Mega Man Maverick Hunter X | |
---|---|
Developer(s) | Capcom |
Publisher(s) | Capcom |
Director(s) | Kazuki Matsue |
Producer(s) | Tatsuya Kitabayashi |
Designer(s) | Hiroyuki Yamato Yuji Hayakawa Yusuke Tokita Gentaro Tanzawa |
Artist(s) | Tatsuya Yoshikawa |
Writer(s) | Makoto Ikehara Yusuke Tokita |
Composer(s) | Kento Hasegawa Seiko Kobuchi Shinya Okada |
Series | Mega Man X |
Platform(s) | PlayStation Portable |
Release | |
Genre(s) | Action, platform |
Mode(s) | Single-player |
Mega Man Maverick Hunter X [lower-alpha 1] is a 2005 action-platform game that was developed and published by Capcom for the PlayStation Portable (PSP); it is a remake of the 1993 video game Mega Man X , which was originally released for the Super NES and is the first game in the eponymous series. Players control an advanced, mechanical being called X through eight stages as he faces enemy forces and obtains new powers to defeat the strongest bosses. An alternative mode allows the player to control the villain Vile, who has his own weapons.
The story is similar to that of the original Mega Man X; the title character crosses the world to stop the rebellious Sigma from leading humanity to extinction and have the Mavericks rule the world. X's origins and his relationship with Sigma are further explored in the game and its original video animation (OVA) prequel The Day of Sigma . The new hardware allowed the staff to use voice acting with a cast. Mega Man Maverick Hunter X was first released in Japan on December 15, 2005, and in North America on January 31, 2006.
The game's development began with executive producer Keiji Inafune and his development team deciding whether they should make Mega Man X9 or a remake of Mega Man X for the PSP; they develop the latter because they wanted to take advantage of the new hardware. Because the game runs on newer hardware, it includes 3D graphics rather than the 2D graphics used in the 1993 original, other improvements and extra features.
Upon release, Mega Man Maverick Hunter X was met with positive reviews from critics, who praised its updated presentation and story, although the music was met with mixed reception. The game was a commercial failure, leading Capcom to cancel future remakes of Mega Man games, but the game has been retrospectively popular and is considered one of the best handheld games in the franchise.
Mega Man Maverick Hunter X is a remake of Mega Man X , which was originally released in 1993 and uses 16-bit graphics. Mega Man Maverick Hunter X uses realistic 3D graphics. The player controls the Maverick Hunter X, whose only weapon is the "X Buster", which acts as horizontal firepower. Upon completing the introductory level, players can choose one of eight areas; they have to proceed while fighting enemies to reach and fight bosses known as mavericks. Beating a Maverick will unlock their ability to use as an alternate weapon besides the X Buster. Using certain abilities on Mavericks will cause them to take more damage than usual. [1] Hidden in several levels are Dr. Light capsules, which include armor parts that give X additional buffs. In Mega Man Maverick Hunter X, the position and stages of these capsules are changed. X, the main character, has access to a hidden technique based on the fighting game series Street Fighter , the Hadoken, which allows X to easily defeat any enemy. [2] When all eight mavericks are defeated, Sigma is unlocked as the final boss of the game. If the player did not obtain Light's arm protectors, his superior Zero gives X power-ups in the final stage. [3]
After completing the game, an alternative mode in which the player controls the boss character Vile is unlocked. As a playable character, Vile has access to three weapons—one each for his arm, shoulder, and leg—and he acquires new weapon sets as he defeats each maverick boss, which must be equipped before each stage. He can use these three weapons an unlimited number of times but is limited to thase weapons throughout the stage. The bosses change, most notably in the finale where Vile faces X and Zero. [4]
In a futuristic world, mechanical beings called Reploids coexist with humans. However, several Reploids turn against humanity and cause chaos, resulting in them being labeled "mavericks". The game starts with the Maverick Hunter X going on a mission to stop the rebellion caused by his former commander, Sigma. [5]
As the game begins, while pursuing Sigma X instead finds the Maverick Vile, who wants to rule the world on his own term. [6] X is nearly killed in combat but his ally Zero saves his life. X and Zero split up to search for Sigma, resulting in more fights against mavericks. [7] In his mission, X learns from mavericks aiding Sigma the leader is interested in seeing his true potential. [8] X also sees holograms of his creator Dr. Thomas Light, who entrusts him with powers to fight for humanity. [9]
After defeating all eight of Sigma's followers, Zero contacts X with information about Sigma's base. [10] X and Zero infiltrate Sigma's base and eventually encounter Vile again. X and Zero are defeated but Zero uses his last forces to weaken the Maverick. X then defeats Vile, with the dying Zero using his last forces to give the order to continue his mission. [11] X then confronts Sigma, who admires X's growth as a soldier but their different ideologies lead to a one-on-one battle, and Sigma claims X's justice is just something he is being mislead as data rather than free will. Sigma is defeated, the base is destroyed and X escapes. [12] In the final sequence, a memory reveals a human named Dr. Cain found X's body as it was sealed by Dr. Light before he could finish his creation. Cain sees a recording that where Light said he created X with power to think by himself and use to create an utopia where both Reploids and humans can coexist. [13] X then goes on another mission after staring at Zero's empty bike.
