Unedited version exclusivly posted first on Racketboy Forum
Mega Man ZX
Nintendo DS
The sun was rising, the clouds were forming, it was a beautiful day to purchase a Nintendo DS game. I was looking forward into buying Capcom's latest installment of its cult-classic Mega Man (Rock Man / X) series. Having replaying Mega Man X8 for PS2, I was ready for some old-school platforming action with some new surprises.
After Opening up the case, I plopped the cartridge in and preceded to watch the opening introduction. So far, decent 2D graphics, wonderfully drawn sprites, and a beautiful cut-scene, I was ready to play ZX! Being a Veteran in the Mega Man series, having played all games starting from the NES until now, I know Capcom's mistakes and trails. But this was too much.
Once I started playing ZX, the first thing I noticed was the lack of enemies. Okay, that alright. What’s this? I entered a door and I am led around this “city” that have the population of 2 civilians? On top of that, I was treated to many empty rooms (resembling RPG areas) done horribly bad? This can't be a Mega Man game. But in fact folk, it was. Most of the time you'll find yourself walking around aimlessly trying to complete missions. Missions, you say? That sounds fun? If your definition of fun is finding information and retrieving it this suits you. The map is another problem. All it points out is the area you are in; unlike Castlevania: DS showing navigation of your current location. Mostly you'll be going through doors that lead in random orders (A-1 leads to F-4 ... ect) attacking a few enemies. This is not a Mega Man game.
I must warn many Mega Man fans about the horrors experienced from playing this monstrosity. This is NOT a platform, and defiantly NOT a classic. Fans of the X series re-play your classics until Capcom of Japan releases a decent new Mega Man X game. If you’re a fan of Mega Man Zero for Game Boy Advance, it might interest you, otherwise avoid this DS game at all costs.
Bottom Line: If you enjoy walking around attacking 2-3 weak enemies every now and then, opening doors in which lead to nothing, doing tasks in which require you to talk to 5 people, this game is for you, if not stay clear.
Note: I know I was pretty harsh, I'm going to give it more of a try. This review was inspired in all of the high praise over at GameSpot review section. This review is not complete, the final version will be posted on Special Attack after I finish completing the game itself.
Edited: After playing a couple more hours of the game I've found something out. The game system is set up this way; if you accept a mission, but don't talk to the FIRST person you meet to confirm it.. the areas your suppost to goto are filled with NOTHING. But, if you talk to that person, the areas now have your tasks to complete. That is how the game is set up. I didn't get a smooth run the first time I played it. Personally not to fand of these types of games. Other than that, I went through a level VERY SIMILAR to Mega Man X First Stage. Where you must fight giant mechanic Bee mini bosses, and move on. (And instead of fighting Vile, you resque Giro instead..)
The engine combines Zero RPG elements and a boring city, with X elements of bosses. But instead of gaining the bosses ability, you gain their armor (ala Zero style) which isn't bad. I still need to give it more gameplay time.. *goes back to play*