Capcom Announces Mega Man ZX for the Nintendo DS

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A world of transformations awaits as Capcom has announced Mega Man ZX for the Nintendo DS, an original new action game that joins the Mega Man universe. A dynamic Biometal system plays the central role, offering players the ability to transform into different Model types, each with their own unique abilities and advantages. Utilizing new Models presents a variety of gameplay experiences, allowing players access to different powers and the ability to expand the game field, opening new and hidden areas for exploration. In addition, there is an option to play as either a male character or, for the first time ever in the Mega Man series, a female main character. Capcom plans to release Mega Man ZX across North America in Q3 2006.

In Mega Man ZX, hundreds of years have passed since the battles between humans and Reploids (robots). After fierce wars between the two sides, peace was finally restored and the two groups were able to establish various cooperative nations within the "Inner" area of the universe. However, danger zones remained in the undeveloped "Outer" section where independently evolved robots called "Mavericks" began wreaking havoc. A group called the Serpent Company scours the Outer universe to provide energy created from otherwise unattainable items to the Inner population and also serves to protect these peaceful nations from Maverick attacks over the years. On an excursion to the Outer region, they discover relics of ancient technologies in the ruins. These relics, called Biometals, are living, conscious materials, with records of information and weapon data from history housed within.

Players assume the role of either a human male character named Vent or his female counterpart, Aile, who are employees of the Girouette Express, a courier service that takes jobs transporting anything to anywhere. On a job accompanying their boss, Girouette, to transport a package containing Model X and Model Z Biometals, they are attacked by a mysterious group of Mavericks who seeks to take the material for themselves. During the scuffle, the Model X Biometal is absorbed into the main character, causing a transformation into Model X form while the Model Z Biometal fuses with Girouette. Facing innumerable enemies, Girouette lends his newfound power to his employee and the two substances combine to form Model ZX. With powerful abilities at their disposal, they must discover who the menacing enemies are and what they are ultimately after.

In Mega Man ZX, players traverse an open map structure as they face various foes in order to acquire Biometals. The crystallized Biometal data collects at the weak points of bosses, so only by defeating them will players acquire the necessary substances to transform into different Models. The specific powers of each type will help access previously inaccessible areas and progress through the game. Each Model type offers distinct abilities including the ability to break walls, burn enemies with fire, dash through water and more.

Mega Man ZX includes the following features:
* Two playable characters ? play as either a male character named Vent, or as a female named Aile
* This is the first time ever in the Mega Man series where a female is the main playable character
* Vent is bigger and more powerful while Aile is smaller and more agile
* Each character has their own specific cut scenes
* Biometal is the key ? in order to gain the best transformation possible, strategically attack bosses without damaging its Biometals, otherwise its effects may become downgraded and must be repaired to regain its full potential
* Transformations offer a range of different abilities
* In human form, speak with townspeople and perform basic movements like walking and jumping
* Model X form, drawing upon the Biometal data of Mega Man X, features a long range buster shot, basic actions, dashing and wall kicks
* Model ZX form also includes the abilities of Model Z's Z-Saber for short range attacks in addition to the Model X abilities
* Biometal allows transformation into additional Model X types with distinct abilities ? Model HX, Model LX and more
* Expanding environment ? unlock additional areas of the map by using different Model X forms' powers
* Real time info system ? engages both screens of the DS system
* Not only do different Model X types offer powerful abilities for players as they battle on the top screen's "real world, " they can also trigger helpful Cyber Elves that display useful information on the bottom "Biometal screen" counterpart utilizing special abilities of Biometals
* While the main action happens on top, beneficial data ranging from an enemy's weak point, locations of hidden items and more are displayed on the bottom
* The type of data displayed is different with each Model type
* Overdrive invoke system ? utilizing the Biometal Gauge, power up for a limited time to unleash devastating attacks; however once depleted, players revert to human form
* Regenerating bosses ? based on certain conditions, a boss that had been defeated will reappear again, allowing multiple opportunities to gain items from the repeated battles
* Missions and Quests? progress the story by completing main missions while optional quests scattered throughout the map offer valuable information and items.

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