Mega Man Zero 2

"Difficult...but in a good way"

Introduction: I wont lie to you this game is hard, very hard. If you buy this game don't be surprised if you throw your GBA in frustration (Although that isn't recommended). This game is like it's predecessor in difficulty but changes when it's difficult. I'll explain that later in my review.

Gameplay 8/10: Megaman Zero 2 can be fun to play at times...that is when you aren't mad because you need to start the same level over again because you died. It's not that you're forced to go to the start of the level it's that you'll find yourself resetting the game. Megaman Zero 2 has a ranking system, when you complete a level you're given a rank of F-A and then S. S is the highest rank while F is the lowest. Anyway I'm getting out of topic here the thing about it is that if you don't have either an A or S rank you complete the level you don't get a new skill, a skill that will help with the difficulty. So it's the game's subtle way of telling you to do better. I said earlier that it's different for the original in difficulty that's because it's the opposite of the original. In the first the levels were easy and the bosses were hard, this time the bosses are fairly easy but the levels will drive you mad.

Story 7/10: Megaman Fanboys would with no doubt in my mind give this a perfect score but in reality it isn't. Why? Well it's not that the story isn't bad it's just that it's like the originals. I mean you went to Neo Arcadia in Meagaman Zero so it wasn't so great. Also I could tell what was going to happen next at some points, which in my opinion is pathetic. I'll stop with how bad the story is because it really isn't that bad and if you played Megaman Zero then you'll enjoy the continuation of the series.

Graphics/Sound 9/10: I can't complain in this area the graphics are great for the GBA and the game itself is smooth. The sound in the game is the best on the console the background music can be very good at times. One thing the Megaman series is known for is it's music (Well at least in the GBA games).

Play Time/Replayability 6/10: Some might argue that this game deserves to be played more than once and for some it might be. For any casual gamer this one is only worth one trip. The frustrating difficulty is reduced your second time through but who really cares if they can beat the game with everything at the beginning? I haven't played on hard mode myself but of course it has to be more difficult than what I just played through so I don't expect it to be fun.

Rent or Buy?: If you're a fan of the Megaman series then you should buy this. But if you aren't too into the series then just rent it. Although I don't know any places that let you rent GBA games and the difficulty might make it take a bit to finish. In the end you should probably buy it.

Overall 8/10: Megaman Zero 2 keeps the style of it's predecessor in terms of pretty much everything. Which in the end is a good thing.

Reviewer's Score: 8/10, Originally Posted: 02/22/04