Mega Man ZX

Mega Man ZX
Developer(s)	Inti Creates
Publisher(s)	Capcom
Platform(s)	Nintendo DS
Genre(s)	Platformer
Mode(s)	Single player

Mega Man ZX, known in Japan as Rockman ZX (ロックマンゼクス, Rokkuman Zekusu), is the first installment in the Mega Man ZX series, the sixth series in Capcom's Mega Man video games franchise. It is the second Mega Man platformer to appear on the Nintendo DS, after Double Team DS, although it's the first game exclusive to the DS. The game contains vocal acting in Japanese (although largely cut from the English version) and many animated sequences with subtitles in English. As a first for the Mega Man series, the game features both a male and female protagonist. Preorders of the Japanese version of the game came packaged with a DVD containing trailers and gameplay footage of Mega Man ZX, and a teaser trailer for the seventh Mega Man series, Mega Man Star Force. A sequel, entitled Mega Man ZX Advent has also been released.

Plot

ZX takes place at about 200 years after the end of the Zero series. (About year 24XX). Humans and Reploids now coexist peacefully.

In time, the Humanoids of Earth (who were once humans and Reploids) managed to revive some of the former nations of Earth. However, preventing further prosperity like the days of old, incidents around Earth began where some of the machine life forms became Mavericks, making some areas dangerous, and soon this activity obstructed exchange between nations.

The nations became divided into areas designated as Innerpeace, utopian-like cities where it is designated as a safe heaven for Humanoids, and the Outlands, where the dangerous Mavericks, Reploids and Mechaniloids that threaten the peace, appeared. Innerpeace and the Outlands are furthered separated with designations of lettered Areas.

Great developments were made due to the efforts of the corporation Slither Inc., which possesses technology unearthed from ruins in the Outlands. Peaceful life in Innerpeace is maintained by receiving the technology offered by Slither Inc.

In the frontier regions (where the crisis management of countries still doesn't reach), damage from attacks by Mavericks still occur. The Humanoids in these areas developed a self-defense organization known as the Guardians. The Guardians defend the Outlands and investigate the cause of the Maverick attacks. The original leader of the Guardians disappeared during the investigation of an Outlands area.

Ten years prior to the game's start, the protagonists Vent (ヴァン) and Aile (エール, Ēru) lost their mother to a Maverick raid in the Area H amusement park and became orphaned. They were taken in by Girouette (ジルウェ, Jiruwe) (or Giro for short), the owner of Giro Express, a transporter service which will deliver anything from letters to weapons, regardless of legality. Giro is contracted by an unknown person to deliver an important package to a rendezvous point in the Area A forest.

At a cliff overlooking Area A and the rendezvous point, Vent/Aile reminisce about the Maverick raid that took the life of their mother. Just as Giro and Vent/Aile are ready to pull out, a group of Mavericks attack them, and Vent/Aile fall to the forest below. Here, they come face-to-face with Prairie (プレリー, Purerī) and the Guardians. This meeting is cut short as a large Mechaniloid snake, Giga Aspis, attacks the group. The package, a floating metal known as Biometal Model X, lends its strength to Vent/Aile, allowing them to Megamerge and transform into Mega Man Model X. With the help of Model X, Giga Aspis is destroyed. They are then allowed to keep Model X by order of Fleuve (the Guardians' scientist) and Prairie and look for Giro.

Upon arrival at Area B, Vent/Aile are confronted by a Maverick-piloted airplane, Rayfly, but Giro, in the form of Mega Man Model Z, finishes off the plane. Later, aboard Guardian HQ (an airship), Prairie is revealed to be the current leader of the Guardians. Warnings of a Maverick attack in Area D cut this time short, and Giro and Vent/Aile rush to stop it. At the Slither Inc. main office, the duo meet the president of Slither Inc., Serpent (セルパン, Serupan), and the self-proclaimed "voices of Model W", Prometheus (プロメテ, Puromete) and Pandora (パンドラ). Serpent reveals his knowledge of the Biometal and says that he too, is a Mega Man, possessing a Model W fragment (the original Biometal and the fusion of Dr. Weil's spirit with Ragnarok at the end of Mega Man Zero 4). He expresses his intent to find the Model W Core, and leaves, but not before possessing a weakened Giro with the power of Model W.

