:Mega Man X4

File:MegaManX4Screenshot.JPG moves through the military train that makes up Slash Beast's level. The player's energy and remaining lives are displayed at the top left.]]

The gameplay in Mega Man X4 is similar to the previous installments of the Mega Man X series. The player is presented with a series of action-platforming stages that can be cleared in any order desired.{{cite book|url=https://segaretro.org/images/6/6d/Megamanx4_sat_us_manual.pdf |title=Mega Man X4 Instruction Booklet|date=September 1997|publisher=Capcom Entertainment, Inc.|editor=Capcom|location=Sunnyvale, CA|pages=4–11|id=SLUS-00561}} In these stages, the player must avoid obstacles like falling debris and spikes, and destroy enemy robots to reach the end of the stages. Some levels contain ridable vehicles such as hover bikes called Ride Chasers and mechs called Ride Armors.{{cite magazine | author=PSM staff |magazine=PSM | publisher=Imagine Publishing | issue=2 | date=October 1997 | title=Previews: Mega Man X4 | pages=58–59 | issn=1940-0721}} The player character's maximum health can be extended by obtaining a "Heart Tank" in each of the eight stages. Two "Sub Tanks" can also be found, which can be filled with life energy and then be used to replenish the player's health at any time.

New to Mega Man X4 is the ability to play through the game either as X or Zero fully, (while Zero was playable in Mega Man X3, he acted only as a backup for X). The two characters cannot be switched during a playthrough. Though both of them go through the same stages, they operate differently and are challenged differently from the terrain.{{cite web | author=East, Mark | date=November 12, 1997 | title=Mega Man X4 Review for PlayStation | url=https://www.gamespot.com/reviews/mega-man-x4-review/1900-2548339/ | work=GameSpot | publisher=CBS Interactive | access-date=2010-06-24 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090911013609/http://www.gamespot.com/ps/action/megamanx4/review.html | archive-date=September 11, 2009 | url-status=live | df=mdy-all }} X wields the "X-Buster", a plasma cannon on his arm that he uses to attack foes from a distance. It can be charged to fire stronger shots. A new weapon is given to the player with each boss defeated while playing as X. These weapons have limited ammunition. In some stages, the player can find hidden capsules that contain armor upgrades that greatly enhance X's capabilities. Zero is more melee-oriented than X by using a "Z-Saber" sword. Rather than acquiring weapons from the bosses (with the exception of his Giga Attack), Zero learns special techniques that do not require ammo such as the "Hienkyaku" air-dash and "Kuuenbu" double-jump. However, Zero cannot upgrade any of his body parts in this game.

{{See also|List of Mega Man X characters}}

Mega Man X4 takes place in an ambiguous year in the 22nd century (21XX), where humans coexist with intelligent androids called "Reploids". A second Maverick-hunting group has been formed to supplement the Maverick Hunters, though its relationship with the humans is tenuous. The army, called the "Repliforce", is a military regime led by the giant Reploid General and his second-in-command, Colonel.{{cite video game|title=Mega Man X4|developer=Capcom|publisher=Capcom|date=September 1997|platform=Sony PlayStation|quote=Sigma: It's about the Maverick Hunters, General. They are far too eager to please the humans, and continue to hunt down the Reploids. Do you believe they pose a significant threat? General: Perhaps. Sigma:You already know the truth, General. Their sole mission has been to destroy any Reploids who fail to do as the humans order! General: Hmm... Sigma: It's in your best interest to stop them now, before they turn on you! You possess enough power to destroy them!}} The storyline differs slightly depending on whether the player chooses X or Zero.

In the game's introduction, the Sky Lagoon, a massive floating city, is attacked by a Maverick and sent crashing down onto the city below it, killing countless humans and Reploids.{{cite video game|title=Mega Man X4|developer=Capcom|publisher=Capcom|date=September 1997|platform=Sony PlayStation|quote=X: ... Wha-?! The city has been completely destroyed! They were innocent people... I won't forget this!}} At the crash site, Zero rescues Iris, Colonel's kind-hearted sister, who was caught in the mayhem but is unharmed. X and Zero then encounter Colonel, suspicious of his presence, and attempt to bring him back to Maverick Hunter HQ for questioning. Colonel denies Repliforce's involvement in the Sky Lagoon destruction, and refuses to disarm out of pride.{{cite video game|title=Mega Man X4|developer=Capcom |publisher=Capcom|date=September 1997|platform=Sony PlayStation|quote=X: Nevertheless, I want you to disarm and follow me back to the H.Q. Colonel: Never! You're asking my soldiers to drop their weapons? The only time we drop our weapons is when we aren't able to fight any longer! X: You will be regarded a Maverick and treated as such! Colonel: Do as you will! The Repliforce would sooner fight and die than discard our pride. Consider us Mavericks if this is what you wish!}} The Repliforce thus begins a movement to claim independence from the human government and create a nation for Reploids only.

