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LLTP: Mega Man Zero -- more frustration than it's worth?

O

OnPoint

Member
I know this game is revered by some on GAF. Perhaps those who hold this game in high regard can bestow some guidance upon my wayward soul, because as it stands, I'm just not feeling this game. I've owned Mega Man Zero now for about a year. I picked up the cart used somewhere after finishing ZX Advent and wanted more sidescrolling action. I periodically pick this game up from time to time, only to have it smack itself out of my hands due to the game's lack of encouragement. The game is diffcult for the wrong reasons, at least from my inexperienced hands, the kind that come moreso from me not knowing what to do, rather than not wanting a challenge, and being required to do so with INCREDIBLY limited chances.

I've been playing Mega Man since II was new and haven't had this issue with any of them. It's one of those instances where I feel like I'm "doing it wrong." If that's the case, I hope someone can give me some non-spoiler pointers on how to approach this title. I own all 4 Zero titles, perhaps the first is one to skip? There seems to be a good game here, I just can't figure it out.
 
Mega Man Zero is balls hard. I think it's harder than Ninja Gaiden on Very Hard and God Hand on the hardest difficulty. It's a good game, but it has way too many insta-deaths and memorization for me to enjoy, though I suppose if you're into the Megaman series, trial and error and environmental hazards are the norm.
 
Jangaroo said:
Mega Man Zero is balls hard. I think it's harder than Ninja Gaiden on Very Hard and God Hand on the hardest difficulty. It's a good game, but it has way too many insta-deaths and memorization for me to enjoy, though I suppose if you're into the Megaman series, trial and error and environmental hazards are the norm.
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It's exactly that though. I'm no stranger to Ninja Gaiden, I've beaten all of them except the arcade version, 2D and 3D. Love them. I also enjoy God Hand a tremendous amount. I'm just starting to think this game falls into "completely unreasonable" instead of "balls hard."
 
Playing MM Zero without save state feature is just insane.
No way I could have finished the first two games without that.
 
The difficulty curve is the same as any Megaman. It's just that it's a bit longer to get used to it.

If you're not enjoying it though, guess that's that. But I don't think there's any reason to skip it difficulty wise if you enjoyed other Megamans.
 
1's saving is weird and makes it frustrating. Not so much with the other ones. They are just good, hard games.
 
I kind of want to play it on my iPod Touch now, would it be too hard?

Edit: Yeah, with the controls the way they are, it would be too hard :|
 
Black_Ice said:
I kind of want to play it on my iPod Touch now, would it be too hard? >_>
Click to expand...
Nigh impossible. Having to deal with a finicky virtual d-pad in a game that demands the utmost precision is suicide. I'll give you credit though for thinking such a crazy idea :lol .
 
MMZ1's biggest problem is that the elves all require ludicrous amounts of crystals to be usable, so if you do want to make the game easier you have to spend a while grinding out the cash. It's been a while since I last played the game but I don't remember it being overly cheap, just exceedingly challenging since you can't afford to get hit often. The later titles are marginally more fair and have much more polish put into the various upgrades, so you'll probably find them to be easier.
 
I played the SHIT out of this in middle school. I had every mission S ranked, probably had the script memorized, too.

Turned it on last year. Determined that my 6th grade self must've been a genius, or something, because this game is fucking hard as balls.
 
Sciz said:
MMZ1's biggest problem is that the elves all require ludicrous amounts of crystals to be usable, so if you do want to make the game easier you have to spend a while grinding out the cash. It's been a while since I last played the game but I don't remember it being overly cheap, just exceedingly challenging since you can't afford to get hit often. The later titles are marginally more fair and have much more polish put into the various upgrades, so you'll probably find them to be easier.
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I'm not having problems with the damage or the enemies. That stuff is all fine. It's stuff like the elves, yes, and also weird choices in situation. Like when you kill the elephant boss and the room starts to collapse. My best guess is I don't have the proper upgrades or powerups to complete that, but it still sucks that it's even accessible at that point. Or, like I said, I'm doing it wrong lol

Edit: I finished that part, but there are elves there I have no idea how to get. Man, I hate having completionist OCD in games like this. I dunno, I'm gonna try to tough it out. Thanks for the inspiration GAF.
 
