Mega Man ZX Advent

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Mega Man ZX Advent
Box artwork for Mega Man ZX Advent, depicting Grey as Mega Man Model A in the foreground
Developer(s)	Inti Creates
Publisher(s)	Capcom
Platform(s)	Nintendo DS
Release date	^JP July 12, 2007 ^NA October 23, 2007 ^EU February 29, 2008 ^AU March 5, 2008 ^[1]
Genre(s)	Platformer
Mode(s)	Single player, Two player
Rating(s)	CERO: A ESRB: E10+
Media	Nintendo DS Game Card

Mega Man ZX Advent, known in Japan as Rockman ZX Advent (ロックマンゼクスアドベント, Rokkuman Zekusu Adobento^?), is the second installment of the Mega Man ZX series of Mega Man video games. Taking place a few years after the first ZX, the game follows two new protagonists as they battle with various enemy Mega Men, the infamous Model W, and their own destinies.^[2]

The title plays very similarly to its predecessor with a multitude of expansions, including twice as many playable forms. Also different from its predecessor is the English localization which now includes a full English voice cast.^[3]

The game was first released in Japan on July 12, 2007. The North American version was released on October 23, 2007. It was released in Europe on February 29, 2008, and in Australia on March 5, 2008.

1 Plot
2 Characters
3 Gameplay
4 Reception
5 References
6 External links

[edit] Plot

Advent takes place four years and eight months after the events of the first ZX title. The Federation Government, Legion, was established as an organization that helps blur the line between humans and Reploids by giving humans cybernetic enhancements and giving Reploids artificial life spans. Since then, the two populations have cooperated all around the world. However, some feral machines known as Mavericks still exist in unsafe ruin areas, unfortunate as much of the world's most powerful technology has also been lost in these ruins. Many people known as Hunters formed the Hunter's Guild to seek the wealth inside the ruins. Meanwhile, those unwilling to join the Hunters and collect the treasure through their own means were come to be known as Raiders, and the two often clashed in their own missions to gather the buried technology.^[2]

Like its predecessor, Advent allows the player to discover the story through the eyes of two different characters. Like the two playable protagonists of the first ZX, the two heroes exist concurrently, but which character embarks on the game's adventure is determined by the player. Grey (グレイ, Gurei^?) is a young Reploid boy in cryogenic hibernation inside of an abandoned laboratory. He's awakened by Hunters and then attacked by Pandora (パンドラ, Pandora^?) who claims he is "defective." Escaping from her, Grey joins the Hunters in hopes of discovering the truth about his identity and past. Meanwhile, Ashe (アッシュ, Asshu^?) is a young human girl and a skilled member of the Hunter's Guild.^[2]

Grey hibernating in the lab.

Both characters are given the mission of protecting a powerful Biometal (Live Metal in Japan) from Raiders as it is transported to Legion. The Biometal is known as Model A and amidst the attack, it merges with them. Model A is valued for its ability called A-Trans, allowing it to completely mimic the abilities and appearance of other lifeforms such as Mavericks and Biometals. Gifted with this power, Grey/Ashe are enlisted by the Sage Trinity (三賢人, San Kenjin^?) to clean up several Maverick attacks and investigate the mysterious Model W (Model V, in reference to Dr. Vile from the Rockman Zero games, who is Romanized "Weil" in the North American localization). Along the way, Grey/Ashe also continuously run in with Pandora and Prometheus (プロメテ, Puromete^?), as well as four Mega Men using the Biometals from the first ZX. All of them are intertwined in a plot regarding several Model W's.^[2]

The events of both characters' games are identical, but the dialogue and back stories examined are different, requiring the player to finish the game as both to receive all of the plot's details. The storyline is told through several voiced cut-scenes, both within the 2D gameplay field and in animated FMVs. Unlike the first ZX title (which removed most of the voices), the North American version of Advent is completely redubbed with an English cast. However the PAL region versions only have voice acting during the FMV sequences.

[edit] Characters

Main article: List of Mega Man ZX characters

Advent features a very large cast of characters both new to the series and returning from the first ZX, including the two main protagonists, eight Mega Men, the Sage Trinity, and eight Pseudoroids. A majority of the cast is playable by copying their forms with A-Trans, and thus, these characters are outlined in detail below in the corresponding sections.

