Mega Man Maverick Hunter X is a 2005 platform game 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.
Gameplay
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. 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. 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. 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.
Plot 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.
Playing as X As the game begins, while pursuing Sigma X instead finds the Maverick Vile, who wants to rule the world on his own term. 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. In his mission, X learns from mavericks aiding Sigma the leader is interested in seeing his true potential. X also sees holograms of his creator Dr. Thomas Light, who entrusts him with powers to fight for humanity. After defeating all eight of Sigma's followers, Zero contacts X with information about Sigma's base. 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. 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. 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. X then goes on another mission after staring at Zero's empty bike.
Playing as Vile Vile was a prisoner whom Sigma freed. Vile refuses to join Sigma's rebellion because Sigma refuses to see Vile's potential. Having defeating X, Vile becomes enraged after Zero rescues him, 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. 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.
… excerpt ends here. Continue reading the full article.