Back at headquarters, X is greeted by a rookie Hunter named Double, while Zero rendezvouses with Iris. Eight Mavericks who have sworn allegiance to Repliforce are outlined for X and Zero to eliminate. One of them, ex-Hunter Magma Dragoon, reveals that he caused the Sky Lagoon incident for a chance at fighting X and Zero, but hints that he was working for someone other than Repliforce.Capcom (September 1997). Mega Man X4 (Sony PlayStation). Capcom. "X: Such a waste... Why Dragoon? Magma Dragoon: ... Always... wanted... to fight... you. ...Then ...he ... appeared ... and X: He appeared? Who?! Magma Dragoon: ...told me to work for Repliforce. To goad you into fighting... " Once all eight Mavericks are beaten, X and Zero are sent to a space port where Colonel guards Repliforce's launch into outer space; Colonel dies in the ensuing battle. X and Zero infiltrate the Repliforce's space station, known as the Final Weapon. X must fight Double, who is revealed to be a double agent sent to gain information from the Hunters,{{cite video game|title=Mega Man X4|developer=Capcom|publisher=Capcom|date=September 1997|platform=Sony PlayStation|quote=Double: ... Hee hee hee. Ha ha ha! You're so naive, X! I was sent as a spy from the very beginning to keep an eye on you!}} while Zero is forced to battle Iris, who is torn between her brother's dream and love for Zero.{{cite video game|title=Mega Man X4|developer=Capcom|publisher=Capcom|date=September 1997|platform=Sony PlayStation|quote=Zero: Iris, there's no world just for Reploids. It's only a fantasy. Iris: Yes... I know... But I wanted to believe it! ... I wanted to live in a world where only Reploids exist...... with you.}} Zero kills Iris in the confrontation, which causes him to break down in an existential crisis. The genocidal Maverick Sigma then reveals he orchestrated the Sky Lagoon crash and sent Dragoon and Double to instigate the conflict between the Maverick Hunters and Repliforce.{{cite video game|title=Mega Man X4|developer=Capcom|publisher=Capcom|date=September 1997|platform=Sony PlayStation|quote=Sigma: Hee hee hee. My plan to keep Repliforce and the Maverick Hunters at each other's throats worked perfectly! ... Double did a good job as a spy! / X: Why you...! / Sigma: Hee hee hee. Repliforce are the fools this time! Now all that's left is to destroy Earth with the very weapon they made! }} Additionally in Zero's scenario, Sigma reminds him of the time that Sigma led the Maverick Hunters, and of Zero's origin as a Maverick that led to vicious battle between the two where the Maverick Virus passed from Zero to Sigma. In the end, Sigma is destroyed, but reveals he already activated the Final Weapon. General then appears and sacrifices himself to destroy the Final Weapon, allowing X and Zero to escape and return to Earth.{{cite video game|title=Mega Man X4|developer=Capcom|publisher=Capcom|date=September 1997|platform=Sony PlayStation|quote=General: ... With my body I can stop the weapon. / Zero: But then you'll... / General: It's over for this soldier. Farewell... }} As they escape, X begs Zero to promise to kill him should he become a Maverick, but he does not answer. Meanwhile, Zero is wrought with pain and guilt for being unable to save any of the Repliforce members, most notably Iris.

