Capcom’s Mega Man ZX is set to release in the US next Monday, September 12th. Carrying on from the Zero franchise, the game expands on multi-character management, allowing for an experienced hunter to use not one or two X models, but a total of five biosuits inspired from the original X and Zero designs. With an average ZX review rating of 87% it sounds good, but before we go to the interview below, see how it looks in a gameplay video:
MegaMan series producer Ken Horinouchi talks ZX:
IGN: We’ve seen Mega Man evolve over the years, going from original Mega Man, to Mega Man X, and into the Zero franchise. How was the decision made to evolve the series one step further with ZX?
Horinouchi: During the transition period to the DS, we felt we needed to take Mega Man to the next level for people who may be getting into Mega Man for the first time with the new portable system. During this process, we decided that adding all these new features and gameplay deserved ramping up the series to “ZX.”
IGN: There were a ton of choices made when moving to ZX, including a female character, adding more X units, and getting rid of the Cyber Elves almost entirely. What induced this gameplay change?
Horinouchi: We wanted to give the games a face lift and make sure fans continue enjoying Mega Man. I have wanted to include a female playable character for quite some time, and I thought that by including a variety of X Models, it would give more gameplay variety and add depth to the gameplay.
IGN: The design for ZX follows Zero very closely, as it uses the mission system rather than traditional level select. Is this the new formula for all Mega Man games, or will we see traditional designs in the future as well?
Horinouchi: As you pointed out, ZX uses a new mission-based system. If there are to be sequels to ZX in the future, that would probably become the standard for the series.
IGN: Mega Man ZX seems to wink at older games quite a bit (with original characters from Mega Man X, and even levels showing up). Does the reason for its inclusion go deeper than just fan-service?
Horinouchi: Yes, there is some deeper meaning. But mostly it’s just fan service (haha).
IGN: Is Mega Man ZX the next brand you’ll be staying with (as Zero has now had four games), or is it a one-time alternate telling of the Mega Man world?
Horinouchi: Of course I would love to make a sequel. As long as enough people buy and enjoy Mega Man ZX, that will give us the confidence we need to start work on the next one. So please check it out, everyone! (haha)
IGN: ZX makes use of the dual screen and touch ability of the DS. Will we see Wi-Fi used in the future as well? Are there any plans for co-op modes or online?
Horinouchi: I think that Wi-Fi, using wireless for co-op play and multi-player play, will be a major factor in DS games from now on. How it would come into play with Mega Man and how best to implement that within the framework of Mega Man is something that we are constantly evaluating.
IGN: Not only have the GBA/DS games been a success so far, but so have the PSP versions. Will we see Maverick Hunter 2 or Powered Up 2 any time soon?
Horinouchi: As long as fans out there want to play the games, as long as the demand is there, I would love to continue to make more games in those series. We have not made any announcements on either though.
IGN: Mega Man has seemed to find his home on portable systems. Will we see a move over to Wii as well? What about the virtual console or Xbox Live Arcade?
Horinouchi: That’s a good question. I would love to be able to share Mega Man across lots of hardware platforms, and that is something I would definitely do if the opportunity arises.
IGN: Why hasn’t Mega Man learned to duck in the last 20 years?
Horinouchi: That’s TOP SECRET.