RockMan & Forte

"Nice game, but not without its flaws"

This is a Japanese only Rockman (Mega Man) release, and the final chapter in the Rockman series. This game includes some new elements in that you can choose from two characters to play as: Rockman (Mega Man) of Forte (Bass)

Remember Sonic and Knuckles? Did _anyone_ bother to play as Sonic? I thought not. You know why? Because there was nothing Sonic could do that Knuckles couldn't, plus he had some 'extra' abilities. While this is not the case in R&F, it still leaves its taint.

Forte has some abilities Rockman doesn't. For example, double jumping, dashing, aimable shots, and rapid fire. Rockman also has some abilities Forte doesn't, sliding, charged shots, and being able to move while firing. However, many of the stages are more 'structured' around Forte's movement abilities; many stages that are a pain in the ass for Rockman are a piece of cake for Forte. While Rockman has access to more secrets than Forte due to his sliding ability, this doesn't make up for it.

Also taken from the Game Boy games and Megaman 8, is the 'item' system. It actually resembles the Game Boy games more, as the bolts are dropped by enemies at random, not in fixed locations, thus there is little limit to the items you can get, although Rockman gets different items than Forte. Most of Rockman's unique items are based on power-ups/healing and defence, most of Forte's unique items are based on movement and offence.

For 16-Bit graphics, the visuals are quite nice; they're colorful, well animated, and quite pretty.

I would tell you about the sound, but my emulator has no sound 75% of the time, and it wouldn't be quite fair.

Here's what I can tell you about the story though: some new robot named King has taken Dr. Wily's robots and aimed for World Domination(TM). While the Blue Bomber comes around as usual to Fight Evil (TM) Forte is out there to get rid of Dr. Wily's 'competition.'

The gameplay is typical of Megaman games; shoot through a stage, fight a boss, take his weapon, rinse, wash, and repeat, but is as nice as ever.

Graphics: 10
VERY good for 16-Bit

Sound: N/A
I hate my emulator.

Story: 7/10
Pretty good for a Megaman game, but still not quite the best.

Gameplay: 7.5/10
Looses all points because of the capitilization of Forte's abilities (see above.)

Fun: 10
Megaman games are always fun, and this one is quite a bit more.

Thus, this is a nice game, and fun to play. If you want it, get it, if you can't, don't.

Reviewer's Score: 8/10, Originally Posted: 07/18/01, Updated 07/18/01