Topic: Mega Man 4, 5, and 6: Mixed opinions?

Maybe its the fact that MM6 reminds me more of the early MM games than MM5 who knows. But yeah what you said makes sense too. This is actually the first time that I am playing MM6 in this kind of depth. But so far its not lacking from the other games in the series. I have to admit so far I have enjoyed MM4 and MM6 as much as the first 3 Megaman games. 5 I am a bit iffey on it still seems like that game was rushed out its just not as polished as the other games.

As for Tomahawk mans stage reminding me of Hard Mans stage I think because it has that rocky outside look to it like Hard mans did.

Dont take it the wrong way what I mentioned about recycling material that would be a bad part of the game if I had to choose one truthfully it really doesnt bother me that much maybe its the way I said it that makes it sound worst than what it is.

Hopefully I can get to Mr Xs castle here soon not sure if I will be able to tomorrow since I am busy all day but who knows maybe I can squeeze in the time. After I play all these games I will give you a new updated Top Megaman game list.

Actually, one of the things I could say about almost any of the Mega Man games is their use of recycled material. Just think about it:

-7 of the games in the Classic series contain a shield-type weapon
-7 of the games contain a Fire-themed Robot Master
-The Met (Hard Hat, Metool, Metall) enemies appear in every game
-The Shield Attacker Enemy has been a staple for the series since MM4
-6 games contain an Ice-themed Robot Master
-The gameplay has remained largely unchanged for 23 years
-Dr. Wily is still the main Villain in the series (and he never gives up)
-The Wily Capsule has been the final boss of every game since MM4

.....and so on. But isn't that what's good about the series? The formula is still great after so many years. Sure, they've made little tweaks to it here and there, but it was great 23 years ago, why change it? The Mega Man series is basically based on recycled material.

What you said didn't make it sound bad, I was just a little confused at first. It's all good. And good luck on Mr. X's castle when you get time to play.

I was just thinking about a few things and thought I'd get your opinion on them.

1. "Wait, the Mega Man games are hard?" That's just what I was thinking as I read the NL review of Mega Man 3. In the review, the difficulty is described as being "sky high". I've heard that the games have a unique kind of difficulty level, but I warmed up to the series fairly quickly. Have you heard about this and do you consider them to be hard?
2. Why do people complain about the Robot Masters so Much? What's wrong with Flame Man? And Dust Man? And Charge Man? I've never spoke negatively about the way the Robot Masters are designed or their names. Really, what's wrong with them? They're just....them. Why complain about them?
3. Why don't people like Mega Man 6? The music is still good, even after 5 games, the gameplay is still classic Mega Man, the Rush suits give some variety and freshness, and two of the Robot Masters were designed by North Americans. Why all the negative stuff? Why all the hate?
4. Why does everyone keep recommending the Anniversary Collection when the versions of the games on there are inferior to the Original and VC releases? Granted, the AC still has all the games, and they do play about the same. I guess if money is an issue, the AC is a good purchase. All those games for a fair price makes it a real eye catcher. Maybe nobody notices/cares about all the problems with it. It's still a good game collection, and anyone who likes Mega Man should own it, but it's harder to recommend after pointing out the flaws and after playing the original games. What do you think?

@MegaStoneSmash91: Wow those are interesting statistics there I never knew some of those but than again I never broke it down like you did. The thing with the mets or mettaur or hardhats is they are basically Megaman's version of the goombas from SMB. Besides Wily and Megaman they are one of the most iconic Megaman characters. Heck one time I saw a giant stuffed animal of a Met sold in Japan on a website lol.

Now for my opinions on your questions.

1) For me the Megaman games have never been hard. It can be tricky at first untill you figure out which robot master to go to first than second and so on. Granted I never had any problems with the levels I usually had problems with the Robot masters if I didnt go to the right one in the right order. But in the end its a persons opinion about the difficulty level what one person finds easy another finds hard. Its just like peoples opinions on movies one person might say OMG thats the best movie ever while you are thinking wow thats the dumbest movie I ever seen.

