Rockman 2: Dr. Wairî no nazo

This is a series that I never stuck with through its myriad sequels . . .

But there was always "Mega Man 2".

It was the title that everyone around you had in their collection, and if you owned (hell, or were even interested in) an NES, this was on your to-do list. Beautiful aesthetic, great soundtrack, hard as hell.

And I remember it being a *little* bit easier because now I suck at it. I can't pretend to be skilled but the dying part sure comes easy.

Still, the blue bomber is an icon, and I think it's due to this game right here. Once you hear that epic fight music at the title screen, you are ready to go.

Mega Man 2 is the game that would make Mega Man popular, and it shows. Set a year after the first, Dr. Wily returns, and has made eight robot masters of his own, each designed to combat Mega Man. This game retains the first game's difficulty (especially when it come to Quick Man's stage, which is filled with lasers that can cause instant death), so for the American release, Capcom added an easier difficulty that makes things easier. Also, the game is the first to feature a passwords system that would be used for titles up to Mega Man 7, and the game introduces three Items, transports that would serve as the prototype to Rush, received by beating a certain boss, as well as E Tanks, which automatically refill Mega Man's health to 100% when used. This is a great example of how a sequel should improve over the original, and must be played.

Mega Man 2 for the NES is one of the best 8-bit games ever released! When I was ten (1990) I bought the first Mega Man game there ever was. This game was very addictive and made me an instant Mega Man fan. Before 1990 had ended I read a preview of MM2. I couldn't believe my eyes! A sequel was being made of my favorite game! As soon as it was released (early 1991) I bought a copy of it, and played it. I never stopped playing it. MM2 boasts some brilliant music! Most tunes are world famous now, and every Mega Man fan can hum these tunes. Especially Dr. Wily's Castle tune, which seems to be the best Mega Man tune ever! The graphics MM2 shows are of extreme high quality. It puts a lot of 16-bit games and even some 32-bit and 64-bit games to shame! The graphics are very clear and the use of colours in the background is very detailed and a pleasure to look at.

In total there are eight levels to conquer before you can fight the master mind Dr. Wily. In the first Mega Man game Dr. Wily reprogrammed six of his peaceful robots to conquer the world. In total seven were made, but the protagonist of both games, Mega Man managed to escape the clutches of the evil Wily. It is now Mega Man's duty to defeat Wily for a second time and destroy his new eight robotic minions. Each robot has its own stage and Mega Man has to beat go through the entire stage to battle a robot master. Once a robot master is defeated Mega Man can use the power of its defeated opponent to battle other robots.

Although it sounds all rather easy, it's not. Try to pass Heatman's schasm of fire or pass Quickman's deadly laser beams! This game will get you hooked instantly. Not only by its outstanding graphical and musical quality, but by its playability as well! Controlling Mega Man is a piece of cake, within no time you can make him run, jump and shoot! All in all a must have for every NES owner, but I guess every NES owner already has this game in his collection!

Mega Man 2 is one of my favorate video games of all time, it was also believe it or not the very first game I've played in the franchise; this game is also my second favorate in the series (yeah I know ironic). I'm one of the kids from the 80s that grew up with an NES my very first video game console and when I got and played this game for the very first time it really blew my mind; even playing this game as an adult I still have a blast. It's not hard to see why this game just like any good sequel has lots going for it to make it steps up from it's predecessor.

This game indeed was unlike the common linear format we were all use to at the time. It gave us the option to chose which enemy and stage to get through, however like in all of the mega man games the catch is that it has to be in the right order as each Robot Master is vunerable to a particular weapon; this makes the game a puzzle but the kind where you have to think on your feet.

The stages are all unique each of them pertain to the Robot Master's design scheme. And each of the Masters are all colorfully designed and unique in their abilities, much like some of the villains in the James Bond films. Even their stages just like the enemy bases in the Bond films are practically deathtraps as they are just filled with obsticles and oppostion all trying to kill you, from giant flame throwing mechanized dogs, giant sized robot fish that spit out robotic shrimp, bubble bats, the usual cute hard hats, it's just crazy.

The game's gameplay is the same which I'm fine with that as an old saying goes "if it's not broke don't fix it." It's hard as usual, however it's manageable and rewarding. Each of the stages you'll most likely not get though on the first run, but once you play though a few more times you discover their actually really not all that hard they just seem that way at first, If you memorize all the places to go and hit as well as the right times to hit then you can easily breeze though the stage; I can actually get though the stages even this whole game without dying (at least not as much as before).

There are some additions like certain extra gadgets you aquire when you beat one of the masters. Like a flying rocket board as well as hover platforms, though like with the weapons you have to make sure the power gauge is full in order to keep using them.

However to me the real highlight of the game is the music which is one of my favorate video game soundtracks ever. Each of the songs are just memorable, their the kinds I could easily play on my Ipod, do remixes, even play at parties as some of the songs are danceable. Three of my favorate songs are the Bubble Man stage which is sort of calming but cool at the same time, Heat Man as that song has such intensity, but my favorate one of all no doubt is the Dr. Willy castle stage it is just a rockin action tune that practically screams charge.

Overall if your a rookie to the series this place is a good place to start. But for Mega fans, veteran games, as well as retro enthusists, this game is a mega treasure.

Rating: 4 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 2! 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!