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The first game in the franchise to add new features to the formula

After six Mega Man games on the NES, Capcom finally released a game in the franchise that changed things up. Released in late 1993 for the Super NES, Mega Man X is the first game in a new series of Mega Man games. It's an action platformer, and don't get me wrong, it looks and feels just like any Mega Man game, but as we'll see, it will offer some wonderful new additions. The opening level introduces us to X and Zero, two robots who are taking on the Mavericks, the evil robots under the control of the game's villain, Sigma.

All of the classic MM mainstays are here. After the opening level, you can choose which level to play first. There are eight Maverick robots, and defeating them will give you new weapons which you can unleash on other bosses. Level design is solid, controls are tight, and the music is awesome. X can perform a charged shot and can also jump up walls, which is very useful, especially against bosses. This was the first game to use robot animals, such as Chill Penguin, Launch Octopus, Armor Armadillo, and Spark Mandrill. They're pretty cool.

What makes MMX special is all the upgrades in the game. There are armor upgrades, heart pieces, and sub tanks. All of these are optional, but getting them will make the game much easier. MM games are known for being difficult, so you'll want to take the time to explore each level and find these things. This makes levels a little nonlinear. You may have to blow up a wall, find a hidden path, or make a long jump into the air in order to find these extra items. 

The armor upgrades increase X's strength and durability. The helmet piece allows him to head-butt certain blocks; the leg pieces allow him to do a quick dash (very useful); the canon piece upgrades his charge shot to become even more powerful; and the chest piece reduces the damage he receives by half. Suffice to say, you'll want to get these! Also, there are eight heart pieces to find, one in each level. These increase your health a small amount, so getting all of them (or as many as you can) is very helpful. Finally, there are four sub tanks to find, and these can be used to refill X's health bar. If you miss one, not a big deal; you can revisit any level after you've beaten it. You'll want to be prepared before heading off to fight Sigma. 

The level design is great. X will venture into forests, underground bases, and even the ocean in search of the Maverick robots. Once again, levels are more interesting because of the exploration part, making this game sort of like a Metroidvania (Mega Manvania?). I was surpised by the things I missed when I went back through some of the levels. Also, certain levels let you jump into a mech to do some extra damage, which is always fun. 

Just like in oldschool games, enemies will respawn even if you move slightly forward and back. This can be both good and bad; good because you can farm for replenishing items, but bad because enemies (especially flying enemies) can be frustrating. I discovered that the best way to farm for health and items was to use Armor Armadillo's Rolling Shield in its charged form. A shield will cover X and enemies will instantly die when they touch it. The respawning is a huge blessing when you need health and other items. 

The bosses can be tricky, but not too difficult. If you know which weapon is their weakness, they can be pathetically easy. Still, beating them is exciting and satisfying. After beating all eight Maverick robots, X and Zero head to Sigma's fortress. The last stages can be brutal, so you'll want to stock up on everything. You'll refight all the Maverick robots, but new bosses will be much trickier than the Mavericks. With all those weapons and upgrades, you really feel like a tough guy. Nothing can stop you!

Final Verdict--4.5 Stars: Highly Recommended

Mega Man X is an awesome game! It's the first Mega Man game to offer exploration and extra upgrades. You can even get an upgrade that lets X shoot out a haduken, but you have to get everything in the game in order to get it. Still, that's awesome! The game is really fun and satisfying, plus it started the entire MMX series. You can play this game in multiple formats today, so be sure to try it if you've never played it. Also, the music is awesome! Mega Man games never disappoint in the music department. 

Join me for Retro Review every other Saturday as we examine games of yore.