Originally, the Mega Man X3 team had no plans to provide a sequel until their superiors from Capcom aimed to try the X series on new hardware. The team aimed to make Zero different from X, he was remade as a proper samurai-like warrior who wields a Z-Saber instead of shooting like X. In order to get the approval to make Zero playable, the developers gave him special moves based on the Street Fighter fighting game series to compensate for lacking X's powers. In particular, Capcom struggled in the beginning with the number of backgrounds they had to draw, but were pleased with results. There were twice as many sprite animation patterns to create. Since there was too much data creating the player characters, they had to employ a compression routine to store it all, and divide the stages into two sections. Designing X's armors proved difficult since the character looks different depending on which parts the player obtains first.{{cite web|url=https://shmuplations.com/megamanx4/|website=Shumplations|access-date=April 6, 2023|title=Mega Man X4 – 1997 Developer Interview}}

Instead of designing the game's various pieces of artwork as he had done in the past, Keiji Inafune focused his attention on being a producer. He was also involved in creating the game's storyline, a role he described as "only slightly less than it was for X1". Instead of presenting Repliforce as blatantly evil villains like Sigma, the writing staff decided to leave them some "moral leeway". They did not want the ideals of Repliforce and the Maverick Hunters to be so black-and-white. Since the main theme involved Reploids fighting each other, Capcom decided to avoid featuring human characters, calling it "Robots and The Future". Inafune left his former design responsibilities up to other artists that had previously worked on the Mega Man X series. Artist Haruki Suetsugu did not design its characters as he would do for later games in the series, but was given drafts in order to draw illustrations for promotional purposes. An unknown author was responsible for designing X's secret "Ultimate Armor" featured in both the game after inputting a cheat code and as a Japanese Bandai action figure.{{cite journal |journal=CFC Style Fan-Book CAP! | volume=4 | publisher=Capcom | author=Ariga, Hitoshi | date=Summer 1997 | title=X4 Original Mega Armor: The Untold Story | page=8 | language=ja}} In regards to Zero, Suetsugu noted that while he looked appealing, his drawings overshadowed X. Meanwhile, he lamented how brutal was the story of the heroine Iris.{{cite book|last=Capcom|title=R20 Rockman & Rockman X Official Complete Works |publisher=Udon Entertainment |date=2008|isbn=978-4-86233-178-6}} Suetsugu spent four days coming up with the initial blueprint. After tinkering with the Mega Man X3 armor parts, he noticed that attaching them in specific ways made it look like an airplane. He recounted creating the armor as an extremely difficult yet fun task. Zero was intended to have his own Ultimate Armor, but the development team chose to not finalize it.

The FMV cutscenes in Mega Man X4 were produced by IG Port's subsidiary Xebec.{{cite web|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20010501193504/http://www.production-ig.co.jp/xebec/jinji/gaiyou.htm|url=http://www.production-ig.co.jp/xebec/jinji/gaiyou.ht|title=会社概要|website=Production I.G|language=Japanese|access-date=April 19, 2023|archive-date=May 1, 2001}} The game's musical score was composed by Toshihiko Horiyama. The score features the opening theme {{nihongo|"Makenai Ai ga Kitto aru"|負けない愛がきっとある||lit. "Unbeatable Love I Surely Have"}} and the closing theme "One More Chance", both sung by Yukie Nakama.{{cite web | author=Suleputer staff| script-title=ja:ロックマンテーマソング集<ロックマン15周年記念> |trans-title=Rockman Theme Song Collection <Rockman 15th Anniversary> | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20030810220352/http://suleputer.capcom.co.jp/suleputer/lineup/cpca1056.htm | url=http://suleputer.capcom.co.jp/suleputer/lineup/cpca1056.htm | archive-date=August 10, 2003 | publisher=Suleputer | language=ja | access-date=December 18, 2011}} All of the game's instrumental and vocal music was compiled on the Capcom Music Generation: Rockman X1 ~ X6 soundtrack released by Suleputer in 2003.{{cite web | author=Suleputer staff|title=カプコン ミュージック ジェネレーション ロックマンX1～6 オリジナル・サウンドトラック |trans-title=Capcom Music Generation: Rockman X1 ~ X6 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20031214215707/http://suleputer.capcom.co.jp/suleputer/lineup/cpca1076.htm | archive-date=December 14, 2003 | publisher=Suleputer | language=ja | access-date=February 27, 2011|url=http://suleputer.capcom.co.jp/suleputer/lineup/cpca1076.htm}} The theme songs were also included on the Rockman Theme Song Collection, published by Suleputer in 2002.

