Changes: Lar

Revision as of 02:32, 25 January 2017

Lar's title, 大怪球, translates to "large mysterious sphere" in English. Lar is a common boss; it appears in all the Sonic Wings games except the first. Although it is described as Fata Morgana's ultimate weapon, it is unclear whether Lar is an organic entity or a machine. Whatever it is made of, Lar is shaped like a giant black sphere. Its face is blank when it first appears, but then a large eye with a red iris opens on the sphere's face. In most forms, Lar's eye stretches almost all the way across its face. Lar can also produce a variety of appendages, including various cannons and guns, mechanical wings, and a gigantic human arm.

Lar usually attacks using either fireballs or lasers. It can fire both from its eye, and at times a pale green corona appears around Lar's body. Lar also shoots fireballs from its various mechanical appendages, and it can grasp at the player's aircraft using its human arm. Because it has no dialogue in the games, Lar shows little personality; however, in some game artwork it is shown looking at Ellen and Mao Mao flirtatiously.

Inspiration

Grparis — The Eye of Vogler attacking Paris.

Lar is a parody of the Eye of Vogler from the anime mini-series Giant Robo: The Animation. In the game data for Sonic Wings Special, Lar is even referred to as "Fogra," which is an alternate romanization of the katakana which spell "Vogler" (フォグラー). The last two katakana of the name, ラー, spell "Lar" as well. Like Lar, the Eye of Vogler is also referred to as 大怪球, ("large mysterious sphere").

The Eye of Vogler is a mechanical weapon/vehicle which, like Lar, resembles a giant black sphere with a red eye. While the Eye of Vogler's eye is more detailed, it too opens when the machine is activated and closes when it is turned off. One episode of Giant Robo shows the Eye of Vogler drifting through a burning Paris; this scene is replicated almost identically with Lar in Sonic Wings 2 and later Sonic Wings Special. The Eye of Vogler appeared in Giant Robo's first episode in 1991, whereas Lar's first appearance was in 1994.

Lar is also quite similar to the enemy Dark Matter who appears in several games in the Kirby series. Dark Matter first appeared in Kirby's Dream Land 2 at the end of 1994, the same year as Lar first appeared; therefore, there is likely no connection between the two.

Sonic Wings 2

Larfair — Possible cameo of Lar in Sonic Wings 2.

Stage: Another Dimension

Lar is one of three possible final bosses for Sonic Wings 2, along with Tenukie Chaudo and Manbou; however, Lar appears far more frequently than the other two. Lar attacks using its mechanical appendages detailed above, as well as a large humanoid arm. If Lar is allowed to escape the first time it appears, or if the player runs out of time, Lar is shown attacking Paris. If Lar escapes after the second run of the game, an animation of Lar "smiling" appears.

An eye very similar to Lar's also appears on the Aztec pyramid in the Mexico stage of SW2. The game's other two final bosses appear at the fairground in the America stage, along with a blank black sphere. Although it does not have an eye, the sphere may be meant to represent Lar in a cameo.

Sonic Wings 3

Stage: Mars

A gigantic version of Lar appears as part of the sub-boss of the Mars stage; it makes up 大怪球おさるステーション (Large Mysterious Sphere Osaru Station) along with Osaru from Sonic Wings. Lar is the more aggressive of the two bosses and has a wide range of attacks, including mechanical parts that extend from its sphere. Damage to these parts heals, so the player should instead focus on attacking Lar's eye. Lar usually has one large red, bloodshot eye in the middle of its sphere from which it attacks; however, the eye changes frequently. It may take the form of six smaller eyes, produce two extra irises which attack with laser beams, or send out copies of the much smaller version of Lar from Sonic Wings 2. Its main iris may also turn green in some attacks.

Sonic Wings Special

Stage: Another World

Lar reprises its Sonic Wings 2 role in Special, behaving exactly the same way as before. If allowed to escape, Lar again demolishes Paris.

Sonic Wings Limited

Swllar1 — Lar's first appearance in Sonic Wings Limited.

Swllar2 — Lar's second appearance in Sonic Wings Limited.

