Mega Man X6

Mega Man X6 could be the last 32-bit adventure for the blue bomber, but is it an adventure worth taking?

Mega Man is almost as old as Mario, but the blue bomber has always remained in two gaming dimensions, pretty much doing the same thing he?s been doing for a gaming eternity: 2D platform hopping and enemy blasting. Mega Man X6 doesn?t deviate from that formula, which is just fine for those craving an old-school action title; others, though, may find this game stale, routine, and a little too retro.

Tried, True, and Replay Value, Too
X6 continues the story of Mega Man, a futuristic bounty hunter who can upgrade his mechanized body with weapons and other enhancements as he ventures through stages that include raging volcanoes and dark jungles. Imprisoned within each stage are several of the Man?s colleagues, who, when found, yield additional power-ups and helpful items. This ?treasure hunt? provides needed replay value, as does a Random Stage System where each level changes every time you make a repeat visit.

In traditional Mega Man fashion, each stage boss yields a new weapon that can be used with devastating effects on other bosses. Half the challenge of any Mega Man game has always been discovering the Achilles heel of each boss?for once that?s done, you can pretty much dismantle anything in a matter of seconds.

Who?s the Man?
Mega Man X6 has all trademark qualities of other entries in the series: Unspectacular 2D sprites do an adequate job illustrating the onscreen action, while the innocuous audio plugs away to grinding rock-riff music. The simplistic controls are responsive and easy-to-learn?just be cautious of the double-tap dash that can easily launch you off a cliff when you?re trying to creep to the edge of it. Ultimately, Mega Man X6 will appeal to fans of the series, but gamers looking for more than strict jump-n-shoot fare should look elsewhere.

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