Mega Man X Legacy Collection 1 (PS4, NSW, XB1, PC) Review

The week continues as does SuperPhillip Central's roll-out of reviews. This next game is a collection of four stellar action-platformers. It's Mega Man X Legacy Collection 1, and it's the PlayStation 4 build being reviewed here.

A collection with "X"-tra features but also "X"-tra problems

Unlike the classic Mega Man series, the Mega Man X series is much more inconsistent with its quality. There are just some games in the series that are simply stinkers while others are some of the best 2D action-platformers of all time--at least in this writer's opinion. Thankfully, despite the series being all over the place when it comes to quality, Mega Man X Legacy Collection 1 gathers up four of the most fantastic games in the series and places them in one classic compendium. While that should be a recipe for immediate and doubtless success, Mega Man X Legacy Collection 1 has one problem that may affect the enjoyment of these otherwise excellent games.

Mega Man X Legacy Collection 1 features the first half of the Mega Man X series: the original Mega Man X trilogy, X1-X3, from the Super Nintendo and Mega Man X4, which is the PlayStation version. Each game has similar options to it, such as the ability to play full-screen or with a customizable, themed border, the ability to play with or without scanlines to create an old school CRT feel, and a special Rookie Hunter mode, which decreases the damage players take and in Mega Man X4's case, makes it so spikes and bottomless pits are not instant death. This mode is a nice addition, allowing players of all types and skill levels to enjoy the first four Mega Man X games, ones that are notoriously difficult for most players. 

The "buzz" on this stage from Mega Man X is that it's a premier example of a sensational opening level.

Mega Man X, of course, started it all back in 1993. Bringing with it a more mature approach to its story, greater action, faster gameplay, and a fully upgrade-able Mega Man by way of discovering Dr. Light's hidden capsules and items like Heart Tanks and Sub Tanks, Mega Man X was an entirely new generation of the Blue Bomber. He was much more mobile, able to scale walls, jump dash, and with Dr. Light's aforementioned capsules was able to find so many more ways of movement and maneuverability. The game introduced a new villain in the seemingly immortal, never-say-die/never-CAN-die Sigma, and brought forth a popular character in the series lore, the blonde-ponytail secondary protagonist Zero. The original Mega Man X is a game that other entries in the series have attempted to surpass in quality, but I maintain that the original is still the best. Some entries come close, but the very first Mega Man X remains my favorite with no filler, no superfluous gameplay--just all action and ingenious level design.

Recognize this guy? His random attack pattern landed him on
my Bad Boss Battles in Gaming History series of articles. (Okay, he's not SO bad, but still...)

Mega Man X2 followed, and it's my second favorite of the SNES games. It introduced even more replay value with an alternate ending for collecting all of Zero's parts from the X-Hunters, and further refined the gameplay of the original X game. Meanwhile, Mega Man X3 is what I consider the weakest game in the first Mega Man X Legacy Collection, offering an overwhelming overabundance of collectibles, too many variables to consider in how the last stages of the game play out, and a soundtrack that grates occasionally on the ears. However, it's important to note that Mega Man X3 with all of these minor issues that I have with the game is hardly a poor entry in the series. That's an especially apparent fact considering the latter collection of games.

While limited in how much you can play as him,
Mega Man X3 was the first time Zero was playable in any fashion.

Finally, Mega Man X4 rounds out the package, and it delivers 32-bit visuals for the first time in the series, anime cutscenes of dubious voice acting quality (but I personally love the pure cheese of it), the ability to play two different storylines as either X or for the first time in the series, a fully playable Zero (he was only available in limited quantities in X3). Although the levels are the exact same for both characters, their story beats, gameplay styles, and a boss or two differs. While X2 is my second favorite Super Nintendo game in the Mega Man X Legacy Collection, Mega Man X4 is my second favorite in the series in general.

So, having these four terrific games from the past is great and all, but there is one gnarly problem with them that mucks things up some. While the games look the same visually with no new graphical problems, the gameplay--on the other hand--is a different story. There is noticeable input lag in all four games, making it so many button and control inputs can be slightly delayed or don't register at all. By no means did it make these games absolutely broken, but it did make it for a harder go of things, especially in the more difficult platforming sections in each game. One such instance of this for me was the first Sigma Palace stage in Mega Man X1, where you ride moving platforms over a bottomless pit to reach the inside of the palace. I kept missing jumps I'd otherwise make because of the input lag. 

