Mega Man IV (1993)

by Christopher
written by Christopher 7 minutes read

Summary

Mega Man IV: A Classic NES Platformer That’s Still a Blast to Play

Released in 1993 for the Nintendo Entertainment System, Mega Man IV is the fourth installment in the classic platformer series. It follows the adventures of the heroic robot Mega Man as he battles the evil Dr. Wily and his army of robot masters.

Mega Man IV introduces several new features to the series, including the ability to charge Mega Man’s Mega Buster for more powerful shots, and the addition of two new robot companions: Rush, a robotic dog that can transform into a variety of vehicles, and Beat, a robotic bird that can attack enemies and carry Mega Man through the air.

The game also features a new level select system that allows players to choose the order in which they tackle the eight robot master stages. This gives players more freedom to choose the stages that they find easiest or most difficult, and it also allows them to tailor their playthrough to their own strengths and weaknesses.

Mega Man IV is a challenging but rewarding platformer that pushes the NES hardware to its limits. With its tight controls, varied level design, and memorable bosses, it’s a must-play for fans of the series and retro gaming enthusiasts alike.

Story

The story of Mega Man IV begins at the World Robot Expo, where a flying saucer piloted by Dr. Wily crashes into the festivities. Wily unleashes a mind control device that enslaves all the robots in the city, and he uses them to launch an attack on humanity.

Mega Man and his robotic companions, Rush and Beat, must travel to eight different stages to defeat Wily’s robot masters and put a stop to his evil plans. Along the way, they’ll face a variety of challenges, including deadly traps, powerful enemies, and even the occasional boss fight.

Gameplay

Mega Man IV is a side-scrolling platformer in which players control Mega Man as he runs, jumps, and shoots his way through eight different stages. Each stage is themed after one of Wily’s robot masters, and it features a unique set of enemies and obstacles.

Mega Man’s primary weapon is his Mega Buster, which can be charged up for more powerful shots. He can also acquire a variety of other weapons and items throughout the game, such as the Ice Slasher, which can freeze enemies, and the Skull Barrier, which can protect Mega Man from damage.

In addition to his Mega Buster, Mega Man can also use Rush and Beat to help him overcome obstacles and defeat enemies. Rush can transform into a variety of vehicles, such as a motorcycle, a jet, and a submarine, which can be used to navigate difficult terrain or reach new areas. Beat can attack enemies with his beak and claws, and he can also carry Mega Man through the air.

Levels

The eight stages in Mega Man IV are:

  • Dive Man’s Stage: An underwater stage featuring a variety of aquatic enemies and obstacles.
  • Toad Man’s Stage: A jungle stage with slippery floors and poisonous plants.
  • Drill Man’s Stage: A mining stage with narrow tunnels and deadly traps.
  • Dust Man’s Stage: A construction site stage with falling debris and powerful enemies.
  • Bright Man’s Stage: A futuristic stage with lasers and force fields.
  • Pharaoh Man’s Stage: An Egyptian-themed stage with mummies and hieroglyphs.
  • Ring Man’s Stage: A circus-themed stage with clowns and acrobats.
  • Skull Man’s Stage: A haunted house stage with ghosts and skeletons.

Bosses

The eight robot masters in Mega Man IV are:

  • Dive Man: A robotic diver with a water cannon and a propeller.
  • Toad Man: A robotic toad with a poisonous tongue and a long jump.
  • Drill Man: A robotic miner with a powerful drill and a hard hat.
  • Dust Man: A robotic construction worker with a vacuum cleaner and a jackhammer.
  • Bright Man: A robotic light bulb with a laser beam and a force field.
  • Pharaoh Man: A robotic pharaoh with a sandstorm attack and a pyramid shield.
  • Ring Man: A robotic clown with a ring toss attack and a unicycle.
  • Skull Man: A robotic skeleton with a bone boomerang and a skull shield.

Legacy

Mega Man IV was a critical and commercial success, and it is considered to be one of the best games in the series. It was praised for its challenging but fair difficulty, its varied level design, and its memorable bosses.

Mega Man IV has been ported to a variety of platforms over the years, including the Game Boy Advance, the PlayStation 2, and the Nintendo Switch. It is also available as part of the Mega Man Legacy Collection 1, which was released in 2015.

The game’s legacy is further cemented by its inclusion in several “best of” lists, including IGN’s list of the “Top 100 NES Games” and Game Informer’s list of the “Top 200 Video Games of All Time.”

Conclusion

Mega Man IV is a classic NES platformer that still holds up today. With its challenging but fair difficulty, its varied level design, and its memorable bosses, it’s a must-play for fans of the series and retro gaming enthusiasts alike.

Review Score

8.5/10

Art

Cover Art

Screenshots

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Christopher has carved a niche for himself as an authority on retro pre-2000 computer games. With a passion that borders on reverence, Christopher delves deep into the pixelated past of gaming, unearthing gems and sharing insights that resonate with both nostalgic players and curious newcomers. His articles serve as a time machine, transporting readers back to an era where gameplay and creativity often trumped graphical fidelity. Cristopher's expertise isn't just in cataloging these classics; he analyzes their design, the context of their creation, and their impact on the gaming landscape, offering a comprehensive look at the evolution of digital entertainment. Beyond mere retrospectives, Christopher champions the relevance of these retro games in today's high-definition world. He skillfully draws parallels between the foundational mechanics of yesteryear's titles and the modern gaming innovations they inspired. His work goes beyond mere preservation; it's an ongoing dialogue between the past and present of gaming. Christopher's content educates, entertains, and ignites discussions within the gaming community. His dedication not only keeps the legacy of pre-2000 games alive but also highlights their importance in shaping the future of video gaming.

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