Mega Man is one of the most beloved and iconic video game franchises of all time, and it has been thrilling gamers for over three decades. With its catchy music, challenging levels, and iconic hero, Mega Man has become a staple of the video game industry, and has amassed a dedicated following of fans. For Nintendo DS owners, the Mega Man experience was taken to a whole new level, with several games in the franchise being released exclusively on the handheld platform. In this article, we will be taking a closer look at the Mega Man games that were released on Nintendo DS, and exploring why these games are considered to be some of the best in the franchise. So, grab your stylus, charge up your DS, and let’s get ready to take on the world of Mega Man!
6. Mega Man Star Force Dragon, Leo & Pegasus
Mega Man Star Force is a 2006 action-role playing game in the Mega Man franchise, released exclusively for the Nintendo DS. This game marked a departure from the traditional Mega Man formula, as it features a new protagonist and a new gameplay style, mixing traditional action elements with RPG elements.
Mega Man Star Force is set in the year 220X, in a world where people are able to communicate with each other wirelessly through their “Transer” devices. The story follows the protagonist, a young boy named Geo Stelar, who is searching for his lost father. Geo soon discovers that he is able to merge with a powerful alien entity known as “FM-ian,” which gives him the ability to transform into Mega Man.
As Mega Man, Geo must travel through different levels, battling the Syndicate’s forces and their powerful leaders. Along the way, he is joined by a cast of memorable characters, including his best friend Bud, the tomboyish Luna Platz, and the brilliant Doctor Vega. Together, they work to uncover the truth behind the Syndicate’s plans, and stop them from destroying the world.
The gameplay in Mega Man Star Force is split between two main components: exploring the world and battling enemies.
Exploration: The game takes place in a world that is divided into several different areas, including towns, forests, caves, and more. Players must navigate these areas and interact with characters in order to progress the story and gather information.
Combat: The core gameplay of Mega Man Star Force revolves around battling enemies in real-time. Players can use a variety of weapons and abilities to take on their enemies, and can also transform into different forms to gain new powers and abilities. The combat system is fast-paced and action-packed, with players having to dodge and jump to avoid enemy attacks while trying to land their own.
In addition to battling enemies, players can also form alliances with other characters known as “tribes.” These tribes give players access to powerful abilities and new forms, allowing them to take on even tougher enemies and challenges.
Overall, the plot of Mega Man Star Force is considered lackluster and predictable by many players. The game utilizes a significant amount of reused sprite designs, and the transition to a new system has not led to noticeable improvements in the graphics. The battle system, which was previously praised for its depth in the Battle Network series, has been streamlined and lacks the depth of its predecessors. Another point of criticism is that the game is released in multiple versions, with only minor variations in the player’s available powers.
5. Mega Man Star Force 2: Zerker x Ninja & Zerker x Saurian
Mega Man Star Force 2 is a popular action-role playing game in the Mega Man franchise, released for the Nintendo DS in 2007. The game shares many similarities with its predecessor in terms of gameplay and story. The game picks up where the first title left off, following the journey of Geo Stelar and his alien partner Omega-Xis as they become Mega Man and battle against harmful entities in the EM world.
The gameplay in Mega Man Star Force 2 is largely unchanged from the first title, with only minor improvements to character customization and a few other features. One unique aspect of the game is that it comes in two different versions (Zerker and Ninja), available on each of the game cartridges. Players are given the option to choose which version they would like to play and can switch between them.
It is important to note that the differences between the versions are relatively minor, much like the first Mega Man Star Force game.
4. Mega Man Star Force 3 Black Ace & Red Joker
The Star Force series comes to a close with Mega Man Star Force 3, which builds upon its predecessors with improved gameplay and a more engaging storyline. This latest installment takes place after the events of the second game and sees the protagonist Geo Stelar and his alien friend Omega-Xis entering the wave world with the help of a program called a Wizard. The story begins with a meteor heading towards Earth, composed of detrimental data known as “noise,” and a criminal organization called Dealer causing chaos.
Compared to its predecessors, Star Force 3 does a better job in developing its cast of characters, both the protagonists and antagonists. There are personal motivations for many of the members of Dealer, and familiar faces from previous games make a return. Geo and Mega no longer have to go it alone, as they team up with other wizard users to face the challenges ahead. The plot also has a number of surprising twists and a lengthy endgame scenario that ties in closely with the first game.
