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Mighty No. 9

Name: Comprehensive Review and Analysis of Mighty No. 9
Item: Mighty No. 9
Author: Critik Editorial Team

2016

GenresAdventure, Action, Platformer, Shooter, Old-School Style, Side View Perspective, Single Player, Multiplayer

AvailableJun 21, 2016

PlatformPlayStation 4, Xbox One, PC

DeveloperInti Creates

Overview

Mighty No. 9 is focused on 2D platforming with a blend of 2D and 3D artwork and animation. The player is able to run, jump and shoot projectiles at enemies they encounter. Furthermore, the player will be able to acquire both weapons and abilities from enemies they defeat. The game will feature an intro level followed by the eight main stages, which are freely chosen in any order by the player. At the end of each stage, Beck, the protagonist, must face one of the other eight "Mighty Number" units in a boss battle. A final set of stages are unlocked at the end of the game, leading up to the final showdown. An additional level starring Call is also available at some point, provided through one of the completed stretch goals.

Elsewhere

3.5

Game analysis

Monster Scorecard

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Story and Narrative

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR STORY

Story Score

Positive (80-100)

Mixed (50-79)

55%

Negative (0-49)

45%

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the story and narrative.

The opinions of the critics regarding the story of Mighty No. 9 are quite varied. Some critics, such as GameSpot and Digital Spy, appreciate the light-hearted and cartoony nature of the story, with elements reminiscent of the Mega Man series. This adds a sense of nostalgia and familiarity for fans of the genre. Additionally, MondoXbox highlights the tournament aspect of the story, which adds an interesting dynamic to the gameplay. However, there are several critics who express negative opinions about the story. Game Informer and Cheat Code Central both criticize the story, describing it as terrible, cringe-worthy, and uninteresting. Brash Games goes further to say that the story is incoherent. Examiner and Metro GameCentral mention that the story fails to expand beyond nods to the history of the Mega Man series, making it feel unoriginal. Gaming Nexus and DarkZero also criticize the dialogue and voice acting, recommending switching to Japanese audio for a better experience. Overall, the consensus among the critics is that the story of Mighty No. 9 is lacking. While some appreciate the light-hearted and nostalgic elements, many critics find the story uninteresting, incoherent, and generic. The awkward cutscenes, slow voice acting, and lack of engaging content contribute to the overall negative sentiment towards the story. The simplistic nature of the plot is also mentioned by several critics, with NZGamer describing it as a tribute act cynically banking on nostalgia. The Jimquisition goes as far as to say that the writing is constantly contradictory, stilted, and disjointed. Despite a few positive aspects, the majority of critics express disappointment with the story of Mighty No. 9.

TL;DR

story and narrative

Critics are divided on Mighty No. 9's story. Some like the nostalgic vibes similar to Mega Man, while others slam it for being cringeworthy, incoherent, and dull. Many find the dialogue and voice acting lacking, suggesting Japanese audio for a better experience. Overall, most critics agree that the story falls short, feeling unoriginal and uninspiring, with awkward cutscenes and simplistic plot.

Gameplay Mechanics

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR GAMEPLAY

Gameplay Score

Positive (80-100)

13%

Mixed (50-79)

58%

Negative (0-49)

29%

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the gameplay mechanics.

The opinions of the critics regarding the gameplay of Mighty No. 9 are quite varied. Some critics, such as GameSpot and Destructoid, praise the gameplay for its rewarding and skill-based mechanics. They mention the ability to absorb particles from damaged enemies to enhance abilities, as well as the combo system and the use of pre-charging into enemies and Action Shifts. These elements are seen as key to the gameplay experience. Digital Spy also highlights the fast-paced, skill-based action and the ability to unlock new abilities by defeating bosses. On the other hand, there are critics who express disappointment with the gameplay. Game Informer criticizes the gameplay for being uneventful and having boring level designs. Forbes mentions that the dash absorption setup works fine on standard enemies but is annoying on bosses, and the level design is obtuse and unclear, leading to blind instant death. Gaming Nexus criticizes the stiff controls, inconsistent dash move, and the game feeling like a battle with itself at times. Twinfinite mentions stiff and slow movement, lack of a full tutorial, and unbalanced gameplay. Overall, the consensus among the critics is mixed. While some critics appreciate the gameplay mechanics and the nostalgic feel reminiscent of the Mega Man franchise, others find the gameplay lacking in excitement and plagued by frustrating mechanics. The positive aspects mentioned by critics include the skill-based nature of the gameplay, the ability to absorb powers, and the challenge presented by the game. However, negative aspects mentioned include uneventful levels, obtuse level design, and inconsistent mechanics. It is clear that Mighty No. 9 has its strengths and weaknesses, and opinions on the gameplay are divided among the critics.

