Mega Man X7

"Give it a Chance. It's a great game."

I am a huge Megaman (Rockman) fan. I always have loved the X series with the cool enhancement system and power ups that these games have available. However, ever since Rockman X3 the series has diminished in quality for the most part. However, Rockman X7 shares much more in common with the original Rockman games for the Nintendo and Rockman X1-3 than I first expected. Even though the game has incorporated some 3D areas it stays true to the style of Rockman X and is very animated in style. I liked this better than the more realistic approach Capcom took with Rockman X8. Note: I played the in my opinion, much better Japanese version of this game not the American version (Megaman X7).

Story 10/10
I felt the story was acceptable for a Rockman game. The story was interesting enough to keep your attention and propel you through the game. The cut scenes were expressive and interesting.

Gameplay 9/10
There are a few changes that were implemented with Rockman X7 that are different than previous Rockman X games. The game has both 2D and 3D areas. You will have to find power-ups from reploids that you must save before they are injured in each stage. The game allows you to continue from any checkpoint in the stage which alleviates frustration a lot if you die because of something stupid. I love the checkpoint system since you don't have to start all over from the beginning of the stage if you die. The only problem with the gameplay is it can be difficult to save all the reploids and if you miss one, you have to reset your playstation and try again. Once the reploid you are trying to save is injured, they are permanently gone and you can only get another shot at saving them if you do New Game Plus. However, this problem really isn't that big a deal since the power ups that the Reploids offer are not absolutely essential to beating the game. The power-ups are only necessary if you want to 100% max out the game. You can switch out characters also, but unlike Rockman X8 when either one of your character dies, you're done. You can't die with one character and continue playing with the second reserve character! You must be even more tactical than you were in Rockman X8 to beat this game. It is challenging, but I actually think it's less frustrating than Rockman X8 since you only die if you do something really dumb. There are no unfair traps really in this game. Some people don't like the camera angles, but I didn't find that to be a big issue. Could you see every part of the stage in any other Rockman X game? No. So why should this game any different? If they did let you have complete control of the cameras it would feel like a Super Mario 64 game as opposed to a Rockman X game. Think about it..and I found most of the game to be in 2D actually. Only the boss battles and one or two parts of each stage were 3D. Some of the 3D areas were also really cool with Xs glide armor and all. It was freakin' awesome gliding around in this really really cool armor.

Graphics 9/10
The graphics are very good. I like the anime style they used here that is very similar to the original Rockman X. Rockman X5 and Rockman X8 are very realistic in style. I didn't like those games. There is a lot of detail used in this game. The weapon animations are less detailed than Rockman X8's however. But, you will find your X-buster very cool and useful in this game which makes up for it. There are a few stylistic issues that may bother you throughout the game though and some glitches when you climb a wall. But I didn't find these issues to detract too much from the excellent graphical detail that was present.

Sounds 11/10
Wow! I have to give an 11 because the music was so good in this game. All I have to say is buy the soundtrack to this game immediately! The music is absolutely the best in any Rockman X game to date. The first final battle music with Sigma is even better than a lot of RPG final boss music I've heard. Each stage has catchy music and the instrumentation is excellent. The music reminds me of Mother 3's…..very varied in style and very catchy. Note: I played the Japanese version and the voice acting was terrific! Unfortunately, the American version has bad voice acting. But I won't detract for that since I'm reviewing the awesome Japanese game that I was very fortunate to have beaten!

Control 8/10
Oops. Capcom made a few errors here. Despite the fluid control overall the button that you shoot your ability weapons with and your X busters are different. This makes it difficult to use your enemy's powers against bosses. Also, you don't switch abilities with R anymore, you must use the joystick. This is really annoying. Also the camera angles can be annoying sometimes. But again, I didn't find them to be that big of an issue since you can always move and see anything you want to see on the screen.

Replay Value 10/10
This game has NewGame+ which enables you to play through the game multiple times to gain all the items, rescue all the reploids etc. This was a very good idea. Xs ultimate armor in this game, the Glide armor, is absolutely awesome. I don't think there's a Nova Strike in this game, but you don't need it because your plasma shot upgrade is simply awesome. Also, Xs glide ability is super cool. Please play this wonderful game! Give it a chance, it's not nearly as bad as people say it is! I truly think it's the best Rockman X game since Rockman X3.

Buy or Rent?
Buy, definitely, if you're a Rockman fan. Preferably play the Japanese version, it's much cooler. They really screw up the U.S. releases of Rockman games for some reason. This game reminds me a lot of the original Rockman X even though some of it is 3D.

Reviewer's Score: 10/10, Originally Posted: 07/10/06