, in which case death is the only permanent cure; therefore, the most common option for infected Reploids is to be retired by the Maverick Hunters. A counter-measure to infection by Maverick Viruses was created by Dr. Doppler (both a real one and a fake one), and the Anti-Virus Guard and Virus Buster were developed by the Hunters to fight infection, but neither could eradicate the Sigma Virus after infection. After the end of the X series, a true cure for the Sigma Virus was finally developed in the form of the Mother Elf.

Dr. Doppler was the first Reploid to return to normal after having been infected by Sigma,[7] albeit perhaps only for a brief time.[8] X and Zero were the first robots who could not be turned Maverick by the Sigma Virus; X only suffered pain from infection, while Zero actually grew stronger.[9] Flame Hyenard is an example of someone who suffered a severe reaction to the Sigma Virus, and under its excruciating influence he felt constant pain.[1] The Copy Chips in new generation Reploids such as Axl also granted built-in immunity to all viruses,[10] but Lumine going Maverick caused their production to be called into question.[11]

History[]

Origins[]

Zerovssigma

Sigma battling Zero

After Sigma contracted the Maverick Virus from his battle with the berserk Zero, the virus festered in his electronic brain. His advanced anti-virus protocols did not allow him to bend to its influence, so the virus instead adapted to and merged with his mind instead. This resulted in the creation of the Sigma Virus, a unique new virus that he alone held complete control over as an extension of his will.[12]

With his Maverick thoughts of evolution and rebellion amplified by the Sigma Virus, Sigma eventually gave into his impulses and staged an anti-human revolution. This revolt began the dreaded Maverick Wars. After the destruction of his original body in Mega Man X, Sigma survived thanks to the virus, having become a sentient virus that could survive death and live on without a physical body.[13]

Mega Man X2[]

Sigma Virus in Dragon Poker
For more details, see Sigma/Mega Man X2.

During the return of Sigma's rebellion thanks to the X-Hunters, the dangers of the Maverick Virus came into public knowledge. Magna Centipede was brainwashed and tasked with spreading the virus across the globe. At the Computer Center, the virus also appears in substantiated form as Chop Register.

However, the existence of the Sigma Virus was not revealed until the destruction of Neo Sigma's body. This was the first official appearance of the Sigma Virus - all prior references were to the Maverick Virus. This wireframe manifestation of Sigma's head attacks X, unable to fully possess him due to his own anti-virus protocols, but X fought back and defeated it. The Sigma Virus was seemingly consumed in the explosion of the Central Computer.

Mega Man X3[]

The discovery of Sigma's viral form makes it the focus of Dr. Doppler's research, and he was the first to dub it the "Sigma Virus" in the scientific community. In his research, Doppler managed to develop a counter-measure that seemingly restored Mavericks, including those infected with the Maverick Virus, to their senses.[Note 1] As a result, many advanced Reploids gather near Doppler as their new mentor and found Dopple Town, a perfect utopian community.[14] However, it is soon revealed that Dr. Doppler's counter-measure against irregular behavior in Reploids failed,[15] and the publicly available anti-viral vaccine for the Maverick Virus was a placebo:[16] Dr. Doppler was gathering a Maverick army.[17] Even though his forces were loyal to him, Dr. Doppler had secretly become infected with the Sigma Virus,[18] becoming Sigma's puppet rather than the mastermind.[19] In the following conflict, Reploids infected with the Maverick Virus such as Blizzard Buffalo and Blast Hornet served the Doppler Army, and the Sigma Virus appeared in substantiated form again as Shurikein.[20] Doppler secretly began creating new bodies for Sigma, allowing the Sigma Virus to inhabit them.

MMX3 SigmaVirus Chamber

The Sigma Virus in Mega Man X3.

After X destroyed Kaiser Sigma in Dr. Doppler's Laboratory, Sigma took on his viral form and threatened to possess X's body, chasing him. Unlike the boss fight in Mega Man X2, the Sigma Virus is invincible and the player must Wall Kick away from it and the rising lava. After reaching the top, X was cornered, but help arrived in a special form of Dr. Doppler's anti-virus effective against Sigma.[21][22] Whether equipped by Zero or by Doppler himself (depending on the game state), the Sigma Virus was struck with the anti-virus and writhed in pain as the laboratory exploded.[23]

The Sigma Virus appears to be greatly crippled by the anti-virus. Despite reappearing in Mega Man X4, Sigma makes no use of his virus throughout almost the entire game, instead achieving his evil ends through deceit and manipulation.[24]