TL;DR

gameplay mechanics

Critics are divided on Mighty No. 9's gameplay. Some praise its rewarding mechanics like absorbing particles and combo system, while others criticize uneventful levels and frustrating mechanics. Positive aspects include skill-based gameplay and challenge, but negatives include obtuse design and inconsistent mechanics. Overall, opinions on the gameplay are mixed, with some finding it nostalgic and engaging, while others deem it lacking excitement and plagued by issues.

Graphics and Visual Design

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR VISUALS

Visual Score

Positive (80-100)

Mixed (50-79)

27%

Negative (0-49)

73%

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the graphics and visual design.

The opinions of the critics regarding the Graphics and Visual Design of Mighty No. 9 are quite varied. Some critics, such as GameSpot and Game Informer, acknowledge that the game's 3D models are sharp and expressive. MondoXbox also highlights the diverse environments and specific traps and enemies for each area, which adds depth to the visual design. Additionally, Forbes mentions that the characters and enemies look fantastic. These positive aspects suggest that there are elements of the visual design that are well-executed and visually appealing. However, the majority of critics express negative opinions about the Graphics and Visual Design of Mighty No. 9. Many critics, including ZTGD, CGMagazine, Cheat Code Central, and Digital Spy, criticize the visuals for being lackluster, unmemorable, and generic. They mention dated-looking graphics, unappealing character design, and uninspired level layouts. The visuals are described as flat, lifeless, and lacking in detail. Some critics, like Examiner and Metro GameCentral, specifically mention that the backgrounds lack depth and are unfinished. The inconsistent and poor visual quality, as mentioned by Shacknews and TheSixthAxis, further contribute to the negative sentiment towards the visuals. Overall, the consensus among the critics is that the Graphics and Visual Design of Mighty No. 9 are disappointing. The game fails to deliver on its initial promises of better visual design, as mentioned by Gaming Age. The graphics are often described as subpar, hideous, and worse than a PS2 game, according to VideoGamer. The lack of contemporary flair or classic whimsy, as pointed out by GameSpot, further contributes to the overall negative perception of the visuals. The visuals are often criticized for being uninspired, generic, and lacking in ambition. While there are some positive aspects, such as sharp 3D models and diverse environments, the negative opinions outweigh the positive ones, resulting in a general consensus that the Graphics and Visual Design of Mighty No. 9 are underwhelming.

TL;DR

graphics and visual design

Critics have mixed opinions on Mighty No. 9's graphics and visual design. Some praise the sharp 3D models and diverse environments, while others criticize the visuals as lackluster and unmemorable. The majority of critics express disappointment, citing dated graphics, uninspired design, and lack of detail. Overall, the consensus is that the game falls short of expectations, with negative opinions outweighing the positive aspects.

Music and Sound Design

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR SOUND DESIGN

Sound Score

Positive (80-100)

11%

Mixed (50-79)

44%

Negative (0-49)

44%

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the music and sound design.

The opinions of the critics regarding the Sound Design and Music of Mighty No. 9 are quite varied. Some critics had positive things to say about the music and sound design. For example, God is a Geek praised the soundtrack, describing it as wonderful and authentic to its roots, with tracks composed by former Capcom musicians. Gaming Nexus also mentioned that the game's soundtrack was pretty good and appreciated the option to select a retro soundtrack. The SixthAxis praised the retro music for hitting the right chiptune notes and capturing the spirit of the Mega Man franchise. These positive opinions highlight the game's ability to evoke nostalgia and stay true to its genre. On the other hand, several critics had negative opinions about the Sound Design and Music of Mighty No. 9. Game Informer criticized the game's music and sound effects, stating that they do not get the player involved. ZTGD criticized the voice acting, describing it as some of the worst the reviewer has heard, and the dialogue as cringe-worthy. Brash Games also criticized the voice acting, describing it as bad and grating. Metro GameCentral and NZGamer both mentioned that the voice acting was awful and obnoxious. These negative opinions emphasize the game's shortcomings in terms of voice acting and sound effects, which can greatly impact the player's immersion and enjoyment. Overall, the consensus among the critics is that the Sound Design and Music of Mighty No. 9 have both positive and negative aspects. While some critics praised the retro chiptune soundtrack and its ability to trigger nostalgia, others criticized the English voice acting for being slow, abrasive, and not fitting well with the game. The voice acting was a major point of contention, with multiple critics highlighting its poor quality and lack of emotional connection to the characters. Additionally, some critics mentioned issues with the sound mix and lack of balance in sound levels. These mixed opinions suggest that the Sound Design and Music of Mighty No. 9 were not universally well-received and could have been improved to enhance the overall experience of the game.