Outside of the four games that have the leading role in the Mega Man X Legacy Collection 1, there are also myriad other features included. For instance, there is an art gallery that spotlights everything from promotional art and character designs, to box art and special illustrations. There is also a music player that has all of the songs from Mega Man X through X4, and this can be listened to in playlist form. Included with the music player is a series of remixed and wholly original themes inspired by the series, which sound pretty awesome, especially as someone who loves the X series as much as I do. Listening to a new version of the Mega Man X stage select screen or the Mega Man X4 boss theme filled me such joy as a serious fan of the original Mega Man X games.

Also included in Mega Man X Legacy Collection 1 is a brand-new boss rush mode called X Challenge. It pits you as X in an X Challenge mode exclusive armor against duos of Maverick bosses across the first six Mega Man X games. Each main stage is a series of three battles against a pair of bosses that you fight against simultaneously, usually themed in some way. For example, you'll take on underwater bosses like Mega Man X4's Jet Stingray while combating Mega Man X5's Tidal Whale, while another battle will have you take on a pair of Mega Man X2 bosses, Bubble Crab and Wheel Gator. Thankfully, X has more health to him than in the traditional games, and you get to choose from three special weapons from a limited selection to bring into each series of fights. Depending on what difficulty you play on, the bosses you face will be different and how much health X regains between battles changes as well.

Mega Man X's Ice Penguin AND Mega Man X4's Frost Walrus?
Let's give 'em both the cold shoulder, X!

X Challenge is a rather cool mode, all things considered. It's sort of surreal seeing Mavericks from completely different games team up together, but then again that's one of the major selling points of this mode. Attempting to evade attacks from one Maverick is generally challenging enough, but when you have two to deal with, things become mighty taxing mighty quickly. With online leaderboards to try to climb the ranks by how fast you beat each boss pair, there is some good replay value to be found in X Challenge, making it a nice inclusion to the collection.

Mega Man X Legacy Collection 1 delivers some of the best 2D action-platformers in gaming history, and I don't say that flippantly. The games have truly withstood the test of time, and they're great for those who have loved them since they originally came out and for those who are playing them for the first time. While the mild input lag (it's more or less severe depending on the platform you're playing on is highly disappointing to witness, having such excellent games with Mega Man X1 through X4 and all of the included extras makes for a worthwhile collection. So, if you're searching for a retro compendium of games that continue to be awesome two decades after the fact, then Mega Man "X" marks the spot.

[SPC Says: B]

Bad Boss Battles in Gaming History - Part Eight

WARNING: POTENTIAL SPOILERS FOR THE FOLLOWING GAMES AHEAD!

• Yooka-Laylee (PS4, XB1, PC)
• Metroid Prime 2: Echoes (Wii, GCN)
• Ys I (Multi)
• Mega Man X2 (SNES)
• Sonic the Hedgehog 2 (GG)

A good boss battle is one that sticks with you long after you've beaten it. It's fun, it's inventive, and it challenges you in a fair way. A bad boss battle is one that sticks with you like something on the bottom of your shoe. No, not gum. Something worse (and stinkier). They can be poorly designed, irritating as all get out, and just plain not fun to play. They can end a play-through, or at the very least make you dread getting to that point in a game, a game you otherwise really enjoyed. Some of the bosses on this edition of Bad Boss Battles in Gaming History can qualify as those. Some more than others.

Before checking out these five additions to the list, check out all past volumes of Bad Boss Battles in Gaming, found in the following links:

Part One

Part Two

Part Three

Part Four

Part Five

Part Six

Part Seven

Because of possible spoilers, please find the continuation of this article after the break.

Best Levels in Gaming History - Volume Seventeen

One of the longest running segments in SuperPhillip Central's nearly eight-year history returns with five more fabulous levels that feature memorable settings, impressive set pieces, and just plain creative design. From a journey to one of Ratchet & Clank's latest game's early planets to a galactic dogfight between Corneria's and Andross's forces in Star Fox Zero, this seventeenth edition of Best Levels in Gaming History has got the goods.

Check out past volumes of this popular SPC segment with the following links!

Volume One
Volume Two
Volume Three
Volume Four
Volume Five
Volume Six
Volume Seven
Volume Eight
Volume Nine
Volume Ten
Volume Eleven
Volume Twelve
Volume Thirteen
Volume Fourteen
Volume Fifteen
Volume Sixteen

Planet Kerwan - Ratchet & Clank (PS4)

Let's start off this seventeenth edition of Best Levels in Gaming History with a popular place in the Ratchet & Clank series, Planet Kerwan. This planet's levels in the series generally take place in a sprawling metropolis, and this hasn't changed with the latest entry in the franchise on the PlayStation 4.