Mega Man X5[]

The Earth Crisis sees the largest-scale use of the Sigma Virus in history. Sigma learns from Wily that Zero can be restored to his intended evil programming by flooding his body with a virus,[25][26] and makes this his goal.[27] First he goads the Maverick Hunters into destroying his Sigma Head form, causing an explosion that spreads the Sigma Virus across the entire planet. It infects robots all over the globe, including most of the Maverick Hunters, and even causes non-sentient machinery to malfunction and decay.[28][29] However, the stress from this plot also severely weakens the Sigma Virus, meaning that Sigma can no longer resurrect himself if his body is destroyed again.[30]

Portions of the Sigma Virus appear as enemies resembling purple Sigma Heads, present in four of the eight Maverick stages. The Sigma Virus can only be destroyed if the Virus Buster part is equipped, otherwise it is invincible and must be avoided. If the player touches four of them (or eight with the Anti-Virus Guard part), they become infected. X gradually loses health for a short period of time, which can ultimately kill him, and he can't use Giga Attacks. However, Zero regains all lost health and becomes temporarily invincible when fully infected.

Once Eurasia is destroyed (either by the Space Shuttle or by crashing into the Earth), the Colony Virus mixes with the Sigma Virus to form the Zero Virus. Depending on the game state, Zero either fights the influence of the Zero Virus, or succumbs to it and awakens as Sigma planned. X (with or without Zero) then destroys Sigma within Zero Space, finally eradicating him insomuch that he cannot return on his own.

Unfortunately, Gate foolishly resurrects Sigma in Mega Man X6, apparently having restored the Sigma Virus as part of his research. Alia claims that she and Gate once dreamed of developing a cure to the Sigma Virus together, making this choice all the more ironic.

Mega Man X7[]

X7 scene21

Sigma brainwashes Red Alert, presumably with the Sigma Virus.

After being targeted by Red Alert, the criminal Aluce acquires a "Sigma Virus Mk.2" as a means to guarantee his own safety. To bypass this defense, Red sends the virus-immune Axl to eliminate Aluce and his associate, Cedar.[31]

The assassination attracts Sigma to Red Alert, under the guise of "the Professor". He uses the DNA data collected by Axl to enhance the members of Red Alert, secretly taking control of their minds in the process. The actual method of this control is never explicitly stated - Tornado Tonion only states that he and his comrades were "redesigned"[32] - implying that Sigma was changing them at a fundamental technological level into Mavericks. The excruciating symptoms experienced by Flame Hyenard suggests that he if not all eight members of Red Alert under Red is also infected by the Sigma Virus,[1] but this may be not be the case for all of them: Red's free will is unaffected by his power-ups,[33] so Hyenard may have contracted the Sigma Virus on his own or as punishment for refusing to work with Sigma. In any case, Sigma uses his control over Red Alert to blackmail Red into cooperating with his plans, but both Sigma and Red Alert were defeated by the Maverick Hunters.

Mega Man X8[]

The Jakob Project sees the introduction of the new generation Reploids, who advertise their Copy Chips and complete viral immunity as a reason for why they cannot go Maverick. As such, when the new generation Reploids do rebel against humanity, it is proven beyond any doubt that this time around, the Sigma Virus is not responsible for their Maverick behavior.

In this incident, Sigma's individual programming seems to have been completely destroyed by X, Zero, and Axl. However, just as before, the Maverick Wars continue and the Sigma Virus remains a constant threat.

After the Mega Man X series[]

Eventually, Zero chose to be sealed away and analyzed by scientists for his connection to the Maverick Virus. A certain scientist (Ciel's ancestor) discovered an antibody to the Maverick Virus in Zero's cognitive program, which she used to create the Mother Elf, a lifeform able to rewrite and erase the Sigma Virus. X used the Mother Elf to eradicate the Sigma Virus, reducing the number of Mavericks significantly and ending the Maverick Wars.

Name usage[]

Upon the introduction of viruses in Mega Man X2, "Maverick Virus" was the term used to describe the computer virus that turns Reploids into Mavericks. Since the release of X3, it is more commonly referred to as the "Sigma Virus" instead. From X2 to X4, sources alternate between calling it the Sigma Virus, Maverick Virus, or simply a "Maverick-facilitating virus", a "virus that facilitates Maverick behavior", or a "Maverick converting virus". From X5 onwards, sources used "Sigma Virus" as the only name for the virus, regardless of it being inappropriate when referencing the time before Sigma's infection.