Vile was a prisoner whom Sigma freed. Vile refuses to join Sigma's rebellion because Sigma refuses to see Vile's potential. [14] Having defeating X, Vile becomes enraged after Zero rescues him, [15] and defeats eight of Sigma's followers to prove himself more worthy. Intrigued, Sigma invites Vile to his base to see his power in action. Around the same time, X and Zero infiltrate the base and corner Vile. Zero distracts Vile long enough for X to incapacitate him. [16] Sigma approaches Vile, asking what he was planning to do after defeating X. Vile succumbs to his wounds, feeling he validated his existence by defeating X. [17]
Upon completing the game, an original video animation (OVA) called The Day of Sigma is unlocked. Acting as a prequel, it follows Maverick Hunters led by Sigma to face a giant, rebellious mechalonoid. With X unwilling to hurt a hostage, Sigma takes the enemy on and berates X. Sigma later discusses X's potential for free will with Dr. Cain, something Sigma does not see power in. Meanwhile, X and Zero become suspicious about several maverick incidents occurring at the same time. It is revealed Sigma has hacked a massive maverick to distract the hunters as he frees several others including Vile. After disabling Zero, Sigma forces X to remove his weaponry and destroys Abel City, killing Dr. Cain in the process. X then remembers his early days in which Light, who was dying, told X how he gave him the power to develop his own mind and that he entrusts X to use power. X fights back, but only damages Sigma's head. Satisfied with this development, Sigma escapes to start his rebellion, leading to the game's beginning.
Capcom developed and published Mega Man Maverick Hunter X for the PlayStation Portable (PSP) handheld video game console; it was produced by Keiji Inafune, who was an artist and writer for the original game, and Tatsuya Kitabayashi. Mega Man Maverick Hunter X was conceptualized after Inafune discussed whether they should make Mega Man X9 or reboot the series with his development team; they decided to reboot the series because they wanted to take advantage of the PSP's new hardware. [18] Although the remake follows the original game in both gameplay and storyline, it has new graphics and uses 3D character models and backgrounds, a remixed soundtrack, voice acting and anime cutscenes. [19] [20]
The character designs used in Mega Man Maverick Hunter X are based on those used for merchandising and Mega Man X8 , which altered the designs to look more human. [21] Tatsuya Yoshikawa, the game's main artist, enjoyed Mega Man X for its simple gameplay and storytelling, especially in the introduction. He had problems balancing X's limbs in illustrations and exaggerated Sigma's chin. He also prepared the concept art for each boss character, which were developed by the younger staff. The developers considered Vile's inclusion as a playable character one of the most-outstanding parts of the remake. Some designs were done with the idea of marketing toys. [22] Vile was included as a playable character because Inafune felt having Zero as a playable character was "too obvious and boring". [21] The Japanese version uses the track "Don't Wanna Be" by Spinwake as opening theme. [23] Before the game's release, Capcom launched a promotion in Japan in which five winners received a script of the game that was signed by five of its voice actors. [24]
Mega Man Maverick Hunter X was announced in November 2005; Capcom marketing director Todd Thorson said the game is influenced by Mega Man X and Mega Man, the first series of the franchise. He also said the developers aimed to innovate the classic formula and come up with new challenges for veterans of the series. [25] Mega Man Maverick Hunter X was originally released in Japan on December 15, 2005; [21] in North America on January 31, 2006; [26] and in Europe on March 3, 2006. [27] The Japanese and North American versions were bundled in a compilation with Mega Man: Powered Up , a remake of the original Mega Man. [28] [29]
Aggregator | Score |
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Metacritic | 79/100 [30] |
Publication | Score |
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1Up.com | 7/10 [31] |
Famitsu | 27/40 [32] |
GameRevolution | B [4] |
GameSpot | 8.1/10 [33] |
GameSpy | 4.5/5 [34] |
IGN | 8/10 [1] |
PALGN | 7.5/10 [35] |