This game is available in multiple versions, such as the Black Ace, and each has slight differences in the powers and forms available to Mega Man. Overall, Star Force 3 offers a satisfying conclusion to the series with its improved gameplay and storyline.
3. Mega Man ZX Advent
Mega Man ZX Advent is the sequel to Mega Man ZX and is a action-platformer video game developed by Inti Creates and published by Capcom. The story takes place several centuries after the original Mega Man ZX and features two new playable characters, Grey and Ashe, who are both biometal-powered human-robot hybrids.
The game takes place in a world where humans have discovered ancient biometal ruins that grant special powers. The main antagonists, the organization “Model W,” are seeking to obtain these biometals in order to take over the world. Grey and Ashe must team up to stop them and discover the truth behind their own origins. One major gameplay addition in Mega Man ZX Advent is the inclusion of two biometals, Model HX and Model A, that can be used interchangeably throughout the game. These biometals provide different abilities and play styles, allowing players to experiment and find their own preferred method of progression.
The game features 2D platforming action with a focus on fast-paced combat, where players must defeat enemies and collect items and power-ups to progress through the levels. In addition to traditional Mega Man-style action, Mega Man ZX Advent also features RPG elements, such as character customization and a large world to explore.
The graphics in Mega Man ZX Advent have been improved from the original game, with enhanced 2D graphics and detailed character models. The soundtrack is also noteworthy, with a mix of fast-paced action tracks and more atmospheric themes that help create a sense of adventure and excitement.
2. Mega Man ZX
Mega Man ZX is a spin-off series of the popular Mega Man franchise that was released on the Nintendo DS in 2006. The game takes place in a world where humans and robots coexist, and players take on the role of either a male or female protagonist who possesses the “Biometal Model Z”, a special metal that allows them to transform into different Mega Man models and battle against a group of rogue robots known as the “Sentinels”.
The story of Mega Man ZX follows the journey of the protagonist as they team up with a group of allies to stop the Sentinels and uncover the truth behind their existence. Along the way, they encounter various characters, both friend and foe, who hold key information and hold the fate of the world in their hands. The player must navigate through different stages and make choices that will determine the outcome of the story.
In addition to the standard action-platform gameplay, Mega Man ZX also introduces elements of exploration and non-linear progression, allowing players to choose their own path and discover hidden secrets and abilities. With multiple endings and challenging boss battles, Mega Man ZX offers a rich and immersive experience for fans of the Mega Man franchise.
1. Mega Man Battle Network 5: Double Team DS
Mega Man Battle Network 5: Double Team DS is a video game developed and published by Capcom that was released on the Nintendo DS in 2005. It is the fifth game in the Mega Man Battle Network series and a follow-up to Mega Man Battle Network 4. The game is set in a futuristic world where technology has advanced so much that people are able to control robots known as “NetNavis” to fight against viruses and other computer-based threats.
In Battle Network 5: Double Team DS, players take on the role of MegaMan.EXE, a NetNavi controlled by a young boy named Lan Hikari. The game’s story revolves around Lan and MegaMan as they work together to stop a mysterious organization that is threatening the world’s computer networks. Along the way, they encounter a number of other characters, both good and bad, and must fight to save the world.
One of the most notable features of Battle Network 5: Double Team DS is the addition of a new partner system. Players can now team up with a second NetNavi to fight alongside MegaMan.EXE. This adds a new layer of strategy to the gameplay as players must carefully choose which NetNavi will be best suited for each battle.
In terms of gameplay, Battle Network 5: Double Team DS is similar to previous games in the series. Players navigate through a series of side-scrolling levels, battling viruses and other enemies along the way. The game’s combat system uses a combination of real-time action and turn-based strategy, as players must carefully select the right weapons and abilities to defeat each opponent. Players can also choose between two control methods, with the d-pad used for movement and the touch screen used for actions such as shooting, sliding, and accessing the Battle Chip library. The game also introduces new abilities for MegaMan.EXE and ProtoMan.EXE, including the ability to shoot fire and ice, respectively.
For multiplayer, “Double Team DS” offers cross-platform play with its counterpart on the Nintendo Game Boy Advance, allowing players to trade chips and battle each other using the Game Boy Advance link cable.
Closing Thoughts
In conclusion, the Mega Man franchise has a long and storied history, and the games released for the Nintendo DS are no exception. Whether you are a fan of the classic Battle Network games, the unique Star Force series, or the more action-oriented ZX games, there is something for everyone in the Mega Man library on the DS.
