Each character has been better-looking models and a minor boost in animation – which does help modernize things compared to the prior 16-bit entries. Zero really does increase the game’s replay value, and the increased polish on the core mechanics helps things out tremendously. Zero also didn’t gain boss powers, so you really had to master his sword. Zero’s more bold, and his sword’s greatly-increased level of power compared to any buster. They can strike from afar and might do less damage, but they can avoid taking damage as well. Mega Man and X each have an inherent advantage by being long-range characters. His short-range style is a lot riskier, and it’s something you never really thought of before in the series. X4 was the first time players could go through the entire game with Zero, and really experience how different the entire game could be when using him. Zero could be used sparingly in X3, as a single death was a game over for him. The X franchise gave you a ton of challenge still, and changed things up with more playable characters. Levels could go beyond just what was offered up before, and wall jumping alongside jumping up large walls to save yourself from pits greatly reduced frustration from players. You still jump and shoot a lot, but the addition of wall jumping enables far more complex gameplay scenarios. Beyond adding to the storytellng depth, the X games greatly expanded on the core gameplay. The X franchise presented a story with some shades of grey and pitted you against warring factions with human-like robots known as reploids against mavericks.
#MEGA MAN X4 SERIES#
The X series gave you a more mature storyline that actually evolved a bit. The reality of the situation was a bit different, as Mega Man V and VI did change things up a bit, but perception became reality and it needed some freshening up. The 8-bit entries had become something taken for granted due to a perception of them being far too similar to one another and minimal evolution. The Mega Man X series breathed new live into the stagnant Mega Man franchise in 1993. We come here to pay our respects, to reminisce, and to wonder aloud what a passing mad doctor might be able do with all these corpses and some high-definition lightning. Out back of the Hardcore Gamer office you’ll find our Graveyard, where countless long-dead classics lie.