The Sage Trinity are the ruling triumvirate of Legion. Their names are Master Thomas (マスター・トーマス, Masutā Tōmasu^?) (a red-haired tall man), Master Albert (マスター・アルバート, Masutā Arubāto^?) (a blue-haired tall sage), and Master Mikhail (マスター・ミハイル, Masutā Mihairu^?) (a short man). They were originally human, but in order to continue ruling Legion extended their lives through cybernetics. Unbeknownst to the Thomas and Mikhail, Albert is the original creator of Model W and betrays them in order to gather various Model W's and form the ultimate Biometal, Ouroboros. Using it, he intends to rule a new world as its god.
Prometheus and Pandora are two characters returning from the first ZX. In this title, their origins are revealed as sibling creations of Master Albert. In order to enforce their loyalty, Albert gave them limited lifespans that require them to return to capsules to rest. Since their creation, they have been ordered to seek out the strongest Mega Man, but their bitterness toward their creator has led them to create their own agenda. They hope to use Grey/Ashe to bring them closer to Albert and, ultimately, destroy him and everything he has ever worked on.

[edit] Gameplay

Many of the elements from the first ZX return in this title, including the expansive 2D world and several missions and collection side-quests. However, many features have been expanded and improved upon from the previous title. The amount of transformations have doubled, and the map system—which was difficult to read in the first title—has been enhanced to reflect the actual shape of the area and to show the character's position on it. The Overdrive Invoke System has also been removed from Advent, and Model A is now the only character capable of performing a super attack. Instead, most of the transformations' abilities now deplete the BM (Biometal) Gauge, which is constantly refilling at a gradual pace.

A screenshot depicting Grey battling on the train to Legion.

The only Biometal received is Model A, but by using A-Trans, the character is able to copy the form of several boss characters defeated throughout the course of the game. The touch screen on the DS can be set to display buttons for each transformation, allowing the character to change their forms with a simple touch of the screen. The ordering of the buttons can also be customized. The methods of transforming from the first ZX are also retained.

The players begin the game in their normal forms (Reploid for Grey and Human for Ashe) and can revert to them at any time. Unlike the first ZX title, Grey/Ashe is given a weak buster gun. The only advantages to using the default forms are being able to crouch under obstacles and through small spaces, as well as floating along water's surface.^[4]

Shortly after, the player receives Model A, a quirky and sometimes cowardly Biometal. Given two large hand cannons, this form is designed for long-range combat. A scope is used to target several enemies simultaneously and release homing shots. Furthermore, the Giga Crush is an ability that will rapidly attack several enemies on the screen at the cost of an entire BM gauge.^[5]

[edit] Mega Men

Humans/Reploids chosen as the Biometals' "Biomatch" are regarded as Mega Men (regardless of the person's gender). Several enemy Mega Men appear throughout the course of Advent who possess the Biometals used from the first ZX.^[6] By defeating them in battle, Grey/Ashe is able to copy their forms via A-Trans, but they never actually attain the Biometals.

Aeolus (ヘリオス, Heriosu^?, Helios in the Japanese version) is the Biomatch for Model H, the Wind Mega Man. Aeolus is a perfectionist and thus very condescending. He view the world's chaos as a result of the world's ignorance. Model H is modeled after Harpuia of the Mega Man Zero series. The form excels in aerial combat, and two large sabers can be used to summon shockwaves and electrified tornadoes.

Siarnaq (シャルナク, Sharunaku^?) is the Biomatch for Model P, the Shadow Mega Man. Siarnaq is exceedingly cold and machinelike in his demeanor, always speaking in a robotic monotone, which is apparently due to incidents in his past, which include betrayal and being left for dead. Model P is modeled after Phantom of the Mega Man Zero series. This form utilizes kunai and shuriken, and is given a wider field of vision in dark rooms than other forms.

Atlas (アトラス, Atorasu^?) is the Biomatch for Model F, the Flame Mega Man. She was originally a soldier for a country destroyed by Mavericks, and plays the Game of Destiny to speed up the evolutionary process. Model F is modeled after Fefnir of the Mega Man Zero series. This form is able to customize two busters to alter the direction of each busters' trajectory. Furthermore, the player can fire projectiles or punch horizontally and vertically, giving Model F more range than most forms.

Thetis (テティス, Tetisu^?) is the Biomatch for Model L, the Ice Mega Man. On the surface, Thetis is a kind, normal boy, but hides a radically environmentalist agenda. Model L is modeled after Leviathan of the Mega Man Zero series. This form exceeds in underwater combat with the ability to swim for an unlimited duration and battle with a large staff called the Halberd.

The protagonists of the first ZX title also return: Vent (ヴァン, Van^?) (who appears in Ashe's game) and Aile (エール, Ēru^?) (who appears in Grey's game). These two are also seeking Model W to destroy it, and after a misunderstanding, they become allies with Grey/Ashe, aiding in the infiltration of Ouroboros. The two characters are still equipped with Model X and Model Z, and by using them simultaneously, transform into the form of Model ZX. This form retains all of its abilities from the first ZX, including a chargeable buster that's stronger than to Model A's, and a fast-slashing saber for close-range melee combat. New to ZX Advent, Model ZX can perform a special sword attack akin to those performed by Zero. The attack differs depending on whether Vent or Aile's form is copied.

