Introductions
In a world where Nintendo video games cost $90 for a physical release, it’s nice to play indie games that won’t cost more than your mortgage. There is a world of independently developed video games out there that are phenomenal and cheap, if not free. These games are sometimes better than anything developed by a AAA studio. They won’t charge you tens of dollars, require you to be always online, or be filled with microtransactions to use the bathroom. Sometimes, the best games can be bought for free. That is what Free Indies sets out to prove, or Frindies as this review series will be called. Yes, that is the name. No, I couldn’t think of anything better.what
But comics were only a shackle for Megaman as Splendidland released the megaman sprite game on October 31st, 2012, for free on PC. The game tells the grand story of Megaman traveling the world to get the Three Magic Basketballs to make a wish. Ghosts are attacking Megaman’s home, and only the Basketballs can save him now.
He must use his father as a boat, retrieve Uncle Proton’s medication from a pyramid, and even overcome his internalized racism. Yes, megaman sprite game is an absolute fever dream.
A Story Full of Dreams
The story is intentionally stupid and surreal. But that is what makes it so fun. The megaman sprite comic was never known for being intelligent. If anything, it was known for being the opposite. Characters come and go, and nothing of real significance happens until the final couple of minutes. But you will want to play every second because the humor of the series is truly special.
Who could it be?
As Megaman travels through the world, he is being spied on by a mysterious figure, who only appears as a black silhouette. This figure is the one in control of the ghosts and had great plans for Megaman and Zero. Megaman will also be halted by pricks like Quickman and Snakeman, who do annoying things like wanting to be Megaman’s friend. Eventually, Megaman will have all of the Magic Basketballs and make an important decision: will he use their powers for good, or will he do something stupid like bringing himself and Zero to the moon? Only by playing the game will you find out.
Gameplay For The Gamers and Gamettes
Every once in a while, Megaman and Zero will be accompanied by Uncle Proton or Roll. But both characters only stay for a few minutes and add nothing significant to the battles. Proton has a combination of Zero's dunk and Megaman's B-ball pasta and Roll can shoot lightning down at enemies. Other than that, the only thing they provide is another character to play as.
Most of the time, the gameplay is only supplementary to the story, as it also exists for humor’s sake.
Exploration is incredibly limited as Megaman is restricted to a linear path, literally. For the first half of the game, Megaman must stay on the trail and never step off. If he does, the he will be punished by Policeman after Snakeman rats him out for his crimes of touching grass. This is an immediate game over. This can be incredibly annoying for any players who don't realize the joke. Thankfully, even if the player has to restart from the beginning, the game is incredibly short and the moment where they are judged by Policeman is only about twenty minutes in. Afterwards, he'll give Megaman a Path Pass that allows him to just walk wherever he wants without threat from the law.
Buns-a-Frying
The music is nonexistent. In fact, the only sound you will hear for the majority of the game is the stock sound effect of text boxes from RPGmaker. It makes it rather dull. Randomly, some sound is made. Most of the time, they happen at the end of battles. These tend to be theme songs of other video games. It’s slightly annoying, and the inconsistency doesn’t help.
I played through the entirety of the game in only an hour and a half. The game is also incredibly linear, with nothing to do for side content. I suppose you could look for the hidden Basses. Splendidland hid him in a couple random scenes throughout the game. But it isn’t really worth it. The game doesn’t have anything special to it that would drive you to come back beyond the humor. But even then, a joke can only be funny the first couple of times. The game is a perfect way to spend an afternoon and never any more time.
slam dunk
The game is great, beyond great. I had an immense amount of fun for the hour that I played the game. Here’s a link to its page. Download it and have a blast through it, I know I did. Even if the surrealist internet humor isn't much to your taste, it's still a game made with a passion for not only the megaman sprite comic but for the Megaman series in general. The gameplay leaves a lot to be desired, but the game itself is too short for it to get irritating. As for the story and the jokes, I barely spoiled them. It is a wild ride from start to finish and will certainly leave you saying Megaman’s iconic catchphrase: what?Real Megaman lore drop.
Pros
- + Love Letter to Fans
- + Great Graphics
- + Incredibly Short: Perfect For an Afternoon
- + what
Cons
- - No Replayability
- - Humor Isn't for Everyone
- - Very Simple Combat
5
Gameplay
It is fairly simple, but doesn't have anything notable about it.
7
Graphics
Graphics are intentionally absurd but well designed for comedy.
9
Story
what
4
Sound
There is next to no sound in the game. The only notably points are when it samples other games.
2
Replayability
You'll play through all of it in only a couple hours.
8.5
out of 10
Overall
Highly recommended.