Mega Man 11 - PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4

I'm a huuuuge fan of Mega Man so I was stoked when I heard about this new entry. Gameplay is classic Mega Man and the new additions (double gear) come across well and don't feel gimmicky. The game is HARD too... although there are 'easy' modes available for newcomers to the series as well. The only thing I was a little disappointed with is the music.... it's not bad, but overall the songs just aren't as catchy and melodic as a lot of the previous Mega Man games were. I do really like the alternate soundtrack that was available via preorder though.

I've never been a super fan of this series. I admit it has its moments but overall it is not my cup of tea. But since I bought the previous Mega Man and X collections I figured might as well continue buying the sequels. The best addition to the gameplay is the gear system. You can slow down time or super power your shots/special weapons or activate both and get a powered up and wreck havoc. Although some of the level are too short or devious the game doesn't overstay its welcome and it ends up being lean, to the point and addictive. Something the other Mega Mans didn't felt like. It's fun, it's hard, it's rewarding. Get it.

Finally we get a modern Mega Man game with a decent graphical treatment. However, Mega Man 11 plays it a bit too safe. Most of the tropes of old make it back here, but not much else. After the initial 8 bosses, the Doctor Wily stage isn't particularly long (just 2 stages with a boss rush and then Wily himself with 2 forms). The new Double Gear system is a winner and does add some newness to the formula–as you can essentially speed up or add a power boost at will–but there's no real secrets to speak of, and Rush seems to take a backseat this time around with nothing new added to his abilities (all you get here is the stock Rush Spring and Rush Jet). After the main game is over, there are a series of challenges you can complete to add some replay value, though only the most hardcore of Mega Man fans will likely have the patience to tackle these with gusto. Despite this, if Mega Man 11 is any indication of things to come, the future is looking bright for the blue bomber!

Mega Man 11 is what Mega Man 9 & 10 Should have been, a progression of the series adding new ideas to the core game play as opposed to stripping everything to the bare basics. The game is easy to newcomers with different difficulty levels, items that can purchased with in game currency (no need to spend real world money to get an edge) that help, different types of weapons that are useful outside of boss battles and the double gear system (the new game play feature). Summary: A must buy.

It's nice to see Megs get a new game. It's a good game, but not better than 2, 3, and quite possibly not better than 9, and 10. That's not a knock on the 11, it's good but I think the stages could be a tad bit shorter and the music is just ok, and not "Rockman Good".