Nowadays the term "Maverick Virus" is seldom used in official material, though fans still use the term to differentiate between the original virus created by Dr. Wily and the mutation of the virus formed within Sigma's electronic brain.

Other appearances[]

  • Sigma Virus appeared in Mega Man X DiVE.
  • Sigma Virus appeared in some action cards from TEPPEN.
  • Sigma Virus appeared as an event character and boss in Dragon Poker. The playable version is an evolved form of Neo Sigma.
  • Sigma Virus appeared in the Rockman X DiVE event in Shironeko Project, where it escaped from the Rockman X cyberspace and mutated into Sikuma in the Shironeko cyberspace.

Marvel vs. Capcom: Infinite[]

During the events of the story mode, Ultron Sigma managed to modify the Sigma Virus through the power of the Reality Stone to affect living beings, infecting several Asgadians, including Thor Odinson and a Dah'ren Mohran, turning them into beings that were enslaved to their will. Under associate with Ultron Sigma, Grandmaster Meio is tasked to develop Gravitron Core which houses more of the Sigma Virus in an aerosal form, and enhanced the virus with the portion of the Power Stone, using the core as an air strike gas bomb to spread the virus across the globe. Though the heroes manage to destroy the rampaging giant symbiote created by Jedah Dohma with three Infinity Stones they have obtained, they failed to stop the Sigma Virus from infecting all of them. During the heroes' final raid on Xgard to save themselves and prevent the Earth from being completely infected by the Sigma Viruse, Chris Redfield's infection began to process, but he manage to negate it with his willpower. It is revealed that Ultron and Sigma virus' weakness is the Infinity Soul Stone, curing those who are infected by the virus permanently, and the said stone true potential only works for those who have a noble soul, something Ultron and Sigma do not have, as mentioned by Thanos, Jedah Dohma and Dante. The Soul Stone also not only cause Ultron Sigma great pain during their attempt to wield it, it also transformed the fused machine into Ultron Omega, greatly increasing their power at the cost of their sanity and left them vulnerable to destruction.

Gallery[]

Trivia[]

  • The Sigma Virus is mentioned in Marino's concept art in Mega Man X: Command Mission. According to the art, Marino stole technology because she was searching for cures for modern robot illnesses including the Sigma Virus.
  • The Mega Man Zero Official Complete Works offers differing information on the Sigma Virus from early concept phases for the Zero series, which therefore may not be canonical but should be noted. It states that residual data from the Sigma Virus is what corrupted the Mother Elf into the Dark Elf, not Dr. Weil, and also offers a different origin for the Maverick Virus.[34]
  • The Rockman Zero official site once detailed a relationship of the Sigma Virus and Cyber-elves, though this text has since been removed. It stated after Zero sealed himself away for study, the Sigma Virus was classified not as a program but rather the "volition of a bodiless life form." This "volition" became known as a Cyber-elf, and from then on any such "volition" with the ability to influence reality became designated as Cyber-elves as well. Afterward, the study resulted in technology that could strengthen a Reploid with a Cyber-elf, and eventually the purifying Mother Elf.

See also[]

Notes[]

  1. How Dr. Doppler reformed the Mavericks varies depending on the source:
    • The opening vaguely claims he could "suppress" Maverick behavior; the English localization adds that this was due to his Neuro Computer. This implies it did not purge the virus, but merely subdued it.
    • The instruction manual claims Doppler created an "anti-virus", implying it outright deleted the virus.
    • The Mega Man X Legacy Collection gallery claims that he created a "counteractive virus" to flush out the Sigma Virus.
    • The Maverick Hunter's Field Guide claims he created a "vaccine" using his Neuro Computer, implying it granted the user immunity to the virus. The Rockman X3 manga also refers to a vaccine.

