Mega Man X2 - The Return of X, reviewed
http://www.rarityguide.com/articles/articles/190/1/Mega-Man-X2---The-Return-of-X-reviewed/Page1.html
By Douglas Shepard (Editor in Chief, RarityGuide.com)
Published on 12/14/2009
Mega Man X2 offers a few upgrades over the original, but all solid material. Read about one of the great Mega Man X games.
System: Super Nintendo
Title: Mega Man X2
Publisher: Capcom
Circa: 1994
Intro:
This game proved to be a decent sequel. After everything that happened in the first, I had to wonder how they would continue the series. Mega Man X2 got the series going well and did more to further the overall story in the series. This is also a surprisingly rare game for the SNES, then again, it is also a decent quality 2D platformer with moderate replay value. This is probably one of my favorite entries in the series.
Story:
6 months have passed since the defeat of Sigma. Not much as changed, as there remain followers of Sigma. Using information gained from Dr. Cain, they hope to wipe out the last remnants of Sigma’s followers. They have tracked them to an old reploid factory and hope this will lead them to their victory. 8 mavericks are revealed, and soon, a small additional force called the X-Hunters. They claim to have gather the pieces of X’s friend, Zero. If X can defeat them, he regains his friend and learns something of the X-Hunter’s plot, if not, there is no telling what will become of Zero…
Gameplay:
This game introduced something that needed to be done: The Air Dash. Managing some of the areas becomes much easier when you get the feet upgrade, allowing you to Air Dash. Getting this dash feature proves to be incredibly helpful in acquiring many items as well as in boss fights. The improved Helmet does more than just allow you to bash through items. It, instead, allows you to potentially find hidden areas and items with its search power. This is limited to the screen you are on during a level, but it certainly is more using then just protecting your head. The armor also allows access to the powerful G-Crusher attack, which unleashed energy stored from the damage taken.
Collection remains part of the series as you can gather not only the usual pieces of armor, heart tanks and sub tanks, but, you also have the option of collecting the 3 Zero pieces by finding and defeating the 3 X-Hunters. These are more difficult foes than most of the Mavericks you face. Facing them during a Maverick stage and then in the Final levels, they will prove to be very formidable adversaries. There is also a hidden reward in the final stages for people who manage to find all the armor, heart tanks and sub tanks. Much like the original Mega Man X, a secret Street Fighter move is hidden in these levels, this time, it is Ken’s signature attack.
The Maverick bosses themselves have seen some improvement as well. While a pattern will still emerge some have a much more obscure one and have abilities that can turn the tide of battle easily. It is also possible, either with a well-timed attack or with the right attack to interrupt some of these abilities. Using the right weapon will always make the fight much easier or at least do something to turn it in your favor.
Multiplayer:
None.
Controls:
The control scheme is a bit awkward still, given the array of the buttons on the SNES. It seems to almost require a different way to hold the control to execute some of the very advanced maneuvers X is capable of. Still, it is very rare you will need to Jump Dash and fire off a Charged Shot all at once. Some parts of using the few vehicles can be a little tricky, but that is almost expected.
Graphics:
The graphics have improved, X having picked up more definition. His body and new armor have improved slightly. Graphically, there was not much over an overhaul, yet it shows an improvement over the original game.
Sound Effects & Music:
Much like the original Mega Man X, this game has a much more Rock-centric soundtrack. Regardless, much of the music is very appealing to many people, seeing some remix support across the Internet. The sound effects themselves are kept fairly simple, not that really wears at one over time. Capcom seems to have let that solely to the bosses.
Obscurity:
While fairly popular back in its initial release, this game has fallen decently into obscurity. Sometimes it takes fans (and interest) to revive something from this far back.
Summary/Author’s Take:
This is honestly a game I find very hard to put down. While lacking some of the abilities found later in the X Series, this one offers a lot in its time. The stages are not too bad to transverse and the item collection takes some ingenuity at times to pull off. It is fairly easy to get caught up in the many ways on can get a piece at times, especially if they get into the game. The additional of optional bosses also works in the game’s favor, giving you more say in what happens in later levels. Sometimes I think Capcom just does very well on their second game, not always, but sometimes.
Story: 87% Picks up shortly after the first and seamlessly presses forward.
Gameplay: 97% Helpful new abilities to improve something already great.
Multiplayer: n/a None.
Controls: 82% Controls remain slightly awkward, still easy to manage.
