Mega Man 2

Voices of: N/A
Developer: Capcom
Directed by: Akira Kitamura
Rating: E
Genre: Action Platformer
System: Nintendo Entertainment System
1989

Times Completed:
Tim: 2

Summary: Mega Man must once again set out to defeat Dr. Wily and his Robot Masters.

Review:
Tim: You cannot overstate the importance of Mega Man 2 to this franchise. The sales of the original game weren't great, but Capcom wisely went ahead with a sequel. This game improves upon the first in nearly every way. The graphics are much better. The controls are more refined. The music is fantastic. The introduction of the Energy Tank was brilliant. The password system (for the time) worked well. As a kid, this was the only Mega Man game I actually completed. It was challenging, yes. Frustrating and aggravating at times, sure. But, a wonderful game nonetheless. This is often regarded as the most influential game of the franchise, the game that put it on the map. I loved it as a kid and I loved it again when I completed it for the second time, decades later.

The Robot Masters are great in this sequel. Metal Man is so cool, with his deadly gears. Wood Man is so unique- you start with a mechanical foe, then immediately go into a nature-inspired one. Bubble Man brings in the dreaded but unique water level (don't jump too high!). Air Man pulls us from underwater to the sky. Crash Man could be brutal in his aggressiveness. Heat Man was tons of fun, keeping the elements theme going. Flash Man is maybe the least unique, but a good challenge. You round out the Masters with Quick Man and the need to slow him down. These Robot Masters feel iconic, a big improvement and expansion over the ones in the first game. After defeating them, we tackle some truly fantastic bosses. The Mecha Dragon is so cool, a genuinely nerve-racking level design. I never knew the name for Picopico-kun, I'd always think of it was the Room of Death. I wasted a ton of lives trying to figure out the patterns. So unique, though- and such a change-up from the flying dragon. The Guts Tank was so cool, another different yet interesting challenge. The Boobeam Trap was definitely innovative. Then, you have to battle all the Robot Masters again. Of course you do. That brings you do Dr. Wily, and then (SPOILER) the final Alien, a tricky little jerk that you have to simply Bubble to death. It was not easy. I still remember being a kid- 10, 11 years old? And finally completing this. I screamed for joy. It was one of the few video games I'd ever successfully completed. Decades later, I played the game again, this time with the quality of life improvement of being able to leverage Load Screens so I didn't need to play the levels repeatedly. It was funny, even decades later, I still recalled the great levels, enjoyed the wonderful music, and still had quite a lot of timing down. This game is so incredible. It builds upon the world established in the first game but improves the experience in nearly every single way.

This game, like all in the franchise, can be pushing at times. It's not the kind of game that will let you slide by without really mastering the controls. That being said, the controls feel much more responsive than the original game. The first one would feature some truly tricky jumps and it never quite felt like you were fully in control of the guy on screen. That is resolved here. The game really does test players, requiring you to focus and move at the right times to see yourself safely through each level. The Robot Master designs were brilliant and unique, providing a wide array of original levels, throwing many different challenges at our undaunted protagonist. The game really feels expansive in a way that improves on the original. It feels tough, a worthwhile challenge.

Mega Man 2 is a landmark game, generally regarded as one of the best video games of all time. It's easily my favorite game of the franchise. It throws a ton of difficulty at you, but rewards perseverance. It innovates in all the right places and results in a truly wonderful gaming experience. This is hands-down one of my favorite NES games and a big reason I've stayed a fan of the franchise to this day. This game is undoubtedly special.



Rating 1-10
Tim's Rating: N/A



If You Enjoyed This Game, We Recommend: Mega Man