Mega Man X4 was initially developed as a Sega Saturn exclusive and slated for a June 1997 release,{{cite web | author=Johnston, Chris | date=1997 | title=VideoGameSpot: Mega Man X4 Preview | url=http://www.videogamespot.com/sat/pltfrm/megamnx4/index.html | work=VideoGameSpot | publisher=SpotMedia Communications | access-date=November 14, 2010 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/19970414012218/http://www.videogamespot.com/sat/pltfrm/megamnx4/index.html | archive-date=April 14, 1997 | url-status=live | df=mdy-all }} but it was delayed and made multi-platform.{{cite magazine |author=Major Mike |title=Mega Man X4|magazine=GamePro |issue=109 |publisher=IDG |date=October 1997|page=88 |quote=Originally slated for release only on the Saturn, X4 is also now coming to the PlayStation.}} Both console versions of Mega Man X4 were released in Japan on August 1, 1997.{{cite web | author=Fielder, Joe | date=August 1, 1997 | title=Mega Man X4 Released in Japan | url=http://www.gamespot.com/news/2467090.html?tag=result%3Btitle%3B1 | work=GameSpot | publisher=CBS Interactive | access-date=July 17, 2010 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110628221420/http://www.gamespot.com/news/2467090.html?tag=result%3Btitle%3B1 | archive-date=June 28, 2011 | url-status=live | df=mdy-all }} The cover art for the Japanese Saturn version depicts Zero standing alone in a dark setting.{{cite web | author=Oxford, Nadia | date=May 31, 2007 | title=Mega Manniversary: Slaves to the Machine | url=http://www.1up.com/features/slaves-machine | work=1UP.com | publisher=Ziff Davis | access-date=February 6, 2011 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110629025928/http://www.1up.com/features/slaves-machine | archive-date=2011-06-29 | url-status=dead }} Inafune stated this idea was weird, there was a still a group of hardcore fans wanting this. A "Special Limited Pack" edition of the game included the Ultimate Armor X action figure.{{cite web | author=Johnson, Chris | date=August 4, 1997 | title=X4 Shows Off its Figure | url=http://www.gamespot.com/news/2467097.html?tag=result%3Btitle%3B4 | work=GameSpot | publisher=CBS Interactive | access-date=July 17, 2010 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110628221459/http://www.gamespot.com/news/2467097.html?tag=result%3Btitle%3B4 | archive-date=June 28, 2011 | url-status=live | df=mdy-all }}

