Mega Man Xtreme 2
Encyclopedia
Mega Man Xtreme 2, known as in Japan
, is a video game developed by Capcom
for the Game Boy Color
handheld game console
. It is a spin-off title in the Mega Man X
series and is a follow-up to Mega Man Xtreme
, released the previous year. Mega Man Xtreme 2 takes place during the 22nd century
, between the events of Mega Man X3
and Mega Man X4
. The DNA
souls of robots known as "Reploids" all around the world are being stolen by pair of villains in order to create an army of undead "Mavericks". The "Maverick Hunters" Mega Man X and Zero
quickly spring into action, now with the help of their young ally Iris.
Mega Man Xtreme 2 is a similar take on the series action
and platforming
gameplay formula while combining elements from home console versions of the Mega Man X series. The player may choose to play each of a series of stages as either protagonist, X or Zero. Defeating the stage's boss will earn that player character its special weapon. Critical reception for Mega Man Xtreme 2 was lightly positive, with most reviewers giving the game praise typical of the long-running series and noting a general improvement over the first Mega Man Xtreme title.
universe is set within the 22nd century
, where humans and intelligent robots called "Reploids" live amongst one another. A tumultuous coexistence, some Reploids go "Maverick" and exhibit violent and destructive behavior. To extinguish such activity, a taskforce of "Maverick Hunters" is established by the human scientist Dr. Cain. The series chiefly follows the adventures of the Hunters Mega Man X and Zero
, who have saved the world from the Maverick leader Sigma numerous times. Mega Man Xtreme 2 takes place between the events of Mega Man X3
and Mega Man X4
, during which X and Zero, with the aid of their new friend Iris, are sent to investigate erasure incidents on the mysterious Laguz Island. Reploids around the Earth have been losing their "DNA
Souls", leaving them as useless piles of junk.
It is quickly revealed that the DNA Souls are being used by a "Soul Eraser" named Berkana to resurrect a growing army of undead
Mavericks from the past. Berkana was once a Reploid researcher who created a DNA Soul chip
that reproduced deceased Mavericks. She steals the souls of Reploids to enhance her own power, and that of her loyal partner Gareth. Once on the island, X and Zero encounter and destroy several powerful Mavericks from their past adventures. Rather than stop them early on, Berkana allows the two heroes to progress so that they may strengthen their DNA Souls for her to take. X and Zero confront both Gareth and Berkana inside the Reploid Research Laboratory and defeat them. Sigma then reveals himself as being behind the plot. X and Zero prevail over the Maverick leader, the DNA Souls are returned to the hollow Reploids, and peace is restored one again. Zero fears that Iris' brother, the Colonel of the Repliforce army, will blame him for getting Iris involved in the incident. X, however, feels that the experience will ultimately help her.
-platform game
that plays very similar to the first Mega Man Xtreme
. Like the Game Boy
incarnations of the classic Mega Man series, Mega Man Xtreme 2, reuses elements from first three home console Mega Man X games. The player is tasked with completing a series of side-scrolling
levels by avoiding obstacles and destroying end-stage bosses. Stages are typically linear and present a number of traps and enemy robots to combat; collecting DNA Souls and items that refill health, ammunition, and extra lives; power-up
s that improve the player's maximum health; and armor parts that grant X new abilities. Defeating the Maverick boss at the stage's end will earn the player its special weapon. These weapons can then be used to more easily other bosses, as each one is weak to a unique weapon. After each level, the DNA Souls gathered in the level will accumulate, which the player can use to purchase additional upgrades from Iris. These upgrades range from speed and power improvements, health rechargers, and shielding.
