"RVR-01 Gauntlet : Destroyed."
- RVR-01' status transmitted by Guardian -
The RVR-01 "Gauntlet" (RVR-01 ガントレット RVR-01 Gantoretto?) is the player ship in Thunder Force V. It was constructed as the first model in the new RVR series of starfighters.
History[]
Thunder Force V[]
The RVR-01 is the first model of RVR spacecraft produced by Earth, a line of starfighters that were created after the initial discovery of the Vasteel Original (AKA Rynex). According to evidence, a total of at least seven models of this particular craft were produced, but the one that plays the role of the protagonist is flown by Cenes Crawford. Strangely, while the RVR-01 is tagged as "starfighter" and is capable of space flight, but unable to leave the Earth's atmosphere unless it connects to the RVR-02B "Brigandine" module.
However, if the RVR-01 uses the Brigandine, the craft falls apart, except for the cockpit module which is installed into the Brigandine, and the ship is transitioned to the RVR-02 "Vambrace".
During the good ending of Thunder Force V, the Guardian reveals the last fate of the RVR-01 as being "Destroyed" while revealing the RVR-02 as "Operational".
Thunder Force VI[]
Although the Gauntlet does not appear in this game (as it was destroyed), ORN Faust transforms into a gargantuan, evil version of this starfighter known as "ORN Faust Gauntlet" as the final form of Vasteel Nocht, after failing to destroy the player as larger, evil versions of the Styx and Rynex. In the end, the ORN version of this spacecraft is destroyed by the player's ship. Curiously, while the use of Styx and Rynex data by ORN Faust is understandable (by stealing data from the Galaxy Federation databases), it is unknown how it got the information about the RVR-01 due to the fact that Earth Side databases are many lightyears away, along with the fact that all old traces of Vasteel Technology were deleted by the Guardian after its infiltration of the WorldNet.
Variants[]
There are four variations of the RVR-01, three of which are only obtainable in the PS1 version of the game by entering specific codes using a controller plugged into the second controller port and holding a specific button at the stage selection screen or selecting bosses in Time Attack. At stage 5, any of the RVR-01 models would have its cockpit transferred to the fuselage of the RVR-02 "Vambrace" docked to a Brigandine support unit.
- The original version (Blue)
- The RVR-01E, a mass-production model (Green). Its offensive power is at 37.5% compared to the original RVR-01, but when used, the player earns twice as many points when destroying enemies. It can be used by holding the triangle button on controller 2.
- The RVR-01HiS, a variant with enhanced speed and mobility (Red). It is around two times faster than the original with a speed rating of 218.75% and a slight increase in offensive power at 112.5%. Usable by holding the circle button on controller 2. The HiS's color scheme has somewhat of a resemblance to Vasteel. In addition, HiS is an abbreviation for "High Speed", referring to its enhanced speed and mobility.
- The RVR-01Ex, a version with major improvements in all areas (Purple). That statement is somewhat of a stretch, however, as its speed rating is at 37.5%, much slower than even the original. In addition, it could only accommodate two CRAWs at a time, one less than the other RVR-01 models. However, where it shines, is that its offensive power is uprated to 175%, and its CRAW recovery rating is at 150%. It can only be used by holding down the square button on controller 2. The RVR-01Ex is listed as being black in the texture viewer, and because of it, it is sometimes depicted as having a black trim.
Thunder Force V | ||
Characters | Cenes Crawford • REFFI • Guardian | |
Ships | RVR-01 "Gauntlet" • RVR-02 "Vambrace" • RVR-02B "Brigandine" | |
Stages | No Blue • Wood • Human Road • Guardian's Guardian • Judgement Sword • From the Bottom of One's Heart | |
Bosses | Deep Purple • Iron Maiden • A3 • Guardian's Knight • Vasteel Original • Guardian Animus • Khaos Ascendant |