Casual Games, Game Design, Gaming Videos
With the release of Mega Man 9, the proof is now in the pudding that a video game whose flagship feature is challenging gameplay rather than high-definition graphical eye candy can find its place in today’s market. With this and so many classic titles still finding audience in the current generation, is this more than just a trend of retro-chic? Or are we witnessing the return of “Nintendo Hard”?
When we last left Mega Man, he had just defeated Dr.Wily for the eighth time in his long-decorated career as a boy robot. He could slide, charge his Mega Buster until he was all flashy, and attach himself to his robot dog to grant him the gift of flight. What has changed since all of that happened? For starters, Capcom took a class in minimalism and learned that less is more.
With Mega Man 9 on its way to our consoles, one could say Mega Man is a seasoned pro at beating robots, stealing powers, and running around in blue speedos. With that many games under his belt, however, it’s no surprise that every adversary he’s encountered hasn’t been the most brilliant invention. I daresay some of them shouldn’t have even gotten past the blueprint stage. Therefore, I am nominating some robots into the Villain Hall of Shame that deserve to become scrap metal.