Stage: Another Dimension

Lar may appear as the game's final boss if the player has more than 600,000 points at the end of the Red Square stage; sometimes the small version of Do-ni Revision is the boss of "Another Dimension" instead. A smaller, weaker version of Lar appears at the beginning of the stage, surrounded by small white spheres. When defeated, this Lar provides a Full Power power-up. Lar returns in its normal, larger form at the end of the stage, where it behaves as it does in Sonic Wings and Sonic Wings 2. If allowed to escape, Lar is shown attacking the Earth-- and nauseating a poor man who now can't eat his lunch (see gallery below).

Sonic Wings Assault

Stage: Ice Cave

"Lar has been sent to Earth to destroy all humanity."
-Ellen's briefing in Aerofighters Assault

Lar is the final boss of the regular part of the game, unless the player completes all bonus stages and unlocks the Moon level. Lar hides at the center of a cave deep in the ice of Antarctica, protected by meandering corridors and supporting aircraft. Lar is at first frozen in ice but will thaw upon being attacked. Lar's attacks are similar to those in previous games, and it can control the same appendages as before. It looks slightly different in its three-dimensional form, with a more cat-like eye.

@@ Line 1: / Line 1: @@
 {{Enemy-infobox
 |image = [[image:Lar_profile.png]]
-|janame = ラー (Lar), 大怪球 (Large Mysterious Sphere)
+|janame = 大怪球ラー (Large Mysterious Sphere Lar)
 |usname = Lar
-|appearances = [[Sonic Wings 2]], [[Sonic Wings 3]], [[Sonic Wings Special]], [[Sonic Wings Limited]], [[Sonic Wings Assault]]
+|appearances = [[Sonic Wings 2]], [[Sonic Wings 3]], [[Sonic Wings Special]], [[Sonic Wings Limited]], [[Sonic Wings Assault]], [[SukuSuku Inufuku]]
 |rank = game boss
 |affiliation = [[Fata Morgana]]
 }}
-Lar is a common boss; it appears in all the Sonic Wings games except the first. Although it is described as Fata Morgana's ultimate weapon, it is unclear whether Lar is an organic entity or a machine. Whatever it is made of, Lar is shaped like a giant black sphere. Its face is blank when it first appears, but then a large eye with a red iris opens on the sphere's face. In most forms, Lar's eye stretches almost all the way across its face. Lar can also produce a variety of appendages, including various cannons and guns, mechanical wings, and a gigantic human arm.
+Lar's title, 大怪球, translates to "large mysterious sphere" in English. Lar is a common boss; it appears in all the Sonic Wings games except the first. Although it is described as [[Fata Morgana]]'s ultimate weapon, it is unclear whether Lar is an organic entity or a machine. Whatever it is made of, Lar is shaped like a giant black sphere. Its face is blank when it first appears, but then a large eye with a red iris opens on the sphere's face. In most forms, Lar's eye stretches almost all the way across its face. Lar can also produce a variety of appendages, including various cannons and guns, mechanical wings, and a gigantic human arm.
 Lar usually attacks using either fireballs or lasers. It can fire both from its eye, and at times a pale green corona appears around Lar's body. Lar also shoots fireballs from its various mechanical appendages, and it can grasp at the player's aircraft using its human arm. Because it has no dialogue in the games, Lar shows little personality; however, in some game artwork it is shown looking at [[Ellen]] and [[Mao Mao]] flirtatiously.
+==Inspiration==
-The meaning of Lar's name is not clear, but a mythological basis is possible considering the connections of other Sonic Wings enemies to myth (i.e. [[Pandora]], [[Fata Morgana]], etc.). In Roman mythology, a Lar was a household god; his image would be placed in a house and given offerings such as fruit and wine so that he would protect his family. However, "[t]he family Lar was habitually represented in a juvenile aspect with curly hair, a short tunic and in a dancing posture"-- a far cry from Sonic Wings' giant eyeball. <ref>Graves, Robert, et al. ''New Larousse Encyclopedia of Mythology.'' London: Prometheus Press, 1968.</ref> "Lar" might simply be a short English nickname for the sphere's name in the Sonic Wings 3 strategy guide: 大怪球, which translates to "large mysterious sphere" in English.
