Mega Man Zero

For those who don't know (and I certainly hope you do know this!), Zero was first introduced in the very first Mega Man X way back in 1993. He has since become one of the most beloved characters in video games and now he gets a game all to himself.

Mega Man Zero takes place in the same world as Mega Man X only years into the future where X and Zero are reveered as legends. But years have passed and Zero seems out of comission. He's later found by Ciel, who makes him operational again. Now questions arise such as where X might be. Not only that but X is presumed to be evil and up to no good. Now Zero is going to find out.

Mega Man Zero doesn't present any different gameplay for the Mega Man veteran. Its the same 2-D sidescrolling that Mega Man fans have grown up with. But this is NOT an easy game. Mega Man Zero is perhaps one of the hardest GBA games I've ever played... and I'm a Mega Man veteran. You select a level to go to just like past MM games. You battle through each level mauling through enemies until you get to the boss.

The game is a little different than other Mega Man games, however. For example, Zero ONLY gets a Z-Sabre and his arm cannon. He doesn't get abilities from bosses like Mega Man did. But his weapons do level up. For example his arm cannon (called a Z-Buster) begins with only firing one shot at a time. As his weapon levels up he'll be able to fire four shots and even charge up. He also gets different kinds of weapons such as the triple rod or a shield boomerang.

Mega Man Zero also throws in a few other twist. The game now has "Cyber Elfs" which are given to you by defeating certain enemies or you have to find them. There are over 70 Cyber Elves in the game and they give Zero remarkable abilities. Some restore his health... others slow down enemies. The creators also made it so that once you use the Elf, it's gone. This teaches you to use strategy.

That's not all the gameplay offers. The game also throws in some twist with the levels. Not everyone is "go for the goal". Some levels require you to beat it in a certain time, or reach certain objectives. You may also find a wounded ally and have to help him by taking him back to the beginning of a level once you beat the boss. So the game certainly isn't boring.

Mega Man Zero also looks and sounds BRILLIANT! A GRAND looking game, no doubt. For the GBA these graphics are top notch and the music definitely reminds some of Mega Man X. The games looks smooth and just wait 'til you see the detail on the bosses. The game just looks incredible!

The game does have its drawbacks however. The biggest problem is of course that its too hard for younger gamers. This game is NO cakewalk as it will take you the better half of the day to master it. The other problem is that its too short. The game can be completed in a day if you really work at it.

My last gripe is the control scheme. It takes time to get used to the controls for this game considering a HUGE emphasis is put on the shoulder buttons. It takes a moment to get used to (especially if you're playing on your SP since those shoulder buttons are small).

Mega Man Zero is an incredible game to behold. Any fan of the Mega Man X series should pick this up and give it a try, this is a GBA game to own!

The Good
+Amazing Graphics
+Great Sound
+Zero gets his own game now!
+Improved gameplay
+Classic Mega Man gaming!

The Bad
-HARD Game. Newcomers will have LOTS of trouble
-Too Short
-Control Scheme takes time to get used to

This game can be more difficult if you don't use the elfs, it is possible to win but to many, its hard. Play this game well, because part 2 adds slight frustrations, you'll see. And once again, don't play a game that frustrates you and makes you want to bash your system. Play a game that is challenging, but simple, clear, and fun. Thats what games are for. Enjoy your day and I hope this helps.