Mega Man X2

"Almost better than X....."

Dont expect too much from this title, its no where as revolutionary as Megaman X. Though its still a very fun title, and its a graphical phenomona of its time with the help of the C4 chip for cool 3d wireframe bosses. Theres a 3d sword you have to fight, which is very cool. They also did that with the final form of Sigma.

Graphics - 10
This is where Megaman X2 mainly improves on Megaman X, mainly because of the C4 chip. Though it certainly doesnt look as good as X3, its still a visual soul feast. The bosses look very cool, just wait until you see Magna Centipede. You also get new moves in this game, like the Shyuken (I dont really know how to spell it) from Street Fighter with is a uppercut, but Capcom added a flaming touch to it. You also get a new move called the Giga Crush, which is probably the hardest item to find in any Megaman game without using a guide. Thats one reason I dont like this game, its so hard to find some of the items, such as this and a few heart tanks. Though it also adds somewhat to the fun factor, and some to the frustration factor.

Sound/Music - 8
It uses most of the sound effects from Megaman X, with a few added touches. Like in one stage where you ride a jet bike, you actually can hear the wind blowing and the motor running. I didnt really like the music in this game as much as I did in Megaman X.

Gameplay - 8
Some people might think the formula is starting to get monotonous and repitive, but I dont even though your basically doing the same thing you were in Megaman X. You break into a fortress, beat the boss of the introduction level, and fight 8 animal like bosses. And then if you want and easier life you try to find some heart tanks, sub tanks, and upgrades from the capsules for the Dr. Light. Though the plot takes a twist in this game and 3 other bosses come in the level of the regular bosses. You dont have to fight them but you get a better ending if you do. They hold the 3 parts of Zero (he died in the previous Megaman game) and if you want to go to all the trouble you can try and get them back. Those 3 bosses are the hardest bosses you'll ever fight in this game. Even harder than Sigma (the boss of the game). One thing I dont like is that how hard it is to find some of the items. Take the Giga-Crush for instance. There is NO way on earth that you'll find that on purpose without using a guide.

Challenge - 10
If you dont use a guide or any reference of some sort, there is no way you can get all of the secrets unless you dedicate your whole life of playing this game. I mean you would have to take every weapson and shoot every square inch of the game to find the Giga-Crush (literally). And some of the heart tanks are pretty hard to find too. But that just adds to the overall satifaction when you find them. The bosses in this game arent that hard, but alot harder than the bosses in Megaman X. All you have to do is memorize the bosses pattern in this game, and then youve got them beaten.

Buy or Rent - Buy. Though this is one of the rarest games you'll find for the SNES, its still worth it if your a hardcore Megaman fan. Every now and then I see this game on the shelves of Schnucks at the rental section, so if you cant find it, theres always another alternative.

Overall - 9
Though with all the faults, it measures out to be pretty good. It isnt as good as Megaman X, but its still fun. Its only 1 player, but I only know one Megaman game that isnt (Megaman Soccer, and I'm not counting Megaman games that was only released in Japan). So all in all, I think this game is a welcome addition to any Megaman library.

Reviewer's Score: 9/10, Originally Posted: 04/02/01, Updated 04/02/01