Mega Man III

"This one brings back the quality the previous game didn't have."

After the disappointing MegaMan 2, Capcom seems to get things back together with this third game for the Gameboy. It has the quality you expect and the challenge to keep you playing for a good while. This one is definitely the most refined on the Gameboy with maybe only the fifth one to challenge it. Enjoy it and try to forget that MegaMan 2 ever came into existence.

Graphics:

Still a bit oversized on the GB screen but are in proportion for the most part. The levels have a lot of details in them and are a major improvement over the empty areas of MegaMan 2. Things move quite smoothly, but, like all the GB MM games, the sprite size often reduces the action to singular screens at times. The cut scenes introducing Wily's castle are wonderful and the ending is drawn quite nicely as well.

Sound:

Great. The classic NES tunes are put in stereo and are joined with a few well done original tracks. The music is catchy and fits the action perfectly. The sound effects are not too special but that's just a minor complaint. Your attention is mostly drawn to both the music and onscreen action.

Control:

Responsive and sharp. It's a good thing too because this game brings some challenge with it. It's good enough to where you fall and die, you know it's your fault and not the programmer's. Keep practicing!

Challenge:

This one may be a little tough for those who are playing it for the first time. There are those very tedious jumps and enemies are put in positions to knock you in holes, or just make it harder to advance. When you get the hang of it, you'll get by without too much trouble but you gotta stay on your toes for the most part.

Plot:

No real plot is divulged in the game but according to the box, Wily is drilling for oil and MegaMan must stop him before he completes another of his projects. Still this game is more focused on action and the desire to complete it rather than tell any kind of real story.

Conclusion:

A great game. Not perfect, but far improved over MegaMan 2. If you're like me and hated the second game, you'll feel great that Capcom did good on this one and delivers a quality MegaMan game for the Gameboy. It's a bit tedious in the beginning but after time you'll master it and it becomes even more enjoyable.

Reviewer's Score: 8/10, Originally Posted: 08/27/01, Updated 04/07/02