The American localization of the Mega Man X4 PlayStation version was originally put on hold after Sony Computer Entertainment America denied Capcom permission to release it in the United States,{{cite web | author=IGN Staff | date=May 13, 1997 | title=MegaMan Killed? | url=http://psx.ign.com/articles/062/062624p1.html | publisher=IGN | access-date=June 22, 2010 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20091205030212/http://psx.ign.com/articles/062/062624p1.html | archive-date=December 5, 2009 | url-status=dead | df=mdy-all }} reportedly due to their policy against 2D games.{{cite magazine |title=Behind the Screens: Mega History 101 |magazine=Electronic Gaming Monthly|issue=95|publisher=Ziff Davis|date=June 1997 |page=80}} However, after persistent talks with the company, Capcom finally convinced Sony to allow the game a release.{{cite web | author=Johnston, Chris | date=June 25, 1997 | title=Mega Man, Breath of Fire III Aimed for PlayStation | url=http://www.gamespot.com/news/2467052.html?tag=result%3Btitle%3B5 | work=GameSpot | publisher=CBS Interactive | access-date=December 27, 2010 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110628221528/http://www.gamespot.com/news/2467052.html?tag=result%3Btitle%3B5 | archive-date=June 28, 2011 | url-status=live | df=mdy-all }} According to a Capcom spokesperson, the reasoning behind the delay was that Mega Man X4 "had just gotten lost in Sony's back log of games waiting for approval".{{cite web | author=IGN Staff | date=July 22, 1997 | title=Oh Mega Man! | url=http://psx.ign.com/articles/063/063263p1.html | publisher=IGN | access-date=June 24, 2010 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110713004750/http://psx.ign.com/articles/063/063263p1.html | archive-date=July 13, 2011 | url-status=live | df=mdy-all }} The PlayStation version was released on August 1, 1997 in North America, while the Saturn version came out in the early part of the following week.{{cite web|first=Joe|last=Fielder|url=http://headline.gamespot.com/news/97_08/01_megaman/index.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/19990424094707/http://headline.gamespot.com/news/97_08/01_megaman/index.html|title=Mega Man X4 Released in Japan|website=GameSpot|archive-date=April 24, 1999|date=August 1, 1997|access-date=July 30, 2022}}{{cite book|isbn=978-1-897376-80-5 |date=January 6, 2010 |title=Mega Man X: Official Complete Works|publisher=Udon Entertainment | pages=40–47}} Customers who preordered either version of the game through Capcom's online store were given a Mega Man X4-themed T-shirt.{{cite web | author=Johnson, Chris | date=September 10, 1997 | title=Capcom Offers Extras | url=http://www.gamespot.com/news/2467613.html?tag=result%3Btitle%3B3 | work=GameSpot | publisher=CBS Interactive | access-date=July 17, 2010 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110628221542/http://www.gamespot.com/news/2467613.html?tag=result%3Btitle%3B3 | archive-date=June 28, 2011 | url-status=live | df=mdy-all }} Capcom's designated European distributor, Virgin Interactive Entertainment, opted not to release the Saturn version in Europe,{{cite magazine|title=Big in Japan: Megaman X4|magazine=Sega Saturn Magazine|issue=24 |publisher=Emap International Limited|date=October 1997|pages=64–65 |url=https://archive.org/details/Sega_Saturn_Magazine_Issue_24_1997-10_EMAP_Images_GB/page/n63 |access-date=November 11, 2019}} though the PlayStation port was released in that region on October 13, 1997.{{cite web|url=https://duracionde.com/mega-man-x4|title=Duración de Mega Man X4|website=Duracionde|accessdate=April 19, 2023}} It was later ported to the Windows in 1998 in Japan.{{cite web|title=奇麗な画面と簡単モード備え|url=https://nlab.itmedia.co.jp/games/news/9809/21/news02.html|website=It Media|archivedate=April 20, 2023|accessdate=April 20, 2023|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20230420210244/https://nlab.itmedia.co.jp/games/news/9809/21/news02.html}} A Japan-exclusive Windows reissue by MediaKite Distribution in 1999.{{cite web|url=https://nlab.itmedia.co.jp/games/news/9911/12/news06.html|title=メディアカイト，廉価版PCゲームを多数リリース 新シリーズも立ち上げ|website=Itmedia|accessdate=April 20, 2023|language=Japanese}} A mobile port focused on X was released on December 1, 2011, while the Zero version on January 5, 2012.{{cite web| author=Capcom staff| date=November 24, 2011| title=携帯アプリ「ロックマンX4 エックスVer.」配信！| trans-title=Mobile phone application "Rockman X4 X Ver." release!| url=http://blog.capcom-og.com/rockmanunity/archives/4886010.html| work=Rockman Unity| publisher=Capcom| language=ja| access-date=December 14, 2011| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120114122558/http://blog.capcom-og.com/rockmanunity/archives/4886010.html| archive-date=January 14, 2012| url-status=dead| df=mdy-all}}

{{Video game reviews

| CGW = {{Rating|2|5}} (PC){{cite magazine |magazine=Computer Gaming World | publisher=Ziff Davis | author=Price, Tom | date=April 1999 | title=Reviews: Mega Man X4 | issue=177 | url=http://www.accessmylibrary.com/article-1G1-53901298/shooting-gallery-wizard-works.html | issn=0744-6667}}

| EGM = 8.25/10 (PS, SAT){{cite magazine |title=Review Crew: Mega Man X4 |magazine=Electronic Gaming Monthly|issue=100|publisher=Ziff Davis |date=November 1997|page=196}}{{cite magazine|author=Electronic Gaming Monthly staff |magazine=Electronic Gaming Monthly |title=Review Crew: Mega Man X4 |date=December 1997 |issue=101 |publisher=Ziff Davis |page=205 |url=http://egm.gamespot.com/egm.nsf/WebAllReviewCrew/9B05158E13E02B168825653F0080B97F |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/19980121101017/http://egm.gamespot.com/egm.nsf/WebAllReviewCrew/9B05158E13E02B168825653F0080B97F |archive-date=January 21, 1998 |issn=1058-918X |url-status=dead }}

