Mega Man X

"Welcome to the new generation of Mega Man games"

The year is 21XX, Mavericks are taking over and threatening peaceful life as we know it, yet, Willy isn't in charge here. Light is no where to be seen and Mega Man is absent. Sigma and his cronies threaten everything and our greatest savior is missing. Who will put an end to the reploid uprising and bring peace back to the Earth? A Maverick hunter by the name of X answers the call of a worried populace to destroy the wayward reploids and their leader, Sigma. Mega Man X brings the series to a whole new play ground, adding bigger and badder enemies, more abilities for Mega Man *from here on refereed to as X* and a slew of new allies. For those of you who loved the original Mega Man series, the X series offers plenty of nostalgia and new upgrades to keep you glued to your screen for hours.

Along with a new paint job, the X series breaks away from the constant fighting of the Doctors Light and Willy. Instead, we're introduced to Mega Man X, a reploid Maverick hunter, charged with keeping the peace and protecting civilization from Mavericks, reploids who have gone berserk and rebel against the humans that created them. In the first game of the series, the story is a bit thread bare. By no means lacking, but it just seems to remind me of other first outings. The basic premise is for X to travel to 8 areas of the world and put an end to the Mavericks in control there. You gain a bit more insight into the immersive past of X and his friend Zero when you reach the last boss and finish the game, but getting there, the only story you get is at the intro and a little chat between Sigma, Vile, X and Zero. But honestly, while the story is lack luster at this point in the series, it should be the immersive gameplay and music that drives you to place that final plasma shot into the head of Sigma and finish the game.

As in previous Mega Man games, X will be required to run, jump and fire his blaster to defeat the evil threatening us all. Yet, that won't be enough. X will need to find several heart tanks, energy stores and weapon stores to finish this mission. Like his predecessor before him, X has the ability to gain new weapons from Mavericks he has put to rest. These Mavericks aren't Cut Man and Heat Man that Mega Man had to put down. No, these are agile, cunning and strong reploid Mavericks. That's not all, X can eventually find armor capsules hidden throughout the game, placed by Light, to enhance his already impressive combat skills. The transformation that takes places is exceptional to say the least. If you like the way Mega Man looks already, be in store for a real treat when you see the Armored X take on the mega bosses later on. Apart from gaining more life, energy stores, boss weapons and new armor, the X series also introduces the ride armors. These are mech suits that Mavericks and X can enter to further increase combat skills. These armors can't be piloted every where, but when you enter one, be prepared for some fun times.

Unfortunately, not all is great with the X series gameplay. There are plenty of headaches to be found and the game is almost too easy. A new player can beat MMX in a single sitting, usually taking less than 10 hours total. An experienced player can easily beat the game in less than 5. It's not a major problem, yet needs to be addressed. If you're looking for a solid platformer with great graphics, you won't be disappointed. If you're looking for a platformer that will keep you busy for days at a time, eh, you're looking at the wrong game. You'll enjoy it, but the experience will be fleeting and you'll either be dying to play the next X game, or fairly upset at how little time it took to beat this game.

For a 13 year old game, MMX is impressive. Ranging from chilly mountains to lush jungles, you'll never see a dull stage or wonder "WTF just hit me?!" You will know and you will see everything coming your way. Each enemy and each boss has their own personality and unique sprite. Mega Man makes an impressive comeback with a more human and natural look and the armored version of X will make guys say "kick ass!" and girls swoon like Legolas only wish he could. Each weapon has it's own unique path, look and feel and you will enjoy running through completed stages just to see how your new weapon looks and what you can do with it. This game shows fully how great games can age well and still look good, 13 years after they've come out. Greatness doesn't age, neither does this game.

The music in this game, while not top notch, never becomes boring or annoying. Each stage has it's own music and there are a ton of little sound effects through out the stage, from the sound of motors to the sound of the enemies movements. Unfortunately, while the music doesn't get annoying, some of the in game effects can grate on the ears, especially the denied sound and the sound of weapon selecting. Fortunately, for the most part you can avoid them and continue on enjoying the rest of the game.

For the most part, Mega Man X is a great game and a great step forward for the Mega Man series. Taking the series in new directions while keeping the heart of the older games, that which made them so much fun is always a good thing. As the precursor to the later games and a great intro into the Mega Man universe, most players won't be disappointed by picking up this game. However, the shortness and relative weak replayability of this title may give some second thoughts. Definitely pick this up if you're a fan of great platformers or a fan of previous Mega Man games. Chances are, you won't be disappointed.

Reviewer's Score: 8/10, Originally Posted: 06/05/06