2). As for the Robot masters I guess people complain just to complain. What cracks me up is that people complain about how Windman is like Airman and Flameman is like Fireman or Heatman but yet people will say how a Mario game is so great when all it is is Bowser at the end of the game. Now for complaining about the names or such I guess people expect them to be better with a name like that, either that or they just dont understand. Take Dustman for example, I personally think that a better name would have been Vacuumman or maybe Hooverman ok maybe not so much the last one. But he seems to me anyways to act more like a Vacuum when I first heard of Dustman I thought it was a robot made out of Dust kinda like Woodman that throw dust clouds at you. And than there is Centaurman which in my opinion was one of the most original robot masters ever and he had so much potential but what did they do they gave him Flashman/Brightmans weapon it was like WTF??? But I guess they saw the errors of their ways when the put him into Power Fighters. But bottom line people are just dogging it cause I guess they cant understand why the games are held out in such high regard in Japan when its the same thing over and over like Mario and SOnic, Zelda etc have never done that.

3) As for MM6 why all the hate? The main reason is when MM6 was released in North AMerica the players have seen what Capcom could do with Megaman X to make the series more fresh and newer so to speak. MM6 came out in the last years of the NES when almost everyones attention was on the SNES. Megaman X showed people how beautiful Megaman would look in 16 bit but they decided to keep the original series in 8 bit, people were disappointed about it. I think the main thing was look how nice Megaman X is why couldnt they do that with Megaman 6. They tried to in a way give Megaman 6 a fresh new feeling with the Rush suits but it was too different after all Megaman since 3 at least always had Rush by his side and now he turns into a suit WTF?? Also another factor is that MM6 was originally planned for the SNES but for some reason they decided to keep it on the NES.

4) I think this is your personal opinion about the AC collection. Honestly I didnt noticed the differences till you mentioned them since I haven't played the original formats in years. I guess people just notice. Also I think another reason people mention the AC is for the price do the math. 7 games (I wont count the 8th one since that probably wont come out on VC since it was released on the Playstation) on the VC would cost $38 (6 NES games at 500 points and one SNES game at 800 points) where as you can find the AC for like $20 online and in used game stores about half the price. For some people the minor price outway the minor differences or like me they dont notice them till someone says something. Also who knows if they will ever release 7 on the VC. Another thing that make the AC so recommendable is that its all on one system. YOu dont need a NES, SNES, and a Playstation/Dreamcast to play all eight and once again some of those games especially MM7 and MM8 can get pricey from places like Ebay and Amazon. And what if like me you dont have all the systems for whatever reason well theres more money a person would have to put out to play the originals. So I think its price plus the convenience that make it so recommendable. Truth be told if I know a person has all the systems already and doesn't mind shopping around or paying a few more bucks than I would recommend the originals heck even if I had the systems I would have bought the originals (I already have 3 of them) over the AC.

Anyway that my opinions on the subjects sorry for the lengthy reply feel free to comment or ask questions on them.

I have more statistics if you'd care to hear them . Yeah, the Mets are literally everywhere in the games, even for decoration.

Those are probably some of the best answers I could have gotten for those questions. You're answer for the one about the AC was spot on! I knew all that trivia about Mega Man 6 and such, but I never figured that was why people don't like the game. Maybe now with the Virtual Console and the popularity of retro games, MM6 will get another chance. I knew price was a major selling point for the AC, and it does beat paying 38 bucks for all those games. Now that I own all 7 games in cartridge form, I'll be playing the AC only for MM8 and occasionally the Arcade games. I'd probably play it more if the Gamecube version had the Complete Works music on it, since I love those remixed tunes.

Ummm...not to be rude or anything, but didn't YOU say that Wind Man was like Air Man, and that Flame Man was like Heat Man? But, nevermind that. It does seem silly to complain about the Robot Masters, especially since Bowser is the villain in almost all the Mario games (does SMB2 count? After all, that wasn't originally a Mario game.) but everyone loves the Mario games. Then again, the story in Mario games isn't the important part, it's the gameplay that matters. Perhaps Bowser and Dr, Wily aren't so different after all. Maybe if they teamed up they could finally get that plumber and the "blue dweeb" out of their hair once and for all.