 [[Image:Larparis.png|thumb|left|Lar attacking Paris.]]
 [[Image:Grparis.png|thumb|left|The Eye of Vogler attacking Paris.]]
-Lar is a parody of the Eye of Vogler from the anime mini-series ''Giant Robo: The Animation.''  In the game data for [[Sonic Wings Special]], Lar is even referred to as "Fogra," which is an alternate romanization of the katakana which spell "Vogler" (フォグラー).  (It can also be noted that the last two katakana, ラー, spell "Lar" as well.)
+Lar is a parody of the Eye of Vogler from the anime mini-series ''Giant Robo: The Animation.'' In the game data for [[Sonic Wings Special]], Lar is even referred to as "Fogra," which is an alternate romanization of the katakana which spell "Vogler" (フォグラー). The last two katakana of the name, ラー, spell "Lar" as well. Like Lar, the Eye of Vogler is also referred to as 大怪球, ("large mysterious sphere").
-The Eye of Vogler, which is also referred to as 大怪球/"large mysterious sphere," is a mechanical weapon/vehicle which like Lar resembles a giant black sphere with a red eye. While the Eye of Vogler's eye is more detailed, it too opens when the machine is activated and closes when it is turned off. One episode of ''Giant Robo'' shows the Eye of Vogler drifting through a burning Paris; this scene is replicated almost identically with Lar in [[Sonic Wings 2]] and later [[Sonic Wings Special]]. The Eye of Vogler appeared in ''Giant Robo's'' first episode in 1991, whereas Lar's first appearance was in 1994.
+The Eye of Vogler is a mechanical weapon/vehicle which, like Lar, resembles a giant black sphere with a red eye. While the Eye of Vogler's eye is more detailed, it too opens when the machine is activated and closes when it is turned off. One episode of ''Giant Robo'' shows the Eye of Vogler drifting through a burning Paris; this scene is replicated almost identically with Lar in [[Sonic Wings 2]] and later [[Sonic Wings Special]]. The Eye of Vogler appeared in ''Giant Robo's'' first episode in 1991, whereas Lar's first appearance was in 1994.
-Lar is also quite similar to the enemy Dark Matter who appears in several games in the Kirby series. Dark Matter first appeared in ''Kirby's Dream Land 2'' at the end of 1994, the same year as Lar first appeared; therefore, there is likely no connection between the two.
+Lar is also quite similar to the enemy [http://kirby.wikia.com/wiki/Dark_Matter Dark Matter] who appears in several games in the Kirby series. Dark Matter first appeared in ''Kirby's Dream Land 2'' at the end of 1994, the same year as Lar first appeared; therefore, there is likely no connection between the two.
 ==[[Sonic Wings 2]]==
@@ Line 28: / Line 28: @@
 '''Stage:''' Another Dimension
-Lar is one of three possible final bosses for [[Sonic Wings 2]], along with [[Tenukii Chaud]] and [[Mambu]]; however, Lar appears far more frequently than the other two. Lar attacks using its mechanical appendages detailed above, as well as it large humanoid arm. If Lar is allowed to escape the first time it appears, or if the player runs out of time, Lar is shown attacking Paris. If Lar escapes after the second run of the game, an animation of Lar "smiling" appears.
+Lar is one of three possible final bosses for [[Sonic Wings 2]], along with [[Tenukie Chaudo]] and [[Manbou]]; however, Lar appears far more frequently than the other two. Lar attacks using its mechanical appendages detailed above, as well as a large humanoid arm. If Lar is allowed to escape the first time it appears, or if the player runs out of time, Lar is shown attacking Paris. If Lar escapes after the second run of the game, an animation of Lar "smiling" appears.
 An eye very similar to Lar's also appears on the [[Aztec pyramid]] in the Mexico stage of SW2. The game's other two final bosses appear at the fairground in the America stage, along with a blank black sphere. Although it does not have an eye, the sphere may be meant to represent Lar in a cameo.