Don't be afraid to actually use the Cyber Elves your first time through. It's the least enjoyable of the four Zero games, but it's still really good IMO. I like that you can basically make the Zero games as easy or as hard as you like.
 
Ok I've never played a megaman game, something I've been meaning to do for a long time.

Firstly is this the GBA advance game? If so how come your still playing this old machine, I thought I was the only one?

1) Does anyone recommend me to pick the GBA Megamans?
2) There are 2 types Battle Networks and Zero, what's all this about, and which one to start of with? Should I get the whole series, or is it ok to stick to a few out of each series?

3) Why are there so many?
Mega man 1-9 original series. When are Capgod going to release all of them on the Virtual console, if I'm am not mistaken 4-8 are not up yet?

4) what are all the other series' about? Should I bother? Which ones are RPG's, and which platformer?

PS-I can't get on gmes websites at work.
 
the thoroughbred said:
Ok I've never played a megaman game, something I've been meaning to do for a long time.

Firstly is this the GBA advance game? If so how come your still playing this old machine, I thought I was the only one?

1) Does anyone recommend me to pick the GBA Megamans?
2) There are 2 types Battle Networks and Zero, what's all this about, and which one to start of with? Should I get the whole series, or is it ok to stick to a few out of each series?

3) Why are there so many?
Mega man 1-9 original series. When are Capgod going to release all of them on the Virtual console, if I'm am not mistaken 4-8 are not up yet?

4) what are all the other series' about? Should I bother? Which ones are RPG's, and which platformer?

PS-I can't get on gmes websites at work.
Click to expand...

I have 6 GBA games left in my collection to complete. 4 of them are Mega Man Zero titles, one is Tales of Phantasia, the other is Scurge. This is why I'm still playing.

1. There are many who will. But my honest opinion of this one, so far, is it's incredibly difficult. I look forward to the others being more forgiving haha

2. Different time periods. Battle Network games are RPGs, the Zero games are closer to the X series in style.

3. Who knows when they'll release them. Just get the Anniversary Collection (unless the reversed button bothers you, if so get the PS2 version).

4. Kinda answered in 2, but I didn't like the Battle Network series at all.
 
I'd say yes to the OT. The whole series is balanced so far off right that it makes playing it a real exercise in sadomasochism. The overwrought EXTTTREEEEMMMEE! style and difficulty are a real turn off.
 
OnPoint said:
I have 6 GBA games left in my collection to complete. 4 of them are Mega Man Zero titles, one is Tales of Phantasia, the other is Scurge. This is why I'm still playing.
Click to expand...

How many have you played on the GBA? I have a backlog of around 25 on GBA. I have been grinding on FF1 to level up, every once a week for maybe 30mins. I am a bit of a completionist, and the extra dungeons are a real chore. Due to time progress has been slow last few months, but once a few things are out of the way, I will start going through them on a weekly basis.
 
2) There are 2 types Battle Networks and Zero, what's all this about, and which one to start of with? Should I get the whole series, or is it ok to stick to a few out of each series?

The Zero series is a sequel to the X series, like X was to the original NES Mega Mans. ZX is the sequel to the Zero series. Battle Network is a different universe entirely.

I only have Zero 3 out of the Zero games and I don't like it. Play Mega Man 2 and 3 first.
 
My advice to you, OnPoint... run like hell from Tales GBA. It's really, really bad. I haven't had such a love (cuz the game is alright in that SNES RPG sort of way)- hate (cuz the port is really, really bad from technical standpoint... watch out for random lock-ups) affair with a game in a loooong time.

To Mr. The Thoroughbred: I recommend picking up one MM Battle Network game, maybe 3 or 4... they're really really samey but the first time around is a blast IMO.

