Mega Man X5
The X series returns once more on the Playstation. Graphically the game remains pretty much the same as the predecessors. Meaning that X5 is full of awesome 2D designs and smooth animation. But the presentation takes a step backwards. The animated cut-scenes and voice-overs found in X4 are not present here. Instead we get static cut-scenes with lots of blocky text. I can live with it, but it's why take away the production values?
Anyways, the game play is a solid lesson in old-school platforming action. Involving lots of tricky bosses and stages that require timing and skill to be beaten. There's also numerous upgrades to find. Besides the usual Energy Tanks and Hearts there also random pieces that you'll collect. Which can be equipped and give your character enhanced abilities. For example, there's a One-Shot X-Buster, High Jump Boots, and even a Quick Charge X-Buster among others. You actually have several different armors including the Gaia Armor, Flying Armor, and Ultimate Armor to uncover. (Actually the first two were in NES Mega Man 6). They all have special abilities and help your character in acquiring all the upgrades.
In an effort to spice things up, Capcom has added a Time Limit at the beginning of the game. You have 16 hours to collect various parts for a Giant Cannon and then a Space Ship, which will be used to stop an incoming Meteor/Base from hitting the Earth. Now you really don't have 16 hours, but more like 16 tries to beat all the stages before things go wrong. Your efforts during this time will determine what happens in the story and what ending you receive. This addition gives the X series some much needed depth.
Graphically it's the same old Mega Man X, but I appreciate the twists Capcom added into the game play. It might not be what everyone was hoping for in this sequel, but the game is still as good as it ever was. I highly recommend Mega Man X5 to all Blue Bomber fans and newbies alike.
(pics from the pros at Videogames.com)
| Category | Rating | How & Why? |
| Graphics | 9 | Awesome 2D Graphics / Big Enemies & Explosions / Smooth Animation / Static Cut-Scenes / Some Slowdown |
| Music | 7 | No Voice-Overs / Trademark Soundeffects / Decent Tunes |
| Gameplay | 9 | Classic Mega Man Gameplay / Several New Armors to Collect / Play as Zero or X / Time Limit at the Beginning of the Game / Find Different Parts to Enhance Character |
| Innovation | 7 | Same Old, Same Old Mega Man / Time Limit and Multiple Endings are New for the Series / Random Parts Enhance your Character |
| Replay | 8 | Numerous Upgrades and Parts to Collect / Multiple Endings to See |
Overall 8.0
Written by ShinjiZ for GameyPlace.com on February 23, 2001