Mega Man 3 Game by Capcom Reviewed by The Avardancer Size: 2 Megabits Save: Password. Released: 1992 Works with: Any version of Gameboy **************************************************************************** Opening Snide Remarks: Mega Man is one of the most over-used mascots on the face of the planet. I love Mega Man's games; but I hold an opinion on which are better than others. Not every game tacked with the Mega Man game is worth buying. As is the case with other big names like: "Mario", "Final Fantasy", or "Sonic the Hedgehog". Capcom seems to be intent on creating a vast line of Gameboy Mega Man games. The games offer VERY little innovation between them- selves on the NES, SNES, and PSX. Will the Gameboy installments of the series be any better or innovative? **************************************************************************** Gameplay Descripion: The main idea behind the Mega Man games is to progress through side-scrolling levels full of varied traps and enemies. You use your arm weapon to beat enemies and the boss that you are hunting the level for. When (Or if..) you beat the boss; you aquire a new weapon that cna be used to beat another boss. For example: If you beat a water themed enemy and get a water based enemy; you can use it to do more damage on a fire-based enemy. The game is seperated into stages and you can choose which stages to play in any order you choose; the replay value of the title is hinged upon that denominator. The game features a lot of areas which could be frustrating for some players; although there is that "drive" to play harder. Yes, the game is addicting; you want to play it. The game is chock full of action and fun. That is why Mega Man has been around so long; it has never lost it's focus on it's pedigree. Liked: The game is full of action and excellent challenge and fun. Hated: Isn't Mega Man getting a little old? **************************************************************************** Graphics Description: The graphics are on-spot in this game. The graphics are clear, easy to see, and very detailed. :) Play this game on a Gameboy Color using the Down+B pallette. You won't be sorry. :) The game does have a few errors; mainly slow-down. There's a good deal of it and it does get kind of annoying; although it does detract from the graphics and the gameplay; it does not pop up to often. :) Liked: The detail; using the above mentioned pallette to make Mega Man blue and his enemies green. Hmm. Good. Hated: The slow-down is HORRIBLE in some areas. **************************************************************************** Sound/Music Description: Sound effects are key-on and very good indeed. But the true star of the game is the AWESOME music. It has lots of bass, lots of stereo sound quality usage. The music is VERY cool. And most of it is long. The Mega MAn series has always had amazing music. This installment in the series is no different. I have Stereo Headphones and equipment; so I can truly say that this music will not disappoint Mega Man audiophiles. (You all know who you are...) Liked: The title screen music; the music in many of the levels is soooo cool. The drums and techno sounding riffs are very cool. The game has memorable music that sticks in your brain. Very cool. Hated: Nothing in the sound department really; but I do wish they had let Midway borrow that "Snake Man" stage music for Mortal Kombat. The music in that stage (Among others..) is kickin'. There's no "Options" menu with a sound test. :( **************************************************************************** Play Control/Game Design: You can power-up your beam weapon, there is also a slide move, as well as different weapons that are designed differently and react differently. The Game Design is solid and that makes it a very fun game to play. Although the ONLY new innovation to the formula is the addition of a chargeable weapon. The game sticks to it's formula and delivers a solid title and game. Capcom has placed it's general "flashiness" in to the game and has adhered to their "if it ain't broke, don't fix it" view on games. Which is just fine really. Liked: The game is FUN; and it's adherence to it's genes and the responsive play control add to the immersive quality and excellent fun of this title. Hated: You can not fire upward or charge up your aquired weapons. **************************************************************************** Improve: Give us a Sound Test and new robots that have not appeared in any of the previous games. Oh, I would LOVE the ability to charge my weapons, and shoot upward. Also, a way to combine weapons would be excellent. Example: You find a "Mixer" weapon; equip it and then choose two weapons to be "mixed" by the weapon. For an example of such a weapon; you could take a water-based weapon like "Bubble" and a lightning-based weapon like "E. Bolt". Your arm cannonwould shoot out a bubble that once it explodes would send four little Lightning bolts in four directions. If it hits some bosses that are very sensitive to those two elements; it would cause a reaction of equal damage. If you hit a burning/metal type enemy; they would be trapped in the bubble and zapped. (This would hold them in place for a little while. Then you can hit them with another weapon. The idea would be that dual-element weapons freeze bosses. Cool idea, huh? RIYL: If you LOVE the Mega Man series or just plain action; you will like Mega Man 3. It is an Action Masterpiece. A very notable title that deserves the acclaim it's descendants have acrued. **************************************************************************** Final Words: If you dig action; get this game. I happen to like the Mega Man series; and I would love to see a new Mega Man game for the Gameboy Color. I love the music and action in the game. Very well done and enjoyable. **************************************************************************** Score Gameplay: ***** Graphics: **** Sound/Music: ***** Play Control/Game Design: **** Personal Opinion: ***** Total: 23 out of 25 Final Score: 92% **************************************************************************** Currently Known Codes: Start at the Last Level: A0, B0, C1, C2, B2