Maverick Hunter X received "generally favorable reviews" according to review aggregator Metacritic, averaging 79/100. [30] The gameplay was generally praised; Juan Castro of IGN stated that it would appeal to new gamers and fans of the original, calling it "intense, fun, and very challenging". [1] Phil Theobald of GameSpy praised the large game content and game design, saying the formula of the original series still works properly, but found it too short and familiar for a remake. [34] Jeremy Parish of 1UP.com said the visuals were similar to content in Mega Man X8 and live up to the popularity of Mega Man X, expanding on the story without recycling material because Vile's mode relies on new enemies and weapons. [31] Matt Keller of PALGN praised the design of the bosses and tactics as well as explained lore. He found the main game to be short but noted the extra content, saying Vile stands out for new weapons the player has and his unique story. [35] Alex Navarro of GameSpot found the remake faithful enough to the original game enough to appeal to players but noted some upgrades for the main characters were moved to trick them and make the experience unique; he also called Vile's sidestory and Sigma's backstory the most-surprising new materials. [33]
Critics had mixed feelings about the narrative. Castro praised the animated cutscenes for adding "extra story and character depth" with good production values, but had mixed feelings about the quality of the English voice acting. [1] Joe Dodson of GameRevolution initially praised the setting and story for resembling the film Blade Runner (1982) but criticized the voice acting and localization, saying these might ruin the appeal of the concept. [4] Parish said Mark Gatha's performance in Mega Man Maverick Hunter X sounds "frothingly pissed-off all the time and feels the need to shout the name of his special weapons every single time he uses them". [31] Navarro compared the production values with those of PlayStation 2 games in the series, especially the cutscenes, and found the voice acting not as impressive as the game visuals. [33] Keller praised the animated cutscenes and OVA as good bonus material, and compared the voice acting to that of localized anime series. [35] In regards to the Sigma from the Mega Man X: Maverick Hunter original video animation, Bonus Stage Magazine noted that his characterization was different from the original timeline as he appears to express free will about his betrayal to the Maverick Hunter rather than being a victim of a virus he suffered when capturing Zero. [36]
Despite the positive reviews, Mega Man Maverick Hunter X was a commercial failure. [37] Inafune had planned to make future remakes of Mega Man games but poor sales of both Mega Man Maverick Hunter X and Mega Man Powered Up shelved future remakes permanently. [38] Mega Man Maverick Hunter X became more successful following its inclusion on the PlayStation Store; in April 2014, it was the tenth-best selling game on the PlayStation Network. [39]
In 2011, Capcom announced Mega Man Powered Up and Mega Man Maverick Hunter X would be included in a double pack. [40] In 2018, The Day of Σ was included in the video game compilations Mega Man X Legacy Collection 1 and 2; the full anime was included and remastered in high-definition video but the game was not included, making it and Mega Man X: Command Mission the only 3D entries not included. [41] Ollie Reynolds of Nintendo Life listed Mega Man Maverick Hunter X as a game he would like on the Nintendo Switch alongside Mega Man Powered Up. [42]
In retrospect, IGN ranked Mega Man Maverick Hunter X as the nineteenth-best PSP game ever made. [43] Joe Juba of Game Informer regarded the game as one of the best to play on a handheld console due to the impressive new visuals and the innovative inclusion of Vile as playable character. [44] Mike Spletchta of Game Zone found the remake as enjoyable as the original and suggested gamers try it on the PlayStation TV. [45] Retronauts praised the game's faithfulness to the original, and found the inclusion of Vile "strange" and "interesting". The site also praised the narrative, which is expanded through lore-extending cutscenes. [46]
Mega Man X: Command Mission, known in Japan as Rockman X: Command Mission (ロックマンXコマンドミッション), is a 2004 role-playing video game developed by Capcom for the PlayStation 2 and GameCube. The game is a spin-off of the Mega Man X franchise. It was released in Japan on July 29, 2004, with releases in North America and PAL regions following in September and November.