The Zero games are great, I'd recommend picking up 2, 3, or 4 and seeing how you take to it, then going for the others if you enjoy it. I wouldn't start with the first one - it's frustrating, particularly if you tackle it first. I had a much better time with it after playing the others.
 
the thoroughbred said:
But there are accrording to wiki 6 different series' not all on GBA obviously.

And the anthologies weren't released in UK. Right?
Click to expand...

Didn't know they weren't released there. That sucks.

From memory:

The mainline series.
The X series.
The Legends series.
The Battle Network series.
The ZX series. Aaaaand... um...
The Star Force series (which I had to look up).

the thoroughbred said:
How many have you played on the GBA? I have a backlog of around 25 on GBA. I have been grinding on FF1 to level up, every once a week for maybe 30mins. I am a bit of a completionist, and the extra dungeons are a real chore. Due to time progress has been slow last few months, but once a few things are out of the way, I will start going through them on a weekly basis.
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I've played the first Zero game and one of the Battle Network games on the GBA. I didn't like Battle Network and Zero has so far been a pain in my side, but it's doable so far... if I push hard. I also played one of the Star Force games on the DS. Didn't like it. I love the mainline and early X games. Finished both ZX games, though they weren't my favorites, and the Legends series is one I never got into.
 
Segata Sanshiro said:
My advice to you, OnPoint... run like hell from Tales GBA. It's really, really bad. I haven't had such a love (cuz the game is alright in that SNES RPG sort of way)- hate (cuz the port is really, really bad from technical standpoint... watch out for random lock-ups) affair with a game in a loooong time.
Click to expand...

I sunk about 10 hours or so into it a while back. Then I never went back to it. Would you recommend a different avenue over the GBA version then?
 
Don't worry too much about ranking your first time through the game. Those Cyber Elves are basically an in-game difficulty selection setting.
 
I'd say that MMZ is worth it to play through. I say more so than the others but that's just my opinion. Honestly though the is just what Capcom does best just cranked up. Its hard as nail enemy attack pattern recognition added with crazy level designs. If you keep that eye out and upgrade your weapons outside of missions and use helpful elves you should be fine. Pack lots of patience and enjoy the ride
 
I remember replaying Mega Man Zero until I could do the whole game with an S-Rank without trying.

Fun times.

If the Continue system sucks too much, just go ahead to MMZ2. It's much better designed.
 
Pureauthor said:
I remember replaying Mega Man Zero until I could do the whole game with an S-Rank without trying.

Fun times.

If the Continue system sucks too much, just go ahead to MMZ2. It's much better designed.
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Hello Pureauthor, I haven't seen(?) you for a while. I think I might as well buy this one, everyone is saying it's easier to grasp. Hopefully it won't be as de-motivating as the OP described.
 
If you want the game to be easy as hell just start killing Cyber Elves and skewer the game's balance toward you.

If you want some challenge then play it with no Cyber Elves and I love to handicap myself with Super Old School Mode. Super Old School Mode is if you die you reset it and try to beat levels in 1 go.

I got about half way through on my last run then Blazblue dropped. I might pick it back up for the sake of the thread though.
 
It's a hard game by nature, but there are ways to make things easier for yourself.

I always suggest grinding until you have a lot of the saber abilities. Being able to charge your sword makes things a lot easier. It'll take a little while, but you can just go to the lab or something, run back and forth killing enemies over and over, and you'll eventually have the basic skills you need.

When it comes to the MM Zero games, I always preferred using the Z-Saber over using the Z-Buster. If I wanted to shoot things I'd play any other Mega Man game.

Also: cyber elves. If you put forth the effort to find them, they will help you greatly. I actually beat MMZero the first time with nothing more than sub tanks, but I can definitely see the benefit of obtaining elves which increase your life bar.

The game has its frustrating points but it's still very satisfying in the end.

And, if you really can't find a way to like it, you can always consider the other three Mega Man Zero games. They all have hub worlds, but the basic design is more like Mega Man X in terms of selecting stages and using up extra lives. They are more forgiving in that aspect, while still having legitimate challenge in the level and boss designs.