Dust Man is named like that for the same reason that:

-Ice Man isn't called Eskimo Man
-Heat Man isn't called Lighter Man
-Shadow Man isn't called Ninja Man
-Dive Man isn't called Submarine Man
-Charge Man isn't called Train Man
-Tomahawk Man isn't called Native American Man
-Turbo Man isn't called Car Man
They're all more creative names, and naming them after what they most closely represent isn't always the best idea. Vaccums suck up dirt, debris, and dust, so instead of calling him Vacuum Man, a more creative approach was chosen. They named him after one of the functions of his main form, hence Dust Man was born (also keep in mind that he was created by a fan, so it wasn't Capcom's idea). Same kind of idea with the others:

-Eskimoes live in Icey environments, hence Ice Man
-Lighters produce fire; fire is a source of heat, hence Heat Man
-Ninjas are sometimes called shadow warriors, hiding in the shadow provides good cover, hence Shadow Man

.....and so on.

It's a great game and most people are idiots.

The Wily fight is pretty stupid-brutal, but it hardly puts a blemish on such a fun game. I heartily enjoyed it.

I second that.

@MegaStoneSmash91: Yes I did say that Windman was like Airman and Flameman was like Heatman I was using them as an example so no you werent being rude at least I didnt think you were.

As for the MM6 I clearly remember thats what most of the video game magazines reviewers said about the game. Peoples biggest reason was if they could do that with Megaman X than why not MM6. Which in my view is a very valid question but not enough to give it a bad review. In my opinion now that I have actually sat down and played it is its just as good as the others.

And yeah what you said about the Robot masters names makes sense I actually never looked at it that way but yeah I can see your point.

Well, while we're on the subject of Mega Man 6, I'll share a couple more things I like about the game. Some of them are small details, but I thought I'd list them anyway.

-I love how Mega Man shoots at the screen when you get a weapon
-The function of the weapon is demonstrated, which is always good
-I enjoy seeing the stats screen when you select a Robot Master (especially the music that plays)
-The Stage Select theme is fast paced and fun to listen to, especially the Complete Works version: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZTnoX9JFblo&feature=related
-Some of the weapons have interesting properties, like Silver Tomahawk, Knight Crusher, and Wind Storm
-I like how they demo the Robot Masters during the credits, along with their stage themes
-You get to see Dr. Wily in jail at the end, which makes me wonder why Mega Man could never catch him before.
-There are many levels with alternate paths
-the music is wonderfully composed, and everything sounds appropriate for the location you're in.

Mega Man 6 is a great entry in the series, and anyone who hasn't played it just because of what it could have been is missing out. Maybe when it finally hits the Virtual Console (unless they have the AC) people will realize this.

@MegaStoneSmash91: Yeah I liked how they showed the robot masters stats as well when you select them I thought that was a neat little piece of trivia there. And yes I would have to agree with you the music is done really well.

I keep meaning to ask you what is the Complete works that you keep talking about? Is it a collection of the MM soundtracks or something cause if it is where can I get a copy from?

I was too tired last night to go through Mr. Xs castle so I thought I would try MM7, and I have to say I thought this one was enjoyable as well. It seems to me like they made the robot masters levels a bit longer than the other games but maybe thats just me. It did take me a while to get use to the bigger sprites especially in Burstman's stage with the spikes on the ceiling through out the stage and again in his room. Was it me more was he like Bubbleman Version 2.0? Lol. Now I think if they made MM6 this way I think it would have got better reviews than it did but maybe thats just me. Oh I did notice that how they went back to the original Rush Coil in MM7 not the funky pogo stick type they had in MM5 or the suits like they had in MM6. I guess they figured why mess with perfection. I did like alot of the music in this game as well mainly Freezeman Stage. Now onto more MM7 after I get back from that annoying little thing called work.

