The Untold Legend: Unraveling the Epic Journey of a 2D Platforming Hero
Mega Man, a 2D platforming legend, is long overdue for a thrilling and innovative new installment that will inject fresh creativity into his iconic franchise
2D platforming fans have been treated to some exciting game announcements in recent weeks. Sega's Sonic Superstars, unveiled during Geoff Keighley's 2023 Summer Game Fest, has received widespread praise for its four-player co-op and visually stunning art style. Nintendo's recent Direct presentation also revealed Super Mario Bros. Wonder, the highly anticipated latest installment in the Super Mario Bros. series. Like Sonic Superstars, this game showcases a fresh evolution in gameplay and art direction. These releases signal a surge of creativity and innovation for these iconic gaming franchises, and it's only fitting that Capcom's Mega Man should join in on the trend.
Both Sonic Superstars and Super Mario Bros. Wonder are not the first attempts to reinvent their respective franchises, but the execution and timing of these releases make them particularly captivating. Super Mario Bros. Wonder, marking the first new entry in over a decade, introduces a bold new art direction. Meanwhile, Sonic Superstars arrives during a successful period for Sonic Team, following the triumph of Sonic Frontiers. These developments prompt gamers to consider which other beloved 2D platforming icons should receive a fresh and daring installment, and Mega Man, the iconic character famous for battling robots, is long overdue.
Mega Man Is Overdue For A Creative New Entry
Emerging alongside Super Mario Bros. in the same era, Mega Man has captivated gamers for over 30 years. Despite its challenging difficulty, Mega Man has become an iconic series, serving as a source of inspiration for numerous games throughout the past three decades. While the series has consistently released new entries in the past, it has been approximately five years since Mega Man 11, leaving fans eager for fresh experiences, just like the new Mario and Sonic games.
Similar to how Nintendo and Sega have taken their mascots in innovative directions, Capcom has the opportunity to do the same with Mega Man. What sets Super Mario Bros. Wonder and Sonic Superstars apart is their remarkable departure from previous installments. Sonic Superstars introduces exhilarating new power-ups into the franchise's traditional 2D formula, while Super Mario Bros. Wonder evolves the series' art style beyond the familiar New Super Mario Bros. aesthetic, which many fans have grown weary of. Considering the conservative approach taken by Mega Man 11, injecting a similar dose of creativity into the series would be refreshing.
Capcom could revitalize the Mega Man series by taking inspiration from Sonic Superstars and Super Mario Bros. Wonder. While Mega Man 11 had an appealing 2.5D art style, it lacked immersive environments. Even if Capcom doesn't want to change Mega Man's appearance, they could make each level feel unique by adding more interactive elements. Additionally, a new installment could introduce temporary power-ups that enhance Mega Man's movement abilities, providing players with fresh approaches to challenges.
As the industry and its genre continue to evolve, it's evident that Mega Man's competitors are pushing boundaries. Sonic Superstars seamlessly blends old-school and new-school elements, while Super Mario Bros. Wonder introduces innovative power-ups. While Mega Man has found success with its tried-and-true formula, embracing a similar direction to Mario and Sonic could bring excitement and innovation to the franchise instead of playing it safe.
Super Mario Bros. Wonder releases October 20 on the Nintendo Switch.
