This disconnect extends to the gameplay as well. Even the Resistance Base and the Guardians are gone, two Zero series staples. Weil’s presence is a reminder of the perpetual nature of conflict, which is why Zero inherits X’s struggle in the first place. Weil, whose survival was less a cliffhanger and more a reflection on forever wars– a concept X often agonized over in his series. Mega Man Zero 4’s story feels too removed from the rest of the sub-series, mainly stemming from the fact Zero 3 resolved everything that needed resolving. Capcom’s desire for a traditional Zero 4 would cause IntiCreates to reconsider their approach, scrapping any plans for a Zero 1.5. Of course, this wasn’t the direction IntiCreates went in. How do you end a story that’s already ended? You don’t, you take a step back. Zero 1.5 would have specifically weaponized this disconnect, existing during the story instead of as part of the story. Where the Zero series always strived to evolve naturally from title to title, a fourth entry would always be disconnected from the first three games by sheer virtue of said games telling a full story. Titled Rockman Zero 1.5, said game would be set during the year-long gap between Z1 and Z2, filling in a natural narrative blindspot while keeping Z3’s finality intact. To their credit, IntiCreates’ initial pitch for the fourth Zero game was to develop an interquel. History is cyclical, and Capcom wasn’t satisfied with just three entries in the Zero sub-series. By the time Z3’s credits roll, it’s been made plenty clear that the Zero saga has come to an end. Not only does Zero 3 logically improve upon Zero 2’s many improvements, but virtually every story beat established by the latter also has a payoff in the former. Playing Zero 2 and Zero 3 back to back, it’s quite clear to see the games were developed as something of a pair. Heading into Zero 2’s development, however, it was decided that the sequel would be developed as a bridge towards Zero 3, which was now expected to serve as the end of the sub-series. IntiCreates approached the original Mega Man Zero intending for it to be a one-time affair, telling a fairly open and shut story in the process, but the title’s success led to Capcom commissioning the studio to develop a sequel. It’s rare for a video game series to end on its own terms, let alone to end well.
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
AuthorWrite something about yourself. No need to be fancy, just an overview. ArchivesCategories |