Sigma is the main antagonist of the Mega Man X video game series. Created by Dr. Cain, Sigma was considered the finest of the Reploids and was the first leader of the Maverick Hunters, peacekeeping androids who defend humans against their renegade counterparts. Although he was once respectable, Sigma unexpectedly goes berserk during Mega Man X and rebels against humankind after coming into contact with the Maverick Virus. He defects to the Mavericks and assumes the role of their leader. Due to the virus integrated into his circuits, he can survive seemingly anything, and constantly returns to menace the world.
Zero is a video game character present throughout much of Capcom's Mega Man franchise, who debuted in the Mega Man X series. He is an android and an elite member of the Maverick Hunters, an organization dedicated to defending humanity from rogue Reploids known as Mavericks. Zero also acts as a mentor and longtime friend to X, the main protagonist of the X series. He is also the titular main protagonist of the Mega Man Zero series, and has a supporting role in other series in the franchise, such as the Mega Man ZX series. He has also appeared in crossover video games as a guest character.
X is a character and protagonist of Capcom's Mega Man X video game series, known as Rockman X in Japan. First appearing in the 1993 Super NES video game Mega Man X, X is an android member of the Maverick Hunters, a special police force tasked with defending humans and Reploids against criminal Reploids known as Mavericks. X has made additional appearances in the Mega Man franchise, including printed adaptations of the series, an original video animation called Day of Sigma which explores his early days as a Hunter, and as a supporting character in the Mega Man Zero and Mega Man ZX video game series which star his Hunter comrade Zero. X has also appeared in multiple crossover video game series outside of the franchise.
Mega Man, known as Rockman in Japan, is a 1987 action-platform game developed and published by Capcom for the Nintendo Entertainment System. It was directed by Akira Kitamura, with Nobuyuki Matsushima as lead programmer, and is the first game of the Mega Man franchise and the original video game series. Mega Man was produced by a small team specifically for the home console market, a first for Capcom, which previously focused on arcade video games.
Mega Man X is a 1993 action-platform game developed and published by Capcom for the Super Nintendo Entertainment System. It was the first Mega Man game for the 16-bit console and the first game in the Mega Man X series, a spin-off to the original Mega Man series that began on the Super NES's predecessor, the Nintendo Entertainment System. Mega Man X was released in Japan on December 17, 1993 and was released in both North America and Europe the following year. Taking place a century after the original Mega Man series, Mega Man X is set in a futuristic world populated by both humans and "Reploids", robots capable of thinking, feeling, and growing like their human creators. Because of these complex attributes, many Reploids are prone to destructive, renegade activity and are thereafter referred to as "Mavericks". The plot of the game follows the protagonist X, an android member of a military task force called the "Maverick Hunters". With the help of his partner Zero, X must thwart the plans of Sigma, a powerful Maverick leader wishing to bring about human extinction.
Mega Man X2, known as Rockman X2 (ロックマンX2) in Japan, is a 1994 action-platform game developed by Capcom for the Super Nintendo Entertainment System (SNES). The game was released in Japan on December 16, 1994, and in North America and PAL regions in 1995. It is the direct sequel to Mega Man X, released one year prior. Mega Man X2 takes place in the near future in which humans try to peacefully coexist with intelligent robots called "Reploids", with some of the Reploids going "Maverick" and threatening daily life. The plot follows the android protagonist X, a "Maverick Hunter" who has saved humanity from the evil Sigma six months earlier. A trio of Mavericks calling themselves the "X-Hunters" has arisen, intent on destroying X by luring him with bodyparts of his comrade Zero, who died in the conflict with Sigma's right hand robot named Vile.