In the game's normal difficulty
mode, the player is given the option to choose between using X and using Zero, each lending their own advantages and disadvantages. X uses his "X-Buster" to shoot enemies from a distance. It can be charged up to inflict more damage to enemies. Alternatively, Zero uses his "Z-Saber" for close-range combat. Zero risks losing health more often by getting closer to enemies, but his slashes are more damaging than X's bullets. A difficulty setting called "Xtreme Mode" can be unlocked where the player can switch between X and Zero on any level, thus allowing them to gain different weapons depending on which bosses they defeat. The major change in this game compared with other Mega Man X titles is that X and Zero do not both gain a weapon when a boss is defeated; only the character used to destroy the Maverick will get the special weapon. This adds a hint of strategy to the gameplay, as one must consider not only the order in which they will fight each boss, but whether X or Zero's gained weapons will prove more effective later on, and which are needed to gain hard-to-reach power-ups. Beating Xtreme Mode will unlock a "Boss Rush" that allows the player to battle all eight Mavericks from this game as well as the eight Mavericks from the first Mega Man Xtreme.
. Artist Haruki Suetsugu was responsible for doing the character designs and Japanese package art for the game. He expressed joy over being able to illustrate Iris, having not been able to do so since Mega Man X4. Because Mega Man Xtreme 2 was meant to be set in earlier time period than that game, he modified Iris' outfit by subtracting her beret and giving her a uniform a "schoolgirl look" to make her look younger. Berkana and Gareth were drawn as a witch and a knight respectively to tie with medieval
theme of the villains from the first Mega Man Xtreme. Gareth's lion companion, which Suetsugu was given specific instructions to design as well, is not present in the actual game. Mega Man Xtreme 2 was was first announced in Japan during March 2001. Prior to the Electronic Entertainment Expo (E3), Capcom announced that they would be localizing the game for western territories, as well the first title in another Mega Man spin-off series, Mega Man Battle Network
for the Game Boy Advance
.
and Giancarlo Varanini of GameSpot
respectively noted these features as "somewhat fresh" and "interesting". Game Informer
summarized Mega Man Xtreme 2 as significant upgrade to its predecessor, citing the sequel's two playable characters, multiple hidden modes, higher boss intelligence, and a steeper difficulty curve. Varanini found that most of the unbalanced difficulty from the first Mega Man Xtreme has been alleviated, save for parts where the player must blindly leap off platforms without being able to see the next portion of the screen. Miller stated that, like other Mega Man titles, the game's challenge level tends to be frustrating without ever feeling impossible while encouraging the player to practice.
Both Miller and Varanini were generally satisfied with the graphics and sound of Mega Man Xtreme 2, though the former reviewer noticed a few instances of visual slowdown and audible repetition. The two writers also had similar, negative opinions on the game's storyline and translation. Miller pointed out that the instruction manual and in-game text are inconsistent with one another in both narrative and character names. One typo in the plot's introduction renders the word "laboratory" as "lavatory
", a mistake on which Varanini commented "ironically speaks to the quality of the storyline". However, Varanini was most disappointed by the game's use of previous stages and bosses, attributing it to diminishing creativity on Capcom's part. 1UP.com
editor Jeremy Parrish considered the Mega Man Xtreme 2 superior to the first Mega Man Xtreme, but did not recommend either one. "While less Xtremely bad than its predecessor," Parrish wrote, "this one's still not Xtremely good, either -- especially considering the Zero series
arrived not too long after its debut."
Mega Man Xtreme 2 ranked number six on Japanese sales charts for its release week, selling 17,110 units. According to Dengeki Online
, the game sold 88,564 units in Japan during 2001, making it the 127th best-selling game in the region for that year.
Japan
Japan is an island nation in East Asia. Located in the Pacific Ocean, it lies to the east of the Sea of Japan, China, North Korea, South Korea and Russia, stretching from the Sea of Okhotsk in the north to the East China Sea and Taiwan in the south...
