KBT-series Medarots

KBT-series Medarots make up one-half of the game series mascot pair (KWG-series being the other). It is one of the most populous model series with a new entry appearing in almost every new game. Almost all known non-game media (particularly manga) have the protagonist command a KBT-model Medarot.

KBT is an abbreviation of kabutomushi, the Japanese name for the rhinoceros beetle, whose single horn with a forked tip is a major design trait on almost all KBT-series Medarots. The Kabuto Medal thus makes a natural fit.

The KBT line follows a linear numbering system from 0 to 15. However, most models released between Medarot 5 and Shingata Medarot receive letters instead of numbers due to the limited space between KBT07 (Kabuto Benimaru) and KBT10 (Gun-Nose). Consequently, only Granbeetle and Kaiser Beetle were assigned numbers among the seven KBT models created during this period.

Medarotters known for using KBT-series as their primary Medarots are Hikaru Agata, Rintarou Namishima, Ikki Tenryou, Ginkai, Kokuryuu Kamizake, Kasumi Asano, Koishimaru Tensan, Hikoo Tamayasu, Gamma, Azuma Amakura, Kohaku Himuro, Salt, Tenma Wakakoma, Minori Hojo and Kagami Rokuyou.

Series Basics

Aesthetic

KBT-series Medarots are easily distinguished by their head parts dominated by a single "horn" split in two at the end onto which a shooting weapon (usually a Missile launcher) is mounted. Their part armor is thick and angular and their feet are wide enough to provide a stable platform for shooting attacks. The majority of KBT-series Medarots have yellow armor with white highlights, though many exceptions do exist such as the black Bayonet and red Kaiser Beetle.

Abilities

The basic weapon setup for the KBT-series makes full use of the Kabuto Medal and its alignment towards standard Shooting attacks. The head features a Missile weapon with high power and perfect accuracy but somewhat sparse ammo capacity. The right arm has a high-speed Rifle with modest power while the left arm equips a Gatling with high strength and the Snipe attribute. The legs are Two Legged, giving it extra speed in Forest and Grass terrains. Many later models will modify this setup, especially the head part.

Those models with Medachange transform into mobile vehicles with the Wheels leg type, boosting their speed in City and Indoor battlefields. While they retain their Missile attacks the two arm-mounted guns are exchanged for X-Attack drives, allowing them to Set and Fire a massively strong attack (though they can only Fire every other turn without assistance).

Examples

KBT-0 Metal Beetle

The mascot of Medarot 1's Kabuto version, Metal Beetle is the archetype upon which most other KBT-series Medarots are based. It features the standard Missile-Rifle-Gatling-Two Legs setup. Later games give it darkened armor and differently-written part names to distinguish it from its later version. It is frequently seen being used by Hikaru, protagonist of Medarot 1 and supporting character of later games. Though it is called "Metabee" for short, it is not to be confused with its successor.

KBT-1 Metabee

The mascot of Medarot 2, 2 Core, 7 and 8's Kabuto Versions (and arguably the entire franchise), Metabee is the refined version of Metal Beetle and features the bright yellow armor that has since become a staple for KBT-series Medarots. It is the primary Medarot used by Ikki until he upgrades to Saikachis.

KBT-2 Bayonet

A bulkier variant of Metabee with higher defenses but slightly weaker weapons. Easily told apart by its thicker, round armor with black coloring.

KBT-3 Kantaros

Unlike Bayonet, Kantaros has few features to visually separate it from Metabee. It is one of the primary Medarots used by Rintarou.

KBT-4 Arcbeetle

Appearing in a number of later games, Arcbeetle represents a shift in the KBT paradigm. The head part features two long horns similar to the Hercules Beetle (a member of the Rhino Beetle family) and carries one usage of a high-strength Laser attack. The body is also primarily red rather than yellow.

While sometimes used by Rintarou, Arcbeetle is more commonly the Medarot of choice for the Kaitou Retort. Until Medarot 8, Arcbeetle was unique in being the only KBT-series Medarot without a KWG-series counterpart; this "missing link" has now been filled by Titanbeetle.

KBT-5 Saikachis

A direct upgrade to Ikki's Metabee, Saikachis is the first KBT-series Medarot to feature Medachange, gaining wheels and red accents in a number of places. When changed it is capable of setting and firing Cross Attacks, giving it great offensive strength against almost any opponent.

KBT-55 Blackbeetle

A more heavily armored version of Saikachis (much like Bayonet to Metabee), the female Blackbeetle has lower speed but higher defense and strength. It is similarly capable of Medachange but does not feature a modified attack roster.

KBT-6 Arcbeetle-Dash

An improved version of Arcbeetle, sacrificing a bit of attack strength for Medachange capability and a second Head Use. Primarily used by Rintarou, though it is also seen to replace Kaitou Retort's original Arcbeetle.

KBT-7 Kabuto Benimaru

Designed as part of Comic BomBom's X-Project, Kabuto Benimaru sports a thick red horn and two comically large gun-arms. Medarot Navi features him under the alias "Masked Kabuto", covering the horn with a top hat (which itself has a slip of paper attached, perhaps in reference to the Hatter from Alice in Wonderland).

KBT-9BX Anzudo Beetle

Also part of the X-Project, Anzudo Beetle is a female KBT-type with arm parts that destroy themselves after use.

KBT-0NF Granbeetle

Mascot of Medarot Navi's Kabuto version, Granbeetle is a chunky Medarot used by protagonist Kasumi Asano. It trades the standard head Missile for a chest-mounted Rifle and its Medachange is Float instead of Wheeled, but it is otherwise identical in function to Ikki's Saikachis.

KBT-1NF Kaiser Beetle

The upgraded version of Granbeetle, Kaiser Beetle has higher attack than its predecessor in exchange for lower lasting power.

KBT-0NF Pupa Beetle

A strange energy-based Medarot that, with enough Medaforce collected, can use Medachange to grow into a powerful KBT-type.

KBT-0CH Chrotojil

Mascot of Medarot 5's Kabuto version, Chrotojil is the primary Medarot used by protagonist Koishimaru.

KBT-1CH Dechotom

While an upgraded version of Chrotojil, Dechotom instead appears in the spinoff game Medarot G.

KBT10-M Gun-Nose

A brand-new entry into the KBT line in Medarot DS, Gun-Nose is the primary Medarot of Azuma after his Metabee is severely damaged. Its head fires Napalm instead of Missiles and its shoulder pads are asymmetrical.

KBT50 Metabee G

A variant of Metabee with a golden shine appears in Medarot 7; its number is distinct from that of Saikachis (KBT05).

Sägehorn

Debuting in Medarot 8, Sägehorn (German for "saw-horn") has the unique distinction of using melee attacks instead of guns.

Beet

Mascot of Shingata Medarot's Kabuto version.

Image gallery

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  Unreleased concept art 1

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  Unreleased concept art 2

See Also

• KWG series - Kuwagata, the melee-oriented counterparts to KBT.
• KLN series - King Lion, a shooting-oriented series that frequently opposes KWG.