| System: PlayStation | Graphics: |
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| Publisher: Capcom | Sound: |
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| Year: 1996 | Difficulty: |
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| Genre: Action-platformer | Rating: |
8/10 |
A battle rages in the depths of space between two glowing, cybernetic beings. One shines blue, the other purple. In a final, devastating clash, they collide head-on. The purple one seems to have perished from the impact, as its violet aura fades away. Both crash-land on Earth…
At the same time, in the city, Mega Man and Bass are at it again, trading their usual barbs, when Roll suddenly interrupts. She has an urgent message from Dr. Light for Mega Man, asking him to get to a deserted island immediately. A strange meteorite has landed there, emitting an unsettling energy signature.
Unfortunately, Mega Man arrives too late. He catches sight of Wily making his escape, carrying off a precious alien relic—the purple robot. In the crater, the second being lies unconscious…
Mega Man 8 marks the series’ debut on PlayStation (later ported to the Sega Saturn in 1997). The game is punctuated by gorgeous animated cutscenes (I personally love the English voiceovers—they’re delightfully kitsch, though this seems to be an unpopular opinion among anglophones). On top of that, the bosses have amusing spoken lines, adding much to the game’s atmosphere.
Naturally, familiar faces return: Bass and Treble, the usual eight robot masters, Roll, Rush, and Dr. Light’s other creations. Mega Man is joined this time by Duo, an extraterrestrial robot with a mission to destroy the mysterious evil energy that has found its way to Earth. The levels are also dotted with large bolts, hidden here and there, which can be collected and taken to Auto and Roll to exchange for helpful upgrades.
Now, let’s talk about the usual “experiments”:
- Mega Man has learned how to swim. He’ll promptly forget in the next game.
- Shoot-’em-up segments have been added, reminiscent of R-Type. They’re short and, surprisingly, not unpleasant.
- Rush transforms into a motorcycle on occasion.
- And … it was bound to happen: we’re subjected to atrocious snowboarding sections, complete with forced scrolling. If you’ve ever wondered how to infuriate a Mega Man player in just four words: “Jump! Jump! Slide! Slide!”
The Saturn version introduces some minor differences, including the addition of two classic robot masters: Cut Man and Wood Man.
Suggested order:
Tengu Man > Clown Man > Grenade Man > Frost Man > Sword Man > Search Man > Astro Man > Aqua Man