, is a video game developed by Capcom
Capcom
is a Japanese developer and publisher of video games, known for creating multi-million-selling franchises such as Devil May Cry, Chaos Legion, Street Fighter, Mega Man and Resident Evil. Capcom developed and published Bionic Commando, Lost Planet and Dark Void too, but they are less known. Its...
for the Game Boy Color
Game Boy Color
The is Nintendo's successor to the 8-bit Game Boy handheld game console, and was released on October 21, 1998 in Japan, November 19, 1998 in North America, November 23, 1998 in Europe and November 27, 1998 in the United Kingdom. It features a color screen and is slightly thicker and taller than...
handheld game console
Handheld game console
A handheld game console is a lightweight, portable electronic device with a built-in screen, game controls and speakers. Handheld game consoles are run on machines of small size allowing people to carry them and play them at any time or place...
. It is a spin-off title in the Mega Man X
Mega Man X
The Mega Man X series is the second Mega Man franchise released by Capcom. It debuted December 17, 1993 in Japan on the Super NES/Super Famicom and spawned sequels on several systems, with the PC platform notably having the most releases within the series...
series and is a follow-up to Mega Man Xtreme
Mega Man Xtreme
Mega Man Xtreme, known as in Japan, is a video game developed by Capcom for the Game Boy Color handheld console. It is a spin-off title in the Mega Man X series of video games that originated on the Super Nintendo Entertainment System...
, released the previous year. Mega Man Xtreme 2 takes place during the 22nd century
22nd century
The 22nd century is a century of the Christian Era or Common Era in accordance with the Gregorian calendar. It is the upcoming century, beginning on January 1, 2101 and ending on December 31, 2200.-Events:...
, between the events of Mega Man X3
Mega Man X3
Mega Man X3, known as in Japan, is a video game developed by Capcom for the Super Nintendo Entertainment System . The game was originally released in Japan on December 1, 1995 and later in North American and PAL regions in 1996. It is the third game in the Mega Man X series and the last to appear...
and Mega Man X4
Mega Man X4
Mega Man X4, known as , is a video game developed by Capcom. It is the fourth game in the Mega Man X series and the second game in the series to be released on the Sega Saturn and PlayStation. The two versions were released simultaneously in Japan on August 1, 1997...
. The DNA
DNA
Deoxyribonucleic acid is a nucleic acid that contains the genetic instructions used in the development and functioning of all known living organisms . The DNA segments that carry this genetic information are called genes, but other DNA sequences have structural purposes, or are involved in...
souls of robots known as "Reploids" all around the world are being stolen by pair of villains in order to create an army of undead "Mavericks". The "Maverick Hunters" Mega Man X and Zero
Zero (Mega Man)
is a video game character present throughout the Mega Man franchise. First appearing in the 1993 game Mega Man X for the Super Nintendo, Zero has since been the star of the Mega Man Zero series and has played a supporting role in other game series such as the Mega Man ZX series.First developed by...
quickly spring into action, now with the help of their young ally Iris.
Mega Man Xtreme 2 is a similar take on the series action
Action game
Action game is a video game genre that emphasizes physical challenges, including hand–eye coordination and reaction-time. The genre includes diverse subgenres such as fighting games, shooter games, and platform games, which are widely considered the most important action games, though some...
and platforming
Platform game
A platform game is a video game characterized by requiring the player to jump to and from suspended platforms or over obstacles . It must be possible to control these jumps and to fall from platforms or miss jumps...
gameplay formula while combining elements from home console versions of the Mega Man X series. The player may choose to play each of a series of stages as either protagonist, X or Zero. Defeating the stage's boss will earn that player character its special weapon. Critical reception for Mega Man Xtreme 2 was lightly positive, with most reviewers giving the game praise typical of the long-running series and noting a general improvement over the first Mega Man Xtreme title.
Plot
The Mega Man XMega Man X
The Mega Man X series is the second Mega Man franchise released by Capcom. It debuted December 17, 1993 in Japan on the Super NES/Super Famicom and spawned sequels on several systems, with the PC platform notably having the most releases within the series...
universe is set within the 22nd century
22nd century
The 22nd century is a century of the Christian Era or Common Era in accordance with the Gregorian calendar. It is the upcoming century, beginning on January 1, 2101 and ending on December 31, 2200.-Events:...
