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Mega Man 11’s announcement sparked hope amongst fans of the Blue Bomber. After the disappointment of Mighty No. 9, a spiritual successor that failed to live up to expectations, players yearned for a true return to form. With Mega Man 11, Capcom aimed to deliver a classic Mega Man experience while incorporating modern elements. Did they succeed? Let’s dive into this review to find out.

Mega Man 11 gameplay

A Faithful Return to Roots

Mega Man 11 stays true to the core gameplay that defines the series. The familiar loop of navigating stages, battling Robot Masters, acquiring their weapons, and ultimately confronting Dr. Wily is fully intact. Players face eight initial Robot Masters, each with unique weaknesses and weapon drops. Strategic planning and choosing the optimal boss order remain crucial for a smoother experience. Three additional bosses offer further challenges after the initial eight.

Mega Man 11 Boss Battle

While the boss battles are engaging, the difficulty on normal settings is manageable, especially if you’re familiar with the series’ conventions. Discovering weaknesses, either through experimentation or online resources, makes most encounters relatively short. The additional bosses provide a steeper challenge, requiring more skillful play. Thankfully, stockpiling health and energy items before these confrontations mitigates some of the difficulty.

Level design echoes previous Mega Man titles, with each stage themed around the respective Robot Master’s abilities. Tundra Man’s icy stage introduces slippery surfaces, while Torch Man’s fiery domain features imposing walls of flame. These environmental hazards, combined with strategically placed enemies, provide a consistent level of challenge.

Mega Man 11 Level Design

While acquired weapons can offer advantages in certain stages, skillful platforming often proves sufficient to overcome obstacles. Tundra Storm, acquired from Tundra Man, can effectively counter Torch Man’s fire walls, for instance. For players seeking a greater challenge, higher difficulty settings are available.

Modern Touches

Despite its adherence to classic gameplay, Mega Man 11 introduces some welcome modernizations. The most notable is the 2.5D graphical style. While not fully utilizing 3D environments, the updated visuals breathe new life into the familiar Mega Man world.

Mega Man 11 Double Gear

The Double Gear system adds a new layer of strategic depth. This mechanic grants Mega Man two distinct abilities: Speed Gear slows down time, allowing for precise platforming and dodging, while Power Gear amplifies weapon damage. Using both simultaneously triggers a powerful overdrive mode, albeit at the risk of overheating. The Double Gear system seamlessly integrates into both platforming and combat, offering dynamic options for overcoming challenges.

Dr. Light’s lab provides access to various helpful items and upgrades, purchasable with screws collected throughout the game. These include health and energy refills, as well as items that prevent instant death from pits and spikes. This shop system encourages exploration and screw collecting, providing a helpful safety net for players.

Mega Man 11 Dr. Light's Lab

A Lack of Innovation?

While Mega Man 11 successfully delivers a polished and enjoyable experience, some might argue it plays it too safe. The core gameplay loop remains largely unchanged from earlier entries, potentially leaving some players desiring more innovation. Compared to the evolution seen in the Mega Man X series, with its branching paths and character upgrades, Mega Man 11 feels less adventurous.

Mega Man 11 Lack of Innovation

Conclusion

Mega Man 11 delivers a satisfying return to form for the iconic Blue Bomber. It successfully blends classic Mega Man gameplay with modern visuals and the innovative Double Gear system. While some may crave more radical changes, Mega Man 11 offers a polished and enjoyable experience for both longtime fans and newcomers.