Mega Man X5

by Sony

Product Details

• ASIN: B000059S78
• Product Dimensions: 5.5 x 4.8 x 0.4 inches ; 4.8 ounces
• Media: Video Game
• Average Customer Review: 3.7 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (35 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #8,370 in Video Games (See Top 100 in Video Games)

Product Description

Amazon.com Review

Mega Man's exploits have been taking place on a variety of different platforms for more than a decade, but recent attempts to bring old Mega Man into 3-D have largely been missteps. That's why we were chomping at the bit to play Mega Man X5, because it marks a long-overdue return to MM's 2-D roots.

Unfortunately, the game plays more like a rushed overcorrection than a nostalgic, side-scrolling romp. For example, you can now choose between three playable characters: Zero, X, and Fourth. It's a good idea, but the problem is that the characters are so different that this option actually destroys the fluidity of the gaming experience. In the original Mega Man X titles, you couldn't progress until you found a weapon that could be used to destroy a particular boss. In X5, bosses can be put out of their misery with the Z-Saber and the X-Buster.

But the game's biggest problem is its difficulty. The first law of game design is that a game should provide gradual, continual challenge. X5 just keeps getting easier and easier due to the endless number of checkpoints and unlimited continues. The result is Mega Man with training wheels.

By Mega Man standards, this game is truly a disappointment. On the bright side, if you are new to the gaming scene and are looking for a simple game that will help you improve your skills, this game might be your cup of tea. For most gamers, though, X5 is way too easy! --Todd Mowatt

Pros:

• Mega Man returns to his 2-D platform roots

Cons:

• This game is way too easy, with too many checkpoints and unlimited continues
• Text-driven cut scenes and massive slowdown problems bog this game down

Product Description

Mega Man's exploits have been taking place on a variety of different platforms for more than a decade, but recent attempts to bring old Mega Man into 3-D have largely been missteps. That's why we were chomping at the bit to play Mega Man X5, because it marks a long-overdue return to MM's 2-D roots.

Unfortunately, the game plays more like a rushed overcorrection than a nostalgic, side-scrolling romp. For example, you can now choose between three playable characters: Zero, X, and Fourth. It's a good idea, but the problem is that the characters are so different that this option actually destroys the fluidity of the gaming experience. In the original Mega Man X titles, you couldn't progress until you found a weapon that could be used to destroy a particular boss. In X5, bosses can be put out of their misery with the Z-Saber and the X-Buster.

But the game's biggest problem is its difficulty. The first law of game design is that a game should provide gradual, continual challenge. X5 just keeps getting easier and easier due to the endless number of checkpoints and unlimited continues. The result is Mega Man with training wheels.

By Mega Man standards, this game is truly a disappointment. On the bright side, if you are new to the gaming scene and are looking for a simple game that will help you improve your skills, this game might be your cup of tea. For most gamers, though, X5 is way too easy! --Todd Mowatt

Pros:

• Mega Man returns to his 2-D platform roots

Cons:

• This game is way too easy, with too many checkpoints and unlimited continues
• Text-driven cut scenes and massive slowdown problems bog this game down

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

13 of 13 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Fifth time is a charm, February 4, 2001

By A Customer

This review is from: Mega Man X5 (Video Game)

The long awaited and much anticipated fifth chapter in the Megaman X saga is now out on the Playstation. While you'll find that it is a great game for both fans and newcomers of the series, it does have a few flaws.

In the year 21XX, the Reploid Wars have been quelled at long last. Humanity has launched endeavors into space, ultimately resulting in the creation of the Eurasia Colony, a giant orbiting space station. Unfortunately, a sinister force sends the Colony out of its normal orbit and hurtling back towards Earth. It's up to the heroic Maverick Hunters to prevent the orbital from crashing onto Earth and wiping out civilization. They must find the parts to a powerful weapon, known as the Enigma Beam, which is the only object powerful enough to avert the deteriorating orbit of the space station. Naturally, in order to gather the parts, eight Mavericks must be taken down. Their names in this game are particularly unusual, consisting of: Grizzly Slash, Squid Adler, Izzy Glow, Duff McWhalen, The Skiver, Axle the Red, Dark Dizzy, Mattrex. These are their in-game names, which strangely contradict those in the manual.

Megaman X5 introduces a few new gameplay mechanics into the side-scrolling bliss that had already existed. Both X and Zero can duck and shoot their weapons while in this position. They can also grip onto vines and poles to traverse massive chasms. The game is also, to some extent, timed. The Colony crashes in sixteen hours and so careful choices must be made. These lead to the game's multiple endings. The eight Mavericks that must be challenged all have unique stages, and several have certain objectives that must be completed. Unfortunately, not all mechanics are for the better. X and Zero seem to have the inability to shoot through walls this time.

Graphically, the game is prettier than X4 was. However, the animation of the boss characters is surprisingly limited. They also reused many sprites from X4. Aurally, the game's soundtrack is exciting, although many of the minor characters and other bosses are strangely mute. On the other hand, X and Zero don't "yelp" as much as they did in X4, which drove me crazy.

In general, though, the jury is still out as to whether or not this game is as good as Megaman X4 was. It does seem to lack a certain polish that its predecessor had, but it arguably makes up for it with exciting new enhancements. And ill regardless, Megaman continues to be the finest side-scroller series on the market.

13 of 15 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars Mega Man x5 review, February 8, 2001

By A Customer

This review is from: Mega Man X5 (Video Game)

Mega Man x5 is finnaly here and unfortunatly does not deliever as much as usual. The game itself is very fun I love the ability to find the different suits as opposed to just one and I like the countdown feature. Also I am so glad they finnaly gave you the ability to duck. So what do I have agaisnt it you ask? It is too simple. Most who remember the old Mega Man games rememeber how fighting boss guys is almost in possible unless you have the weapon that there weak agaisnt. Well no more. i found that hte entire game could be completed just from switching from x to zero or vice versa in order to beat the enemys; with only using the standered weapons. Another thing that I don't like is the infinte amount of contiunes that you have. There is no longer the same frustration and challange that was in the past games. So overall in summary this is still a great game and I recomend people that haven't played as the blue bomber before to cheak it out. But for all the veterans out there you may be dissapointed in the difficulty of this game. Maybe it was because we're expecting do much from the big M, but with good reason; he usually delivers.

9 of 10 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars 100% MEGAMAN !, February 7, 2001

By A Customer

This review is from: Mega Man X5 (Video Game)

I am a big fan of Megaman..

If You like Megaman I know You are going to buy this game regardless..

So I will cut it short..

This is the best megaman 2-D to date the graphics and gameplay are out of sight..

The music is not bad and has some Great cartoon pics..

I only have one little negative. > I just cant stand listening to that beeping sound that takes place during the talking sequence..

I would rather have a mute than hear that beeping..

So anyway I do, just mute it.. But the game kicks man lets give it up...

Too Awesome !!