Check it out for yourselves [iTunes Link] for the not so little £5.99/$9.99.

Released in 2002, production of the series began after the release of Mega Man X5, which was intended by series creator Keiji Inafune to be the final entry in the X series, leading into the events of Mega Man ZERO. While the X series continued, ZERO went on to become a four-part series, enjoying its success on the Game Boy Advance and considered to be some of the hardest games in the entirety of the Mega Man series. While no definite release date has been given for the collection, Capcom has announced a Summer 2010 release. Not much is known about any special features the collection may contain, but in the meantime, enjoy these screens, courtesy of Capcom.

 

Released in 1993, almost side-by-side with Mega Man 6 for the NES, Mega Man X introduced players to a slightly different and darker world than fans were used to. It was an entirely new franchise, building upon the classic Mega Man gameplay and introducing us to an entirely new cast of characters, including the eponymous Mega Man X, successor to the “Mega Man” name. In my younger days, I often confused the Mega Man and the X series, mistaking the X in the title for the number 10. However, the only link the two share is the “Mega Man” name and the scientist who created them both, Thomas Light. In a way, the X series shares a few similarities to the Ultimate Marvel universe, in that both are supposed to be edgier than their original counterparts (with the possible exception of Ultimate Spider-Man) and are only related to the main universe counterparts in name. However, unlike the relationship between the main Marvel continuity and the Ultimate continuity, Mega Man and Mega Man X take place in the same universe, only in different time periods.

Story

Taking place roughly 100 years following the end of the classic Mega Man series (when exactly it takes place is unspecified, both given the ambiguous dates stated in the game and the fact that the classic series still continues to this day), robotics technology has evolved thanks to a discovery made by the archeologist Dr. Cain, who years before the start of the game, discovered the sentient robot Mega Man X sealed away in a capsule. The last creation of the genius Dr. Light, X was created with the ability to think for himself, a radical concept as all robots built prior were required to follow the Three Laws of Robotics (yes, Asimov’s Three Laws from I, Robot). Being the first of his kind, Dr. Light sealed him away so that tests and simulations could be run on X’s system, ensuring that X wouldn’t become a risk and possibly initiate a robot uprising, especially since Light equipped him with a powerful new version of Mega Man’s Mega Buster known as the X-Buster. This is what I don’t understand. If he were to become potentially dangerous, why equip him with a powerful weapon? When the original Mega Man was built, he was just a household cleaning robot who begged to be converted into a fighting robot to stop the menace that was Dr. Albert Wily. However, X wasn’t created to fight, so the need to outfit him with a weapon just doesn’t make sense when you think about it. Still, with out the X-Buster, it wouldn’t really be a “Mega Man” game, now would it? Later, when encountering a hologram of Dr. Light, he states that he always knew the day would come when X would need to fight and took precautions to ensure that he would be ready.

X comes face to face with a hologram of his creator, Thomas Light.

X and Zero mount an assault on Sigma's fortress. Interestingly enough, series creator Keiji Inafune wanted Zero to be the main protagonist.

In the present, X was eventually used by Dr. Cain as a template for a new generation of robots known as Reploids. These robots also possessed the ability to think for themselves. However, unlike X, they were flawed and many of them rebelled. Labeled as “Mavericks” (Irregulars in the original Japanese version), these reploids were dangerous and, as such, a special task force of reploids was put together to deal with them. Known as Maverick Hunters, they were led by Sigma, under the guidance of Dr. Cain. However, eventually, Sigma rebelled, along with many other powerful reploids. As a result, X and another reploid by the name of Zero are essentially the only Maverick Hunters left that are capable of stopping them and set out to fight the Mavericks.

This is only the backstory to the actual game, which contains very little story itself, save for a few brief scenes with dialogue. And, despite what little story there might be, it’s enough to drive the plot along. With the exception of Sigma and Vile, none of the bosses have any characterization, the only information given is that they’re former Maverick Hunters that have aligned themselves with Sigma. Still, for a side scrolling shooter, especially one from the 16-bit era, do you really need that much story?

Gameplay

The standard stage intro screen, featuring the stage boss.

The main core of Mega Man X’s gameplay is simple. Pick a stage, fight your way through it, taking care of enemy robots along the way, eventually reaching the stage boss, which you are then required to dispatch before being allowed to choose the next stage you want to tackle. What I’ve always liked about the Mega Man series is it’s “Rock, Paper, Scissors” style way of taking on bosses, in that every boss has a strength and a weakness that can be exploited. Just like Paper beats Rock, Rock beats Scissors, and Scissors beats Paper, Fire beats Ice, Ice beats Electricity, and Electricity beats whatever the hell Armored Armadillo’s attribute is supposed to be (if this were Pokemon, he’d probably be a ground type). That’s just to name a few. The strategy lies in figuring out which boss weapon you receive is suited to fighting which boss. The game itself allows you to pick any of the initial eight stages and you’re shown which boss you’re fighting, rather than a standard linear progression where the stages are laid out in a preset order.

