Rockman 4: Aratanaru yabô!!

New adventure, new badguy (not gonna spoil it) new weapons, new tracks, and a new move for megaman! Along with the megabuster charge from 3 comes the slide move! It gives off megaman 2 vibes with it's difficulty and gameplay.

I see people bashing this game on other sites, saying the Mega Man series started to go downhill with the start of this game. Frankly, I'd say the downhill started with 5. Despite the fact that most of the robot bosses of this game are mostly rehashes from the former 3 games, there are some certain charms to this game. For example, this is the first Mega Man game where you can charge your Mega Buster, in which your arm cannon shoots out a devastating blow with much more power than the simple white "pellets." The levels in this game are a little bit longer than MM4's predecessors, and have increased in challenge in comparison. Another feature that was also introduced are hidden items you can unexpectedly find in Pharaoh Man and Dive Man's stages. Also, as far as graphics and sound go, this game's great.

Unlike the first 3 Mega Man games, Mega Man 4 has some different features: First off, the levels are longer than in the other 3 installments, you can return to any of the 8 robot leaders levels even after you beat them, there are special items that can be picked up in hidden areas in Pharoah Man's, and Dive Man's stages, and that there is a new villian in Dr.Cossack but soon, we realize that he's not bad at all, but in the end, it's Dr.Wily who's the bad guy and responsible for this installment's story. Aside from the things I mentioned, this game is basically the same like the other Mega Man games for the NES.

This game is my eighth favorite in the series. I also think this volume is an under the radar gem that I feel is a bit under credited. This game truly established "Mega Man" was going to be a franchise for the long circuit which wasn't common for video games at the time, let alone most movies at the time and like any "Mega Man" game it's still fun. As usual everything is the same old same old as you are once again the Blue Bomber saving the world from evil robots.

Everything you expect is intact, like some of the new robot masters and their levels which are memorable. Pharaoh Man is my favorite one, I really like his level which is Egyptian themed which makes sense, I thought it was cool because it sort of gave that pulp adventure almost like "Indiana Jones", it was just really cool seeing Mega Man in that setting, which to me is always part of the joy of the series anyway seeing Mega Man going to different settings.

Really like the design of Pharaoh Man which looks cool and his power is one based on fire which is effective if not totally unique. Skull Man is also kind of cool and a little tough as he has a skull shield for a weapon which is like Wood Man's leaf shield, though here it's skulls. Really like the design of the level as it's sort of grim gothic appeal with the skulls and bones around but it's cool at the same time with the futuristic décor.

Ring Man is another favorite, yeah, I know not a great name but to me it's really what he does that matters. His power is decent but it's really the level design that I really like which fits with the outer space theme, just the use of color mainly dark and some neon and those laser bridges you have to quickly cross.

Music is also good there are some memorable tunes, two of my favorites are the Dust Man stage which is an interesting tune as it has a sort of tone of mystery and action. Skull Man stage has sort of that action tone. Though there are a few tracks that aren't memorable which I'll admit is one weak point of the game, though same can be said about most of the other video games out there, there's always going to be some tracks that hit or miss. One track that misses for me with this game is the boss battle music, I just found it rather weak, it's not terrible but as a fan of the franchise we could do better.

One of the new features of the game is the fact you have the Mega Buster; this was the very first game to feature it. It was cool as it sort of helped even the playing field with the robot masters. You hold the fire button, and then when you see Mega Man glow and you hear a beeping sound that's the signal that your fully charged and can discharge your weapon.

This blast will do great damage to the robot masters and your other enemies. However the catches are it takes a while to charge up your blaster and also even though the blaster does significant damage to the robot masters it's not the singular solution to beating them, so you still are going to need the other master's powers to beat them.

Overall, this I think is a very good entry that's worth playing though and shows the Blue Bomber's circuit knows no end yet.

Rating: 3 and a half stars

The Mega Man series is one of the most exciting action video games! The characters, the action, and the sure thrill of excitement makes this game a fun non-stop playing time! Below is a brief look how I think the game is!

Game Play: The game play is very good. There is really basic controls here and is easy to perform. Novice gamers should have a good time here!

Graphics: The graphics are wonderful especially for the Nintendo System! The backgrounds are really beautiful!

Difficulty: The game is easy but as it goes on you find out that it will become more difficult!

Music: The music is great! Just fantastic catchy tunes through out the game! In My opinion its some of the best music ever in a video game!

Sound: The sound is great. Nuff said!

Overall: I have always loved Mega Man 4! If you like shooting and fighting action adventure games then I strongly recommend you play this game!

To purchase this video game check out Amazon.com!