Planet Kerwan is a marvelous level that in this reboot of the Ratchet & Clank franchise features gun-toting action and platforming goodness atop crowded and busy city rooftops. From dropships raining in foes from above to robotic dogs that wish nothing but to chew into Ratchet, the amount of targets ready to be destroyed is quite high.

However, before you can get to the traditional ground combat the Ratchet & Clank series does so well, Planet Kerwan in this new Ratchet & Clank gives the lombax/robot duo the opportunity to take to the skies in a ship to shoot down crucial enemy targets. It's a lot of fun riding through the busy city skies, trailing enemies and then blasting them out of the sky.

Being a retelling of the original Ratchet & Clank, this PS4 entry possesses some familiar set pieces to the original, such as taking a ride on a Gravtrain, blasting away at foes in a much more impressive display than what was seen in the original. The train's destination is the Hall of Heroes, having Ratchet dodge enemy shots while unleashing shots of his own. It's a wild ride from beginning to end.

The amount of gameplay variety in Planet Kerwan treats players to a copious offering of fun and lightning fast action, as well as a taste of what to expect from this fantastic re-imagining. From flying the unfriendly Kerwan skies to hitching a ride on the dangerous Gravtrain, Planet Kerwan is a great level near the start of Ratchet and Clank's amazing adventure.

Mount Must Dash - Super Mario 3D World (Wii U)

An optional level in Super Mario 3D World, Mount Must Dash (get it? Mustache?) is an ode to very first Super Mario Kart on the Super Nintendo, using a remixed theme of Mario Circuit from that game, as well as a visual style reminiscent of Mario's first raceway. It even has a starting line with a banner to kick things off.

The level itself constantly encourages you to be on the run, whether it's through its many boost pads and bounce pads that shoot Mario and friends up over chasms and gaps, or its slide that occurs in the second area of the level. The third portion of the level houses a mystery box that leads to the level's second Green Star, pending you can capture a runaway rabbit in time. Then, there are a series of huge chasms that can only be crossed by jumping with the momentum of several boost pads.

Mount Must Dash is just one of a multitude of creative levels within Super Mario 3D World. It's an example that hits on one's nostalgia while creating an immensely original level. You can bet we'll be seeing more levels from Super Mario 3D World and other Mario platformers in future installments of Best Levels in Gaming History.

Sector Beta - Star Fox Zero (Wii U)

While reviews haven't been too kind to Star Fox Zero thanks to a hard to learn control scheme, once you've gotten it down (which isn't too terribly tough in all honesty), then you'll get to enjoy feeling like you're piloting a massive airborne craft like the Arwing.

Sector Beta is one of my favorite missions in Star Fox Zero due to the gravitas of the entire situation. Team Star Fox teams up with Bill, a good friend of Fox that was seen in the Katina mission in Star Fox 64, as well as a major part of the Corneria army. The goal is to defend the airspace of Sector Beta through any means necessary, as this is the last line of defense against Andross's forces.

The mission begins with Team Star Fox going after four enemy cruisers that are firing at Corneria's fleet. While Bill, Peppy, Falco, and Slippy can take down the cruisers themselves after a while, it's to your benefit to shoot them down yourself to earn as many points as possible.

Once the cruisers have been obliterated, the enemy warship Granby teleports into the fray. A massive laser beam is shot at the warship, but the Granby's seemingly impenetrable shield protects it completely from the laser onslaught. It's up to you to find a way through the shield before the Granby destroys the Cornerian army's fleet with its own assault.

This is done by waiting until the Granby shoots out a laser of its own, which in turn opens up a hole for your Arwing to slip through, right inside the enemy shield. Then, you turn into the Walker form of the Arwing to hack into a terminal on the back deck of the Granby. This clears a shield that leads directly inside the Granby, leading you to eliminate the Granby's shield by destroying three power cores.

Now, it's a quick escape from the Granby before the Cornerian fleet fires a gigantic laser at the Granby. You definitely don't want to be inside the vessel as it's getting obliterated. Thus, if you escape in time, you can see the Granby get blown to bits.

However, that's not the end of the mission. Star Wolf enters into the picture, ready to shoot down Team Star Fox. Thus, an incredibly fun showdown and dogfight against Star Wolf begins, really showing how the dual screened approach of the game is put to good use. There's nothing like being able to look one way in the Arwing while using the GamePad to aim to the Arwing's side to blast away at a target that you otherwise wouldn't be able to fire at.

Pending on if you can shoot down Wolf before he takes down Peppy, the branching path either takes you to Fortuna to resume your mission, or it takes you to Titania to rescue the eldest member of the Star Fox team.

