Mega Man Zero 4 Review (no fat)

Game Description

The action packed continuation to the Mega Man name finds its way to the GBA again, with better upgrades and a forgiving difficulty level. With familiar platform puzzles shooting fans should be able to pick up Mega Man Zero 4, the latest Capcom offering, to blast away for hours.

Imaginative weather conditions allow you to choose the weather that suits you best, with clear disadvantages/advantages for each. More user friendly now, the gameplay makes it easier for newbies of the series to jump in, without hindering the overall play of vets.

Mega Man Zero 4 - Tried and True

Just in time to beat the dead horse this holiday is Capcom’s latest MM offering Mega Man Zero 4, with a couple of upgrades. The story has Zero coming to the aid of Neo Arcadia after Dr. Weil has taken it over. Not enough meat to win an award for storytelling but enough to advance a side scrolling phenomena.

Since the purpose of this series is based solely on gameplay rather than story, the mechanics of the game have not changed much at all. It is the same running, puzzle solving shooter with some extras added.

Mega Man Zero 4 - Whats New?

The difficulty level is easy, and some in-game play such as optional weather conditions help with the easy play. Weather conditions are not just cosmetic, and make a difference on the level you are playing. The snowstorm condition even adds interactivity to what could be a dull level. Or if you are feeling daring try the windy/rainy condition, although the weather is optional players who choose to go for the easy condition won’t have the luxury of collecting a bosses special powers when they beat them.

Speaking of powers, they have become a heck of a lot easier to get. Numerous upgrades like the new ‘Zero Knuckle’ lets you Grand Theft Power enemies’ special abilities to use as your own. With a strategy to the game such as enemy’s weaknesses to certain elements plays a bigger role than expected. Knowing what weapon to use at the right time will make survival easier as well.

Cyberelves, tiny pokemon-like beings used to help you throughout the game, are easier to handle this time around with less penalty on the user. Now players can use a Cyberelf to boost their health or attack without an upkeep of a hardcore strategy game. Penalties still occur if used improperly, if you try to activate a boost more than the current elf’s maximum. Overall the experience of mixing and matching certain types are done away with in favor of an easier, more beginner experience.

Mega Man Zero 4 Graphics

Nothing spectacular, being a GBA title, but the new weather effects are a cool addition. From the terrain differences to the snow covered spikes, interaction is a big plus and helps the boring background seem more authentic. 2-d side scrollers have a habit of teasing you with their backgrounds, so beautiful looking but only for show.

Hopefully in the next version some 3-d elements will make their way in.

Mega Man Zero 4 Sound

Not something you would bump in an expensive stereo, and with recycled sound effects from previous Mega Mans it really is a been-there-done-that type of thing. On a lighter note it is still good to hear the faithful hero music of the series, which still has a pretty good tone to the action.

Mega Man Zero 4 Summing up

A recycled game that borders on the same line of marketing as Nintendo’s Pokemon lineup, Mega Man 4 is a lot different this time around simply because it is accessible to gamers just getting into the series. The once frustrating gameplay is a lot simpler, but the changes come without crippling the hardcore fanbase.

It’s a good pickup and really a great time to jump into the series for any fan of run and gunners.

Mega Man Zero 4 Cost

At the time of writing, the game retails for $26.95.