Mega Man X7 is the series' first leap into next-gen and the blue bomber doesn't muster up enough gameplay to compliment its new 3D visuals. The title suffers from simplistic, non-technical gameplay that doesn't come close to doing the series justice.

Mega Man X7 introduces a new character, Axl. Axl has defected from the Red Alert Syndicate, a group bent on hunting innocent reploids (robots). When Axl joins up with Mega Man and Zero, Red Alert combats the whole a crew and sends the typical arsenal of henchmen and themed robot bosses.

After a few introduction stages, X7 turns to the familiar stage select system where each area is governed by an appropriately themed boss. Enemies like Splash Warfly and Soldier Stonekong govern the water and forest worlds respectively, programmed to destroy to Mega Man and crew. Players can choose two characters that can be switched on the fly during play. Mega Man has a trusty blaster and dash, X wields a sword, while newcomer Axl acts like Mega Man lite.

Each level varies in composition. Some resort to the standard 2D playfield with updated 3D visuals, while some areas take advantage of the new graphics to allow for new gameplay. The 2D sections are adequate and remind gamers of the classic Mega Man gameplay, but the 3D is never taken advantage of. The same 2D mechanics are used in 3D which results in limited range of motion and one trick gameplay. Just walk up to an enemy, destroy, and repeat. There isn't much strategy involved and the level designs don't involve any new, different play aspects.

X7 does offer some other 3D gameplay, such as racing to pick up bombs on a race track. However the control is quite horrendous and as slippery as ice levels in previous Mega Man games.

The bosses are cheap and require major hit and dodge techniques that rely more on luck then strategy. There are also points of slowdown in some battles where there's not much going on.

Mega Man is updated to a new visual quality that sets it apart from previous titles. The main characters are cell shaded while levels are composed entirely of bright, colorful polygons. The enemies are well animated and reminiscent of previous foes. The music is made up of standard, upbeat tracks that are pretty forgettable. The voice acting is quite possibly the worst heard in quite a while. Plus you can't skip the in-level cutscenes.

Mega Man X7 is a new take on the series that didn't work out as planned. The 2D gameplay hits some bright spots but is hampered by the new, boring 3D sections. There isn't much to keep you playing other than to relive a shred of Mega Man gameplay in 3D.