Some stages also become easier depending on which stages you tackle first. For instance, tackling Chill Penguin’s stage before heading off to Flame Mammoth’s stage gives you a considerable advantage. The normal version of the stage, if played before defeating Chill Penguin, contains molten metal, which is extremely hazardous to anyone, including robots. While not an instant death, it does drain a sizeable chunk of your health, especially for players that haven’t collected any of the hidden, health-increasing Heart Tanks scattered across several stages. However, if Chill Penguin is defeated beforehand, the molten metal is frozen over, allowing you to safely cross it without fear of getting hurt. Not all stages are like this, however, and you may not figure out what stages change or the circumstances necessary to change a stage right from the start, but it’s an interesting idea, and one that pays off if done right.

Flame Mammoth's Stage - Before and After defeating Chill Penguin.

X, fully upgraded.

Another aspect of the game is collecting hidden upgrades and power-ups to help you complete the game. Items, such as upgrade capsules, which increase your performance by reducing damage and increasing attack strength, heart tanks, which increase your overall health, and life tanks, which allow you to refill your health, are scattered throughout the initial eight stages (not counting the introductory stage), some of which require upgrades and boss weapons acquired in other stages. This of course means a little back tracking in order to get the necessary equipment required to gain access to the power-ups. While not required to progress, they are definitely helpful, especially once you’ve dispatched the eight bosses and made it into the Sigma Stages. These stages are where the game really heats up. Essentially, it’s the enemy stronghold, meaning it’s crawling with enemies. Each stage contains multiple boss fights, though some of those battles are against the eight mavericks that you defeat earlier in the game, so they’re not a big deal if you have the power-ups and know their specific weakness. However, they are still a threat and can hinder your progress significantly. To top it all off, while the game uses a password system, from this point onward, passwords only relate to your upgrades, any password you receive while making it through the Sigma Stages starting you back at the first Sigma Stage, meaning if you choose to quit and comeback later, you have to do every single Sigma level, of which there are four, from the very beginning. Essentially, the last part of the game is an endurance test, meaning you really need to keep an eye on your lives.

Is it a hard game? Sort of. It’s not at the level of difficulty that older Mega Man games were known for but it is still a difficult game in it’s own right, pulling no punches as the player makes their way into the more difficult areas of the game.

Visuals

X, Zero, and Vile.

Being a Super Nintendo game, don’t expect this game to be visually stunning. After all, the graphics are composed of 2D sprites and static backgrounds. However, they aren’t visually jarring either, being well designed and colorful. The character animations are solid and rather fluid, even the bosses, which have several different animations due to their different attacks. However, when too many things are going on all at once, it can slow the game down, unfortunately. It’s not a major problem, but it happens from time to time.

The character designs are pretty good too, if a bit on the simplistic side. Unlike the original Mega Man series, whose Robot Masters were almost always humanoid robots, the X series uses animal-like robots as the Maverick Bosses. Like I said, the character designs are a bit simplistic, with them usually looking like metallic, anthropomorphic animals. Still, they have their charms. X, on the other hand, does have a humanoid appearance, looking like a grown up, modified version of the original Mega Man, with Zero, oddly enough, looking like a male, grown up version of Roll, if only because they’re both blond and wear red, though you could also say he resembles Proto Man.

The Stage Selection screen, complete with a headshot of each level boss.

Audio

I’ve mentioned before in one of my recent reviews that I am a big fan of video game music. While it was essentially Metal Gear Solid that really got me interested, I’ve grown very fond of the music from the Mega Man X series as a whole. But out of all of the games in the series, it’s this particular game’s music that I really just love to listen to. In fact, the only piece of music in the game that I’m not particularly found of is the theme to the third Sigma Stage. Aside from that, every song is great, especially the ending. In addition, several songs in the game were eventually compiled into one of my absolute favorite OC ReMix works, which just wouldn’t have been good if the music wasn’t good to begin with.

Aside from the music, the sound effects are fine. Thankfully, the game isn’t filled with overly annoying sound effects. These are more subdued. They’re definitely noticeable, but they don’t get annoying, with the possible exception of the buster charging sound effect. If you’re like me, who constantly keeps their buster charge, the charging sound continues to sound, which can get annoying.

Overall

The Mega Man series as a whole is something that I really enjoyed as a kid. From the old Ruby-Spears Mega Man cartoon, to the Mega Man games that continue to persist to this day, there’s just something about the series that continues to call me back. The original Mega Man X in particular still holds a special place in my heart, and with good reason. It’s just downright fun, though I will admit that it can get a bit frustrating.

A few years back, Capcom released an updated version of Mega Man X, entitled Mega Man: Maverick Hunter X. With its revamped story, voice acted cut-scenes, and revamped, 2.5D graphics, I definitely had a lot of fun with it. For a remake, it definitely does the game justice since, at its core, it’s still the same great game. If you’re one of those gamers that can’t stand 2D sprites, then I recommend the remake. But whatever the case, both versions are good and they come highly recommended from me.