Sector Beta incorporates a grand battle in outer space that is an absolute blast to play through, initiating incredible dogfights against enemy craft. I enjoy it so much that I've been going back to it long after I completed everything in the mission. I've been playing it a bunch just for the fun of it.

Wheel Gator's Stage - Mega Man X2 (SNES)

Mega Man X2's Wheel Gator possesses a stage that takes place on a giant dinosaur tank, moving through a crowded city space, bulldozing a path directly through its heart. The level has a lovely progression from day at its beginning to leaving the innards of the tank to be greeted by a dusk sky. Throw in the ability to enter some Ride Armor at the bottom of the tank to crush enemies in X's way, hovering platforms that take X across the insides of the tank as well as over precarious pits of spikes, and you have a level that is pumps adrenaline through players' bodies.

Wheel Gator's stage also houses an upgrade to X's X-Buster, granting him a much more powerful shot to tear into foes. This is acquired through a Dr. Light capsule near the beginning of the stage where X first enters into the inside of Wheel Gator's massive machine of destruction.

Wheel Gator himself tends to hide inside what appears to be flowing oil (at least I hope that's what it is), jumping out to put the bite into X. With Wire Sponge's special weapon, Wheel Gator can be made to think twice about ever trying to have a taste of Mega Man X.

Final Stages - Gunstar Heroes (GEN)

Treasure's Gunstar Heroes is considered, well, a treasure in the action genre. It's a high octane roller coaster with exhilarating boss battles and intense gameplay. Everything players have done has led up to the final levels, one of the most impressive and creative in the Genesis lineup of games.

The final levels start with a shoot-em-up segment, having players pilot a spaceship that in comparison to the big bad's space base looks like a speck of dust. Through careful piloting of the spaceship, blasting away foes and dodging asteroids, eventually players wind up at an intergalactic rematch with Seven Force, a boss from a previous stage. However, this time it's a shoot-em-up boss battle, having Seven Force do its trademark shifting between its seven forms such as gun to try to take players out before they can touch down on the enemy base.

Once players have arrived at the base, what follows is a boss rush. However, this is a bit clever as you can see the bad guys watching you on a massive monitor. Essentially, you're watching yourself on the bad guys' screen on your TV screen. It's very meta, as the kids say. Each time a boss has been defeated, you can see one of the bad guys watching on the monitor prepare themselves for the next encounter, exiting the room to get ready to take players on.

Soon, after defeating every other enemy besides the commander of the bad guys, players exit the view of the monitor and enter the actual room where the bad guys had been watching the action. This is where the penultimate showdown happens before the final battle occurs.

The final duo of levels are highly enjoyable and entertaining, showing impressive creativity. lots of intense action, and massive amounts of fun. Now, I have the urge to replay Gunstar Heroes for the umpteenth time! Thanks, Best Levels in Gaming History!

SuperPhillip Central's Favorite VGMs - Lots of Catching Up to Do Edition

Generally, SuperPhillip Central's Favorite VGMs are posted on Mondays, but this is a special edition on a Friday of all days, due to some unforeseen circumstances. Being posted on a Friday is really the only major change here this edition, as this week still has five wonderful VGM volumes to engross ourselves with.

We first roll out with the Autobots against the Decepticons with Transformers: Devastation. Then we tangle with Kameo: Elements of Power. Next up, Mega Man X2 takes center stage, followed by a round at the Western Valley Country Club with Hot Shots Golf 3. Finally, Sly Cooper sneaks into this edition with Sly 2: Band of Thieves.

Even though this is on a different day than normal, I won't forget to mention the VGM Database, where all VGM volumes both past and present are conveniently located for your listening pleasure!

v1066. Transformers: Devastation (Multi) - Face the Devastation (End Credits)

Did anyone order some cheese? This is the greatest kind of cheese-- it's low-fat, full of guitar goodness, and complete with high pitched vocals. This song indeed rocks, and it's perfect for capping off the excellence of Activision and Platinum Games' epic Transformers entry, Transformers: Devastation.

v1067. Kameo: Elements of Power (360) - Ice Mountain Onslaught

One of two Xbox 360 launch titles by Rare (the other being Perfect Dark Zero), Kameo: Elements of Power provided a glorious gaming adventure through its epic worlds and confrontations. The soundtrack is also, if you'll excuse me for repeating the word, epic, as well. Steve Burke did a tremendous job with this orchestral soundtrack, bringing a wonderful sense of gravitas to each and every combat situation in Kameo's journey.

