Mega Man X3 was a popular video game for the SNES. The game along with X1 and X2 ranks high among top 100 SNES video games. The original X3 allowed the player to play as Zero in a limited ability. This was the first game were the player could play as zero. Due to the game's popularity there have been many hacks of this game. Mega Man X3 Zero Project Version #4 is a hack of X3. In this case the player can mostly play as Zero. I will be reviewing this game and comparing it to the original game.

Storm Rating 9

The story is the same as the original game. Dr. Doppler a reploid scientists and engineer supposedly developed a Sigma Virus Vaccine. Mavericks that had been infected seem to be neutralized. It appears Reploids and humans are about to enter a golden age of peace. Doppler Town is built in honor of Dr. Doppler. However, things start to go wrong. Maverick outbreaks start to occur. The mavericks that were thought to be neutralized return to their maverick form. Dr. Doppler appears to be behind this. It appears the vaccine is a ruse. Is Doppler really behind this or has a familiar villain returned. X and Zero head out to get to the bottom of this and stop the latest outbreak.

I really like the story so I'm glad the maker of this hack did not change it. The original story line was great. It offered something new. When I first played the original game I really thought a new bad guy had been introduced in the X franchise. I still like the original story even though I have played the original and these hacks several times. Therefore, I give the story a solid rating of 9.

Graphics and Controls Rating 10

The graphics in the original game were amazing. Earlier Zero hacks of this game had some glitches. This version is a huge improvement. It does not have any glitches that I have found. The controls are amazing. I really like the graphics. I love the backgrounds in all of the stages. I love the winter background in Blizzard Buffalo's stage. I also love the Jungle in Tiger's stage. The electric currents in Catfish's stage is also nice. It is nice to play as Zero and not have any lags that previous hacks did.

Therefore I give the graphics and controls a 10. This game is so smooth compared to other hacks of the original game. I felt like I was playing the original version. The maker of this really improved their work.

Sound Rating 10.

The original game had some of the best sounds in the SNES Mega Man Games. In my review of the original game I stated X3 and X2 had the best music and sounds. This Hack is no different. It uses the original soundtrack and sounds.

I really love the music in X3, so I was glad the maker did not change a thing. Blizzard Buffalo and Neon Tiger are my favorite themes. Not one stage has bad music. Even the end credits have great music. The sounds in this game are amazing. It is nice to hear Zero's weapon charge up. X has his original charge up sound. The sounds the enemies make while being hit is also good. Overall this is very nicely done so it deserves a 10.

Addictive and Depth Rating 10.

This game is my favorite X3 hack. I love getting play the game as Zero except for one little part in the fortress stage. The game is designed around Zero. Zero is my favorite character so I was glad the makers allowed him to be used more. Just like the original game I go back and play this game a lot. This hack is just so special due to the amount of depth.

Like most Mega Man games this game has high depth. There are lots of power ups to collect, and lots of items to find. Most stages have a secret area in them. This game is going to require lots of time and play throughs. Also there are secret weapons to find just like the original game.

Due to the amount of depth it is very fun to play this game again with a different powerup. It is easy to get addicted to this game. For these reasons I give the acctive and depth a solid 10 reading.

Difficulty Rating 8

This game like most Mega Man games is difficult. Enemies just love to gang up on you. Some of the enemies shots can do a lot of damage. In addition, some of the bosses in this game are difficult due to their attacks and small hit boxes. Also every stage has obstacles. There are lots of pits to get across and death spikes. I died a few times in this game. Even though this game is difficult it is doable.

The game tries to help you out by letting you increase your health bar. There are also power ups and powerful weapons to collect. That really helps out. In addition, Zero's saber does huge amount of damage when fully charged. You just don't need to get hit while charting it. The game is slightly easier to play through as Zero compared to X.

I give the difficulty a solid 8 and here is why. The game is difficult due to bosses, stage obstacles, and enemy placement. But it is the right difficulty. It really challenges your skills, and reflexes. Its not one of those games that is difficult due to glitches, or lagging. Also the game does try to help you out some. That is why its a difficult game but its doable.

Overall Rating 9.6

I really love this hack. Getting to play through the game as Zero is option. In other hacks of X3 you could play as Zero but it was still limited. In one hack if you died while playing as Zero. Zero would still be wounded. In this game you can die as Zero and even get a game over. The only complaint is there is still one part of the Fortress stage that if you use Zero he will be wounded then you have to use X for the rest of the game. Each hack has seen as an improvement. I really hope that the maker makes a new version were you do not have to use X in the certain fortress stage.

I also like how the dialogue by the game characters is changed to to fit Zero. Dr. Light speaks to Zero and do the other characters. That was a nice touch. I don't think other hacks had that.

The graphics and controls as I stated are also amazing. I was glad the maker or makers used the original controls. This is the best version so far as there is not glitches or lags to fight with.

The music is also awesome along with the depth and replay value. The difficulty is about right.

Would I recommend this game? Yes I highly recommend this game. This game is like the original X3. The main difference is you can play as Zero for 95% of the game. In my opinion this is how the original game should have been made. This is one of the few times were a hack is up their with the original game. Basically, I recommend both games the original and this hack. If you are a Zero fan like me and like to playthrough the game as him. This game is for you. Even if your new to the X series this is a good game to start with.

I give this game a solid 9.6. The game hardly has any flaws. It is just that awesome. Come to think of it I think I gave the original X3 a very high score as well. They do not make hacks much better than this. My only recommendation to the makers is make a version were you can play 100% of the game as Zero including the fortress stage.

This concludes my review. I hope you check out this game and I hope you enjoyed it as much as I did.

Blessings