TL;DR

music and sound design

Critics have mixed opinions on the Sound Design and Music of Mighty No. 9. Positive reviews praise the retro chiptune soundtrack for evoking nostalgia, while negative feedback criticizes the voice acting as abrasive and lacking emotional connection. The game's sound effects and balance also received criticism. Overall, opinions vary on the game's audio elements, with some highlighting its strengths and others pointing out significant shortcomings.

Voice Acting

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR VOICE ACTING

Acting Score

Positive (80-100)

Mixed (50-79)

13%

Negative (0-49)

88%

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the voice acting.

In analyzing the opinions of multiple reviewers regarding the voice acting in Mighty No. 9, it is clear that there is a consensus among the critics that the English voice acting falls short of expectations. Some critics, such as GameSpot and Game Rant, specifically mention that the voice acting is slow and abrasive, while others, like ZTGD and Brash Games, go so far as to describe it as some of the worst they have heard. The lack of appeal, emotion, and fittingness are also highlighted by Cheat Code Central and Destructoid respectively. On the positive side, there are a few critics who express satisfaction with the voice acting. Examiner, for example, praises the English voice cast as great, and God is a Geek mentions that the spoken dialogue is delivered in a manner that suits the style. However, these positive opinions are outweighed by the negative ones, as the majority of the critics find fault with the voice acting in Mighty No. 9. The overall consensus among the critics is that the voice acting in Mighty No. 9 is subpar. The English dub is criticized for being slow, abrasive, grating, and lacking energy. The dialogue is described as wonky, the script as terrible, and the cutscenes as poorly executed. The obnoxiousness, lack of lip synching, and the absence of a skip button for cutscenes are also mentioned as drawbacks. Some critics even suggest switching to the Japanese audio, as Gaming Nexus and Game Rant do. While there are a few positive opinions, the negative feedback from multiple reviewers, such as ZTGD, Brash Games, and GameGrin, indicates that the voice acting in Mighty No. 9 is generally considered to be a significant flaw in the game.

TL;DR

voice acting

Critics universally slam the English voice acting in Mighty No. 9, calling it slow, abrasive, and one of the worst they've heard. Lack of appeal, emotion, and fittingness are major issues. While a few positive opinions exist, negativity dominates, with critics labeling the voice acting as subpar, grating, and energy-deficient. Suggestions to switch to Japanese audio are made. Negative feedback from various reviewers points to voice acting as a major flaw in the game.

Technical Performance

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR TECHNICAL PERFORMANCE

Tech Score

Positive (80-100)

Mixed (50-79)

30%

Negative (0-49)

70%

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the technical performance.

In terms of the technical performance on Xbox One, the critics have mixed opinions. GameSpot and ZTGD both mention issues with slowdown and optimization, which can affect the overall experience of the game. However, no specific positive aspects are mentioned for this platform. Moving on to the PlayStation 4, the critics unanimously point out several technical issues. CGMagazine, Easy Allies, and Gaming Nexus all mention frame rate issues, with Easy Allies specifically highlighting the difficulty in discerning on-screen action due to inconsistent frame rate. Examiner goes a step further and describes the network code for the online mode as broken. TheSixthAxis mentions occasional slowdowns, but expects a day one patch to address these issues. Overall, the PlayStation 4 version seems to have more technical problems compared to Xbox One. On the PC platform, GameCrate mentions specific technical issues such as no sound when connected to a TV and sound coming out of the laptop instead. GameWatcher adds that the framerate is choppy and doesn't stay at 60. These technical issues can significantly impact the gameplay experience on PC. Taking into account the opinions of the critics, it is clear that Mighty No. 9 suffers from various technical performance issues across all platforms. Frame rate issues, slowdowns, and optimization problems are mentioned consistently by multiple critics. While some critics mention potential fixes through patches, the overall sentiment suggests that the technical performance of the game is subpar. It is important for players to be aware of these issues before deciding to purchase and play Mighty No. 9.

TL;DR

technical performance

Critics across platforms slam Mighty No. 9 for technical performance issues like frame rate problems, slowdowns, and optimization glitches. Xbox One faces mixed opinions, while PS4 is unanimously criticized for frame rate issues and broken network code. PC encounters sound and framerate problems. Critics warn players to beware of these issues before buying the game.

Replay Value

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR REPLAY VALUE

Replay Score

Positive (80-100)

Mixed (50-79)

70%

Negative (0-49)

25%

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the replay value.