Mega Man X3, known as Rockman X3 (ロックマンX3) in Japan, is a 1995 action-platform game released by Capcom for the Super Nintendo Entertainment System (SNES). The game was originally released in Japan on December 1, 1995, and later in North American and PAL regions in 1996. It is the third game in the Mega Man X series and the last to appear on the SNES. Mega Man X3 takes place in a fictional future in which the world is populated by humans and intelligent robots called "Reploids". Like their human creators, some Reploids involve themselves in destructive crime and are labelled as "Mavericks". After twice defeating the Maverick leader Sigma, the heroes X and Zero must battle a Reploid scientist named Dr. Doppler and his utopia of Maverick followers.
Mega Man X5, known as Rockman X5 (ロックマンX5) in Japan, is a 2000 action-platform game and the fifth main installment in the Mega Man X series. Developed by Capcom, it was first released for the PlayStation in Japan on November 30, 2000, and in North America and PAL territories the following year. In 2002, the game was ported to Microsoft Windows as retail packages in both Japan and North America.
Mega Man X6, known as Rockman X6 (ロックマンエックス6) in Japan, is a 2001 action-platform game developed and published by Capcom. The sixth main entry in the Mega Man X series, it was first released on the PlayStation in Japan on November 29, 2001, and was later made available in both North America and Europe.
Mega Man X7, known as Rockman X7 (ロックマンX7) in Japan, is a 2003 action-platform game developed by Capcom for the PlayStation 2 console. It is the seventh main game in the Mega Man X series and the first in the series to appear on the sixth generation of gaming consoles. Mega Man X7 was first released in Japan on July 17, 2003, with North American and European releases following in October 2003 and March 2004 respectively. The European version features a redrawn logo also used for future releases in the region. It was also as part of Mega Man X Legacy Collection 2 on July 24, 2018 for the worldwide release and July 26, 2018 for Japan, whose Windows version was released internationally via Steam along with PlayStation 4, Xbox One and Nintendo Switch.
Mega Man X8, known as Rockman X8 (ロックマンX8) in Japan, is a 2004 action-platform game developed by Capcom for the PlayStation 2. It is the eighth game in the Mega Man X series. It was first released in North America on December 7, 2004. The PS2 version, as well as a Windows iteration, were released in Japan and Europe the following year. On December 16, 2015, it was released on PlayStation Network in Japan. It was released for Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4, Windows, and Xbox One in July 24, 2018 worldwide and July 26, 2018 in Japan as a part of Mega Man X Legacy Collection 2.
Mega Man Zero is a 2002 action-platform game developed by Inti Creates and published by Capcom for the Game Boy Advance. It is the first installment in the Mega Man Zero series, the fifth series in Capcom's Mega Man video game franchise. The game is set 100 years after the events of the Mega Man X series and follows Zero, a Reploid awakened from his sleep to aid a human scientist named Ciel and her resistance force in a fight against the utopia of Neo Arcadia.
Mega Man Xtreme is a 2000 action-platform game developed by Capcom for the Game Boy Color handheld console. It is a spin-off title in the Mega Man X series of video games that originated on the Super Nintendo Entertainment System. Mega Man Xtreme takes place within the series timeline during the 22nd century, in which a group of "Maverick" androids called the "Shadow Hunters" hack into the world's "Mother Computer" system, destabilize all of the networks, and allow other Mavericks to cause rampant destruction all over the world. The heroic "Maverick Hunter" X is tasked with going into cyberspace to relive his past missions and put a stop to the group's plans.
Mega Man Xtreme 2 is a 2001 action-platform game developed and published by Capcom for the Game Boy Color. It is a spin-off title in the Mega Man X series and a follow-up to Mega Man Xtreme, which was released the previous year. Mega Man Xtreme 2 is set in the 22nd century between the events of Mega Man X3 and Mega Man X4. The DNA souls of robots known as "Reploids" are being stolen and used to create an army of undead "Mavericks". The "Maverick Hunters" X and Zero quickly spring into action with the help of their young ally Iris.
Mega Man Powered Up is a side-scrolling platform video game developed and published by Capcom. It was released for the PlayStation Portable (PSP) handheld game console in March 2006. It is a remake of the original Mega Man game released in 1987 for the Nintendo Entertainment System (NES). Players control the eponymous star Mega Man who must stop Dr. Wily from conquering the world using eight robots called Robot Masters. Unlike the original game, players can control these eight Robot Masters under the right circumstances. Other new features include a level creator mode and a challenge mode.