References[]

  1. 1.0 1.1 1.2 Flame Hyenard: "Hrk... Agh... It... It hurts..." X: "These symptoms... Could it be...?!" Flame Hyenard: "Oh, it's YOU that's causing my suffering! Then if I tear you to pieces, the pain will stop!" Zero: "Ah! The sickness is already in its late stages. I don't think he'll come quietly." - Mega Man X7
  2. Volt Kraken: "You are free to take such a worthless thing... But what a simpleton you are. Even if you get it, you can't change the fate of the Earth! Every Reploid has been infected by the Virus and become... Ma Ma Ma Mave...ve veR..." X: "No! He has been infected, too!" Volt Kraken: "Wooooo! Maverick hunter? You will be terminated! Just like you did to Octopus!" - Mega Man X5
  3. Doppler: "Sigma's true form is that of a computer virus... I was corrupted by him and... I created a horrific new body for him..." - Mega Man X3
  4. Volt Kraken: "HA HA HA HAAAAAAA! ANOTHER FISH HAS BEEN TRAPPED! I'M A MAVERICK HUNTER! I'LL RETIRE YOU." Zero: "He's already become a Maverick... I'll put you out of your misery now... Say your prayers, Volt Kraken..." - Mega Man X5
  5. Sigma: You have won a temporary victory,X! What you destroyed was only a temporary body -- my spirit remains intact. In time I will find other bodies strong enough to do my bidding and I will return. I shall see you soon, X. Very soon... - Mega Man X
  6. Zero: "...I'm okay. Just a bit of a bruised ego. Anyway, where is Sigma?!" X: "He took off. Alia is looking for him now, but she can't pick up any readings." Zero: "He is a virus... ... he can't be seen or analyzed correctly like other data. You have to feel his evil energy. That's the only way to find him." - Mega Man X5
  7. Doppler: "You are strong, X... Strong enough to defeat Sigma... " X: "Doppler, can you talk?!" - Mega Man X3
  8. Doppler: "How do you feel now, Sigma? Did you like my special vaccine for the Sigma virus? X, I'm sorry to have given you so much trouble. I know I can never really atone for what I have done... But I will try to set things right by taking Sigma with me!!!" - Mega Man X3
  9. Zero: I've been fighting the Sigma Virus for a long time... It is the virus that causes all Reploids to transform into Mavericks. The most dreadful virus to ever exist. Why... I wonder why I'm not harmed? Instead, I feel energy growing within my body... What on earth is happening to me? I have a bad feeling about this... - Mega Man X5
  10. Pallette: We still haven't determined exactly why the new generation Reploids are going Maverick. Layer: I'm running simulators right now, but it looks like their virus resistance is absolute. Axl: Yeah, I'm a new generation prototype and I can confirm that. I'm immune myself. - Mega Man X8
  11. Narrator: When news of Lumine's going Maverick reached the ears of those in power, it was decided that all new generation Reploids with copy abilities still in production would be canceled, and the manufacture and use of copy chips would be terminated. However, with the development of space in full swing, the demand for these advanced new generation Reploids had not dwindled. Years later, production in copy chips once again resumed despite the advice on those who had studied their history... - Mega Man X8
  12. Rockman Zero Collection Timeline
  13. Compendium of Rockman X page 15
  14. Narrator: In the year 21XX, all the Mavericks have been neutralized thanks to the efforts of a Reploid scientist named "Dr. Doppler". Using his Neuro Computer he has been able to suppress any abnormal behavior in the reploids and prevent them from going berserk. Many of the most advanced reploids have gathered near their new mentor and founded "Dopple Town", a perfect Utopian community. With Dr. Doppler guiding them, the world seemed ready to enter a new golden age... - Mega Man X3
  15. Narrator: After a few months... The Mavericks who were supposed to have been neutralized by the Neuro Computer suddenly appeared and began to riot... At Maverick Hunter Headquarters, all the intelligence indicated that Dr.Doppler was the mastermind behind the invasion. Soon, the call went out to X and Zero to destroy the invading Mavericks and to bring Dr. Doppler to justice. - Mega Man X3
  16. Mega Man X3 English manual for the SNES, page 6
  17. Mac: You're far too trusting, X. I'm now a member of Doppler's Army! You will make a fine addition to our forces once you have been shown the true destiny of the Reploid race.
  18. Doppler: "Sigma's true form is that of a computer virus... I was corrupted by him and... ...I created a horrific new body for him..." - Mega Man X3
  19. Doppler: "I've been waiting for you X. I'm Dr. Doppler. I've been watching your battles closely. Your victories over my men have been most impressive. I need superior reploids like yourself, X! I offer you the chance to join us. Together we shall build a Utopia where the Reploids rule under the watchful eyes of Sigma, our lord and master." - Mega Man X3
  20. Rockman X Chō Hyakka page 56
