GAME INFO
Released: 2006
Systems: Nintendo DS
Creator: Capcom
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 first Mega Man platformer to appear on the Nintendo 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.
STORY
ZX takes place at least 200 years after the end of the Zero series. 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 haven 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 Van?) and Aile (エール Ēru?) lost their mothers 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 reminisces 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. 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 level of the Biometal which they receive 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, to increase the level of the Biometal. Also, if you start the game with a Mega Man Zero or Mega Man Zero cartridge inserted in the second slot, boss enemies from the Mega Man Zero series will appear at a certain point in the game.
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 uses the touch screen in various ways. A seventh Biometal, a special one called Model O, is available after completing the game and fulfilling certain requirements.
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.
PSEUDOROIDS
Known as Falseroids in the Japanese version, there are eight Pseudoroids 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.
GAME INFO
Released: 2007
System: Nintendo DS
Creator: CAPCOM
Mega Man ZX Advent, known in Japan as Rockman ZX Advent (ロックマンゼクスアドベント Rokkuman Zekusu Adobento?), is the second installment of the Mega Man ZX series of Mega Man video games. Taking place a few years after the first ZX, the game follows two new protagonsits as they battle with various enemy Mega Men, the infamous Model W, and their own destinies.
The title plays very similarly to its predecessor with a multitude of expansions, including twice as many playable forms. Also different from its predecessor is the English localization which now includes a full English voice cast.
The game was first released in Japan on July 12, 2007. The North American version was released on October 23, 2007. Currently, the European release date is unknown. An Australian release date has been specified for early March, but is marked as postponed.
PLOT
Advent takes place four years and eight months after the events of the first ZX title. The Federation Government, Legion, was established as an organization that helps blur the line between humans and Reploids by giving humans cybernetic enhancements and giving Reploids artificial life spans. Since then, the two populations have cooperated all around the world. However, some feral machines known as Mavericks still exist in unsafe ruin areas, unfortunate as much of the world's most powerful technology has also been lost in these ruins. Many people known as Hunters formed the Hunter's Guild to seek the wealth inside the ruins. Meanwhile, those unwilling to join the Hunters and collect the treasure through their own means were come to be known as Raiders, and the two often clashed in their own missions to gather the buried technology.
Like its predecessor, Advent allows the player to discover the story through the eyes of two different characters. Like the two playable protagonists of the first ZX, the two heroes exist concurrently, but which character embarks on the game's adventure is determined by the player. Grey (グレイ Gurei?) is a young Reploid boy in cryogenic hibernation inside of an abandoned laboratory. He's awakened by Hunters and then attacked by Pandora (パンドラ) who claims he is "defective." Escaping from her, Grey joins the Hunters in hopes of discovering the truth about his identity and past. Meanwhile, Ashe (アッシュ Asshu?) is a young human girl and a skilled member of the Hunter's Guild.
Both characters are given the mission of protecting a powerful Biometal (Live Metal in Japan) from Raiders as it is transported to Legion. The Biometal is known as Model A and amidst the attack, it merges with them. Model A is valued for its ability called A-Trans, allowing it to completely mimic the abilities and appearance of other lifeforms such as Mavericks and Biometals. Gifted with this power, Grey/Ashe are enlisted by the Sage Trinity (三賢人 San Kenjin?) to clean up several Maverick attacks and investigate the mysterious Model W. Along the way, Grey/Ashe also continuously run in with Pandora and Prometheus (プロメテ Puromete?), as well as four Mega Men using the Biometals from the first ZX. All of them are intertwined in a plot regarding several Model W's.
The events of both characters' games are identical, but the dialogue and back stories examined are different, requiring the player to finish the game as both to receive all of the plot's details. The storyline is told through several voiced cut-scenes, both within the 2D gameplay field and in animated FMVs. Unlike the first ZX title (which removed most of the voices), the English version of Advent is completely redubbed with an English cast.
CHARACTERS
Advent features a very large cast of characters both new to the series and returning from the first ZX, including the two main protagonists, eight Mega Men, the Sage Trinity, and eight Pseudoroids. A majority of the cast is playable by copying their forms with A-Trans, and thus, these characters are outlined in detail below in the corresponding sections.
