Mega Man Zero 2 takes place a year after the events in Mega Man Zero, where Zero continues to fight against the forces of Neo Arcadia, while fighting alongside the Resistance. There are new characters, new and stronger bosses as well as returning enemies and allies. It has the same gameplay from the first game, yet with new additions as well.
Plot. A year has passed since Zero was awakened by Ciel, and defeated Copy X. Since then, he has been wandering endlessly fighting wave after wave of Pantheons. Outgunned and outnumbered, Zero presses on until he collapses when defeating another endless wave of enemies. Harpuia then takes him to the new Resistance Base, where he is reunited with Ciel, and the new leader Elpizo. Now, Zero faces new challenges and dangers, as the war against Neo Arcadia continues.
The Buster Shot, Z-Saber and Shield Boomerang return in the second game, but replacing the Triple Rod is the Chain Rod. The Chain Rod serves as a combination of a spear and a grappling hook. It can be used to latch on to most walls and ceilings, which Zero can either drag himself to or swing from to cross over pits and other obstacles. It can also be used to drag crates and enemies closer to Zero, or into pits if applicable. Cyber Elves also return as they can be used for healing, and peril salvation.
Concept. Like the last game, Zero begins fighting against a horde of enemies until getting to the base and learning all the changes that occurred since the first game. After that, he must battle eight bosses, including mid-stage bosses. Then he must face returning bosses, in the final stages of the game, including the final boss.
Design. The game has the same designs of the first game. Rendered in 2D, sprite characters, and even some manga-like scenarios. The Phoenix Magnion boss battle also brings cameos to past bosses from the Mega Man X series, much like Metal Shark Player in Mega Man X6. The cameos are: Agile (MMX2), Bit (MMX3), Vile, and Colonel (MMX4).
Rantings. If you think that the first game is hard, then wait till you play this, because it is a lot more harder and nerve-wrecking than the last time. The Phoenix Magnion boss battle is one of the most hardest boss battles in the game, and it will have gamers bowing in reverence to him. That boss took me about ten tries before I finally managed to beat him. What bothers me is that the penalties of using a Cyber Elf still continue, like once using it, they will die.
Good Aspects. The good thing about this game is the dark and deep storyline, the gameplay, the graphics, and many other things as well. Also, I was impressed to see some old bosses from Mega Man X in the Phoenix Magnion boss battle. What I like when defeating a boss with the Z-Saber, is that he/she splits in two, when it is not charged of course. This game can be played on the Mega Man Zero Collection for the Nintendo DS.
Overall. Though very hard and nerve-wrecking, this game has high replay value and many great qualities. This is one of my favorite games in the Mega Man Zero saga, and my final score is an 8 out of 10.