The Rock Man Complete Works series of games is all 6 NES Rock Man games ported to the Playstation. They were only released in Japan. Each game was released on a separate disc, and all 6 games came with some new features:

-A Navi Mode is available for all 6 games that gives hints and tips throughout the levels. It also updates the look of Rock Man's energy meters to look more like the ones from RM8, as well as updated weapon subscreens
-Remixed music is played in RM4-6 when the Navi mode is on
-When Navi Mode is off, the games have their original music and energy meters.
-There is a code you can input to play the games without Rock Man's helmet

Some of the features sound familiar don't they? That's because the games on the Anniversary Collection are the Complete Works versions of the games, and the PS2 and XBox versions contain all these features. You can learn more from the Wikipedia page: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rockman_Complete_Works Be sure to click on the External Links to see the Navi Mode differences from the original games (or just go into the options on the AC and turn Navi Mode on to see for yourself).

I think they did make the levels longer in MM7, but I think that's a good thing. Burst Man IS kind of like Bubble Man, except with bombs, and he does do a few things Bubble Man doesn't. They scrapped the Pogo stick Rush Coil, which is great, and Rush Jet is better in this game too. They did sorta bring back the suits from MM6 in the form of the Super Adapter, but the capabilities have been diminished (you can't break blocks anymore, and can't fly as far). It's definitely something worth having, though. And the music is fantastic in the game, I even like a few of the more obscure tunes. Yes, Freeze Man's tune is awesome, and other noteworthy songs include Burst Man's, Cloud Man's, and Shade Man's themes as well as the "weapon get" and the song from Auto's shop. There are a lot of upbeat, light-hearted tunes in the game.

I put MM7 aside for now, since Wily 1 is tough as nails (yes, I can hear you laughing at me...), and I decided to play some MM5, for the first time ever.

And, honestly, it's still very good. I can understand feeling burnt out on the series by that point if you played 1-4 to death, but that doesn't mean 5 in itself is bad. It's fun...a few of the boss fights are genuinely creative...and, uh...that's all I can really say about it right now.

But jeez oh man is it easy. I just beat all 6 robot masters in about 40 minutes, and I've never played the game before! Also, I incorrectly guessed on the weakness order, and ended up having to beat 4 of them or so with my mega buster. Normally this can present a challenge, but I blew right through them. In fact, Gyro Man has the unwelcome distinction of being the first robot master I've ever beaten buster-only the first time I met him!

It's a fun game with a few neat gimmicks. It feels like a slight step back musically from MM4 (sorry...I'm a stage music whore...), and a big step back in terms of challenge (wonder how the final castles are...), but still a very fun game.

@Chicken-Brutus

Mega Man 5 is my favorite MM game. It's an amazing game that manages to execute many ideas perfectly. I enjoyed the difficulty (mainly because I suck at video games) and loved it's stage music. I wish it wasn't overshadowed by it's bigger brothers. Maybe if a different company had made the game with different characters it would've got the recognition it deserved.

@Chicken_Brutus: I found that in MM5 the difficulty picked up in Wily's Castle big time. I played it about a week ago and blew through the 8 robots and Protomans Castle without any major problems than I hit Wily's and I was like Wholly C***!!! I still havent had the desire to try it again but I probably will here soon. As for beating Gyroman with the megabuster yeah hes pretty simple if you just watch his pattern and time your shots as you and him go up and down. The only thing I have to say about him being the first robot master to beat with the megabuster the first time you met him is thats great that honor went to Toadman from MM4 for me.

And yeah a few post back I mentioned that MM5 just seemed a little off compared to the other games in the series almost like their full attention wasnt on the game but who knows but anyhow it is still fun to play.

@MegaStoneSmash91: Ah ok Thanks for explaining the complete works. Thats why I never heard of it cause I dont really look into the import games mainly cause I dont want to get disappointed when the games make it stateside. Out of curiosity do you have the Complete works or do you just happen to know of it. I am wondering cause if it works on a US PS2 than maybe I will look into it. I have to agree with you they did an excellent job of updating Megaman for the 16-bit Era with MM7 and I have to agree with you that the music is done really well. As soon as I get some money saved up I am going to hit a retro video game shop I have near me and see if I can get a SNES and maybe a copy of MM7 so I can see that ending.

@Chicken_Brutus I, for one wasn't laughing at your troubles with Wily 1. The Wily stages in MM7 can be pretty tricky, especially if you didn't get the Super Adapter (for whatever reason).