v1068. Mega Man X2 (SNES) - Magna Centipede Stage

Mega Man returns to SuperPhillip Central's Favorite VGMs with Mega Man X2 being represented this time around. Magna Centipede's stage takes place in a high tech computer control center, also used in the final stage of the game. Typically the Mega Man X soundtracks are much more hard rock driven than those songs of the classic series, and this song example shows that clearly.

v1069. Hot Shots Golf 3 (PS2) - Western Valley C.C. (Summer)

We may be deep in the winter season here in North America, but that doesn't mean we can't be thinking of summertime, warmer temps, and a lack of snow and ice. Hot Shots Golf 3's Western Valley takes us to the golf course with nice temperatures, nice breezes, and hopefully some hole-in-ones!

v1070. Sly 2: Band of Thieves (PS2) - Museum

Shh... Quietly, now. As Sly Cooper, you need to stealthily saunter around enemies as you progress through Sly 2: Band of Thieves' cleverly designed levels. Sly 2 introduced the ability to play as Bentley and Murray, as well as provided a more open-ended level structure. While the game was still an enjoyable one, I can't help but prefer the original's simplicity and levels over any sequel.

Remakes, Please! - What's Old Is New Again

Based off the smash-hit series, Localizations, Please!, comes its close relative, Remakes, Please!, where I list several games of yesteryear that I feel deserve to have a second chance in the spotlight with numerous updates for the 21st century world! These can include graphical enhancements, online, and even new modes. Let's see which games are just begging to be remade! A lot of the titles I listed in Localizations, Please! were actually brought over to the West, so here's hoping I have the same winning percentage with Remakes, Please!

The Legend of Zelda: Majora's Mask (N64)

This one is basically a no-brainer. My favorite game of all time, The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time, was made better with the 3DS remake. Now, Nintendo can use that same engine to recreate the world of Termina for Majora's Mask. The framerate would be improved, the vibrant exteriors of Clock Town were become even more vivacious, the battle with Goht would pop out of the screen thanks to the 3DS's stereoscopic abilities, and switching between items and equipment would be a breeze thanks to the touch screen. Add in the awesome-feeling gyro aiming for items like the Hero's Bow and the Hookshot, and you have an already classic game made even more masterful. Majora's Mask's Termina felt like the most complete world in a Zelda game. Characters had their own schedules during the three days of doom that Link kept rewinding, and through assisting them, Link managed to earn remarkable rewards like new masks -- the main feature of the game -- and Pieces of Heart. I would love to be able to relive Majora's Mask with what would certainly be the definitive version of the game.

The Legend of Zelda: A Link to the Past (SNES)

3D Zelda is great and all, but I always have loved the old school 2D adventures as well. The Legend of Zelda: A Link to the Past is without a doubt my second favorite Zelda game. It was built by virtuosos of game design, puzzle design, and world map and dungeon design. The mechanic of switching between the Light World and the Dark World was ingenious for its time and still showcases some marvelous ingenuity by the developers. Nintendo recently was curious as to which Zelda game fans would like to see remade: either Majora's Mask or A Link to the Past. It's essentially a battle between an incredible game versus an astonishing game. Gamers win regardless. Though the concept of the 2D world of A Link to the Past remade on the 3DS (no, I'm not insinuating that the game would or should be three dimensions) with all-new visuals flair definitely interests me... Regardless of their decision, gamers get a spectacular remake of a classic Zelda to enjoy.

Final Fantasy V/VI (SNES)

Final Fantasy V

Final Fantasy VI

Originally, Final Fantasy V skipped the Super Nintendo in the West. It would reach parts outside of Japan on the Sony PlayStation collection, Final Fantasy Anthology. The game also came with Final Fantasy VI (which had previously been known in Western markets as Final Fantasy III) in the collection. A port of FFV would come to Nintendo's Game Boy Advance in 2006 in North America, and 2007 in European territories. Even with owning both the Anthology compendium and the GBA port, I have never sat down and fully played through Final Fantasy V. I'm eager to, but can never find the time. However, a possible DS-style 3D remake on the 3DS or a Final Fantasy IV: The Complete Collection-esque remake with slick updated 2D visuals and a remixed soundtrack (with the option for the original one, of course). I'm a bit of a cheater as I listed both Final Fantasy V and my favorite Final Fantasy, number 6, here. I'd like to see them both. V because I never played it. VI because it is the best and deserves even more admiration.

