Mega Man X3

"Unique, deep and near excellent on all accounts"

At first, my reaction to X3 was slight disappointment. I thought that it was fun, but it didn't seem as good as first one. For a second, I thought "Oh my god, this is X2 all over again." However, then I started to see how little, well implemented innovations added to the depth of this game. Soon, I learned to like X3 almost as much as first, and, in some aspects, even more.

OVERVIEW:

Mega Man X3 is fundamentally like every other Mega Man game. Player chooses freely from 8 stages. After choosing a stage, player must make it to the end of the stage, overcoming obstacles by jumping, shooting and so on. Then s/he faces an powerful Maverick in a duel. By defeating Mavericks, player gains weapons, that help her/him to defeat other mavericks.

THE CATCH:

Mega Man X3 features tons of little nuances that adds to the depth of this game. The dynamic elements of both X and X2 are featured, and are slightly refined. Stage layouts and events might change depending to player's actions. Also, Zero can be called to switch places with X. Furthermore, Ride Armors can be modified with special chips and summoned from special pads for use, making them more significant asset. Last, but not for least, X's armor can be further enhanced with chips.

GRAPHICS:

Technically, X3 is similar to X2, but uses colours more carefully and avoids too much contrast, making the game look slightly more mature. Some stages are very good looking, especially Gravity Beetle, Blizzard Buffalo and Neon Tiger stages.

SOUND EFFECTS AND MUSIC:

Sound effects are excellent, though most of them are directly from former installations. The music of the game seems to a rather dividing subject, but personally I can't help but to like it.

First of all, it really builds the atmosphere. I like the build-up of the intro theme, changing from calm to ominous when things start to get out of hand. Also, the little tune that is played prior to boss fight really builds the suspense. Other good examples of atmosphere-building music include Blizzard Buffalo's theme and the music of two last stages.

Also, the music matches the pace of events almost 100 % of the time. A good example is the factory, from which X must escape before it explodes. The fast-paced music really pumps the adrenaline when player dashes like hell to get out of there. Another example is the first battle with you-know-who. The tempo of the music seems to match his pattern almost perfectly. I couldn't imagine that fight without the that particular composition.

And some of the compositions are just awesome for other reasons, like Gravity Beetle's theme, Blast Hornet's theme and Toxic Seahorse's theme.

Even if the music is very good most of the time, it is far from flawless. The Dr. Light theme sucks again, and some compositions are painfully average.

GAMEPLAY:

The gameplay of the game is excellent. X is delightfully responsive and and calling Zero or Ride Armors is thankfully intuitive. I must give credit for the stage design, as the developers have managed to resist the temptation to turn every stage to to near-endless pits of doom with moving platforms. Hangars look and feel like hangars and warehouses look and feel like warehouses.

The Mavericks are now tougher and using correct weapon won't automatically win the fight. They are still fun to fight against, except Crush Crawfish, who makes my fingers cramp. There are also many optional bosses, that are faced depending to your actions, so you might end up facing totally different foes in your second time through the game.

The ability to call different types of Ride Armors is one of the most fun additions to the game. Having the ability to decide whether use a Ride Armors or not, and which kind of Ride Armor makes them feel more like a integral part of the game rather than insignificant, infrequent gimmick to pad monotonous stages. There is only 4 stages without an summoning pad.

I feel slightly ambivalent about Zero. He is very strong in the beginning of the game, making him great for the early stages. However, he has tons of limitations. He can be called once per stage, and can't pass the vast majority of doors. He can't use Sub Tanks or Maverick Weapons. Also, he has one life, meaning that if he dies, he is gone for good. So, most of the time Zero is used to pass areas with lot of foes and no pits and spikes, and is called back when health reaches alarming levels.

The chips are very nice addition. The Max Armor is already by itself more useful and than two prior armors, but with the enhancement chips makes it far more useful. The armor can only support one chip. The problem with the system, is that once installed, the chip cannot be changed. It is easier to ignore the 4 basic chips and go for golden chip.

Basically, the gameplay is very strong with few flaws.

CHALLENGE:

X3 can be tough game. Enemies are smarter and tougher than before, and bosses require strong strategy to be defeated. Bit and the final boss can be particularily hard. On the other hand, there are not many tough jumping sections, so it kind of balances out.

THE STORY AND NARRATIVE ELEMENTS:

In the beginning of X3, maverick incidence is has been totally neutralised, thanks to Dr. Doppler and his Neuro Computer, which suppresses any criminal thoughts, personality disorders or other malfunctions. He soon becomes so idolised, that the most advanced reploids erect an city called Dopple Town for his honour. However, this budding high society falls under chaos when Mavericks emerge and takes the city by surprise. The Neuro Computer was an placebo! Doppler only used it to lure unsuspecting (and highly advanced) reploids to use for an uprising.
Maverick Hunters X and Zero are ordered to halt this new threat.

Not bad premise. The intro sequence is excellent, and the story is supported by well-written dialoque and occasional cutscenes.

LONGEVITY:

X3 is, like most Mega Man games, short, but there is lot of different events and secrets to warrant atleast couple of reruns. Also X3 has lots of lasting appeal, partially thanks of its unique features.

SUMMA SUMMARUM:

X3 is one of the most innovative, deep and unique games of the series. It also features excellent gameplay and audiovisual splendor. None of X3's innovations didn't carry to later installations, which only increases this games value.

Reviewer's Score: 9/10, Originally Posted: 07/14/06