Mega Man X3

"The best Mega Man X title yet!"

The year was 1995. It was one of the greatest years for Capcom for making SNES games, releasing Breath of Fire II, Mega Man VII, and Mega Man X3 all in the same year. I had heard of the release of the latest Mega Man X game, X3, but, wasn't that excited. I was more interested in Mega Man VII. Then, I actually played X3. It was an instant classic.

The story is this. The year is 21XX. Former Maverick Hunter turned Maverick, Sigma, has had his plans to rule the world foiled by Maverick Hunters Mega Man X and Zero, and the world is at peace, thanks to the help of Dr. Doppler, a reploid scientist. Because of him, cases of killer reploid (''Maverick'') outbreaks had been eliminated. Or, at least, it seemed that way. Until, reploids all over the world started going Maverick. What could have caused this? More like ''who''. It's none other than Dr. Doppler himself, and, it's up to X and Zero to put an end to him and his new army of Mavericks!

Graphics- Grand! The entire game is full of large, detailed, and well-animated sprites, as well as wire-frame creations, made possible by Capcom's new C1 chip. The backgrounds are nice, too, making the areas seem large and exspansive. It's all good here!

Sound- The sound effects are great. They consist of cool explosions, sounds of machinery, and other high-tech noises. The music may not appeal to everyone, but, personally, I think it's the best soundtrack in the X series, so far (100 times better than the dull crud in X4). The music is enjoyable and keeps you motivated (usually). I just love those guitar riffs!

Play Control- Perfect, as in almost every Mega Man game. 'Nuff said.

Challenge- Spicy! This is the toughest X game out there as of now. The bosses are powerful and smart, too, and the last few levels have lots of tricks and traps. Some of the bosses can only be destroyed with certain weapons, and, if not destroyed during your first battle with them, they may return later on in the game. The final boss is utterly terrifying if you are not properly equipped. And it can nuke you in no time. Find those energy tanks and fill 'em up, and pick up some armor, too! You'll need it!

Replay Value- There are just tons of secrets to find and even multiple endings! Finding them all without help is nearly impossible. You'll play this one again and again searching for everything, and playing through with different combinations of armor and power-ups. Have fun!

Overall- This game is somewhat rare, and, if you do find it, it probably won't be cheap. But, I think it's worth every penny. It's a great buy, and I'm proud to own it. If you love Mega Man X, you *MUST* have this game. You won't regret it.

Other Suggestions- If you enjoy Mega Man X3, I suggest trying the original Mega Man X for the Super Nintendo, or, Contra III: The Alien Wars, also for the SNES.

That's my two cents.

Reviewer's Score: 10/10, Originally Posted: 07/22/00, Updated 02/22/01