Mega Man 10 (PSN)

In 1987, Capcom blessed gamers everywhere with Mega Man for the Nintendo Entertainment System. The game became an instant classic. Eight sequels and numerous spin-offs later, over the course of twenty-three years, we are blessed once more with Mega Man 10, a downloadable title for the Xbox 360, Playstation 3, and Nintendo Wii. I will be reviewing the Playstation 3 version.

You reprise the role of Mega Man and must stop the spread of a disease known as Roboenza. Mega Man discovers that his sister Roll has contracted the disease and that he needs to find a cure. Dr. Wily comes to Mega Man and Dr. Light to let them know that he was building a machine to produce a Roboenza antidote but an infected robot stole it. Mega Man must retrieve the machine and cure all who have been fallen ill due to the disease. The story, however, is not an important aspect of the game. It's the gameplay that really made Mega Man a classic.

The game plays much like the older Mega Man games in the main series. It is a sidescroller with platforming and shooting. For all of the hardcore Mega Man fans, the level of difficulty that Mega Man is famous for is still present. However, there is an Easy mode for newer players. In Easy mode, gaps and spike pits that would normally exist in the harder difficulties are covered by platforms. In addition, enemies do less damage, and yasichis appear in the levels (yasichis are windmill-like powerups common in many Capcom games; they restore full health to the player in this game). There is also an item shop where the player can buy things such as extra lives. These features make the game more accessible without sacrificing the challenge that hardcore fans crave. Speaking of challenge, Mega Man also comes with eighty-eight challenge levels that usually require the player to defeat a boss or reach an objective. These challenge modes offer entertainment beyond the story mode, which is disappointingly short. However, you can play as Proto Man, offering an extra playthrough. Bass is also available for purchase as DLC, making for a third run-through of the game possible. Along with Bass, there are also special levels available for purchase.

The game is presented in a way that screams nostalgia. The game retains the same look that was in the first game. The graphics are 8-bit and the soundtrack is 8-bit.

Ultimately, while this game does nothing new for the series, it does little wrong. The gameplay is as solid as ever, but it's nothing Mega Man fans haven't played before. The graphics and soundtrack aren't new either, but they are phenomenal to look at and listen to. If you're looking for your Mega Man fix, this game delivers in every way. Mega Man 10 is available for download from the Xbox LIVE Marketplace for 800 Microsoft Points, the Playstation Store for $9.99, and the Wii Shop Channel for 1,000 Wii Points.