MegaMan X's first leap into the RPG genre is one that stays true to MegaMan and RPGs alike, making it memorable by far.
The story begins where X, Zero, and a new Maverick Hunter named Shadow, set out to an abandoned ruin where Mavericks have been developed and hatched to reak havoc in the world. With many Hunters being sent on the mission and not returning, this called for desperate measures as the top Maverick Hunters are set out on the job. Then, watch as many twists and turns in the storyline happen, most of which, I'll admit, are predictable, which is one of the downsides, creating a fun and satisfying experience for X fans and RPG fans alike.
The battle system is turn-based, and it has your usual attacks. However, you can choose to launch support weapons like missles at your enemies before attacking in order to make combos. Combos are essential to victory in this game, which are linked well with the Final Strike. Final Strike is essentially a fifnsher where you mash the A, X, and Y buttons to launch missles and aacks in a set amount of time. However, this can only be executed with 3 party members at once and when an emey's health reaches 15% (shown by a meter after you attack). Also, you can cast a sort of magic with magic items, but they aren't really effective. The best part is the Action Trigger, which, when you press R, you can pull off a special and unique attack for your character. For Example, X can charge his buster to however much weapon energy he has (which is like MP in other games, except it recovers by a certain amount every round), the more he charges, the more damage he does (like 100% opposed to 50%). Some others are Axl's ability to copy bosses' attacks and Zero's Z-Saber Arts. These all require weapon energy and use all of it up, unless you use X's which is any amount you wish. Another feature is Hyper Mode, which is a sort of Limit Break, like its called in Final Fantasy VII. The character changes form and has new attacks and Action Triggers to boot. Sweet. Boss characters are all unique, each with a certain weakness and all are tons of fun to battle. The levels in between can sometimes become boring and annoying, but they can also be highly unique and lots of fun. Speaking of levels, they are BEAUTIFUL. Actually, that's an understatement. Simply put, this game has the best cel-shading ever. Its that gorgeous. The only shortcomings are some levels are annoying, voiceovers could use some work (especially X), and there's just something there tha's out of place. I don't know it is. The game does have unlockables, though, and many secrets to keep you playing.
With many characters (not just X, Zero, and Axl, if you were wondering), fantastic graphics and gameplay, and a great story, this game is not to be missed.