Gaming Target - Game Boy Advance: Mega Man Zero 2

Written by D'Marcus Beatty on September 09, 2003

First Impressions: Capcom's Little Blue Bomber takes a break.

Mega Manаis probably one of the most recognizable video game protagonists for old-school game players, ranking just below Mario and Sonic. The little blue android has been the star of more games than any other hero ever (Mario has appeared in far more games, but Mega Man has been in more games where he's the star). Beginning his mega-career with the multi-sequeled Mega Man titles on the NES, Capcom's blue robot moved on to Mega Man X on the Super NES, then branched from there, appearing in Mega Man Legends, Mega Man Xtreme, Mega Man Battle Network, and the almost innumerable sequels to the core Mega Man titles.

It's easy to see why the little fellow needs a break every now and then. He's got to be exhausted, right? Even an android can only save the world from Dr. Wiley so many times before becoming a little stressed out, right? Enter Zero, the ponytailed protagonist introduced to Mega Man lore in the Mega Man X series. Zero, taking the starring role briefly to give Mega Man a much needed and much deserved sabbatical, shows us what he is made of in the sequel (here we go again) to Mega Man Zero.

Mega Man Zero 2 is a vintage Mega Man title with a few new innovations. Zero forces a slightly different approach to the mega-world, as his primary weapon is his saber. Players of the first Mega Man Zero either loved the new hero or hated him, but regardless of their opinion, had to admit to solid gameplay, if a little too difficult due to a limited continue feature. The sequel offers a much improved presentation of the first, while now offering infinite continues. Gamers who tore out large chunks of their hair follicles because of frustration at the first will be relieved at this news.

Zero also has a number of other new features related directly to gameplay. One such addition is a chain rod, which is a multidirectional chain he can utilize for a myriad of uses. He can attach it to walls and ceilings and use it to swing over dangerous areas. He can even use it to detain enemies, and pull them towards him in an imitation of Mortal Kombat's Scorpion (Get over here!). Zero also has a number for form changes which alter his abilities and the color of his armor. An example is in the Power form, which changes Zero purple and makes his saber slashes giant, or the Defense form, which turns Zero green and enhances his defense so that damage from enemies is reduced by half.

Of course, there are still the trademark EX skills, which Zero collects after defeating a boss character. However, now players only earn the EX skills if they receive an УSФ or УAФ rating after defeating the level. This installation of the Mega Man series even offers something new: a two player mode! Gamers can link their GBAs and compete in a stage attack mode, an item hunt mode, and an survival mode.