I agree about MM5 being easy. There are too many 1-ups, the Mega Buster feels a bit overpowered, and the Robot Masters are all fairly easy to beat even without using their weaknesses. However, Proto Man's Fortress can be annoying, and the Wily stages present a good amount of challenge. MM5 has my least favorite music out of the 6 NES titles (except for Star Man's theme and the Wily stage tune), and most of the weapons aren't so great (Power Stone, I'm looking at you!). But it's still a great entry in the series and is fun to play. Some of the stages have nice gimmicks and themes, too.

@Tasuki No, I don't own the Complete Works versions, I just know about them. I'd probably get them if I had the chance, but I don't know if they're region locked or whatever. If they'd play on a US PS2, I'll try to get them since they're probably a nice thing to own.

I just recenty bought a copy of MM7 off eBay, and playing it on the SNES is SUCH a nice change! The controls are better, the music sounds better, and It's all-around a more enjoyable experience. The AC MM7 is decent, but compared with the original cartridge it's no contest. I haven't gotten around to beating it yet, so I haven't seen the ending. I bet it's cool, though.

Just finished MM5, though I missed a few of the Beat plates and will make sure I get them next time I play it.

And, yeah, this was pretty great. It feels a little bit like Mega Man Lite, but it's still an excellent game. A few of the songs were great (Star Man, Protoman Castle, Ending Theme, etc.), the robot masters--while easy--at least required the use of some creative strategies (Gravity Man in particular was a LOAD of fun), and screwing around with the Silver Arrow (or whatever it was) was a blast.

I'd definitely give this one high marks, which means that I've liked every main series Mega Man game I've played, leaving only 6 and 8 to potentially disappoint me. I wonder how I'll feel about them.

Critiques regarding MM5: too easy and way too many 1-ups. Not a huge deal, and it didn't interfere with my enjoyment, but it just doesn't feel like Mega Man when you have to try to get a game over. The bosses in Protoman's castle were all dinky. Couldn't Wily make him some bigger, more impressive robots? (That said, the Wily bosses were excellent. )

Oh, and does Wily's capsule have a special weakness in this game? I tried everything against him and couldn't find anything that took away more than one unit of health. (I couldn't try Wave Man's thing, because I got sick of waiting for the capsule to get close enough to the ground and just killed him with charged buster shots.)

So yeah...5's another great one. Sign me up for a purchase when it comes to the VC.

I know you didn't get him, but Beat absolutely slaughters the Wily Capsule in MM5. Sadly, if you have Beat's energy full, you can summon Beat, avoid a few shots here and there, and Beat will do the destroying for you.

@Chicken_Brutus: The Beat plates you missed, were they in Stone Man's and Crystal Man's stages? Those seem to be the two that get missed most often.

The bosses in Proto Man's fortress are all variations on Wily's Dark Man robot. Each form presents a different challenge, and they all sort of mix together in the battle with...ahem..."Proto Man". Dark Man may be small, but he's kind of like a ninth Robot Master, except you fight him four times.

Dezner is correct about Beat being Wily's weakness. He makes the fight a breeze, but taking Wily down with just the Buster is also a good tactic.

Stone Man and Wave Man actually. I saw Wave Man's, and jumped for it, but got nailed in the face with a dolphin and that knocked me back, so I missed it. I'll get them next time. The reason I didn't go back for them this time was that I thought I'd just screw around in Protoman's castle until I lost all my lives, but I actually started making good progress so I figured I'd see it through.

I'm sure I'll be playing it again, though. Surprisingly fun, for all the bad rap it gets.

@Chicken_Brutus: Yeah I missed the Stoneman beat letter as well I guess its behind a breakable wall or something, and I missed the one in Crystalmans stage. Funny thing is I didnt know that you can go back to the stages once you finish them I was under the impression it was like MM2-MM4 where once you beat the level you cant go back.

I thought the little jetski part in Waveman's stage was a nice touch kinda different for a water robot stage.

I still plan to finish and play MM5 again at some point probably when I do I will use a walk through, but right now I am kinda hooked on MM7.