There's a reason why Mega Man Zero 2 is typically found to be the best game of the four, after all.
 
The Mega Man Zero series changed me from playing with some claw setup with my right hand for dashing, to prefering L to dash. Now I can't go back and even in the SNES MMX games, L feels natural.

The first one is the hardest in the series. The second one if I remember right is a lot more forgiving. ZX and ZXA are also a lot of fun and feel very much like the Zero series.

Plus, despite how capcom likes to milk out the MM series, I love the storyline/concept of the Zero games.
 
OnPoint said:
I sunk about 10 hours or so into it a while back. Then I never went back to it. Would you recommend a different avenue over the GBA version then?
Click to expand...
I guess I'd recommend anything but. The SFC version has a somewhat old translation, and I think some people have done an English translation of the PSX version? I don't know. I haven't had the heart to try the game again on another platform.
 
the thoroughbred said:
Hello Pureauthor, I haven't seen(?) you for a while. I think I might as well buy this one, everyone is saying it's easier to grasp. Hopefully it won't be as de-motivating as the OP described.
Click to expand...

I'm sorry, do I know you? I'm drawing a blank right now.
 
Don't hesitate to use the cyber elves if you think the game is too hard, it will fuck up your rating, but that's for the very dedicated gamers who already know the game. That said if you really don't like the challenge you should play something else, it's the challenge that make this game awesome, not the story or the crazy gameplay mechanics. That said I think this game never cross the line by being too hardcore or unfair, it's not Contra or Ghouls n Ghost, you always have time to react, you're never overwhelmed with tons of respawning ennemies, you don't die in one hit, enemies don't behave randomly, etc...

The only thing that frustrated me in MMZ was the amount of cutscene/dialog that you can't skip :lol
 
Megaman Zero was my first Megaman game since Megaman 1.

At first, it was really annoying, with the continues and how the bosses wouldn't die, but then, I discovered a couple things:

- the Z-Saber is amazing, especially if leveled up a few times.
- Bosses have elemental weaknesses. Knowing this saved my butt sooooooo hard.
- Cyber-elves power you up very well, like with a double health bars as big as a boss's.

Once knowing all of that, I was able to actually play the game.

Megaman Zero 1 is my favorite of the series (partially because I like the music best in it) but after that game, the continue system stopped sucking.

In the end, the Megaman Zero series is my second favorite Megaman series, after the original series.

Also, is Zero 1 the only Mwgaman game that you can actually fail and skip missions in if you just don't want to play them? Not that you should do that, as you'll miss out on important items...
 
Why would you do that? said:
Megaman Zero was my first Megaman game since Megaman 1.

At first, it was really annoying, with the continues and how the bosses wouldn't die, but then, I discovered a couple things:

- the Z-Saber is amazing, especially if leveled up a few times.
- Bosses have elemental weaknesses. Knowing this saved my butt sooooooo hard.
- Cyber-elves power you up very well, like with a double health bars as big as a boss's.

Once knowing all of that, I was able to actually play the game.

Megaman Zero 1 is my favorite of the series (partially because I like the music best in it) but after that game, the continue system stopped sucking.

In the end, the Megaman Zero series is my second favorite Megaman series, after the original series.

Also, is Zero 1 the only Mwgaman game that you can actually fail and skip missions in if you just don't want to play them? Not that you should do that, as you'll miss out on important items...
Click to expand...
Bolded part is important, especially since they don't really mention it in any way. And just use a few elves, it's worth playing through to the end. I don't think there's even any reward for getting high rank in this one and I didn't feel any worse for having gotten a low rank.

Zero 1 is actually the only Zero I've played and I liked it a lot. It is consistently hard but never moreso than the peak of other MM difficulties, I actually think X6 is much harder.

I think the Z series has something special about it in general and it pretty much carried on the legacy of X1-3 which I believe took on a different feel with 4 onwards.
 