Graphics: 82% An improvement.
SFX & Music: 85% Another solid soundtrack.
Obscurity: 65% A buried gem of the SNES.
Overall: 89% An entry worthy of its name into the series.
Title: Mega Man X2
Publisher: Capcom
Circa: 1994
Intro:
This game proved to be a decent sequel. After everything that happened in the first, I had to wonder how they would continue the series. Mega Man X2 got the series going well and did more to further the overall story in the series. This is also a surprisingly rare game for the SNES, then again, it is also a decent quality 2D platformer with moderate replay value. This is probably one of my favorite entries in the series.
Story:
6 months have passed since the defeat of Sigma. Not much as changed, as there remain followers of Sigma. Using information gained from Dr. Cain, they hope to wipe out the last remnants of Sigma’s followers. They have tracked them to an old reploid factory and hope this will lead them to their victory. 8 mavericks are revealed, and soon, a small additional force called the X-Hunters. They claim to have gather the pieces of X’s friend, Zero. If X can defeat them, he regains his friend and learns something of the X-Hunter’s plot, if not, there is no telling what will become of Zero…
Gameplay:
This game introduced something that needed to be done: The Air Dash. Managing some of the areas becomes much easier when you get the feet upgrade, allowing you to Air Dash. Getting this dash feature proves to be incredibly helpful in acquiring many items as well as in boss fights. The improved Helmet does more than just allow you to bash through items. It, instead, allows you to potentially find hidden areas and items with its search power. This is limited to the screen you are on during a level, but it certainly is more using then just protecting your head. The armor also allows access to the powerful G-Crusher attack, which unleashed energy stored from the damage taken.
Collection remains part of the series as you can gather not only the usual pieces of armor, heart tanks and sub tanks, but, you also have the option of collecting the 3 Zero pieces by finding and defeating the 3 X-Hunters. These are more difficult foes than most of the Mavericks you face. Facing them during a Maverick stage and then in the Final levels, they will prove to be very formidable adversaries. There is also a hidden reward in the final stages for people who manage to find all the armor, heart tanks and sub tanks. Much like the original Mega Man X, a secret Street Fighter move is hidden in these levels, this time, it is Ken’s signature attack.
The Maverick bosses themselves have seen some improvement as well. While a pattern will still emerge some have a much more obscure one and have abilities that can turn the tide of battle easily. It is also possible, either with a well-timed attack or with the right attack to interrupt some of these abilities. Using the right weapon will always make the fight much easier or at least do something to turn it in your favor.
Multiplayer:
None.
Controls:
The control scheme is a bit awkward still, given the array of the buttons on the SNES. It seems to almost require a different way to hold the control to execute some of the very advanced maneuvers X is capable of. Still, it is very rare you will need to Jump Dash and fire off a Charged Shot all at once. Some parts of using the few vehicles can be a little tricky, but that is almost expected.
Graphics:
The graphics have improved, X having picked up more definition. His body and new armor have improved slightly. Graphically, there was not much over an overhaul, yet it shows an improvement over the original game.
Sound Effects & Music:
Much like the original Mega Man X, this game has a much more Rock-centric soundtrack. Regardless, much of the music is very appealing to many people, seeing some remix support across the Internet. The sound effects themselves are kept fairly simple, not that really wears at one over time. Capcom seems to have let that solely to the bosses.
Obscurity:
While fairly popular back in its initial release, this game has fallen decently into obscurity. Sometimes it takes fans (and interest) to revive something from this far back.
Summary/Author’s Take:
This is honestly a game I find very hard to put down. While lacking some of the abilities found later in the X Series, this one offers a lot in its time. The stages are not too bad to transverse and the item collection takes some ingenuity at times to pull off. It is fairly easy to get caught up in the many ways on can get a piece at times, especially if they get into the game. The additional of optional bosses also works in the game’s favor, giving you more say in what happens in later levels. Sometimes I think Capcom just does very well on their second game, not always, but sometimes.
Story: 87% Picks up shortly after the first and seamlessly presses forward.
Gameplay: 97% Helpful new abilities to improve something already great.
Multiplayer: n/a None.
Controls: 82% Controls remain slightly awkward, still easy to manage.
Graphics: 82% An improvement.
SFX & Music: 85% Another solid soundtrack.
Obscurity: 65% A buried gem of the SNES.
Overall: 89% An entry worthy of its name into the series.