| Fam = 25/40{{cite magazine | author=Famitsu staff|magazine=Weekly Famitsu| publisher=Enterbrain, Tokuma Shoten | date=August 8, 1997 | title=Cross Review | issue=451 |pages=31–6 | language=ja}}

| GameFan = 88/100 (SAT){{cite journal | journal=GameFan | author=Hobbs, Michael | title=Reviews: Megaman X4 | date=October 1997 | volume=5 | issue=10 | publisher=Metropolis Media | issn=1092-7212 |pages=24, 106–7}}

| GSpot = 7.0/10 (PS)
6.8/10 (SAT){{cite web | author=East, Mark | date=November 11, 1997 | title=Mega Man X4 Review for Saturn | url=http://www.gamespot.com/saturn/action/megamanx4/review.html?om_act=convert&om_clk=gsupdates&tag=updates%3Btitle%3B3 | work=GameSpot | publisher=CBS Interactive | access-date=June 22, 2010 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110628221554/http://www.gamespot.com/saturn/action/megamanx4/review.html?om_act=convert&om_clk=gsupdates&tag=updates%3Btitle%3B3 | archive-date=June 28, 2011 | url-status=live | df=mdy-all }}

| IGN = 7/10 (PS){{cite web | author=IGN Staff | date=September 30, 1997 | title=Mega Man X4 - PlayStation Review | url=http://psx.ign.com/articles/152/152083p1.html | publisher=IGN | access-date=June 22, 2010 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110318084009/http://psx.ign.com/articles/152/152083p1.html | archive-date=March 18, 2011 | url-status=dead | df=mdy-all }}

| NGen = {{Rating|3|5}} (PS){{cite magazine |magazine=Next Generation Magazine | publisher=Imagine Publishing | date=December 1997 | title=Finals: Mega Man X4 | volume=3 | issue=36 |page=162}}

| PSM = {{rating|4|5}} (PS){{cite magazine |author=PSM staff|magazine=PSM| publisher=Imagine Publishing | issue=3 | date=November 1997 | title=Reviews: Mega Man X4 | page=25 | issn=1940-0721}}

| rev2 = Saturn Power

| rev2Score = 80% (SAT){{cite journal | author=Saturn Power staff|journal=Saturn Power | publisher=Future plc| date=November 1997 | title=Saturn Power Import: Rockman X4 | issue=6 | page=81 | issn=0961-2718}}

| rev3 = Sega Saturn Magazine

| rev3Score = 91% (SAT){{cite magazine |magazine=Sega Saturn Magazine |publisher=EMAP |date=April 1998 |title=Import Review: MegaMan X4 |issue=30 |page=71 |issn=1078-9693}}

| rev4 = Computer Games Magazine

| rev4Score = {{Rating|1.5|5}} (PC){{cite magazine | author=Computer Games Magazine staff |magazine=Computer Games Magazine | publisher=theGlobe.com | date=January 21, 1999 | title=Reviews: Mega Man X4 | issn=1095-1385}}

}}

Reviews for the PlayStation and Saturn versions of Mega Man X4 have been generally positive. Critics praised the added option to play through the game as either X or Zero, noting that the drastic differences in the way the characters played the same levels added to the game's replay value. However, most of the same critics concurred that Mega Man X4{{'}}s 2D side-scrolling gameplay was tired and overdone well before the game was released. In particular, GamePro and Next Generation both gave it negative reviews on the sole basis of its perceived lack of series innovation; GamePro asserted that "the gameplay's none removed from Mega Man for the NES - things are just a little bigger and a little louder,"{{cite magazine |author=Boba Fatt |title=Saturn ProReview: Mega Man X4|magazine=GamePro |issue=111 |publisher=IDG |date=December 1997|page=180}} while Next Generation suggested that those interested in the game should instead "pick up Mega Man X3 in the used bin for a third of the price, since you won't miss much." However, a different GamePro critic reviewed the PlayStation version and gave it resoundingly positive review, calling it "an impressive 32-bit debut" and "a definite must-have for any action gamer's library."{{cite magazine |author=Major Mike |title=PlayStation ProReview: Mega Man X4|magazine=GamePro |issue=110 |publisher=IDG |date=November 1997|page=142}} GameSpot took more of a middle ground, concluding that "All in all, a few more 3D effects would have been nice, but the decision to stick with a true 2D environment is bold, if somewhat outmoded. Aesthetically, Mega Man X4 is a sizeable improvement over its predecessors, but you must remember that it's only a side scroller."

