"One of these things which have really troubled me with Megaman 3 is the famous ‘rock-paper-scissors’ system, in which each of the bosses are weak to at least one of the boss-obtained powers. Don’t read me wrong, I think it’s a great feature. But the great downside to it is that it’s not as simple as ‘Waterman beats Fireman’ or ‘Birdman beats Insectman’. It is almost totally random and reasonless, such as ‘Gemini Man beats Needleman’, ‘Cutman beats Elecman’. There is no hint or clue as to what power is best to use, before or during the level. It’s all about trial and error, which makes the game tedious and repetitive if you choose not to toil with your default blaster. Also, in all games, there is at least one boss which is unspeakably annoying in his jump attacks, which are sometimes unavoidable. Of course, even touching the boss deals you damage, so you can imagine the frustration when he bounces all over you with no chance for you to get away!"

 

If you haven't read Part One, check for it HERE! If you want to read the second part of Alex's Megaman 3 review, click Read More...now!

But enough of my ranting. Megaman 3 introduces a new character, Protoman, (disguising himself as ‘Breakman’) as a supposed nemesis to Megaman. Amidst a few of the stages, he makes an appearance acting like a mini-boss. He jumps in rhythm as he moves, and the pattern can be seen as steady and unobtrusive if you use the slide ability correctly. At the end of the game, (*SPOILER ALERT*) we discover Protoman is in actual fact an abbreviation of ‘Prototype’ man, Dr Light’s first robot and therefore Megaman’s older ‘brother’, and his unprovoked attacks were merely meant to toughen you up for combat.

I’m sure you are all very keen to know about *sigh* the Dr Wily stages. Well, you’ll be pleased to know that after the eight main stages, you don’t get to Dr Wily quite yet (he’s still working happily with Dr Light at this point (or is he?))! Instead, and you will absolutely not believe this, you are bound for a rematch with ALL EIGHT Megaman 2 bosses. But not JUST the Megaman 2 bosses. Remember me saying in my last review how I rather enjoyed the boss battles in Megaman 2 because they were dynamic and not too ridiculously hard? (Of course you do, because I mentioned it a bit earlier) Each of the bosses are seen entering a special robotic suit, which is about twice their height, enhancing their attacks and just making them more of a general pain in the ass. They are spread over four stages, which are similar to stages you have already done before only with subtle differences. There’s a Megaman 2 boss in the middle of the level, followed by a large health boost for your troubles, and one at the end. Problems always arise, as Megaman 1 has shown us, when there is more that one boss in a level. These stages are hard, and experimenting with the boss’ power vulnerability makes them even more tedious.

Then, if you are skilful enough to traverse these levels, you are informed that Dr Wily has become bad again, as you would expect, and stolen Gamma. One more brief fight with ‘Breakman’ and it’s off to his titanic, brand new fortress of doom! Thankfully, the system from Megaman 2 has been kept – you continue only from the start of the stage that you died on. Good start. And as for the stages themselves? They’re not all too different from Megaman 2 either, to be perfectly honest. They are not monstrously difficult. The same can’t be said, however, for the part where you must beat all the bosses in the game (that is Megaman 3 bosses only, just to clarify). It was hard enough with Megaman 2 bosses in the last game, who were considerably easier, so now it is just certain death, unless you exploit the weaknesses of the bosses and harness every inch of your video gaming ability, then there may be a chance. Then the problem of Dr Wily himself arises. Just like any other Megaman game, he is very difficult, and since the last game he makes you fight him again in a different form once you have already beaten him the first time. Without giving too much away, you have to destroy Gamma, who we discover is an enormous giant of a robot controlled by Dr Wily. If you want to find out how nasty the final bosses really are, I suggest you play the game and experience them for yourself.

All in all, Megaman 3 boasts better graphics than its predecessors, more challenging bosses, and longer playing time with the addition of the four stages featuring old bosses. There are a several new features, but does that make it a step up? Does it give better reason to play than Megaman 2? In my personal opinion, Megaman 2 felt a lot more user friendly and fun in comparison to its following title. However, if you are really after a challenge and enjoy innovative and fast-paced action in gameplay, then Megaman 3 is certainly the game for you.