Mega Man 2 (NES)

You cannot imagine my heartbreak when I read that Mega Man: Powered Up bombed. I loved the chibi-style, cel-shaded look the game had, and enjoyed all of the bonuses like the two additional Robot Masters in the form of Time Man and Oil Man, the ability to play as all eight Robot Masters in the main game and Challenge mode levels, the updated visuals and music, and the ability to create fully detailed Mega Man levels, and idea that would evolve into the sadly cancelled Mega Man Universe. I think Mega Man: Powered Up was victim to being on the wrong platform. I don't think the PSP's market that was more geared towards teens and young adults fit toward the aesthetic of Powered Up. Perhaps if it released on PSN and XBLA in this time period it would have more success. Regardless, I wish deeply for a remake of one of fans' favorite Classic Mega Man games, Mega Man 2.

Mega Man X2 (SNES)

In my Rank Up! segment of listing the Mega Man franchises from least favorite to most favorite, I listed Mega Man X as second overall. This was despite me preferring to gameplay of the X series to the Classic series. Mega Man X2 is one of the better entries in the series. It feels incredibly complete, has numerous secrets, optional bosses, and the optional task of obtaining all three of Zero's stolen parts. The level design is superb with a heavy action-centric focus, and the bosses are memorable -- even with a name like Wire Sponge for one of them. Mega Man X: Maverick Hunter released on the PSP. The game was a remake of the original Mega Man X with some bonus material apart from the new presentation. Like many of Capcom's earliest support for the system, the PSP remake sunk in retail. But oh, what I wouldn't give to play Mega Man X2 with the same visual style and additional content!

Jet Force Gemini (N64)

Rare left Nintendo as a mere shell of the great company it once was. The Twycross-based developer would still push out some sensational titles for their new employer, Microsoft. I'm referring to such games as Viva Pinata and Banjo-Kazooie: Nuts & Bolts. However, nothing has sold or has been as impressive as Rare's Nintendo efforts. One game that even on Nintendo's system that flew under the radar a tad and didn't get as much love is Jet Force Gemini. The bug-busting third-person shooter needs more love. How else can Rare get some easy money and get the word back out that the developer still makes games for the non-Kinect crowd? Don't answer that. It was rhetorical. Regardless, and HD Jet Force Gemini with online multiplayer (oh, the hours spent blowing away buds), updated visuals, and achievements would be a terrific Xbox Live Arcade title. I know the chances of this are sensationally slim as Rare is more focused on Kinect (though I can't complain about Kinect Sports too much) than their past glories.

TimeSplitters 2 (PS2, GCN, XBX)

Let me get this out of the way. My favorite first-person shooter is without a doubt Perfect Dark. It did all the right things. The remake on Xbox Live Arcade improved the visuals and framerate problems the Nintendo 64 original had and added online to an already addicting and expansive multiplayer mode. The team behind the original Perfect Dark had members that left to establish Free Radical Design. Their first project was the PlayStation 2 exclusive, TimeSplitters. The sequel would be an even better with game with many more multiplayer options, more story mode and multiplayer level creator capabilities, and a competent objective-based (my favorite type) single-player campaign. Crytek, the company that acquired Free Radical, said this past week that fan interest in a TimeSplitters 4 was not high enough. 1) I hate Facebook for gauging fan interest, and 2) How can you possibly build interest in a series that hasn't had a new installment or news for years? Regardless, what better way to reintroduce the world to TimeSplitters than remaking the best entry in the series and put it on digital platforms? How about you throw in online and the ability to share created content with the world? Someone pay me for this stuff!

===

What games would you like to see remade? Obviously, new games are outstanding to have, but there is no shame in wanting remakes of some of your favorite titles as well.

Mega Man X2 (SNES, Wii VC) Retro Review

Retro Review Month enters the world of reploids with Mega Man X and his second entry. Mega Man celebrates 25 years alive in gaming, and I am going to put on my party hat and join in on the fun, too. First we have this review of Mega Man X2, one of the more popular games in the series. If you missed the original Mega Man X's retro review, catch it right here.

X to the Second Power

My personal favorite Mega Man series of the seven: Classic, X, Legends, Zero, Battle Network, ZX, and Star Force would have to be the Mega Man X series. While it hasn't been of consistent quality in later installments (particularly X6 and X7), it has delivered a huge amount of entertainment for me for the games that are incredible. Joining Mega Man X and Mega Man X4 in the upper echelon of X titles is Mega Man X2. Even today there are heated conversations over which of the Super Nintendo X trilogy is the best. Is Mega Man X2 twice as good as its predecessor?

It has been six months since Mega Man X and Zero led the charge to defeat Sigma and his Maverick minions. Now X and his fellow Maverick Hunters are wiping out the last of the Mavericks. Is this truly the end of Sigma and his followers? Spoiler: Well, the tail end of Mega Man X heavily hinted Sigma's return, so no, the Mavericks are nowhere near finished. With that out of the way, X not only has to worry about cleaning up after Sigma's mess, but he also has to deal with a trio of self-proclaimed X-Hunters who are targeting the idealist reploid. The story of Mega Man X2 is a cut above X1. The characters are more fleshed out while the story is more involved.