@@ Line 52: / Line 52: @@
 '''Stage:''' Another Dimension
-Lar may appear as the game's final boss if the player has more than 600,000 points at the end of the Red Square stage; sometimes the small version of [[Do-ni Revision]] is the boss of "Another Dimension" instead. A smaller, weaker version of Lar appears at the beginning of the stage, surrounded by small white spheres. When defeated, this Lar provides a Full Power power-up. Lar returns in its normal, larger form at the end of the stage, where it behaves as it does in SW and SW2. If allowed to escape, Lar is shown attacking the Earth-- and nauseating a poor man who now can't eat his lunch (see gallery below).
+Lar may appear as the game's final boss if the player has more than 600,000 points at the end of the Red Square stage; sometimes the small version of [[Do-ni Revision]] is the boss of "Another Dimension" instead. A smaller, weaker version of Lar appears at the beginning of the stage, surrounded by small white spheres. When defeated, this Lar provides a Full Power power-up. Lar returns in its normal, larger form at the end of the stage, where it behaves as it does in Sonic Wings and Sonic Wings 2. If allowed to escape, Lar is shown attacking the Earth-- and nauseating a poor man who now can't eat his lunch (see gallery below).
 ==[[Sonic Wings Assault]]==
@@ Line 58: / Line 58: @@
 '''Stage:''' Ice Cave
 <blockquote>"Lar has been sent to Earth to destroy all humanity."<br />''-[[Ellen]]'s briefing in [[Sonic Wings Assault|Aerofighters Assault]]''</blockquote>
+Lar is the final boss of the regular part of the game, unless the player completes all bonus stages and unlocks the Moon level. Lar hides at the center of a cave deep in the ice of Antarctica, protected by meandering corridors and supporting aircraft. Lar is at first frozen in ice but will thaw upon being attacked. Lar's attacks are similar to those in previous games, and it can control the same appendages as before. It looks slightly different in its three-dimensional form, with a more cat-like eye.
+== [[SukuSuku Inufuku]] ==
+Lar appears along with [[Keaton, Blaster|Mecha-Keaton]] in one of the quiz questions.
+== Voice Samples ==
+[[File:Lar roar.ogg]]
+*Lar's roar ([[Sonic Wings Assault]])
+== Artwork Gallery ==
-Lar is the final boss of the regular part of the game, unless the player completes all bonus stages and unlocks the Moon level. Lar hides at the center of a cave deep in the ice of Antarctica, protected by meandering corridors and supporting aircraft. It is at first frozen in ice but will thaw upon being attacked. Lar's attacks are similar to those in previous games, and it can control the same appendages as before. It looks slightly different in its three-dimensional form, with a more cat-like eye.
+<gallery>
+Not.gif|SD sprite from the old Video System website.
+zt1.jpg|From the old Video System website.
+.jpg|Sketch of the previous artwork in [[Pseudo Sky Rascals]].
+Sw2-ost-back.jpg|From the [[Sonic Wings 2 Soundtrack]] CD.
+</gallery>
-{{HeadingSW|Screenshot Gallery}}
+== Screenshot Gallery ==
 <gallery>
 Image:Larcrash.png|From [[Sonic Wings 2]].
@@ Line 75: / Line 83: @@
 Sw3lar1.png|From [[Sonic Wings 3]].
 Sw3lar2.gif|From [[Sonic Wings 3]].
-Image:Sws-larbadending.png|Lar's bad ending in [[Sonic Wings Special]].
+Image:Sws-larbadending.png|Lar's bad ending in [[Sonic Wings Special]], translated.
+.png|From [[Sonic Wings Limited]].
 Image:Swllarbad.png|Lar's bad ending in [[Sonic Wings Limited]].
+(3).png|From [[Sonic Wings Limited]].
+.png|From [[Sonic Wings Limited]].
+.png|From [[Sonic Wings Limited]].
+.png|From [[Sonic Wings Limited]].
+.png|From [[Sonic Wings Limited]].
+.png|From [[Sonic Wings Limited]].
+LARFrozen.png|Lar frozen in ice in [[Sonic Wings Assault]].
+-03-16_2231.png|From [[Sonic Wings Assault]].
+swrl.png|From [[SukuSuku Inufuku]].
 </gallery>
-== References ==
-<references />
 [[Category:Characters]]
 [[Category:Enemies]]
+[[Category:Final Bosses]]
+[[Category:Fata Morgana]]