GAMEPLAY
Many of the elements from the first ZX return in this title, including the expansive 2D world and several missions and collection side-quests. However, many features have been expanded and improved upon from the previous title. The amount of transformations have doubled, and the map system—which was difficult to read in the first title—has been enhanced to reflect the actual shape of the area and to show the character's position on it. The Overdrive Invoke System has also been removed from Advent, and Model A is now the only character capable of performing a super attack. Instead, most of the transformations' abilities now deplete the BM (Biometal) Gauge, which is constantly refilling at a gradual pace.
The only Biometal received is Model A, but by using A-Trans, the character is able to copy the form of several boss characters defeated throughout the course of the game. The touch screen on the DS can be set to display buttons for each transformation, allowing the character to change their forms with a simple touch of the screen. The ordering of the buttons can also be customized. The methods of transforming from the first ZX are also retained.
The players begin the game in their normal forms (Reploid for Grey and Human for Ashe) and can revert to them at any time. Unlike the first ZX title, Grey/Ashe is given a weak buster gun. The only advantages to using the default forms are being able to crouch under obstacles and through small spaces, as well as floating along water's surface.
Shortly after, the player receives Model A, a quirky and sometimes cowardly Biometal. Given two large hand cannons, this form is designed for long-range combat. A scope is used to target several enemies simultaneously and release homing shots. Furthermore, the Giga Crush is an ability that will rapidly attack several enemies on the screen at the cost of an entire BM gauge.
MEGA MEN
Humans/Reploids chosen as the Biometals' "Biomatch" are regarded as Mega Men (regardless of the person's gender). Several enemy Mega Men appear throughout the course of Advent who possess the Biometals used from the first ZX. By defeating them in battle, Grey/Ashe is able to copy their forms via A-Trans, but they never actually attain the Biometals.
Aeolus (ヘリオス Heriosu?, Helios in the Japanese version) is the Biomatch for Model H, the Wind Mega Man. Aeolus is a perfectionist and thus very condescending. He view the world's chaos as a result of the world's ignorance. Model H is modeled after Harpuia of the Mega Man Zero series. The form excels in aerial combat, and two large sabers can be used to summon shockwaves and electrified tornadoes.
Siarnaq (シャルナク Sharunaku?) is the Biomatch for Model P, the Shadow Mega Man. Siarnaq is exceedingly cold and machinelike in his demeanor, always speaking in a robotic monotone, which is apparently due to incidents in his past, which include betrayal and being left for dead. Model P is modeled after Phantom of the Mega Man Zero series. This form utilizes kunai and shuriken, and is given a wider field of vision in dark rooms than other forms.
Atlas (アトラス Atorasu?) is the Biomatch for Model F, the Flame Mega Man. She was originally a soldier for a country destroyed by Mavericks, and plays the Game of Destiny to speed up the evolutionary process. Model F is modeled after Fefnir of the Mega Man Zero series. This form is able to customize two busters to alter the direction of each busters' trajectory. Furthermore, the player can fire projectiles or punch horizontally and vertically, giving Model F more range than most forms.
Thetis (テティス Tetisu?) is the Biomatch for Model L, the Ice Mega Man. On the surface, Thetis is a kind, normal boy, but hides a radically environmentalist agenda. Model L is modeled after Leviathan of the Mega Man Zero series. This form exceeds in underwater combat with the ability to swim for an unlimited duration and battle with a large staff called the Halberd.
The protagonists of the first ZX title also return: Vent (ヴァン Van?) (who appears in Ashe's game) and Aile (エール Ēru?) (who appears in Grey's game). These two are also seeking Model W to destroy it, and after a misunderstanding, they become allies with Grey/Ashe, aiding in the infiltration of Ouroboros. The two characters are still equipped with Model X and Model Z, and by using them simultaneously, transform into the form of Model ZX. This form retains all of its abilities from the first ZX, including a chargeable buster similar to Model A's, and a fast-slashing saber for close-range melee combat. New to ZX Advent, Model ZX can perform a special sword attack akin to those performed by Zero. The attack differs depending on whether Vent or Aile's form is copied.