More Mavericks just means more target practice for X.

If you are anyway familiar with Mega Man X or even the Classic Mega Man series, then you know what to expect. You have eight stages that you can choose to tackle in any order, the defeated Maverick boss with names like Crystal Snail, Flame Stag, and Morph Moth give you their signature weapon, and that weapon is used to reached inaccessible areas in levels as well as utilized as the weakness of one of the other Maverick bosses. For instance, Bubble Crab doesn't take too kindly to Wheel Gator's weapon. To have the least difficult time through the game, there's a recommended order to go through so you can use each Robot Master's weakness on them to defeat them without as much hassle as you would if you fought them with just your X-buster. However, it's also enjoyable to go out of order and make it more of a challenge for yourself, too.

The Sonic Slicer deals serious damage to Overdrive Ostrich.

There's more things to collect and do in Mega Man X2 than in the original Mega Man X. Yes, there is still one health-increasing Heart Tank in each Robot Master stage, and there is one of four Sub-Tanks that can be used to heal yourself mid-battle that are placed in special out of the way spots in the game as well. Dr. Light's many capsules return, hidden away in alcoves and other areas. Each capsule upgrade bestows X with an armor upgrade. One can allow X to charge and unleash his shots for a huge attack increase (compared to his normal charged shot anyway) while another gives him the ability to dash while midair, a series first. Then there's the matter of Zero who is MIA. Turns out each of the X-Hunters has a part of him. In each level there is an optional door leading to a boss fight with one of the X-Hunters: Agile, Serges, or Violen. Beating these bestows X with one of Zero's parts. The catch here is that the X-Hunters randomly show up on the stage selection screen, and they switch locations when you complete or exit a given stage. And if all eight initial Maverick levels are completed before Zero's parts have been retrieved, you're out of luck.

Perhaps there's even a capsule to give X a shoryuken move.

Mega Man X2 and the X series itself are a lot like classic Mega Man. The game is an action-platformer, has X facing eight Robot Masters, and has all the futuristic fun you'd want. However, X has plenty of alterations. He can scale walls, dash along the ground, earn aforementioned upgrades to his health and armor, and can charge not only his X-buster but also-- with an armor upgrade-- special weapons as well. If you loved, Mega Man X, you will probably love Mega Man X2. Perhaps a complaint one could find towards the game is that while the original X moved the Mega Man formula forward, X2 sort of toes the line and doesn't stray far gameplay-wise from X1. I am of the mind that I dig more of the same in this instance, and in some ways I find X2 to be an improvement over its predecessor.

Impeccable level design is a must for these types of games, and Mega Man X2 fits the bill unbelievably. You're taken through all sorts of interesting venues, from alligator-shaped aircraft and volatile volcanoes, to crystal caverns and desert highways. It seems every enemy placement and obstacle serves its own purpose and you understand why objects and foes are where they are. There are seldom, if any, blind jumps or cheap parts to the game. Finding hidden goodies gets to the point where you can develop a sixth sense for how the makers of X2 think and uncover secrets without the assistance of a guide.

The long arm of the law.

Mega Man X2 obviously uses the same engine as the 1994 original, so you won't be blown away-- Though the vistas, backgrounds, and characters are all nice to gaze upon. However, the graphics team at Capcom didn't rest on their laurels. For both Mega Man X2 and its sequel, they used a special cartridge allowing for wire frame effects as seen in the title screen, a mid-boss encounter in the Central Computer stage, and a later portion of the game. While I think more could have been done with the technology, it is a cool effect to witness on the old Super Nintendo. The soundtrack is quite good, rivaling Mega Man X's music in memorability and being catchy. Sound effects like buster shots reflecting off walls and enemy shields cracking sound a bit authentic as well.

This first boss may look big, but he's a pushover.

So I know you're dying to find out which is superior-- Mega Man X or Mega Man X2? Well, I'm going to go the neutralist's way and suggest that both are X-ceptional for different reasons. While Mega Man X is more challenging, more revolutionary to the Mega Man franchise as a whole, and has the more unforgettable levels, Mega Man X2 has better hidden secrets and a more engaging story. You can't go wrong with either title, and they are both available on the Wii's Virtual Console or within the Mega Man X Collection on the PlayStation 2 or Nintendo GameCube. Or you can get the authentic article and score a Super Nintendo cartridge of the game. Either way, Mega Man X2 is one game that X-cels at what it sets out to do.

