Mega Man® II Review

By , on March 13, 2010


Mega Man® II
Download on the AppStore
3 out of 5

PROS

  • Classic NES platforming on the iphone.
  • Memorable soundtrack.
  • Streamlined experience for new players, classic mode for old.

CONS

  • Touch controls not the best.
  • Problems with both portrait and landscape view.

VERDICT

Capcom have tried a lot to make this NES classic work on the iphone. It's not the best, but it works, and it's Mega Man II.


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This is a difficult review to write. Mega Man II is this reviewer's favourite videogame of all time. This 1988 release on the NES has been ported to the iphone with a whole new streamlined experience. Dr. Wily is at again, and it's up to Megaman to stop his nefarious schemes.

This iphone port comes with a few options that affect controls and gameplay. The game can be played in portrait or landscape view. Portrait makes the touch joystick and buttons harder to use while landscape features an improper screen ratio. The controls are the same as the NES game. Move with the joystick, jump, and shoot. When a robot master is defeated, you gain a weapon that can be switched to and used for the rest of the game.

The game is a faithful port in both graphics and sound. The sprites show their age today, but the art and character design for the time was quite impressive. The soundtrack is one of the highlights of this game, with every level pumping out a memorable piece of 8-bit music. The game can be played in classic mode, with proper controls and difficulty settings, or in a new streamlined mode with smoother gameplay, less enemies and looser jumping.

For those who fondly remember Mega Man II, it's hard to recommend this version. The touch controls work but can't replicate the feel and response of a control pad. Still if you're excited by the idea of a portable copy of this game, or for those who haven't tried this platforming classic, it might just be worth the purchase.

Screenshots

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