It's been 15 years since the last 8bit Mega Man game was released with a slew of Mega Man titles released throughout (X series, MegaMan and Bass, Battle Network, ton of other shitty games, etc). Capcom decided to take it old school and finally release Mega Man 9 the way it should be and they did it right.
Story:
Let's be honest, the story is terrible. If you've played any Mega Man game you know what to expect, robots go nuts and threaten the planet and it's up to Mega Man to stop them. Dr. Light, Wily, Roll, etc. are all back. The first "cutscene" starts out with a MASSIVE plot twist (ok not really you know it's a lie) but it's more story then some of the games had, but still terrible. Who plays Mega Man for story, though?
Soundtrack:
The soundtrack is amazing and stands up there with all the NES ones, same addicting tunes, same 8bit style.
Graphics:
Now this graphics are either amazing or absolutely terrible depending on how you look at them. If you take it for what it's supposed to be, an 8bit Mega Man game, then they're exceptional and 100% accurate to the old school Mega Man games complete with sprite tearing, graphical glitches, etc. On the other hand if you look at them as being in 2008 they're terrible and probably the worst on any "new" game out. Personally I think they're great because that was the look Capcom was going for, they WANT it to be a new NES game.
Level Design:
The level design is on-point for every stage and it easily ranks up there as some of the best levels in Mega Man history, period. Galaxy Man, Jewel Man, etc. have really innovative level designs that have not been seen in any prior Mega Man game. The enemy spawn patterns are predictable and everything has a set route as is Mega Man tradition but they're still wonderfully clever. You WILL die to the perfectly placed enemy or that one spike that you got nudged into, Capcom knows what you will do and how to kill you when you do it.
Gameplay:
The Gameplay in 9 is great, spot-on like the originals. It's based on Mega Man 1-2 so there is no chargeshot, slide, etc. that we saw in the later games, it's just the basic run and jump. Of course the tradition of stealing the Robot Master's weapons is still there, and the rock-paper-scissors gameplay continues. There are multiple ways to play this game and that's what makes it great. You can figure out which weapon would be most effective against who, just use your powerbuster against everyone, or buy dozens of e-tanks and do whatever the hell you want. A new addition to 9 is the store, you can exchange screws you find for various items including e-tanks, the ability to play as helmetless Mega Man and other goodies. This offers a new unique way to play Mega Man and makes it more forgiving to players new to the franchise. Don't think this will make the game easy though because you will die, a lot. This is probably one of (if not THE hardest) of all the old school Mega Man games but that's what makes it great.
Downloadable Content:
Yes you read that header right, downloadable content. Capcom already announced the first batch is coming out sometime in October and assuming that does well more will probably be on the way. The sad part about this however is that you already bought the DLC when you purchased Mega Man 9, this initial set is already in the game but you have to pay for the right to use it. Basically Capcom is trying to milk us for money, instead of just including it like they should have. Anyway the first batch is the ability to play as Proto Man (a new way to play through the game as he has charge shot, slide, and handles differently), higher difficulties, and a few other goodies. Nothing else has been announced yet but expect a high change of seeing more characters or at the very least new outfits eventually.
Overall:
It's Mega Man, there's really nothing else to say. If the idea of a new 8bit Mega Man game sounds exciting to you then get it. It's $10, a nice retro-throwback, and a genuine fun game. Keep in mind this was based off of the Wii version as the 360/PS3 versions aren't out yet.
9/10
-Kartoon
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