[SuperPhillip Says: 9.5/10]

Classics I Can Return To - Part Two

A few weeks ago I listed seven classic games that I regularly or semi-regularly return to. Today I continue with Part Two of this segment with seven more classics that beg for my attention. Let's find out what they are!

The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time (N64, 3DS)


What many (including yours truly) consider to be the best Zelda game of all time-- if not the best game of all time-- The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time brought the series into 3D with a huge, living, breathing world to explore. The dungeon design may not be as clever as what you'd find in future 3D Zelda games, but it was serviceable nonetheless. The boss battles were intense, the final showdown against Ganondorf and then Ganon was stuff made of legends, and the amount of side content and side quests to partake in made for a memorable game. I generally play through Ocarina of Time once every year.

LittleBigPlanet 1 & 2 (PS3)


The original LittleBigPlanet was one of the first titles I got a platinum trophy on. The level design was creative, but LittleBigPlanet 2 blew the lid off the joint level design-wise with new gadgets, tools, and obstacles to worry about. Hundreds of hours were lost crafting new levels for SuperPhillip: The Game, and while I'm taking a break from LBP2 now, I'll be sure to hop back into it eventually. Jumping online and playing in a group of four is a wild and wacky situation as long as you use teamwork. For a unique and creative platforming experience, LittleBigPlanet and LittleBigPlanet 2 are my go-to games.

Mega Man X2 (SNES)


Last time I listed Mega Man X on my list of classics I can return to. Today I list its sequel Mega Man X2 which introduced the mid-air dash, the X Hunters, and the return of Sigma. Levels took X on platforming adventures through underwater facilities, volcanoes, crystal mines, an airship built to resemble an alligator, and many more. Players could opt to collect all three Zero parts from Agile, Serges, and Violen to receive the best ending the game had to offer. Clever players could find Dr. Light in Agile's stage and obtain the Mega Man Uppercut that could take bosses out in one hit! One of my favorite Mega Man games, Mega Man X2 is a title from a storied series.

Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles IV: Turtles in Time (SNES)

Let's kick shell! I usually do when I pick up my cartridge of Turtles in Time and place in my Super Nintendo. Sure, playing along is always an option, but the real fun comes with another player. The two player cooperative action is always fun even if it does not quite rival the intensity of playing with three other people in an arcade. Beating down such savage bosses like Baxter the Fly, Bebop and Rocksteady, Tokka and Rahzar, Slash, Krang, and Super Shredder-- to name a handful-- was such a blast. The levels offered up a lot of point potential, and the visuals are crisp and colorful.

Mario Kart: Double Dash!! (GCN)


It is almost a yearly tradition to take the family's data of Mario Kart: Double Dash!! and delete it, only to start collecting unlockables like new karts and characters anew. The one time only All Cup allowed my brother and I either to share a kart or compete against each other in all sixteen races, one after the next. As stated in my Best of... Mario Kart ceremony, Double Dash!! features some of my favorite tracks to date such as Peach Beach, Dino Dino Jungle, Baby Park, Mario Circuit, Bowser's Castle, Mushroom Bridge and City, and Rainbow Road. Two players per kart meant more action, more havoc, and more chaos, and Double Dash!! definitely delivers every year in that regard.

Hot Shots Golf Fore! (PS2)


For when I'm wanting to hit the links but it's too cold outside, I pop in my copy of Hot Shots Golf Fore! for the PlayStation 2. While the online is now dead, the single player campaign allows players to compete against the computer in match play to unlock more characters such as Ratchet and Jak from their respective franchises. Being able to go back and take a quick glimpse at your best shots make the memories all the more palpable. Multiplayer with one of the 16+ characters across 10+ courses enables my brother and I to compete against each other to see who the most dominant virtual golfer in the family is.

Final Fantasy IV (SNES, PS1, PSP)


One of my favorite Final Fantasy games, Final Fantasy IV tells the tale of Cecil Harvey, a soldier for the kingdom of Baron who after an assault on the magic city of Mysidia questions his loyalty to his king. Thus a quest to change his dark knight ways begins. The game has a revolving cast of characters who pop in and out of the party as the story permits. There's Rydia, who becomes a summoner, Kain, Cecil's best friend and dragoon, Rosa, Cecil's love interest, Edge, a prince and ninja, and several others. The story takes players from the land to the sea to the sky to the underground in one harrowing tale. It is a tale that I return to regularly regardless of what platform it is on.

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There goes Part Two of Classics I Can Return To. What do you think about my picks? If you neglected to mention some titles that you can't quit, feel free to list them in the comments section, whether recent classics or classic classics.