A fight ensues, resulting in the death of Giro (by Serpent's hand). In his dying breaths, Giro hands Model Z over to Vent/Aile and then transforms into a Cyber Elf. By Double Megamerging with both Model X and Model Z, Vent/Aile (now Mega Man Model ZX) escape with their lives, but blame themselves for Giro's death. Now, Vent/Aile, Prairie, and the rest of the Guardians must recover four other Biometal fragments (Models H, F, L, and P), and stop Serpent, Prometheus and Pandora, and Slither Inc. from digging up Model W and ushering mankind along Serpent's own path of evolution.

Gameplay

This game contains elements from the Mega Man X series and the Mega Man Zero series. The players are on a 2d overlay map with sprites where they combat enemies to finish their mission. The players will have an HP bar which when depleted will result in a game over. When the player receives a biometal, they are able to change forms with different attacks and movements. Other biometrics beside for the default one will offer the players special attacks which use up energy crystals. The special involves the charge moves, or charging their weapon with an element of that biometal; for example, Biometal H will charge his weapon with electricity element. When the player receives the other half of the biometal, they will be able to perform a different special by releasing a charge while holding up on the control pad.

Players select a mission at a computer out of a list (with no mugshot of the boss character, similar to Mega Man Zero). The player has free exploration of the game world during and between missions, and they must find the specified area themselves. The player may also find computer chips to complete the game database, and Life Ups, which can be compared to the Heart Tanks from the Mega Man X series. Bosses all have their own individual weak points where the Biometal they're using is stored; hitting it deals more damage than normal, but it also decreases your ranking level at the end of the battle (ranging from one being the worst and four being the best). This also determines the energy level of the Biometal which is awarded afterwards. But even if the level is low, the Biometals can be upgraded with Energy Crystals later. Bosses will eventually be resurrected and can be fought again.

Biometals

Vent and Aile use the M.E.G.A. System (Meta-Encapsulated Granule Awareness SYSTEM), or the R.O.C.K. System (Rebirth Of Crystallised Knowledge SYSTEM) in the Japanese version, to activate the Biometals (known as Live Metals in the Japanese version) and transform into a form similar to that which the Biometal was based on. Anyone who uses the M.E.G.A. System is called a "Mega Man". Likewise, anyone who uses the R.O.C.K. System is called a "Rockman". It is revealed in-game that only Maverick raid survivors (and to a lesser extent, Pseudoroids) can harness the Biometals' power and each Biometal has its own "chosen one" (known as Biomatches in the sequel) Rockmen typically hold out a Biometal in front of them and cry out "R.O.C.K. On!" to activate the Biometal. This process is called Megamerging in the English version, although the characters still say "Rock On" in Japanese because the game did not get an English vocal dub.

The player initially begins with only Model X, but upon obtaining Model Z, Model X is used to fuse with the other Biometals. This is called Double R.O.C.K. On in the Japanese version, and Double Megamerge in the English version. At this point, Model X can no longer be used alone for the rest of the game until it is unlocked by completing the game with both characters in normal or hard modes only. Biometals of the Four Guardians from the Mega Man Zero series are found throughout the game, and these are the only Biometals that can be upgraded with Energy Crystals. These four Biometals fragments uses the touch screen in various ways. A seventh Biometal fragment, a special one called Model 0, is available after completing the game and fulfilling certain requirements such as defeating Zero (Megaman Zero series) and fore bosses from both Megaman Zero 4 and Megaman Zero 3 then defeat X (Megaman X series) and fore bosses from two Megaman X games but to fight the bosses besides X and Zero you must have the Game Boy game pack.

The Overdrive Invoke System (or O.I.S.) can be activated on the Biometals of the Four Guardians, giving special abilities to the player. Model HX, FX, and LX will give the player elemental attributes to some of their attacks (similar to the elemental chips from the Mega Man Zero series), while Model PX gives the player the ability to dash through enemies. By charging their weapons, the four Biometals are also able to perform attacks similar to the Four Guardians. For example, Model HX can summon a hurricane and Model PX can throw a large shuriken. However, O.I.S. consumes Weapon Energy.