A number of critics also praised the intuitive and responsive controls, gigantic bosses, and solid challenge. John Ricciardi of Electronic Gaming Monthly differed on the last point, saying that the stages are too easy, but added that "the overall experience is definitely a positive one." Electronic Gaming Monthly listed the console versions at number 78 on its "100 Best Games of All Time" in the 100th issue of the magazine in 1997, the same issue in which they reviewed the PlayStation version, citing its "significant improvement over X3, with amazingly detailed 2-D graphics, well-balanced (although slightly easy) gameplay and an awesome story with very well-acted animated cut scenes."{{cite magazine |title=100 Best Games of All Time |magazine=Electronic Gaming Monthly|issue=100|publisher=Ziff Davis |date=November 1997|pages=108, 113}} They also listed Mega Man X4 as a runner-up for "Side-Scrolling Game of the Year" (behind Castlevania: Symphony of the Night) in its 1997 Editors' Choice Awards.{{cite magazine |title=Editors' Choice Awards |magazine=Electronic Gaming Monthly |publisher=Ziff Davis |issue=104 |date=March 1998 |page=90}}

The Windows version of the game was met with much lower review scores. Tom Price of Computer Gaming World felt appeal of the game itself is limited to Mega Man and platformer fans, who likely already own at least one of the console versions of Mega Man X4. Computer Games Magazine found it superior to Mega Man X3 but without any sense of the sequel having noticeable improvements.

When it came to the story, IGN and GameSpot praised how different was X's story from Zero's as it gave the game replay value. Reactions to X's voice-acting have been mostly negative. Sushi-X of Electronic Gaming Monthly and Hilliard criticized his child-like voice as a poor fit for his character.{{cite magazine |url=https://www.gameinformer.com/2018/07/24/the-pros-and-cons-of-the-mega-man-x-collections |title=The Pros And Cons Of The Mega Man X Collections |last=Hilliard |first=Kyle |magazine=Game Informer |access-date=May 30, 2020 |archive-date=August 13, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200813141413/https://www.gameinformer.com/2018/07/24/the-pros-and-cons-of-the-mega-man-x-collections/ |url-status=live}} The fandom in general found the scene where Zero yells "What am I fighting for?!" while holding Iris' dead body as one of the worst parts in voice acting in Mega Man history alongside some cutscenes from Mega Man 8 to the point of calling it "horror".{{cite web|url=https://www.destructoid.com/learn-why-the-voice-acting-from-mega-man-8-and-x4-was-so-bad-272168.phtml|publisher=Destructoid|title=Learn why the voice acting from Mega Man 8 and X4 was so bad|date=19 March 2014|access-date=January 1, 2019|archive-date=April 25, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160425201639/http://www.destructoid.com/learn-why-the-voice-acting-from-mega-man-8-and-x4-was-so-bad-272168.phtml|url-status=dead}}

