Kumiko Nikaido
Vindication...sweet.
The Xbox version of MM:AC was released today, and I've been playing through it noting differences between this version and the PS2/GC editions.
Atomic Planet had one final chance to redeem themselves with a "complete" version of MM:AC on Xbox......we all know the debacle surrounding the PS2 and GC versions. So how did the Xbox version fare out? Most certainly better than the GC version for sure, and about on par with the PS2 version.
Here's a recap of the features found in the Xbox version:
* 10 Mega Man games on one disc!
* Exclusive Interview with the Creator of Mega Man (previously GC-exclusive).
* An exciting episode of the Kids WB Mega Man: NT Warrior (new and Xbox-exclusive).
* Bonus Intro gameplay video (new and Xbox-exclusive).
* Over 30 original artwork selections.
* Remixed music tracks inspired by the series and more!
As you can see, the Xbox version contains the content of the GC version, but it's missing the original Mega Man anime episode from the PS2 version. If you own all 3 systems, then it's up to you which of the bonus goodies tickle your fancy. If you own a previous version, is it worth it to get the Xbox version? Well, only if you're a completist/collector. And, if you actually care about the included Mega Man: NT Warrior episode that is basically....crap. If not, then it may not be worth the $20 dollars for you. It's also worth noting the following changes to the Xbox rev:
Interface
Basically the same front-end interface seen in the PS2 and GC versions. You have Mega Man running to a teleporter to choose which of the 8 initial (10 total) games you want to play. Also, this is how you set your options and view the Secrets which you progressively unlock.
What's changed here for Xbox?
If you hadn't seen the PS2 and GC version, you'd think the Options settings would be the same across on all platforms. Not so here. Atomic Planet added and changed around some of those options. Upon going into the "Options" teleporter, you are presented with, in the following order:
Controller Settings----->System Settings----->Gameplay Settings
For reference, this is how the PS2 version is setup:
Video Options----->Sound Options----->Gameplay Options
For reference, this is how the GC version is setup:
Sound Options----->Gameplay Options
Now, we all know Atomic Planet got a lot of flack for whacking out the control scheme on GC. Thankfully, but not really necessary, they've included 4 Configuration Settings for the Xbox pad that you can change under Controller Settings. These are presets, and are not customizable. Take that for what you will. The default scheme (Configuration 1) mirrors that of the PS2 version.....meaning, that "A" is to Jump, and "X" is to shoot. Good.
Under System Settings, you now have the option to configure the size of the screen. In the PS2 and GC versions, you could only configure the position of the screen. While this may be handy and useful to you to appropriate the size to fit your TV/monitor, the side-effect of this is that when you reduce the size of the screen, you sometimes get that "warping" effect since the image isn't presented at max.
Gameplay Settings remain the same: Toggle on/off Navi Mode, change difficulty, and set start-up lives.
Load Times
It's a given that the PS2 version loads a tad bit longer when loading a selected game, access memory card, etc. The PS2 version has a load time "bar" to show you how much to wait. The GC version loads faster, and represents it's time with a "spinning disc" icon.
What's changed for Xbox?
The Xbox version wins this one. Load times are speedy and clocks in shorter than the GC version. The icon represented here is a "spinning disc", similar to the one found in the GC version.....but visually, it doesn't spin as fast. The game autosaves directly to the Xbox's HD, and it's pretty quick.
Presentation
Some of the nitpicks everyone pointed out about the PS2 and GC versions was that Atomic Planet used the PSOne version (as opposed to the superior Saturn version) of Mega Man 8 as the template for the game presented here. Also, in Mega Man 7, the Mode 7 effects of the ending was axed entirely.
What's changed for Xbox?
Here's where Atomic Plant did NOT redeem themselves. The Mega Man 8 seen here is once again based off the PSOne edition. And the Mode 7 effects seen in the ending to Mega Man 7? Nunca!
Concerning overall video image quality, the Xbox version doesn't look as sharp or as vibrant as the PS2 and GC editions. Some colors look washed out, and on whole is a tad bit darker overall. Also, where borders and cropped screens plagued the PS2 version, the Xbox version sees none of that (provided you don't tinker with the aformentioned screen-size augmentation).
Concerning overall audio quality, the Xbox version doesn't sound as loud or as robust as the PS2 version....it's almost similar to the GC version's sound output. You will want to slide the "Music" level bar all the way to max under System Settings here.
Start-up
You know when you boot up the game on PS2 and GC, you see that awful Atomic Planet intro. and logo. When you're on the title screen and leave it alone for a bit, this same intro. and logo loops. Yuck.
What's changed for Xbox?
Oh look! Atomic Planet threw in a new looping video after the title screen! It's not as bad as you think.....actually, it's a video of a series of clips from all Mega Man games (that fades out to Mega Man's head from part 8) that's a neat extra. So hey, chalk up another so-called Xbox-exclusive!
Blue Bomber needs love
So, in closing, did Atomic Planet drop the ball once again? Somewhat. Could they have still done better? Definitely. Is the Xbox version the definitive version of MM:AC? I would say so......if you don't mind a slight loss in overall picture and audio quality. This edition is only $20 dollars, so might as well make the most of it till the Mega Man X Collection comes out.