It has been long rumored that Dudley and Ibuki will be one of the new challengers to come from Street Fighter 3 to Super Street Fighter 4.  Today, Capcom has released a trailer that shows the old characters getting graphical face lifts as well as a sneak peek of their ultra combos.

Click here to view the embedded video.

Capcom has released more Super Street Fighter 4 goodies.  Below is the final box art for both the Xbox 360 and Playstation 3, above is the new trailer, and the following text is the release date for the game. April 27th. As you may or may not already know, Super Street Fighter 4 will bring a couple of new characters into the mix; Yuri, as well as bringing back some old faces; Cody, T-Hawk, and Dee-jay. It seems like Capcom went all out on this new game.

Get your tournament sticks ready, this year’s Evo should be interesting.

It’s time for this Week’s Release List. Now I dunno about you, but I’m counting down the days till Mass Effect 2. Luckily Capcom has us covered until then with Dark Void. As for Blu Ray this week we have Gamer and the Invention of Lying. I’m not to sure about either of those movies but I might just Netflix them to see.  Wrap up the week with a visit from the Rock. “Do you smell what the Tooth Fairy is cooking?” Hopefully not teeth that would smell bad!!! :( Again if you see anything I missed drop a comment.

DVD
Jan 19th
Smokin’ Aces 2: Assassins’ Ball
Cranford: Return to Cranford
Cranford: The Collection
Damages: The Complete Second Season
Pandorum
The Invention of Lying
thirtysomething: The Complete Second Season
Weeds: Season Five
Whiteout

Anime DVD
Jan 19th
Bamboo Blade: Part 2
One Piece: Season Two, Fifth Voyage
Tsubasa Reservoir Chronicle: Collected Memories Box Set

Blu Ray
Jan 19th
Boogie Nights
Che
Gamer
Magnolia
Pandorum
Smokin’ Aces
Smokin’ Aces 2: Assassins’ Ball
The Invention of Lying
Weeds: Season Five
Whiteout

Video Games
Dark Void – PC, PS3, Xbox 360

Theater
Jan 22nd
Extraordinary Measures
Legion
The Tooth Fairy

So if you have not heard about Tatsunoko vs Capcom yet it is a 2.5D fighter that is coming to the Wii on January Twenty-Six. If you like fighters this one is going to be hard to ignore. The animation looks gorgeous. Check out the Robot Chicken influenced video and let us know what you think.

Click here to view the embedded video.

Looks like an updated version of Rolento's Stage from Alpha 2

Had some hands on time with Capcom’s upcoming games. Including Super Street Fighter 4, Tatsunoko vs Capcom and Monster Hunter. Also had the chance to see some Dark Void. Hats off to Bear McCreary the soundtrack is flippin great.

Impressions after the break.

Super Street Fighter 4 – Xbox 360

What a treat to sit down and get some hands on time with Super Street Fighter 4. While it hasn’t been something really on my radar after some hands on time my opinion has certainly changed. The Game seemed to be a much more flushed out version of Street Fighter 4.  The game ran really smooth and felt really solid in terms of controls. The Stages also seemed to really stand out, the newer stages seemed more detailed then the previous iteration. One stage in particular looked a little familiar. With some characters still yet to be announced it left me to speculate. The Stage in question seemed to resemble Rolento’s stage  from Alpha 2. I went ahead and asked a Capcom representative and they neither could affirm nor deny. I seriously hope that Rolento is added to SSF4 I really miss that character.

Tatsunoko vs. Capcom – Wii

Sense the days of Xmen vs Street Fighter I’ve been a versus series fan. When I heard about Tatsunoko vs Capcom I was pretty excited. I wasn’t sure how it would work out in the States but was hoping for an American release. I was also able to get some hands on time with the Wii Arcade Stick from Madcatz. Much like any of their newer arcade stick it felt really solid. One of the things that I was really impressed with was just how easy it was to pick up. The Gameplay felt much like a versus game with the more fast game play and flashy graphics. After the first round I started to notice more the strategy to the game. Leaving me really excited. The character selection seemed rather large, the only downside is it appears to be a English Dub for most of the characters. It was explained that it was do to liscencing rights, which makes total sense.

Monster Hunter Tri – Wii

I’ve always wanted a Monster Hunter on a console. Mainly I was hoping that would decrease the Load Times and just really streamline a game concept I enjoyed. Well it was time to sit down with Monster Hunter Tri for the Wii. Thing to note we weren’t playing with just a standard Classic Controller we were using the Imports Classic Controller Pro from Japan. Which btw are super confy and were recommended for playing the game. The beauty of this game is it features online multiplayer which James and I sat down and gave it a 2player approach. The multiplayer didn’t lag and it felt really solid. Gameplay wise it still featured load times in between zones but the load times weren’t that bad. As for generic Monster Hunter gameplay it felt much like previous titles with a little bit easier time controlling the character. I felt this was do to it being on a console versus a PSP.

Overall

Capcom has a very impressive line up coming out this year. It seems that there is something for everyone. A very diverse portfolio.