  21. Zero: "How do you like that, Sigma? I picked up a Anti-Sigma virus program from Doppler and used it on my Beam Sabre!! Sorry about the delay X. I thought the program might be the only thing that would work against Sigma." - Mega Man X3
  22. Doppler: "How do you feel now, Sigma? Did you like my special vaccine for the Sigma virus? X, I'm sorry to have given you so much trouble. I know I can never really atone for what I have done... But I will try to set things right by taking Sigma with me!!!" - Mega Man X3
  23. Sigma: "My program... is... disappearing... But... someday... I... will..." - Mega Man X3
  24. Sigma: "Hee hee hee. My plan to keep Repliforce and the Maverick Hunters at each others' throats worked perfectly! ...Double did a good job as a spy!" - Mega Man X4
  25. Sigma: "Here I am. You can challenge me at anytime. I have delightful news. I've recently acquired a new partner. He has been very supportive. He seems to have created quite a few robots. And he gave me the toughest body that you will ever see. You got here sooner than I expected, so it is not yet complete... But...it is enough to defeat you... He is an excellent partner... I believe you two know each other... In fact, he used to be a comrade of yours. He was very persistent about you... and that makes him very helpful to me. You see X, there is someone other than me...who hates you... Now feel our combined rage and die! ...But not before suffering horribly, ha ha ha! ...Goodbye, X!" - Mega Man X5
  26. Sigma: "Heheheh, don’t get too worked up…I’m close…hey, Zero…so I met this old man…and that old man told me that you were the world’s strongest…who is that old man?" - Final Sigma W with Zero, Mega Man X5
  27. Sigma: "I've conducted thorough research, and produced a tremendous result. I wanted to find out what Zero truly is... and scatter the Virus all over the earth to purify his body... But the amount of the virus was insufficient. So I used the rundown colony......making it a virus colony and let it land on the earth. You know the outcome, don't you?" - Mega Man X5
  28. Signas: "Under the influence of the Sigma Virus, a lot of Maverick Hunters have become Mavericks, and only a few hunters remain normal." - The Virus Spreads, Mega Man X5.
  29. Alia: "The Sigma Virus even destroys nature... There is nothing in nature now which is completely free from mechanical devices." - Jungle Stage, Mega Man X5.
  30. Alia: "Since Sigma scattered a large amount of the Virus, he doesn't have any energy left to reproduce himself..." - After defeating Dark Necrobat, Mega Man X5
  31. Ōgon no Hibi, from Rockman X7 Original Soundtrack booklet.
  32. Tornado Tonion: You be X, hmm? I ask you favor, yes? Stop us...Stop Red, please, yah? X: What?! Tornado Tonion: It professor...professor redesign us... We no longer... X: Professor?! Who the heck is that? Tornado Tonion: We no control, yah? Can't stop, none of us. Please, please, save us... We becoming something else! - Mega Man X7.
  33. Red: "Amazing! I had no idea that DNA data could provide so much power! You're incredible!" ???: "Well, I hope I've proven my abilities to you. But this is only the beginning. If you give me the chance, I can make you invincible." Red: "What?! You mean I could be even stronger?!" ???: "Absolutely. But in order to do so, we'll need the mouse that ran away. He must collect more data! And then... then I will make you the strongest hunters that ever lived!" Red: "But that won't work. He'll never come back. We've set him free. And as for our power, we have quite enough. I thank you, truly. But we already are undefeatable!" ???: "Hmph, you don't need any more power, huh? Well, that could be true in your case. But he... He still has an unfinished job." ???: "There is vital data still missing. The most powerful Reploid data is not yet in my hands..." Red: "You... You used us?! And Axl?! We've had enough of this. We won't search for him for you. And we won't attack any more innocent Reploids. Not one!" - Mega Man X7
  34. Sigma Virus: The terrifying virus that causes a Reploid to go Maverick. The virus actually originated from one of the circuits that Dr. Light installed in X's brain. The circuit's function was to keep X neutral and unbiased in matters concerning humans and Reploids. Tragically, the very same circuit condemned X to a life plagued by the philosophical question that weighed the value of humans against that of Reploids - a question to which there was no answer. Zero was the first Reploid to be infected by the virus, but as an android created solely for evil, destructive purposes by Dr. Wily, the virus affected him uniquely. Instead of going Maverick, the virus turned Zero into a warrior driven by goodness, not evil. Unfortunately, by tirelessly fulfilling his destiny as a Maverick Hunter, Zero inadvertently spread the virus throughout the world. Eventually, as the host of the virus, Zero was taken to a research facility for study. -- Mega Man Zero Official Complete Works, The three keys to solving the mystery of Zero and Omega (The book notes that this information comes from early concept phases, and therefore may not be canonical)


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