According to Famitsu sales information, the PlayStation version of the game sold 197,385 copies in Japan alone in 1997, making it the 61st best-selling game in the region for that year.{{cite web | title=1997年テレビゲームソフト売り上げTOP100 | trans-title=1997 Video Game Software Sales Top 100 | url=http://geimin.net/da/db/1997_ne_fa/index.php | publisher=Geimin.net | language=ja | access-date=June 22, 2010 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150628204000/http://geimin.net/da/db/1997_ne_fa/index.php | archive-date=June 28, 2015 | url-status=live | df=mdy-all }} In 2002, Capcom re-released the PlayStation version of the game as part of the North American Greatest Hits range, confirming that it had sold at least 350,000 units.{{cite web | author=Capcom staff | date=May 22, 2001 | title=Capcom Releases Blockbuster Franchise Titles as Greatest Hits | url=http://www.capcom.com/news/news.xpml?prid=400027 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20020809021652/http://www.capcom.com/news/news.xpml?prid=400027 | publisher=Capcom | archive-date=August 9, 2002 | access-date=March 6, 2012}} Mega Man X4 has also been re-released in multiple budget versions in Japan including PlayStation the Best, PSone Books, and Sega Saturn Collection.{{cite web| author=Sony staff| title=ロックマンX4 PlayStation the Best for Family| trans-title=Rockman X4 PlayStation the Best for Family| url=http://www.jp.playstation.com/software/title/slps91106.html| language=ja| publisher=Sony Computer Entertainment| access-date=March 6, 2012| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090630032721/http://www.jp.playstation.com/software/title/slps91106.html| archive-date=June 30, 2009| url-status=live| df=mdy-all}}{{cite web| author=Sony staff| title=ロックマンX4 PS one Books| trans-title=Rockman X4 PS one Books| url=http://www.jp.playstation.com/software/title/slpm87315.html| language=ja| publisher=Sony Computer Entertainment| access-date=March 6, 2012| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090625132527/http://www.jp.playstation.com/software/title/slpm87315.html| archive-date=June 25, 2009| url-status=live| df=mdy-all}}{{cite web | author=Sega staff | title=名作たちの逆襲 サタコレ（SEGASATURN COLLECTION）| url=http://www.sega.co.jp/sega/saturn/collection/ | publisher=Sega | language=ja | access-date=April 11, 2010 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20010815201832/http://www.sega.co.jp/sega/saturn/collection/ |archive-date=August 15, 2001}}

Capcom continued to use 2D side-scrolling for another two installments of the series, Mega Man X5 and Mega Man X6. These three games, as well as the three installments that precede them, were included on the North American Mega Man X Collection for the GameCube and PlayStation 2 in 2006.{{cite web | author=Dunham, Jeremy | date=January 10, 2006 | title=Mega Man X Ships to Stores | url=http://cube.ign.com/articles/680/680536p1.html | publisher=IGN | access-date=June 8, 2010 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101217044724/http://cube.ign.com/articles/680/680536p1.html | archive-date=December 17, 2010 | url-status=live | df=mdy-all }} A mobile edition of Mega Man X4 for au and DoCoMo customers was made available for purchase in Japan. A version featuring X as a playable character was released in 2011; a version with Zero in 2012. Mega Man X4 was also released on the PlayStation Network for PlayStation 3, PlayStation Vita, and PlayStation Portable as part of the PSOne Classics line in 2014.{{cite magazine | author=Hilliard, Kyle | date=August 26, 2014 | title=Mega Man X4 And X5 Heading To PlayStation 3 And Vita | url=https://www.gameinformer.com/b/news/archive/2014/08/26/mega-man-x4-and-x5-heading-to-playstation-3-and-vita.aspx | publisher=GameStop | magazine=Game Informer | access-date=November 12, 2014 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140924211930/http://www.gameinformer.com/b/news/archive/2014/08/26/mega-man-x4-and-x5-heading-to-playstation-3-and-vita.aspx | archive-date=September 24, 2014 | url-status=live | df=mdy-all }} Finally, Mega Man X4 was included in the Mega Man X Legacy Collection, a compilation released for Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4, Windows, and Xbox One.{{cite web|url=https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2018-04-10/mega-man-x-legacy-collections-ship-for-ps4-switch-xbox-one-pc-in-japan-on-july-26/.130187|title=Mega Man X Legacy Collections Ship for PS4, Switch, Xbox One, PC in Japan on July 26|date=April 10, 2018|website=Anime News Network|access-date=March 25, 2023}}{{cite web|url=http://www.capcom-unity.com/mega_man/blog/2018/04/10/mega-man-x-legacy-collection-1-and-2-launch-july-24th?ts=1523427260|title=Mega Man X Legacy Collection 1 and 2 launch July 24th|access-date=March 25, 2023}}

{{clear}}

{{reflist|30em}}

• [http://www.capcom.com/ Capcom global website]
• [https://web.archive.org/web/20120611112612/http://www.capcom.co.jp/rockman/ Official Rockman website] {{in lang|ja}}
• [https://web.archive.org/web/20100409072649/http://www.capcom.co.jp/newproducts/consumer/rockmanx4/rockmanx4.html Official website] {{in lang|ja}}

{{Mega Man X}}

{{Mega Man series}}

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