Now over the years, since the original (and most difficult of the series) came out, a lot of games have spanned to different genres and different storylines. Currently, Capcom is seriously focusing on the current Ryusei no Rockman (or Mega Man Star Force) series, which is by all means better than its predecessor, the Battle Network one. But let's face it, the way it's running now is just similar to the whole Pokefad going on, which does carry a bizarre sense of mixed emotions. It's better now, but then again, the same sense of "collectemall-ism" still exists.
Which brings me to my next point. If there is any spin-off or sequel that carries both momentum and authenticity in sincere respect and truth, then only one can carry its rightful distinction.
X takes place many years after not even knowing what happened to the original. Due to its extensive history, I won't go through the entire course of this amazing tale (feel free to do your research). But all I have to say is this:
It's the older, more mature Mega Man, the one we deserve to have.
Gone are the days when we stay generic with the usual 8 Robot Masters and having to go play a game of connect-the-dots leading to Dr. Wily's chamber in his base. For once, we are driven into an intense storyline that involves the concept of Mavericks, "going Maverick", and the choices of morality between X, Zero, Axl, and all the other games they are involved with. With Sigma as the antagonist, we are brought to the new dimensions of storytelling never thought possible once upon a time. And it's truly diverse at that! Zero being killed in the first game, dealing with various aspects of right and wrong between humanity, Reploids, and Mavericks, X's continuous struggle between finding peace and having to choose the inevitable, encounters with the likes of the X Hunters, Dr. Cain, Repliforce, the Eurasia threat, the Zero Nightmare, Red Alert, and Lumine, and the concept of utilizing art imitating life, it is a great way to give us an in-depth interpretation on the world we live in.
Not to mention, this game also exhibits new features far beyond what the original could do. Besides the new armor add-ons (and the Street Fighter-inspired extras), we are also introduced to wall climbing, the use of multiple characters, different mechanics per game (the time limit in X5, different paths in X4, the introduction of dual characters in X7 as examples), the dynamics of the Mavericks (gone are the "Man" in the end of a given noun, hello creative names!), and others to name a few.
X is also one of those spin-offs that have the rare distinction to spawn a different set of spin-offs. Following X5's alternative ending, a new possibility came up with Mega Man Zero for the GBA, looking at a different and alternative look at the future of humanity. It is also the recipient of the first Mega Man RPG in Command Mission, an alternative story away from the X canon with new characters and a new villain to deal with, dealing with loyalty, betrayal, and all the usual storytelling that you'd expect in an RPG.
It's just too bad that the series is stopped for now, but believe me, this game still has a lot of life to show. This is not just a diamond in the rough, but it's a tested diamond at that. So for crying out loud, I hope and pray that this particular series gets its chance to continue on and for years to come. The X8 ending should be a precursor of things to come. Give this one a chance, and you won't be disappointed! (Let's give Mega Man 9 credit though. They did break the glass ceiling with Splash "Victim of 4chan meme's and the long lost sister of Sarah Palin" Woman)
(Gon, this vid is still awesome in all respects) XP
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2 comments:
LOL, funny that you mentioned the MegaMan X series, especially since I'm currently writing an article on Series that should Die XD
But hey, I loved all the Rockman series, and the MegaMan X universe. I even played the two craptastic Rockman Legends for the PS1. However, like most stubborn people, I lost interest once the series turned 3D and RPGish (Damn Cyber-something-BattleNet-Crappy-Spin-off mentioned earlier in your post). Too bad though, from your description of MegaMan X8, I think I would have enjoyed the game.
You never played X8 yet? You really should, man. It gets pretty addictive. One time, while I was bored at home, I finished the game around 4-5x for the whole day just to complete all the unlockables =P
Believe me, the X series deserve better at the very least.
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