Mega Man 3

"Secret robo-agent with a secret robo-plan..."

Sequels can do strange things to video games. The first installment of the series is the one with the original ideas, presenting a great adventure that sets the standard for future games to come. The fans eat it up, hungrily awaiting the next installment as their ravenous appetites yearn for more gaming goodness. From that point forward, it's left up to the minds behind the series to come up with something that not only takes the original elements of the series and improves on them, but also comes up with new gameplay concepts to experiment with. Such a process can bring good fortune to a popular series, creating a new legion of diehard fans as older and seasoned gamers nod in approval. Or, taking risks can spell certain doom for the beloved series, creating a crappy game and leaving even the most stubborn of fans questioning their long-term following. And sometimes, like in the case of Mega Man 3, it can fall somewhere in between the two.

As a new day dawns on the world of the future, there are new opportunities and possibilities for all. Advancements in science and technology have produced beings that are neither exactly human nor machine. One of these beings, a young hero named Mega Man, was created by Dr. Light and destined to be the defender and savior of the planet. When the evil Dr. Wily burst forth onto the scene and wreaked utter havoc with his forces, Mega Man went on a crusade that brought forth the downfall of the madman. Reeling from the loss, the crazed fiend created a new robotic attack force whose ultimate goal was the hero's annihilation. Mega Man not only stepped up to the challenge, but he also took down his new enemies and defeated Dr. Wily again. With peace finally restored, the hero could focus his attention on other things. He has been given the task of retrieving energy crystal from deep within the Earth, allowing Dr. Light's new inventions to run. Thus Mega Man begins a new quest, unknowingly walking in danger.

Our hero's new adventure will take him deep into the realm of the mining worlds, where all sorts of strange dangers and enemies await. He'll have to venture forth into deep caverns, lurk through dark hallways, jump across rocky crevices and avoid plenty of other dangerous level hazards along the way. Mega Man will have to face down a whole new batch of robotic underlings, like homicidal penguins, massive mechanical snakes, pole-vaulting goons, giant dragonflies, tadpoles of doom and a few other nasty surprises just waiting to rip the hero into scrap metal. Not only that, but there's a mysterious new character on the scene, a stranger who has the same abilities as Mega Man. This newcomer is both a help and hindrance to the Blue Bomber, either opening up new passageways or attacking our hero. Thankfully, Mega man isn't alone on this expedition gone awry. Dr. Light has sent a robotic dog named Rush to aid in the hero's progress. This mechanical mutt can turn into a spring, a submarine, and a jet to help get Mega Man out of tight situations.

However, not even Mega man's faithful pooch will be enough to save him in the face of the horrors that await him. Eight new Robot Masters have surfaced, each one dishing out its own brand of punishment. Mega man will have to face down the likes of Shadow Man, whose great agility and throwing stars make for a lethal combination. Needle Man can impale our hero with the greatest of ease, puncturing his sturdy armor with his deadly weapons. Snake Man can summon his slithery reptiles at will, covering the battlefield with poisonous fiends. You'll have to deal with bosses that brandish Magnet Missiles, Hard Knuckles, Spark Shocks, Laser Beams, and a few other attacks that will leave you reeling. But as tough as this new crew is, they're just the tip of the iceberg. Not only do you get to face down these new bosses, but you'll also have to take down all your old foes from Mega Man 2! Air Man, Quick Man, Metal Man, and the rest of the old crew are looking for a rematch, and you'd better be on top of your game if you hope to see this one through.

This grueling test of valor is depicted with remarkable quality. Though the levels all have the different themes and designs, they are more blended and chaotic than those of previous games. Mega Man will traverse these strange new landscapes, wandering through the scaly green pipes and corridors of Snake Man's level, only to climb high into the stratosphere and walk amongst the clouds. Gemini Man's level looks like a bleak moonscape, complete with a starry night sky and steel-gray rocky outcroppings. But he'll soon end up in a bright and sparkly cavern, complete with flashy neon blocks, and tons of tiny enemies. Weird stuff, indeed. At least most of the characters look better than ever. Mega Man doesn't look a day older than when made his debut on the system, his signature blue armor looking clear and smooth despite his countless battles. All of the bosses have their own designs and attack animations. Even the older characters have gotten a facelift, adding just a tiny bit more flavor to the game. The music tracks have been revamped yet again with new pulse-pounding tunes to keep you focused on the job at hand.

Mega Man 3 has a lot of things going for it. It's got a new crew of characters, both good and bad. You get to see the debut of Rush in his full furry glory, as well as get reacquainted with enemies from the previous series installment. You get to play with wide arsenal of new toys that are just waiting to be played with, and get to take on some new and challenging levels and bosses. Yet there's something missing with this game, and I can't quite put my finger on it. Maybe they tried too hard to come up with interesting baddies, or maybe the levels designs are a tiny bit off kilter. Don't get me wrong, though. This is still an excellent game, one of the finest in the Mega Man series. It's just that this game requires a little bit more of an acquired taste than its predecessors. Thus Mega Man's adventures continue, with yet another sequel to come.

Reviewer's Score: 9/10, Originally Posted: 09/16/05, Updated 01/04/08

Game Release: Mega Man 3 (US, November 1990)