[edit] Pseudoroids

The eight Pseudoroid bosses. From left to right: (back) Chronoforce, Bifrost, Queenbee; (front) Rospark, Hedgeshock, Vulturon, Buckfire, Argoyle & Ugoyle.

The eight Pseudoroids can also become playable upon destroying them in battle. Although the Biometal forms all use similar abilities (such as dashing and wall climbing), the Pseudoroid forms vary greatly in basic movement and abilities. There are two Pseudoroids to represent each element (fire, ice, and electricity) and two with no element, akin to the first ZX title.

Representing the fire element is Buckfire the Gaxelleroid (named "Deerburn the Gazelleroid" in Japan) and Queenbee the Hymenopteroid (named "Kaisemine the Wasproid" in Japan). Buckfire is a gazelle-like boss that exhibits a Native American motif. He has a myriad of high-agility techniques that can destroy objects beneath and above him. Queenbee is modeled after a sophisticated wasp that summons various smaller bees from a giant hive. However, while assuming this form, the hive is absent, and instead, Queenbee can dock onto several other items and carry them.

For the ice element, the Pseudoroids are Chronoforce the Xiphosuroid (named "Chronoforce the Tridenroid" in Japan) and Bifrost the Crocoroid. Chronoforce is a horseshoe crab-like boss that can only function underwater. He can fire an array of icicles and momentarily slow down time. Bifrost is a crocodile boss and the largest of the eight Pseudoroids. He uses a spiked wheel attack similar to Wheel Gator from Mega Man X2. Bifrost can also use his jaws to crush electrified boxes impervious to any other attacks.

The electric element is represented by Rospark the Floroid (named "Rospark the Floweroid" in Japan) and Hedgeshock the Erinaceroid (named "Tesrat the Hedgeroid" in Japan). Rospark alternates between a cumbersome bulb-form on the ground and a blooming flower-form while hanging from vertical ropes, vines, and poles. Hedgeshock is a hedgehog with a hysterical personality. She is quick and nimble, able to squeeze through small spaces by rolling into a ball, but her attacks are weak and her body is fragile.

The two Pseudoroids without elements include twins Argoyle and Ugoyle the Shisaroids and Vulturon the Condoroid (named "Condorock the Vulturoid" in Japan). Argoyle and Ugoyle work in unison by bombarding their enemies with rock bombs and various shadow attacks from both sides of the battlefield. The two are based on a shisa motif. Meanwhile, Vulturon is a vulture themed after rock music. He uses a guitar-shaped weapon that fires microwaves. He is also able to summon zombie-like creatures made from junk.

[edit] Other features

Advent features several difficulty settings. Beginner simplifies the gameplay by weakening enemy's defenses and attacks and disabling instant-defeat obstacles among other things. By completing the game on Normal, Expert mode can be unlocked, and upon completing it, an extended ending can be viewed.

The Database from the first ZX returns. Eighty-five secret disks are scattered throughout the game with descriptions and images of the characters and enemies in the game. Several special disks are also featured, including an image of the infamous North American box art for the original NES game. Along with the secret disks, there are several equippable chip items that can enhance the players abilities, such as preventing the effects of wind and ice on the player's footing. A hidden room in the game will also give the player special items for each month of the year.

Furthermore, 24 medals can be collected depending on how the eight Pseudoroids are defeated in battle. Gold, silver, and bronze medals can be received for each Pseudoroid depending on the difficulty of the task involved. Tasks sometimes include what attack or form the enemy is defeated with, what part of their body is attacked, or the amount of time they're defeated in.

The game features a few unlockable mini-games. Quiz Advent requires the player to identify twenty characters with three visual obstructions. A mini-game from the first title, Gem Buster is now only playable between two players over an ad-hoc network. Two boss mini-games called Survival Road and Boss Battle can be unlocked. Finally, Mega Man a (the "a" standing for "ancient" or "antique") is an imitation of the original 8-bit Mega Man games on the Nintendo Entertainment System using ZX characters and music. By collecting all 24 Pseudoroid medals, the 8-bit form can be used in the actual game in the form of Model a.

[edit] Reception

Critical reaction to the game has been positive. IGN gave a score of 8 out of 10, stating "It's a fairly long and deep experience, though it's by no means a perfect game. However, the good certainly outweighs the bad, and we can't help but recommend this game as a result."^[7] GameSpot gave the game a score of 7.5 out of 10, citing the main problem as the game's difficulty being a bit too high for the casual gamer.^[8]