, where humans and intelligent robots called "Reploids" live amongst one another. A tumultuous coexistence, some Reploids go "Maverick" and exhibit violent and destructive behavior. To extinguish such activity, a taskforce of "Maverick Hunters" is established by the human scientist Dr. Cain. The series chiefly follows the adventures of the Hunters Mega Man X and Zero
Zero (Mega Man)
is a video game character present throughout the Mega Man franchise. First appearing in the 1993 game Mega Man X for the Super Nintendo, Zero has since been the star of the Mega Man Zero series and has played a supporting role in other game series such as the Mega Man ZX series.First developed by...
, who have saved the world from the Maverick leader Sigma numerous times. Mega Man Xtreme 2 takes place between the events of Mega Man X3
Mega Man X3
Mega Man X3, known as in Japan, is a video game developed by Capcom for the Super Nintendo Entertainment System . The game was originally released in Japan on December 1, 1995 and later in North American and PAL regions in 1996. It is the third game in the Mega Man X series and the last to appear...
and Mega Man X4
Mega Man X4
Mega Man X4, known as , is a video game developed by Capcom. It is the fourth game in the Mega Man X series and the second game in the series to be released on the Sega Saturn and PlayStation. The two versions were released simultaneously in Japan on August 1, 1997...
, during which X and Zero, with the aid of their new friend Iris, are sent to investigate erasure incidents on the mysterious Laguz Island. Reploids around the Earth have been losing their "DNA
DNA
Deoxyribonucleic acid is a nucleic acid that contains the genetic instructions used in the development and functioning of all known living organisms . The DNA segments that carry this genetic information are called genes, but other DNA sequences have structural purposes, or are involved in...
Souls", leaving them as useless piles of junk.
It is quickly revealed that the DNA Souls are being used by a "Soul Eraser" named Berkana to resurrect a growing army of undead
Undead
Undead is a collective name for fictional, mythological, or legendary beings that are deceased and yet behave as if alive. Undead may be incorporeal, such as ghosts, or corporeal, such as vampires and zombies...
Mavericks from the past. Berkana was once a Reploid researcher who created a DNA Soul chip
Integrated circuit
An integrated circuit or monolithic integrated circuit is an electronic circuit manufactured by the patterned diffusion of trace elements into the surface of a thin substrate of semiconductor material...
that reproduced deceased Mavericks. She steals the souls of Reploids to enhance her own power, and that of her loyal partner Gareth. Once on the island, X and Zero encounter and destroy several powerful Mavericks from their past adventures. Rather than stop them early on, Berkana allows the two heroes to progress so that they may strengthen their DNA Souls for her to take. X and Zero confront both Gareth and Berkana inside the Reploid Research Laboratory and defeat them. Sigma then reveals himself as being behind the plot. X and Zero prevail over the Maverick leader, the DNA Souls are returned to the hollow Reploids, and peace is restored one again. Zero fears that Iris' brother, the Colonel of the Repliforce army, will blame him for getting Iris involved in the incident. X, however, feels that the experience will ultimately help her.
Gameplay
Mega Man Xtreme 2 is an actionAction game
Action game is a video game genre that emphasizes physical challenges, including hand–eye coordination and reaction-time. The genre includes diverse subgenres such as fighting games, shooter games, and platform games, which are widely considered the most important action games, though some...
-platform game
Platform game
A platform game is a video game characterized by requiring the player to jump to and from suspended platforms or over obstacles . It must be possible to control these jumps and to fall from platforms or miss jumps...
that plays very similar to the first Mega Man Xtreme
Mega Man Xtreme
Mega Man Xtreme, known as in Japan, is a video game developed by Capcom for the Game Boy Color handheld console. It is a spin-off title in the Mega Man X series of video games that originated on the Super Nintendo Entertainment System...