Mega Man ZX is a 2006 action-platform game developed by Inti Creates and published by Capcom for the Nintendo DS. It was released on July 6, 2006 in Japan, September 12, 2006 in North America, June 20, 2007 in Australia, and June 22, 2007 in Europe.
Mega Man X is a series of action platform games released by Capcom. It is a sub-series of the Mega Man franchise previously developed by the same group with Keiji Inafune acting as one of the main staff members. The first game was released on December 17, 1993 in Japan on the Super Famicom and the following month on the Super NES in North America. Most of the sequels were ported to Microsoft Windows. The gameplay introduces new elements to the Mega Man franchise in the form of Mega Man's successor X including his new skills and power-ups in the form of armors while retaining the ability to decide which boss to fight first.
Mega Man X4, originally released in Japan as Rockman X4 (ロックマンX4), is a 1997 action-platform game developed and published by Capcom. It is the fourth game in the Mega Man X series and the second game in the series to be released on the Sega Saturn and PlayStation. The two versions were released simultaneously in Japan in 1997. A North America release followed sometime thereafter, while Europe received only the PlayStation version in 1997. Mega Man X4 allows the player to choose between the two mechanoid "Reploids" protagonists at the beginning of the game: X, who uses traditional, long-range attacks; or Zero, who wields a short-range sword.
Zero: Here... Take... My Arm Parts... Use them on Sigma...
Narration: 21XX. Robots with the ability to think and act for themselves have been created. They are dubbed "Reploids". The age of humankind and robots working and living together had begun. As robot society spread and prospered, there was in increase in criminal incidents involving Reploids. To combat this new wave of crime, a special investigation and security organization consisting entirely of Reploids was founded. They are the Maverick Hunters.
Vile: You underestimated me. I hate that about you... X! There's nothing you can do! I'll defeat you and Sigma! Then I'll change the world!
Dr. Light: My name is Thomas Light. This is a message for X... I entrust the future to you. / X: Light? I... I think I know this guy.
Flame Mammoth: Hmpf! Why does Sigma think that a weak B-Class Hunter like you is even worth my time? / X: Sigma's a Maverick, just like you! / Flame Mammoth: Sigma must be as crazy as you say. He keeps talking about how you are the future of Reploids. Can you believe that, X?
Dr. Light: My name is Thomas Light. This is a message for X... I entrust the future to you. / X: Light? I... I think I know this guy.
Zero: Get this info to X! I've discovered Sigma's base! I'm sending the coordinates now. / X: We've located you, Zero! I'm on my way!
X: Don't waste your energy talking, Zero. We've gotta fix you up. / Zero: There's ... no time for that... Sigma is close... Very close... / X: Zero... / Zero: Go now... Maverick Hunter X...
Sigma: Impressive, X... It looks like you really do have the potential I had seen in you. Our potential is limitless... / X: You think you have potential? You're insane, Sigma! / Sigma: That's not what you really think. / X: ... / Sigma: You say you believe in justice. But that's not true. You've only been led to think that. Nothing more! I'll take you on!
It is an unfortunate fact that human life is short and fleeting, and I fear that I will not have the time to ensure the safety of the X project. That is why I have decided to seal him away. Perhaps he will be discovered in the far-flung future, and will fight valiantly to achieve peace for all people. Yes... I firmly believe that this will come to pass. But, I am not without worry. I fear that X will be swept up in the war we call "progress". I urge the people of the future to remember that X is my... the world's hope.
Vile: Come to reprimand me in person, did you? / Sigma: I need your help, to defeat X. / Vile: To defeat X? / Sigma: Yes... in order to ensure our future and speed along our evolution
Spark Mandrill: Vile? What are you doing here? / Vile: I should ask you the same question. What are you accomplishing by acting as Sigma's cheerleader? / Spark Mandrill:: His plan's not wrong. At least... I don't think so... / Vile: Any plan involving X is wrong! I'll put a stop to it!
Zero: Change the world? Sounds like Maverick talk to me! / Vile: Let go!! / Zero: X! Shoot now!! / Vile: Not a charge shot!! / X: Eyaaaaahhhh!!!
Vile: I don't care what happens to this world... By defeating X, I've validated my own existence... and that's all that matters to me now. My name... is Vile... I ... am... I...
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