Players can also revert back to Humanoid form at any time. Although Vent/Aile cannot attack, dash, or wall-climb without a Biometal, they have some abilities that are impossible to do with a Biometal. Vent/Aile is able to crouch and crawl, fitting through tight spaces otherwise impossible. They will float to the surface of water instead of sink, some N.P.C.s will be too afraid to speak to Vent/Aile when they are using a Biometal, and enemies will not become hostile in certain areas.

• Model X is known as the Blue Mega Man. It is the first Biometal obtained, giving Vent/Aile the X-Buster and one ability from the Mega Man X games. The X-Buster can charge up a double shot, similar to the Buster upgrade from Mega Man X2. Model X is lost early in the game upon receiving Model Z, but can be used again after completing the game as Vent and Aile in Normal or Hard mode. This biometal is based on the legendary Mega Man X.

• Model Z is known as the Red Mega Man. It is not used by Vent and Aile, but only by Giro early in the game. Model Z looks very similar to Zero from the Mega Man Zero series, but has a visor in place of a helmet. Model Z has only the Z-Saber for a weapon, and is slightly curved, similar to that of a katana. Vent/Aile later obtains Model Z but combines it with Model X, forming Model ZX. This model is based on the legendary Zero.

• Model ZX is known as the Ultimate Mega Man. The result of combining Model Z and Model X, it looks similar to Zero from the Mega Man Zero games and has a gameplay experience similar to that series, with both the ZX-Buster and ZX-Saber available to the player.

• Model HX is the Mega Man of Wind. It is a form that resembles Harpuia, with many of his abilities. Vent/Aile are able to air dash both vertically and horizontally, hover, and use Harpuia's double sabers, Nitouryuu. The touch screen displays the weak spot in Pseudoroids, the location of the Biometal. It also displays the health of enemies. Model HX has the Thunder element.

• Model FX is the Mega Man of Fire. It is a form with Fefnir's abilities. Vent/Aile use two "Knuckle Busters", busters that resemble Fefnir's buster cannons, Sodom and Gommorah. Similar to Fefnir, Vent/Aile is able to shoot directly up. They also have the ability to create shockwaves on the ground, similar to Fefnir's Earthquake attack. The touch screen displays FX's special ability, "Buster Edit." The player can draw on the touch screen a path for which the buster shots from either buster will follow. Upgrading FX will allow the player to draw longer paths. Model FX has the Fire element.

• Model LX is the Mega Man of Ice. It has the form of Leviathan. Using a halberd for a weapon, Model LX lets Vent/Aile swim and dash freely in water. The touch-screen displays a map of the surrounding area. A Cyber-Elf icon appears on the map to highlight any nearby items. Model LX has the Ice element.

• Model PX is the Mega Man of Shadow. A form with Phantom's abilities, it uses kunai (and shuriken during charge attacks) for weapons. PX can also latch onto ceilings and other objects such as poles and platforms. A radar is displayed on the touch screen, highlighting enemies and showing passageways that may be hidden. Also, while in Overdrive Mode, dashing will make you momentarily invulnerable to enemy attacks. Model PX is also able to see farther in the dark. Model PX has no elemental attributes.

• Model OX is a special Biometal that is available after defeating Omega OR the eight Neo Arcadian bosses in Area N (which requires the GBA Megaman zero 3 and Megaman zero 4 game packs). Vent/Aile will resemble Omega Zero, the final boss of Mega Man Zero 3. Model OX has many abilities similar to Omega Zero, executed with certain button commands while in Overdrive and has non-draining Weapon Energy. Many of Model OX's special attacks are based on the various attacks Zero used in the Mega Man X series. Model OX is only unlockable in Normal or Hard mode.

