Mega Man X8

"Zero, X, & Axl are back in this marvelous game of Good Vs. Evil."

Introduction:
Zero, X, and Axl have returned in this brand new game. X8 continues the story beginning with the explanation of a new project. "The Jacob Project." It seems a tower, amazingly high enough to reach the moon, has been created. A new home is needed, and the moon should fulfill that need. But of course, not everything goes exactly as planned.

Storyline: 6/10
This was a disappointment. A combination of old and new characters are introduced, making X8 a bit more interesting, but even with that, the storyline isn't that good. It's not a very complicated story, and I don't see anyway of it being related to the previous games. Sorry to those that disagree. I had just gotten the game yesterday, so if there is any relation to the previous games, I'll probably notice it in a few days after some thinking.

Gameplay, Difficulty, & Replay: 8/10
Now, here's the main thing about X8. At first, this game can be very difficult to beginners. There are three modes to play. Easy, normal, and hard. Hard mode is the only mode I've played since I got the game, and it was pretty freakin' hard. After about 5 game overs each level, I'd make it to the boss, with almost nothin' left. Tanks, Retry Chips, Health bar all depleted. Unlike X7, this is pretty much a side-scroller, but with 3D graphics. This, I'm glad for. It's almost like old school X games. There are a couple of exceptions, but even those are fun. The pair thing is still here (Using two characters each mission). As usual, X is long ranged. Zero is short ranged, but can be long ranged later in the game. Axl is also long ranged. Axl has been edited, though. Example: He can't run and shoot at the same time. Before you begin a mission, you get to choose out of three navigators to assist you, or you can just go it solo. Also, there are three secret characters, which goes into the replay category. Chips are another feature for replay. Remember, in the past games, that there would be Heart tanks to increase your health bar? Well, things are different in X8. To do such things, as increasing bars, you must buy the correct chip for the job. Example: Life Up Chip. Same goes for extra lives, tanks, weapons, etc. Some are automatically already in the store up for sale, and as for others, they are spreaded around in the missions, and when I say this, I mean it, ALL THREE characters are needed to collect chips. Next, a few things have returned from the previous games. Like, the option to have more than one armor for X. Same goes for Zero and Axl, but those are things you need to work at, so I ain't gonna spoil it. One more thing for this section are the Intermissions. I like to call them "Mini-Games." As you progress through the game, Intermissions will be unlocked. It seems Mavericks have gone loose and it's your job to stop them in these "Mini-Games." You have to do things like jumping from platform to platform as the screen goes down, fight a bunch of small Mavericks until you can't take it anymore. Pretty interesting. ^-^; I don't have much Intermissions, so my experience with mini games is pretty low.

Music/Sound: 8/10
The reputation of great music is continued in X8. Sometimes, I can't get the Maverick Boss theme outta my head, and the final boss theme is just awesome. o.o; I don't have much to explain, because the music and sound is just great. I only wish they'd put back the Sound Test option. x.x;

Video: 8/10
Just awesome. I fancy how the graphics look. They're crisp and smooth. Colourific, also. o.o; And the cut scenes seem to run smoother than X7's. Umm, what else... I dunno. I'm not good at these sections of reviews. All I can say is great, or awesome. >.>;;

Rent or Buy?:
You MUST get this game if you're a Megaman fan. This is one of the best MMX games around. Not a Megaman fan? Well, I recommend renting it first.. I say that, because most of the people around here are into horror and action games these days. Like, Halo 2.. San Andreas... Resident Evil. That kinda thing. o.o; All my friends say Megaman is stupid, but if they'd just give it a try, I bet they'd like it. >> It's more than just a blue robot running around blasting things, as they say.

Conclusion:
Thanks for reading my very first review and I hope it helped. I'd be really surprised if this review got a good rating, but I doubt it will. -.-; Anyways, thanks again, and until my next review, G'bye.

Reviewer's Score: 8/10, Originally Posted: 12/13/04