Mega Man X2 (known as Rockman X2 in Japan) is the fast-paced action-platform game sequel to Mega Man X developed by Capcom for the Super Nintendo/Super Famicom. The game was released in Japan in 1994, and in North America and other regions in 1995.
Mega Man was a big hit on the NES/Famicom, and when this still has series continued, a new spin-off was set in the future. Mega Man X, was born. The first Mega Man X became more popular than the original series' sequels. Since Capcom loves making sequels of its proven cash cow games, Mega Man X2 was released just a year later.
The Story
After defeating the X-Hunters in the first X game, Mega Man X faces a new threat from an old abandoned tech factory. 8 new X-Hunters keep him busy while a secret weapon is being resurrected. Dr. Light provides our robot hero with hidden upgrades, and with new abilities, vehicles, and powers, Mega Man X must go forth to stop the uprising. It's all or face Zero!
The Graphics and Sound
This second game keeps the same great graphics from Mega Man X, with detailed, clear visuals and plenty of impressive backgrounds. There are cool wireframe effects, making it one of the best-looking SNES games.
The music and sound effects is still solid, though not as memorable as the first game. Overall, it looks and sounds very good but does not innovate much in the audio department.
The Gameplay
Mega Man X2 keeps the same solid game controls that fans love but adds an air dash. However, the gameplay feels quite similar to the first X game, with only the minor upgrades and weapons. The enemy X-Hunters do add frustration, as their limited appearances can make it hard to collect the secret character Zero’s parts. Some of the good items are also overly difficult to obtain.
The replay value is low since there is only one ending with a slight variation. The Street Fighter style Dragon Punch move to get is a nice secret, but overall, Mega Man X2 is not as fun to revisit/replay as the other Mega Man X games.
My Verdict
Mega Man X2 is decent but is the weakest in the series for most of the fans. For most, the difficulty can be frustrating. There is nothing bad about it, but nothing great either. It just does not match the fun of the other games in the X series. I think it is damn solid but quite overrated.
Play it on the treasured Super Nintendo/Super Famicom or play it on a likable emulator.
Let's keep on gaming in the free world!
Good luck if you try out MMX3 blind 😅
I personally had quite the enjoyment out of X2 despite the simpler levels - the buster upgrade is fun to fight with and the Dragon Punch was hilarious to use and one-shot Agile's second fight.
I was already aware X2 is kind of divisive in how it's regarded compared to other games, but certainly not as mixed (or even majorly negative) as the reception for X3, X5, X6 and especially X7.
Although if you haven't checked it out yet, the MMX8 16-bit fangame could be worth a shot when I've seen it praised to be as good as the first MMX.
I had a friend who was good at Mega Man games. I got his opinion on this one. Will try out that MMX8 16-bit fangame.