• Model W (Model V in the Japanese version) is the original Biometal, formed from the pieces of the core of the Ragnarok Space Station that Dr. Weil (Dr. Vile in the Japanese version) fused with, which was destroyed at the end of Mega Man Zero 4; the Biometal is supposedly a piece of Ragnarok that contains Weil's soul. The original Guardian commander found Model W during exploration. While studying it, the other guardians suffered from inexplicable headaches. Upon hearing this, the commander removed herself and the fragment from the area. It was too late, though. Serpent, who was also a Maverick raid survivor, went mad and used the fragment to destroy the recon unit. This Biometal is not available for use.

Pseudoroids

Known as Falseroids in the Japanese version, there are eight Pseudoroids, artificial Mega Men created by upgrading Mavericks with Biometal, that Vent/Aile must tackle through in order to progress through the story. Per standard Mega Man fare, Pseudoroids guard the exit of certain Areas, and the player must refight all eight on the final stage. However, in Mega Man ZX, the defeated Pseudoroids will be revived and return to their original locations later in the game, allowing the player to fight them again at his or her leisure.

The Pseudoroids battle with use of Biometals; the four Guardian Biometals (Models H, P, L, and F) are held by two Pseudoroids for each Biometal. Each Pseudoroid's name begins with its Biometal's corosponding letter. (e.g. Hivolt holds one half of Model H). The Pseudoroids' elemental affinities are based on the affinities of the Biometal that they possess (i.e. Puprill, who holds Model P, has no element). Once the Pseudoroid is defeated, the player is rewarded the Biometal; they simply acquire the Biometal the first time it's received, but upon receiving the same Biometal again, that particular Model is able to reach a higher upgrade capacity. On the harder difficulty setting, the Pseudoroids display slightly different attack patterns, such as greater speed or strength, and some Pseudoroids even present all new desperation attacks.

• Hivolt the Raptoroid (Model H) - Guardian of Area E, a power plant. A Thunder-based Pseudoroid with wings and detachable legs, allowing for remote energy attacks. Hivolt can also use his wings to guard attacks or perform slash combos. He can also surround the entire arena with strings of lasers. If struck with an ice attack, he falls to the ground. The Biometal is located in his wings. He is a Raptor Pseudoroid.

• Lurerre the Abysroid (Model L) - Guardian of Area F, a snowy mountain-side lake. Ice-based Pseudoroid. It appears as a gentle mermaid-like Pseudoroid, but her body is actually attached to a gigantic fish capable of firing large torpedoes. Lurerre can also use a variety of ice attacks, such as an ice beam. The Biometal is in the lure's head. She is an Anglerfish Pseudoroid.

• Fistleo the Predatoroid (Model F) - Guardian of Area G, an entire city under Slither Inc.'s ownership set ablaze. A beast-like Fire-element Pseudoroid with incredible agility and strength. He uses a variety of close-ranged fire attacks. Furthermore, when damaged, Fistleo can recover his own life. The Biometal is located in his head. He is a Predator/Lion Pseudoroid.

• Purprill the Mandroid (Model P) - Guardian of Area H, an old amusement park. This playful monkey-like non-elemental Pseudoroid uses a variety of shadow bombs to fight with. He is also acrobatic, climbing around the arena or twisting his body into a Shuriken formation to dash around the room. In Vent's storyline, it was revealed that he was a Maverick present in the incident that had lead to his mother' death. The Biometal is located in his arms. He is a Mandrill Pseudoroid.

• Hurricaune the Wolveroid (Model H) - Guardian of Area I, a facility experiencing a power outage. A Thunder-based Pseudoroid skilled with wind. Her neck, wrists, ankles, and waist are all capable of generating shockwaves to send at the enemy, and she can control strong gusts of wind to overcome her opponents. She is the overseer of the Cyber Elfication of Innerpeace's missing citizens. The Biometal is located in her neck. She is a Mustelid Pseudoroid based on the kamaitachi.

• Leganchor the Gelroid (Model L) - Guardian of Area J, an underwater city. Ice-based Pseudoroid. A large sea monster that traps his opponents by dragging them in with underwater eddies, and then finishing them with his tentacles. If his opponent tries to escape, he summons large waves to push them back underwater. The Biometal is located in his Water Turbines. He is a Jellyfish Pseudoroid.

