Initially played on the GameCube version of Mega Man X Collection, but never made it far. Later, played on the Switch version of Mega Man X Legacy Collection, collected all upgrades, retrieved Zero's parts, and cleared the game.
I have mixed feelings towards Mega Man X2. Maybe it was due to me finishing it around the same time I graduated college, or maybe because I went in expecting it to be better than X1. Whatever the case may be, I simply feel neutral towards this game—it wasn't bad by any means, and yet I have no intention of playing it again.
Unlike with its predecessor, Mega Man X2's stages aren't affected by clearing others beforehand, so you're allowed a bit more freedom in choosing your path. Unfortunately, in order to collect all the upgrades, five stages at minimum need to be returned to, meaning that there is still an objectively correct route. And if you plan on reviving Zero, you'll also have to deal with the X-Hunters, who randomly occupy different stages in hidden rooms and become accessible should you clear the stage without destroying them. They have weaknesses just like any other boss, but you might not have the right weapon when it comes time to face them. I had hopes X2 would address the linearity issue, but instead, the game's design exacerbates it and cements this flaw as a perpetual trend.
Aside from that, I didn't take much issue with X2. The stages are aptly themed, and the only one I disliked was Overdrive Ostrich's, with its annoying Ride Chaser segment (why did this have to become a reoccurring thing?). The music, while not consistently good as X1's, is catchy and memorable. It's funny how fans of the series bash the later games for reviving Zero or Sigma, but the developers couldn't resist bringing them back immediately following their deaths. (What do you mean Zero's alive again, I watched him disintegrate in my arms, for God's sake!) But in the end, Mega Man X2 demonstrates that no Capcom series is safe from an endless stream of unimaginative sequels. If you were less than impressed with this game, please jump ahead X4 and call it good, otherwise you may be in for a world of disappointment.
I have mixed feelings towards Mega Man X2. Maybe it was due to me finishing it around the same time I graduated college, or maybe because I went in expecting it to be better than X1. Whatever the case may be, I simply feel neutral towards this game—it wasn't bad by any means, and yet I have no intention of playing it again.
Unlike with its predecessor, Mega Man X2's stages aren't affected by clearing others beforehand, so you're allowed a bit more freedom in choosing your path. Unfortunately, in order to collect all the upgrades, five stages at minimum need to be returned to, meaning that there is still an objectively correct route. And if you plan on reviving Zero, you'll also have to deal with the X-Hunters, who randomly occupy different stages in hidden rooms and become accessible should you clear the stage without destroying them. They have weaknesses just like any other boss, but you might not have the right weapon when it comes time to face them. I had hopes X2 would address the linearity issue, but instead, the game's design exacerbates it and cements this flaw as a perpetual trend.
Aside from that, I didn't take much issue with X2. The stages are aptly themed, and the only one I disliked was Overdrive Ostrich's, with its annoying Ride Chaser segment (why did this have to become a reoccurring thing?). The music, while not consistently good as X1's, is catchy and memorable. It's funny how fans of the series bash the later games for reviving Zero or Sigma, but the developers couldn't resist bringing them back immediately following their deaths. (What do you mean Zero's alive again, I watched him disintegrate in my arms, for God's sake!) But in the end, Mega Man X2 demonstrates that no Capcom series is safe from an endless stream of unimaginative sequels. If you were less than impressed with this game, please jump ahead X4 and call it good, otherwise you may be in for a world of disappointment.