Mega Man 2

"And thus, the series took off."

Although Mega Man is my favorite game in the whole series, it was Mega Man 2 that really got me started in it. Why? Well I had played the first game when I was so very young and found it frustrating. The second game, however, was right on the money back then. I played this over and over again and finally went back to complete the first one. After that, I consider the original my favorite since, by now, I've played it more than any game in existence, but this review is to highlight how great it's sequel is. The first game was an introduction of sorts. Maybe not the best one as not many people liked it, but Capcom fixed that for this game. This one has the all the flash, incredible action, and great music of a classic game and so it is. A true classic and one of the most popular NES games ever, now I'll tell you all about it.

Graphics:

Some people say Capcom is lazy when they use the same sprite for Mega Man. Yeah right. I think it's great. It helps the continuity and you truly feel that you are playing the new adventures of the same hero. How do I view it? Like this. The adventures will change, the robots may git sillier, but Mega Man is always going to be Mega Man. Period. Take is as a guarantee, if you will.

Now, as for the rest of the game, things have slightly improved. The stages have more life in them and there is more background art now. The levels are carefully made to fit the personality of the robot master within. There is more color and creative enemies this time around as well. The game definitely has a solid, well-made look to it, but that is not all. No, this game surprised people back in the day when they encountered the Dragon, or the Gutsmobile. The reason is simple. They are so huge, so well animated, with such great clarity that it's unbelievable that this is an NES game. You could have thrown those bosses in a first generation Genesis game and would have never heard a complaint except for slight lack of colors. Yes, they look that good. Capcom went all out on this game and it shows. With this one they pretty much said ''MegaMan is here to stay.'' A powerful expression indeed.

Sound:

The first game had a good soundtrack. This one is incredible. Written by the same composer of MegaMan, this game has music that is fast and upbeat; it fits the action perfectly and goes a long way in making this game what it is. Without the music, this game would not have been the same. Who can live down that tune that plays when the Robot Master appears and the battle begins? Exactly what I'm talking about. Unfortunately, this is the last composition by ''Yuukichan's Papa'' as later games in the series have a different musical style on their own.

Control:

They tightened it up from the first game. MegaMan loses a little bit of the slide in his step and that is helpful for first timers who had a tendency to fall in the first game. With all the jumping and shooting, it's wonderful that the control is so tight and responsive. No problems here at all.

Plot:

Like all MM games. The plot is a good idea, very comic-book like, but not executed until Mega Man7 and 8. This is a shame as they could have found some way to put it in there. Ninja Gaiden did it, why not MegaMan? Sadly the only plot is divulged at the intro and maybe some in the instruction booklet. If more effort had been done to remedy this, things might have been different. MegaManX series is a good example of how the plot should have played a part in these games.

Challenge:

First time players may find it hard. Veterans such as myself can't even flinch on the Difficult setting. The game is tailored to be more friendly than the original and that helped it appeal more. I don't really care than I can effortlessly beat it because it's just too fun altogether. I recommend that newcomers to the MM series (do they exist?) start with this game, work forward, and then go back and play MegaMan1.

Overall:

This game established that MegaMan was going to keep on going. It's the last game in the series of it's kind, for MegaMan 3 is yet the first major turning point that would change things until MegaMan 7. Enjoy this and the other two in the ''first trilogy'' and then go experience the others. This game is an excellent way to start things off with and even today, it's still a great game.

Reviewer's Score: 10/10, Originally Posted: 09/13/01, Updated 04/07/02