Mega Man X

The first Mega Man game to be produced and marketed in-house by CAPCOM, Mega Man X is an excellent all-around platformer and a capable port of the hit console series.

As with earlier games, Mega Man X follows the daring exploits of Mega Man (this time the newly revamped "X" version), a sentient robot designed by Dr. Light to choose his own path in life. Years after he is created, Dr. Cain finds X and mimics his design to create a race of such robots called reploids. When the sigma virus infects these reploids, causing them to commit acts of evil, it is up to Mega Man X and his partner Zero to stop it.

Warlock's review at MobyGames describes the pros and cons in great detail: "Mega Man X is a very good port of the SNES game which it originally was created for. The graphics and gameplay are reproduced almost identical to the SNES version.

The thing that I've always liked about Mega Man X is how unique it is however. Before this game came out, most Mega Man games were essentially the same. Fight some bosses, collect their powers, and beat Dr. Wily. But this game took a whole new spin on the series. The fact that it is set in the future is interesting in itself (which is actually further in the future, since the original games were also in the future), but the game adds a lot of unique features.

One of the best features is the inclusion of body enhancements. These add on to Mega Man X's suit, and give him new abilities, such as being able to dash, or taking less damage from enemies. Also, the fact that there are many secrets to be found in the game add to the replayablity. Many items are hidden and require certain weapons or skills to find. Some even require you to beat a certain stage first, which in turn effects another stage (for example, beating Chill Pengiun's stage will freeze the lava in Flame Mammoth's stage, allowing you to collect a heart tank). The inclusion of the Capcom Pad with the game ensures that you won't have to worry about ackward keyboard controls, and actually helps to make the game feel more like the original SNES title.

The Bad: Although the graphics were ported well, they seem less impressive on the computer screen than they do on the SNES. Perhaps Capcom should have enhanced them a bit more, making the game more unique (and feel less like you are playing an emulation of the SNES version). Also, the music isn't of as high quality as the SNES version. The quality seems to have deminished when they ported the game over, which is a shame, because many of the tunes are very good, and really help to add to the mood of the game.

The Bottom Line: Despite a few minor flaws in the graphics and music department, Mega Man X is a lot of fun to play. I would recommend it, especially if you have never had the chance to try the SNES version. The gameplay is great, and with all of the secret items hidden throughout the game, you will find yourself playing for a long time."

Review By HOTUD