. Like the Game Boy
Game Boy
The , is an 8-bit handheld video game device developed and manufactured by Nintendo. It was released in Japan on , in North America in , and in Europe on...
incarnations of the classic Mega Man series, Mega Man Xtreme 2, reuses elements from first three home console Mega Man X games. The player is tasked with completing a series of side-scrolling
Side-scrolling video game
A side-scrolling game or side-scroller is a video game in which the gameplay action is viewed from a side-view camera angle, and the onscreen characters generally move from the left side of the screen to the right. These games make use of scrolling computer display technology...
levels by avoiding obstacles and destroying end-stage bosses. Stages are typically linear and present a number of traps and enemy robots to combat; collecting DNA Souls and items that refill health, ammunition, and extra lives; power-up
Power-up
In computer and video games, power-ups are objects that instantly benefit or add extra abilities to the game character as a game mechanic. This is in contrast to an item, which may or may not have a benefit and can be used at a time chosen by the player...
s that improve the player's maximum health; and armor parts that grant X new abilities. Defeating the Maverick boss at the stage's end will earn the player its special weapon. These weapons can then be used to more easily other bosses, as each one is weak to a unique weapon. After each level, the DNA Souls gathered in the level will accumulate, which the player can use to purchase additional upgrades from Iris. These upgrades range from speed and power improvements, health rechargers, and shielding.
In the game's normal difficulty
Difficulty level
In general usage, difficulty level refers to the relative difficulty of completing a task or objective.In computer and video games, the term specifically delineates the ease or difficulty with which an average user may complete a game or a part of a game. Arcade games as well as many early console...
mode, the player is given the option to choose between using X and using Zero, each lending their own advantages and disadvantages. X uses his "X-Buster" to shoot enemies from a distance. It can be charged up to inflict more damage to enemies. Alternatively, Zero uses his "Z-Saber" for close-range combat. Zero risks losing health more often by getting closer to enemies, but his slashes are more damaging than X's bullets. A difficulty setting called "Xtreme Mode" can be unlocked where the player can switch between X and Zero on any level, thus allowing them to gain different weapons depending on which bosses they defeat. The major change in this game compared with other Mega Man X titles is that X and Zero do not both gain a weapon when a boss is defeated; only the character used to destroy the Maverick will get the special weapon. This adds a hint of strategy to the gameplay, as one must consider not only the order in which they will fight each boss, but whether X or Zero's gained weapons will prove more effective later on, and which are needed to gain hard-to-reach power-ups. Beating Xtreme Mode will unlock a "Boss Rush" that allows the player to battle all eight Mavericks from this game as well as the eight Mavericks from the first Mega Man Xtreme.
Development
Mega Man Xtreme 2 was developed and published by CapcomCapcom
is a Japanese developer and publisher of video games, known for creating multi-million-selling franchises such as Devil May Cry, Chaos Legion, Street Fighter, Mega Man and Resident Evil. Capcom developed and published Bionic Commando, Lost Planet and Dark Void too, but they are less known. Its...
. Artist Haruki Suetsugu was responsible for doing the character designs and Japanese package art for the game. He expressed joy over being able to illustrate Iris, having not been able to do so since Mega Man X4. Because Mega Man Xtreme 2 was meant to be set in earlier time period than that game, he modified Iris' outfit by subtracting her beret and giving her a uniform a "schoolgirl look" to make her look younger. Berkana and Gareth were drawn as a witch and a knight respectively to tie with medieval
Middle Ages
The Middle Ages is a periodization of European history from the 5th century to the 15th century. The Middle Ages follows the fall of the Western Roman Empire in 476 and precedes the Early Modern Era. It is the middle period of a three-period division of Western history: Classic, Medieval and Modern...
theme of the villains from the first Mega Man Xtreme. Gareth's lion companion, which Suetsugu was given specific instructions to design as well, is not present in the actual game. Mega Man Xtreme 2 was was first announced in Japan during March 2001. Prior to the Electronic Entertainment Expo (E3), Capcom announced that they would be localizing the game for western territories, as well the first title in another Mega Man spin-off series, Mega Man Battle Network
Mega Man Battle Network (video game)
Mega Man Battle Network, known as in Japan, is a video game developed by Capcom for the Game Boy Advance handheld console. It is the first of the Mega Man Battle Network series of video games...
for the Game Boy Advance
Game Boy Advance
The is a 32-bit handheld video game console developed, manufactured, and marketed by Nintendo. It is the successor to the Game Boy Color. It was released in Japan on March 21, 2001; in North America on June 11, 2001; in Australia and Europe on June 22, 2001; and in the People's Republic of China...
