Mega Man 4 [NES] Review and Longplay [1991]
0Perhaps the best out of the series?
Chapters
00:00 Intro
02:44 Toad Man Stage
07:05 Toad Man
08:40 Bright Man Stage
13:57 Bright Man
15:03 Pharaoh Man Stage
17:38 Pharaoh Man
18:48 Ring Man Stage
24:28 Ring Man
25:26 Dust Man Stage
29:24 Dust Man
30:27 Dive Man Stage
35:33 Dive Man
36:37 Drill Man Stage
40:34 Drill Man
42:09 Skull Man Stage
45:19 Skull Man
46:44 Cossack Stage 1
51:16 Stage 1 Boss
52:32 Cossack Stage 2
55:35 Stage 2 Boss
57:20 Cossack Stage 3
59:37 Stage 3 Boss
01:00:47 Cossack Final Stage
01:04:08 Dr. Cossack Boss Fight
01:05:43 Wily Stage 1
01:09:03 Wily Stage 1 Boss
01:11:03 Wily Stage 2
01:14:15 Wily Stage 2 Boss
01:16:39 Final Wily Stage?
01:18:25 Re-battle 8 Bosses
01:23:59 Dr. Wily Boss Fight
01:26:08 Actual Final Stage
01:26:46 Final Wily Boss Fight
Retro Review: Mega Man 4 – A New Chapter in the Blue Bomber’s Legacy
As the 8-bit era was hitting its stride, Capcom continued to bolster the library of the Nintendo Entertainment System with quality titles that would define a generation. Among these was “Mega Man 4,” released in 1991, a game that both adhered to the series’ successful formula and attempted to innovate within the constraints of the NES hardware. This review delves deep into the game’s development, music, graphics, gameplay, and story, providing a comprehensive look at one of Mega Man’s pivotal adventures.
The Developer’s Vision
Capcom had already proven its prowess with the first three installments of the Mega Man series, each one building upon the last. For “Mega Man 4,” the development team, led by series co-creator Keiji Inafune, wanted to refresh the beloved series while keeping the core mechanics that fans adored. This game was intended to be more than a mere sequel; it was designed to evolve the series.
A Symphony of 8-Bit Sound
Composer Minae Fujii stepped in to create “Mega Man 4″‘s soundtrack, delivering a score that captured the energetic and adventurous spirit of the series. The game’s opening theme set the stage for an epic journey, and each Robot Master’s level featured distinctive music that complemented the stage’s theme. From the Russian-inspired “Cossack’s Citadel” to the charged beats of “Bright Man’s” stage, the soundtrack was both diverse and memorable.
Visual Artistry on the NES
The graphics of “Mega Man 4” pushed the NES to its limits with colorful, detailed sprites and backgrounds. Each level was crafted with care, featuring themes that ranged from the tombs of “Pharaoh Man’s” stage to the industrial feel of “Drill Man’s” lair. The game’s visual storytelling was enhanced by cutscenes that provided context and depth to Mega Man’s mission.
Gameplay – Refining the Formula
The core gameplay of “Mega Man 4” remained true to the series’ roots—run, jump, and shoot through challenging stages, defeat the Robot Masters, and claim their powers. This installment introduced the Charge Shot, allowing players to charge Mega Man’s arm cannon for a more powerful blast. This addition added a new layer of strategy to combat and puzzle-solving.
The game also featured the flip-top Eddie, who would provide random items, adding an element of chance to the resource management. The level design was intricate, encouraging exploration and the use of acquired Robot Master abilities to uncover secrets and navigate obstacles.
The Story Unfolds
“Mega Man 4” presented a twist in the ongoing narrative. A new antagonist, Dr. Cossack, supposedly threatens the world with his eight Robot Masters. However, as the story unfolds, it is revealed that Dr. Cossack’s actions were manipulated by the series’ perennial villain, Dr. Wily. This added a layer of intrigue and deception to the overarching plot of the franchise.
Public Reception and Critical Acclaim
Upon its release, “Mega Man 4” was met with positive reviews. Critics praised the introduction of the Charge Shot and the game’s high production values. However, some felt that the series was beginning to show signs of staleness, with calls for more substantial innovation. Despite this, “Mega Man 4” is often looked back on fondly by fans for its contributions to the series.
Facts About Mega Man 4
“Mega Man 4” was the first game in the series to feature a two-tiered boss system, with eight Robot Masters leading to a showdown against Dr. Cossack before the final battles with Dr. Wily.
The game introduced the character of Kalinka, Dr. Cossack’s daughter, adding a personal stake to the conflict.
This was the first title in the series where players could access a previously beaten Robot Master stage to farm for E-Tanks and lives.
The Charge Shot would become a staple mechanic in future Mega Man titles, influencing combat in the series moving forward.
Replay Value – A Game Worth Revisiting
“Mega Man 4” offers considerable repla.......
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