Opening
Mega Man Legends is the third variant of the incredibly successful, to say the least, series in the history of Capcom. In a world covered with water, humanity has to eek out a living on small patches of land here and there, dependant on the power sources called quantum refractors mined by "Diggers" as a source of power. Over the years, however, rumors began to circulate over a spectacular treasure called the "Mother Lode", so great was its power, it would provide this world with all the energy it would ever need...
Graphics
This time those boys at the Big C take a step away from the side-scrolling, boss-wasting, power-absorbing Blue Bomber from the past. "Blue Boy" as he will be frequently referred to during the course of the game, is now rendered in full 3-D, with a 3rd person perspective. This certainly deviates from the standard this series set back in the 80's for 2-D action games, along with Contra and Castlevania. Fortunately, the jump to the third dimension goes well for Mega Man. The numerous enemies animate very well, those classic "pellet" shots still fly across the screen, and explosions are pretty satisfying. Expecially after the defeat of the menacing bosses this series is known for, and depending on your distance to it, the final boss can take up the whole screen!
Sound
Those classic, techno-boppin' tunes make their return, adjusting accordingly to the situation your in. Whether it be relaxing jogs around town (sans getting run over by car), the soft, mysterious backround music reverberating from the walls while exploring underground ruins. The voice acting is somewhat kiddyish, understandable seeing as how three of the game's main characters are children, but still not nearly as ear-bleadingly bad as RE or Mega Man 8. Shots ring out and enemies explode in classic MM F/X. But the sound of "reaverbots", guardians of ruins, activating cues you to the number of enemies nearby you've just rudly awakened from centuries-long sleep.
Control
There are basically two control schemes you can choose from: Turning with D-Pad and strafing with L1 & R1 buttons, or turning with L1 & R1 and strafing with the pad. Both of which take some getting used to, though I must give preference to the first. This is especially annoying because situations throughout the game frequently call for the use of quick turning or strafing, so expect to get confused quite frequently. The buttons setup is fairly standard to platformers, and thankfully, is alot simpler than the movement controls.
Gameplay
Despite some weak effects and confusing controls, Mega Man Legends manages to be quite a deep game. The amount of hidden items, weapons, and sidequests is staggering, and even to the most thorough of gamer's will likely miss quite a few things the first time through. The story is pretty interesting, the villains entertaining (they could have EASILY got on your nerves, fast) and the end holds quite a few interesting plot twists.
Overall
Capcom has managed to pull off another fabulous first foray with a new series. Legends may not be perfect, but its damn good as the first of another new type of addition to the ever-growing Mega Man family.
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