Megaman is a game created in 1987 which is an action-platform video game Published by Capcom for Nintendo Entertainment System (NES). It was particularly directed to the home console market instead of its original intentions of the arcade market. The game begins with Megaman a humanoid playable character that is set out to defeat mad scientist Dr Wiley and the six “Master Robots” under his wing. Every boos or Master Robot defeated gives Megaman an additional unique weapon that can be used as the game starts fighting different enemies and levels. Players must strategize their way into choosing which bosses to fight first to maximize weapons that can be used for stages in the future.
Although the game was not an initial success for the game, the overall design of the game became the foundation for the future of the franchise as well as ensure future games of the similar genre to be a great success. The game is situated in the future of mankind the year not specified 20XX robots are being made to assist mankind in day to day tasks by Dr. Light. However, Dr Wily, his partner creates 6 robots for industrial purposes. The game takes place in 6 platform completely giving freedom to the consumer overall. During the platform each game goes through new enemies and power-ups. Although the game is chosen each boss by the individual player each boss is weak towards a unique weapon which is not disclosed making the level seem easier. This concept to me is quite intriguing.
The fact that the game is situated in the future introducing markets to console games has similar aspects. Megaman is introducing a dystopian world in the future where robots and intertwined for better or worse, whilst the game itself Megaman is introducing a new era of games to consumers household. To make matters better, the game allows the freedom of choice for choosing each boss. As mentioned previously, each boss is unique and has their own weakness and strengths relative to guns, but regardless players are given the option to choose these bosses. This creates the idea of freedom which is apparent in some platform games to this day such as Mario galaxy, terraria and many more. This game also creates some elements of replay-ability. Each level allows you a unique weapon, each boss fight is different with each weapon. Even if you finish the game, there is some element to replay the game in a different order fighting each enemy.
Another interesting aspect of the 1987 Megaman game is the scoring system. Unlike future Megaman games the scoring system was removed making this Megaman game unique in that sense. The scoring system was deemed as “not meaningful” and removed in future Megaman Games. This accentuates the uniqueness of the game itself. Killing enemies, collecting power ups and killing bosses grant to this system. Since Megaman’s ammo is not reloaded every game, each stage is consequential and reliant on the gamer him or herself.
Additionally another noticeable aspect is the player model. During this game, all the player models Megaman’s movement is exemplified. When Megaman jumps his arms are both outwards as well as his face concentrates his mouth opening wide open. In addition, Megaman also leans forward with his face shield coming down showing that he is aiming at the direction he is shooting at. Moreover, the music in the background is also pretty fast paced prompting the gamer to proceed with the game faster. Boss fights also have a unique music for ever boss fight continuing on the idea of ingenuity.That being said Megaman is a fast paced game and the game can actually be completed relatively quickly within an hour if played correctly. In response to the point system, this could be because that Megaman was intended for an arcade game. Arcade games in general have high scores illuminated for their console, hence although Megaman was a console game players to play at home, there are still elements of arcade games implemented. The scoring system is a great example.
Overall, Megaman although not that popular at for its first game but was in fact the precursor to the success of platform games played at home. Its unique elements and arcade like game aspects make it a new way for players to play video games. Players are given freedom of choice and replay-ability in this game. The unique story makes the Megaman franchise quite successful and even played to this day in games such as super smash bros or even Megaman 11 in October 2018.