• Flammole the Moleroid (Model F) - Guardian of Area K, the site of an archeological dig at a volcanic region. A petite mole-like Pseudoroid that harnesses the power of fire to create magma to battle with. Nimble, he uses drills to burrow underground and surprise attack his opponent. The Biometal is located in his arms. He is a Mole Pseudoroid.

• Protectos the Goreroid (Model P) - Guardian of Area L, a research facility. A large, defensive Pseudoroid with no element. Protectos's flair is his hard outer-shell making it invulnerable to attacks from his back. Protectos fires a variety of homing missiles and energy spheres, and when need be, can summon a powerful forcefield. The Biometal is located within his belly. He is a Rhino Pseudoroid.

Development

News of a Mega Man game for the DS first appeared on GameSpot, January 2006 on the same day that Capcom created an official teaser site. Capcom promised that this game would be a 2D side-scrolling action game with the ability to choose between a male character, Vent, or a female character, Aile.

A demo first appeared in E3 2006 on an unlabelled kiosk at the Capcom booth. Much of the main introductory plot was revealed at the E3 show and two in-game levels were playable, Area H and Area E. The controls were said to be "simple enough... yet challenging", but reviewers did see some slowdown.

At first, a European release was slated for 1 June 2007, but was later confirmed by Capcom to be 22nd June on their Official European website.

Audio

Rockman ZX Soundtrack -ZX Tunes- is the first remastered soundtrack album to be released for the Mega Man ZX series on October 27 2006 by Inti Creates. The album consists of 2 Discs called Aile and Vent], named after the hero and the heroine of the game, and it is 131:37 minutes long. It also features one vocal track, Innocence, and five remix tracks.

Aile Disc

No.	Title	Length
1.	"Innocence" (by CAO)
2.	"Awake"
3.	"Fragments"
4.	"Green Grass Gradiation"
5.	"En-trance Code"
6.	"Brilliant Show Window"
7.	"Cinq Ville - c'est notre espoir -"
8.	"Wonder Panorama"
9.	"Industrialism"
10.	"Ultramarine Meditation - Blessed Pop -" (Guest remix by Akari Groves)
11.	"Sky High - Grand Nuage -"
12.	"Metallic Soul"
13.	"Danger Attraction"
14.	"Misty Rain"
15.	"Ultramarine Meditation"
16.	"Babel Tower"
17.	"Fate - deep-seated grudge"
18.	"Black Burn - Electpital Dance -" (Guest remix by Satoru Kōsaki)
19.	"Innocence - karaoke version -"
20.	"Innocence - PV Version -"

Vent Disc

No.	Title	Length
1.	"High-press Energy - Super Aniki Edition -" (Guest remix by Kōji Hayama)
2.	"Crisis Zone"
3.	"Mountain Rider"
4.	"Trinity"
5.	"Ogre Claw"
6.	"Dance-macabre"
7.	"Rockin' On"
8.	"High-press Energy"
9.	"Gauntlet"
10.	"Brilliant Show Window - Shooter Trance -" (Guest remix by Manabu Namiki)
11.	"Onslaught"
12.	"Trap Factory"
13.	"Doomsday Device"
14.	"Black Burn"
15.	"Phalanx"
16.	"Snake Eyes"
17.	"Pallida Mors"
18.	"Dream Weaver"
19.	"Cannon Ball - Hard Revenge -"
20.	"Hidden track"

Reception

Publication	Score
IGN	8.2/10
Nintendo Power	8.5/10
Play Magazine	9/10
GameSpot	7.7/10
GameSpy	9/10
X-Play	3/5

Mega Man ZX garnered positive reviews from most sources. Similar to Mega Man Zero, Mega Man ZX was compared to the original Mega Man series. Its high level of difficulty was enjoyed by some, but criticized by others. The gamed earned a metacritic score of 76 (out of 100). Its presentation and level designs were praised. Low points in reviews were the confusing world map, unoriginal gameplay, and frustrating difficulty level.

See also

• ZX Tunes
• List of Nintendo DS games

External links

• Capcom's official Rockman ZX page.
• Capcom's official Mega Man ZX page. (English)