Mega Man X7 - PS2

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Mega Man X7 (PS2)
Viewed: 3D Combination Genre:
Platform
Shoot 'Em Up
Media: DVD Arcade origin:No
Developer: Capcom Soft. Co.: Capcom
Publishers: Capcom (GB)
Released: 5 Mar 2004 (GB)
Ratings: PEGI 3+
Accessories: Memory Card
Features: Vibration Function Compatible, Analogue Control Compatible: analogue sticks only

Summary

Capcom's long running MegaMan franchise makes its debut on the PlayStation 2 with the release of this seventh instalment of the MegaMan X series. As has always been the case with the games, MegaMan X7 is very much a traditional shoot-em-up, packed full of plenty of old-school action; but the game also benefits from a range of new features, as well as boasting a rather novel use of perspective.

As usual, the world is under threat from a sinister organisation - in this case known as the Red Alert Syndicate - and so it's up to MegaMan to sort things out. Accompanied by his gutsy pal Zero, as well as a new mysterious character known as Axl, our hero must take on a relentless horde of dangerous monster machines and huge bosses in the quest to once again save the world.

And so the action begins: following a very impressive anime-style intro sequence, you're thrust straight into the heat of battle as you traverse an assortment of hazardous cyber-scapes, basically blasting everything that stands in your way. This is made a little easier by the game's new auto targeting system, which allows you to quickly lock-on to and toggle between the various targets within range.

A new element to the proceedings can be found in the aforementioned use of perspective. Depending on the relevant area of the game, you get to experience an array of different perspectives, which throughout can range from a traditional 2D side-scrolling viewpoint to an isometric overhead view, similar to a lot of RTS titles. As well as this, a lot of the big boss battles are set in full 3D action perspective, much like the MegaMan Legends series.

MegaMan X7 delivers a new take of the shoot-em-up genre, whilst also retaining many favourite old-school elements to keep the action fast and furious (and really quite hard!) If there's one company that does this best, it's Capcom - and it's evident here.