Some people say MegaMan is dead. Others say Capcom killed him. For his legions of fans, he's simply the stalwart mascot of a fantastic IP waiting to rebooted into glory. MegaMan X, released in 1993 revolutionized the classic MegaMan action/platforming formula. Our hero went on to star in 7 more games on major home consoles.
Sadly, interest in the titles faded, and less and worse effort marked the latest few entries into the saga. Despite some bright spots like MegaMan Zero for the Game Boy, MegaMan X fans, along with legions of MegaMan fandom, have been left waiting in the dark.
Recently, I picked up some of the old games and took them for a spin. I was blown away by how well they've aged. The time for a triumphant return is now.
With the rising tide of nostalgic 90s babies getting deeper into video games, and the massive success of games like Dark Souls, that forces players to train themselves to win, the climate is ripe for an old school, super-challenging MegaMan X title to return to the limelight and steal the show.
Here's what we need in a massive, mega-hit MegaMan X game.
1. Level design is key.
MegaMan X's level designs are some of the most enjoyment I've gotten out of games to date. Stick with the classic mold. Give us the trademark, fast-paced action platforming. Include vertical and horizontal platforming sections and give us combat sections; then combine them and thrown in huge set pieces. Throw our character into mech armor, or on the back of a flying orbital missile. Give us back branching paths for replay value and scatter in the upgrades and power ups like candy throughout the levels.
2. Build on what exists.
So the levels are back - but give us more! Although the original layout was fantastic, it's time for more content. Let's face eight robot bosses with three alternative bosses that are optional ala MegaMan X2. These are things that modern gamers enjoy. Think the secret bosses in Dark Souls. Then let's unlock four more bosses before we finally reach a gateway boss that opens up to the final handful of levels.
3. Reward the Fanbase.
Throw in references everywhere. Give us skins for playable characters. MegaMan X should be able to unlock MegaMan Volnutt costumes, MegaMan EXE costumes, and classic costumes. Hell, maybe even a Bass skin. Zero should have access to his MegaMan Zero design, the black armor. Why not throw in a Protoman skin or something interesting of the same nature? MegaMan fans have been extremely loyal and this will be a nice method for those with a serious love for the character and the universe.
4. Difficulty: STICK WITH THE CHALLENGE.
We're in the age of the Soulsborne games so there's an audience waiting right here. These games did it before Souls -- and now you can capitalize on it. Give us honest-to-goodness challenges. Avoid forcing us to grind, and be sure to make encounters and stage designs fair as well as limit pushing.
5. Side-scrolling is here to stay.
Stick with the classic side-scrolling adventure but make it as sexy as humanly possible. This game can have the most beautiful and articulate sprites ever rendered. The worlds can be beautiful and varied and the designs can become simply inspiring. Please.
6. Varied play-styles can keep it interesting.
Instead of bringing X and Zero together like MegaMan ZX did, push them farther apart. Let's have more armor options for X, including more than 3 full sets. Then let's add optional parts, and of course access to the ultimate armor. For Zero let's see the classic X4 style return where his techniques are seamlessly blended into his sword combat, but give us access to options. Perhaps he'll have different z-sabers that change attributes or offer elemental boosts or destroy projectiles. Even give us different weapons like in MegaMan Zero. Of course, this will be on top of a parts system utilizing mild RPG elements to customize your character to your individual play style.
7. Leave the story obtuse.
It worked fine for throughout the X games and fans enjoy piecing it together while speculating on the overall narrative. Leave hints and small bits of story in different places hinting at events that are occurring or have occurred.
8. DLC for everyone!
Add DLC (downloadable content) with new mavericks and stages. Remix classic stages and mavericks or give us entirely new content. This can be used to expand the story or simply be another addition for hardcore players to plow through for a higher space on the leaderboards.
9. CREATE A BEAUTIFUL SOUNDTRACK
Bring us MegaMan X music. The soundtrack to these games have always been phenomenal and blow away most modern games today. Â Please bring back the original composers or those who can duplicate the emotionality and excitement of those tracks.