I just poped this jewel in the other day. I quit after the first mission trying to get an A. THIS GAME IS TO HARD!!!! Notice, this is the only Megaman game where you have to Level up basic skills, that alone makes the beginning hard.

Even so, Zero series is the best megaman series gameplay speaking. I love ZX and ZXA but they were a walk in the park compared to the Zero series.



Also, how did you guys not figure bosses had an elemental weakness?!? Come on! ( though the Electricity > Fire threw me off but Fire > Ice was obvious) :D
 
the thoroughbred said:
1) Does anyone recommend me to pick the GBA Megamans?
2) There are 2 types Battle Networks and Zero, what's all this about, and which one to start of with? Should I get the whole series, or is it ok to stick to a few out of each series?

3) Why are there so many?
Mega man 1-9 original series. When are Capgod going to release all of them on the Virtual console, if I'm am not mistaken 4-8 are not up yet?

4) what are all the other series' about? Should I bother? Which ones are RPG's, and which platformer?
Click to expand...
1. I'd recommend trying Zero 1 and 2, and Battle Network 1 and 2. If you like those, I'd say go ahead and play Zero 3 and Battle Network 3. 4 and on aren't as good, they just keep rehashing over and over.
2. There is some kind of crazy mumbo jumbo timeline that all of the series fall into, but most of them aren't very connected and you'd probably be fine just playing them without prior knowledge. Battle Network and Star Force have their own "alternate universe" timeline, though.
3. They keep making money.
4. The only RPG ones are Battle Network, Star Force, and X Command Mission. The rest (not including weird spinoffs like Rockboard or Battle and Chase) are platformers.
 
I don't remember MMZ being too difficult, especially if you upgrade your elves and know the bosses' elemental weaknesses but yeah, you have to grind to upgrade. I found the later MMZ games more complicated because of all the upgrades you have to do- not as simple as classic MM or even MMX games. I gave MMZX a shot but stopped since it was becoming a bit metroidvania and less side-scrolling.
 
The Mega Man Zero series has never been terribly difficult. I hear about its toughness from the same people who say the core series is hard :lol

It's well worth any frustration you might encounter, though I don't think you'll find it too demanding.
 
Loved the Zero game except the Ex skill thing. I hated the way to steal the boss weapon in part 3. You have to get a good grade in the level otherwise you dont get the skill at the end. It's frustrating because once you die in any level your rank goes down. So even if you get good in one level, when you get to a new one your rank will plummet and you will lose the ability to get the elemental skills. Bosses are hard without the ex skills.... Zero 4 is way better IMO. You get the boss weapon if you fight them when the weather of the area gives them an edge. So basically if you choose the hard path you at least get the skill. Overall the levels might be harder thant the X games but they seem way shorter...
 
I only played through Zero 2, which I think is a marvelous game. It's memorization alright, but when you do memorize a level and blaze through it it's more satisfying than than most games. I think the key to enjoyment is to simply accept from the beginning that you're going to die 5 million times and that you're not actually supposed to make it through on your first (or 10th) run.
 
It's a great game but it's way too hard. I'm around halfway through the game and I have no more continues left and it's basically impossible to beat the game without them. I guess I have no choice but to start again someday.
 
Just upgrade some of the blue elves, (the ones that become subtanks), with one or two of those the game will become a little bit easier, but still challenging. Make sure to upgrade your saber and gun all the way and learn to use the elemental chips to exploit bosses' weaknesses.

By the way, don't get discourage by just playing the first one, the sequels are better, they manage to correct a lot of mistakes from the past, the music gets better and the story is actually pretty good. I didn't start to love the series until I played the second one
 
BlueWord said:
I played the SHIT out of this in middle school. I had every mission S ranked, probably had the script memorized, too.

Turned it on last year. Determined that my 6th grade self must've been a genius, or something, because this game is fucking hard as balls.
Click to expand...

I feel the same way, but back then i could not really afford many games, so it makes sense that i played the shit out of it.
 
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