Mega Man's back

"Mega Man Legends"

Capcom

So you played all the "Mega Man" series on all platforms. You beat everything from the evil Dr. Wily in the original "Mega Man" to the sinister Sigma in "Mega Man X4." You sit at home, bored, waiting for the next challenge. Well, wait no longer. "Mega Man Legends" has arrived.

"Legends" is the next game in the popular Japanese "Rockman" series, the game's actual name that originated across the Pacific because he shot rocks, not energy balls, out of his forearms. Anyway, the blue bomber is back, this time on a search to find an inexhaustible energy source. Big bad robots and large underground caves are only part of the challenge in this unique game. "Legends" is unlike any other "Mega Man" in the series because it's not a side-scrolling action/adventure game.

"Legends" is best described as a combination of "Super Mario 64" and "Tomb Raider." It has a unique RPG (role playing game) feel to it since you can collect money and buy enhancements for your arm. This is definitely a new approach for the series, and Capcom deserves credit for giving it a shot. The result, however, is only mediocre.

The control takes a while to get into, but once you're used to it, it's not that bad. I was pissed off at first by how awkward it is to move, but once I figured out how to strafe and run in circles, I couldn't really complain. The graphics are only OK, especially compared to other games out right now. It would've been great two years ago, but now it could use some improvement. Also, the opening sequence for the game could be more interesting, and the opening story segment just doesn't grab you at all. You'll be sitting there like, "When is this over?" A little computer rendered graphics could help too. The game isn't too difficult, which is good for younger players. The music is mediocre at best. Personally, I didn't even realize it was there, but at least it wasn't annoying.

Finally, we come to the most important question: Is this game fun? Well ... yeah, sort of. I played for 10 minutes and then I got kind of bored. I had expected a real Mega Man game. The game is just too cute and colorful to attract older players. "Legends" would be perfect as an introduction to RPGs for younger players. But game veterans would probably prefer Lara Croft's "assets" in "Tomb Raider." Word of advice Mega Man: stick with what you are good at.

-Stephen Ma

09-30-98