PSEUDOROIDS
The eight Pseudoroids can also become playable upon destroying them in battle. Although the Biometal forms all use similar abilities (such as dashing and wall climbing), the Pseudoroid forms vary greatly in basic movement and abilities. There are two Pseudoroids to represent each element (fire, ice, and electricity) and two with no element, akin to the first ZX title.
Representing the fire element is Buckfire the Gaxelleroid (named "Deerburn the Gazelleroid" in Japan) and Queenbee the Hymenopteroid (named "Kaisemine the Wasproid" in Japan). Buckfire is a gazelle-like boss that exhibits a Native American motif. He has a myriad of high-agility techniques that can destroy objects beneath and above him. Queenbee is modeled after a sophisticated wasp that summons various smaller bees from a giant hive. However, while assuming this form, the hive is absent, and instead, Queenbee can dock onto several other items and carry them.
For the ice element, the Pseudoroids are Chronoforce the Xiphosuroid (named "Chronoforce the Tridenroid" in Japan) and Bifrost the Crocoroid. Chronoforce is a horseshoe crab-like boss that can only function underwater. He can fire an array of icicles and momentarily slow down time. Bifrost is a crocodile boss and the largest of the eight Pseudoroids. He uses a spiked wheel attack similar to Wheel Gator from Mega Man X2. Bifrost can also use his jaws to crush electrified boxes impervious to any other attacks.
The electric element is represented by Rospark the Floroid (named "Rospark the Floweroid" in Japan) and Hedgeshock the Erinaceroid (named "Tesrat the Hedgeroid" in Japan). Rospark alternates between a cumbersome bulb-form on the ground and a blooming flower-form while hanging from vertical ropes, vines, and poles. Hedgeshock is a hedgehog with a hysterical personality. She is quick and nimble, able to squeeze through small spaces by rolling into a ball, but her attacks are weak and her body is fragile.
The two Pseudoroids without elements include twins Argoyle and Ugoyle the Shisaroids and Vulturon the Condoroid (named "Condorock the Vulturoid" in Japan). Argoyle and Ugoyle work in unison by bombarding their enemies with rock bombs and various shadow attacks from both sides of the battlefield. The two are based on a shisa motif. Meanwhile, Vulturon is a vulture themed after rock music. He uses a guitar-shaped weapon that fires microwaves. He is also able to summon zombie-like creatures made from junk.
OTHER FEATURES
Advent features several difficulty settings. Beginner simplifies the gameplay by weakening enemy's defenses and attacks and disabling instant-defeat obstacles among other things. By completing the game on Normal, Expert mode can be unlocked, and upon completing it, an extended ending can be viewed.
The Database from the first ZX returns. Eighty-five secret disks are scattered throughout the game with descriptions and images of the characters and enemies in the game. Several special disks are also featured, including an image of the infamous North American box art for the original NES game. Along with the secret disks, there are several equippable chip items that can enhance the players abilities, such as preventing the effects of wind and ice on the player's footing. A hidden room in the game will also give the player special items for each month of the year.
Furthermore, 24 medals can be collected depending on how the eight Pseudoroids are defeated in battle. Gold, silver, and bronze medals can be received for each Pseudoroid depending on the difficulty of the task involved. Tasks sometimes include what attack or form the enemy is defeated with, what part of their body is attacked, or the amount of time they're defeated in.
The game features a few unlockable mini-games. Quiz Advent requires the player to identify twenty characters with three visual obstructions. A mini-game from the first title, Gem Buster is now only playable between two players over an ad-hoc network. Two boss mini-games called Survival Road and Boss Battle can be unlocked. Finally, Mega Man a (the "a" standing for "ancient" or "antique") is an imitation of the original 8-bit Mega Man games on the Nintendo Entertainment System using ZX characters and music. By collecting all 24 Pseudoroid medals, the 8-bit form can used in the actual game in the form of Model a.