The opinions of the videogame reviewers regarding the replay value of Mighty No. 9 are varied. Some critics, such as MondoXbox and CGMagazine, highlight the positive aspects of the game's replayability. MondoXbox mentions customizable level order, boss powers, and an EX mode with time and skill challenges, while CGMagazine mentions optional challenge modes, co-op mode, boss rush mode, and New Game Plus. These features provide additional content and challenges for players to engage with beyond the main campaign. Additionally, NZGamer mentions the ability to see how each ally appears in previously beaten levels, adding a layer of replayability. However, there are also several critics who express negative opinions about the replay value of Mighty No. 9. GameSpot criticizes the lack of enough high ranks and challenge stages to sustain interest. Easy Allies finds the challenge mode, boss rush mode, and online race battle mode to be sterile and barebones, lacking the depth to hold attention. VideoGamer mentions that the special abilities gained from defeating bosses are largely pointless, diminishing the motivation for replaying the game. GameCrate states that additional modes and features included in the game are pointless because the core gameplay is not enjoyable. Overall, the consensus among the critics is mixed. While some reviewers appreciate the additional modes, challenges, and customization options that enhance the replay value of Mighty No. 9, others find them lacking in depth and substance. The general sentiment seems to be that while there are some positive aspects to the replay value, such as the customizable level order and the ability to see how allies appear in previously beaten levels, the overall replayability of the game falls short of expectations. The lack of engaging content, meaningful rewards, and enjoyable core gameplay are cited as the main drawbacks that prevent Mighty No. 9 from providing a truly satisfying replay experience.

TL;DR

replay value

Critics are divided on the replay value of Mighty No. 9. Some praise features like customizable levels and challenge modes, while others criticize the lack of depth and engaging gameplay. Positive aspects include additional content and challenges, but negative feedback points to a lack of high ranks, meaningful rewards, and enjoyable gameplay. Overall, opinions are mixed with some finding the replay value lacking in substance and depth.

Overall Verdict

MONSTER

OVERALL SCORE DISTRIBUTION

Monster Score

Positive (80-100)

Mixed (50-79)

65%

Negative (0-49)

30%

Based on analyzing all available reviews that scored and critiqued the game.

In analyzing the opinions of multiple reviewers regarding the overall verdict of Mighty No. 9, it is evident that there is a mixed reception towards the game. Some critics, such as MondoXbox and Destructoid, highlight the enjoyable gameplay and nostalgic experience for fans of the Mega Man franchise. These positive aspects are further supported by God is a Geek, who mentions that the game follows the Mega Man formula closely and provides satisfaction for nostalgic and challenge-seeking players. Additionally, GameWatcher praises the challenging gameplay and great controls of Mighty No. 9. On the other hand, numerous critics express disappointment and criticism towards various aspects of the game. Game Informer, Brash Games, and Forbes all criticize the game for lacking the heart, fun, and design pitfalls of the classic Mega Man games. Digital Spy, Examiner, and Game Rant also mention issues with the game's art aesthetic, difficulty level, and lack of polish. Furthermore, critics like GameSpot, Cheat Code Central, and VideoGamer highlight the game's average or forgettable nature, lack of fresh ideas, and subpar graphics. Overall, the consensus among the critics leans towards a negative perception of Mighty No. 9. The game is often described as a missed opportunity, lacking in artistry, and failing to live up to the expectations and legacy of the Mega Man series. Critics such as Shacknews and GameCrate advise against purchasing the game, while Twinfinite and The Jimquisition express their disappointment and frustration with the overall experience. While there are a few positive aspects mentioned by certain critics, the negative feedback regarding the game's design, presentation, and execution is more prevalent, leading to an overall sentiment of disappointment and dissatisfaction among the reviewers.

TL;DR

Critics have mixed feelings about Mighty No. 9. Some praise its gameplay and nostalgia, but many criticize its lack of heart, fun, and design flaws. Overall, the game falls short of expectations, with more negative feedback than positives, leaving reviewers disappointed and dissatisfied.

MONSTER

Reviews

132 reviews found

GameWatcher

Jun 20, 2016

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Mighty No. 9 is a challenging game with great controls, but it suffers from graphics and technical performance issues. It also disappoints fans expecting a true Mega Man experience.

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God is a Geek

PlayStation 4

Jun 20, 2016

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Mighty No. 9 follows the Mega Man formula closely, which can be both a blessing and a curse. It is a satisfying game for nostalgic and challenge-seeking players, but lacks an identity of its own.

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ZTGD

Xbox One

Jun 27, 2016

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

The reviewer states that there is a great game buried in Mighty No. 9, but the rough edges stand out and detract from the experience.

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MondoXbox

Xbox One

Jul 3, 2016

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

The game is enjoyable and offers a nostalgic experience for fans of Mega Man, with solid gameplay and replay value.

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Destructoid

PlayStation 4

Jun 20, 2016

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

The reviewer is not disappointed with the end result and believes most Mega Man fans will find solace in the fact that it didn't end up being a disaster. The art style is criticized.

Gaming Nexus

PlayStation 4

Jul 11, 2016

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

The reviewer finds the game tedious and bland, and believes it does little to live up to the legacy of the Mega Man games.

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NZGamer

PlayStation 4

Jul 19, 2016

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

The game lacks fresh ideas and squanders its potential, resulting in a sad example of average execution.

Examiner