.
Reception
Critically, Mega Man Xtreme 2 has met with a fair yet somewhat unenthusiastic reception. Most reviewers saw the game as an improvement over the first Mega Man Xtreme with the addition of the DNA Soul system and the option to play as both X and Zero. Skyler Miller of AllgameAllgame
Allgame is a commercial database of information about arcade games, video games and console manufacturers.Allgame is owned by All Media Guide, along with Allmusic and Allmovie....
and Giancarlo Varanini of GameSpot
GameSpot
GameSpot is a video gaming website that provides news, reviews, previews, downloads, and other information. The site was launched in May 1, 1996 by Pete Deemer, Vince Broady and Jon Epstein. It was purchased by ZDNet, a brand which was later purchased by CNET Networks. CBS Interactive, which...
respectively noted these features as "somewhat fresh" and "interesting". Game Informer
Game Informer
Game Informer is an American-based monthly magazine featuring articles, news, strategy, and reviews of popular video games and associated consoles. It was formed in August 1991, when FuncoLand started publishing a six-page magazine, free in all its retail locations...
summarized Mega Man Xtreme 2 as significant upgrade to its predecessor, citing the sequel's two playable characters, multiple hidden modes, higher boss intelligence, and a steeper difficulty curve. Varanini found that most of the unbalanced difficulty from the first Mega Man Xtreme has been alleviated, save for parts where the player must blindly leap off platforms without being able to see the next portion of the screen. Miller stated that, like other Mega Man titles, the game's challenge level tends to be frustrating without ever feeling impossible while encouraging the player to practice.
Both Miller and Varanini were generally satisfied with the graphics and sound of Mega Man Xtreme 2, though the former reviewer noticed a few instances of visual slowdown and audible repetition. The two writers also had similar, negative opinions on the game's storyline and translation. Miller pointed out that the instruction manual and in-game text are inconsistent with one another in both narrative and character names. One typo in the plot's introduction renders the word "laboratory" as "lavatory
Toilet
A toilet is a sanitation fixture used primarily for the disposal of human excrement, often found in a small room referred to as a toilet/bathroom/lavatory...
", a mistake on which Varanini commented "ironically speaks to the quality of the storyline". However, Varanini was most disappointed by the game's use of previous stages and bosses, attributing it to diminishing creativity on Capcom's part. 1UP.com
1UP.com
1UP.com is a video game website owned by IGN Entertainment, a division of News Corporation. Previously, the site was owned by Ziff Davis before being sold to UGO Entertainment in 2009....
editor Jeremy Parrish considered the Mega Man Xtreme 2 superior to the first Mega Man Xtreme, but did not recommend either one. "While less Xtremely bad than its predecessor," Parrish wrote, "this one's still not Xtremely good, either -- especially considering the Zero series
Mega Man Zero
The Mega Man Zero series, known as in Japan, is the series succeeding the Mega Man X story-line, and the fifth series in Capcom's Mega Man video game franchise, co-produced by Keiji Inafune, and directed by Mega Man Legends series director Yoshinori Kawano...
arrived not too long after its debut."
Mega Man Xtreme 2 ranked number six on Japanese sales charts for its release week, selling 17,110 units. According to Dengeki Online
ASCII Media Works
is a Japanese publishing company in the Kadokawa Group which formed on April 1, 2008 as a result of a merger between ASCII and MediaWorks where MediaWorks legally absorbed ASCII. Despite this, the former president of ASCII, Kiyoshi Takano, became the president of ASCII Media Works. The company...
, the game sold 88,564 units in Japan during 2001, making it the 127th best-selling game in the region for that year.