Mega Man 9 looks similar to its NES prequels and is just as challenging. It begins as a group of dastardly robots is up to no good, and Blue Bomber must bring them down. Upon defeating these robots, he equips himself with their specialty weapon and uses them on other opponents. This adds some strategy to the otherwise straightforward shooting formula, as some weapons work more effectively against different enemies.

You'll face off against eight new bosses, as well as a few surprise ones towards the end. Our personal favorite, believe it or not, is Splash Woman. Not only does she break away from the usual "(Blank)" Man standard, she's also got a nifty weapon, the Laser Trident. Think of her as the Little Mermaid, but with attitude.

You're not seeing things. This is 8-bit Mega Man! Click to see more images from the game...

You'll need every ounce of firepower since the game is ridiculously difficult. Enemy droids pop up constantly, shooting bullets like crazy as you avoid spiked floors, ceilings and other environmental hazards. If you're a rookie player, you may find yourself overwhelmed. However, if you're a veteran Mega Man fan, you'll love Capcom's level design for its retro and unforgiving vibe. However, if for some twisted reason you think the game is too easy; two harder difficulty modes will be available for download next month.

After you beat the main game, Mega Man 9 has additional modes to enjoy. Time Attack pits you against the clock, requiring you to complete tasks as quickly as possible. There are also several Challenge stages, most of them living up to their name. You can also upload your records through online rankings, seeing how you measure against other members of the Blue Bomber community. Best of all, downloadable content will be available within the next month, including a new character, Proto Man, and other goodies.

As for presentation, Capcom reverts to its NES development roots with great results. The graphics resemble an 8-bit Mega Man game, right down to the recreation of on-screen flicker. The level design, as stated above, is outstanding, and the colors really brighten up the screen. It's also fun to watch old-school Mega Man back in action, opening his mouth every time he leaps into the air. The music is the best we've heard since Mega Man 2, even if it's strictly 8-bit tunes. In addition, the sound effects are typical Mega Man, complete with authentic blaster and collision noises.

So what if it has a challenge level that'll eat you alive? So what if the graphics aren't "remixed"? The bottom line is Mega Man 9 relies on its old-school charms, and that's why it works. The gameplay, level design and presentation reek of classic Mega Man goodness, and the extra modes and downloadable content add to its already significant value.

Related Links

Mega Man 9 Game Guide

Capcom

Our Final ScoreExcellent

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