Ads From the Past: "X-PLOSIVE GAMEPLAY. X-TREME GRAPHICS." – The High-Energy 1997 Ad for Mega Man X4 on PlayStation & Sega Saturn
Welcome back to Ads From the Past, the Retro Gaming Life series celebrating the explosive, over-the-top magazine advertisements that defined the late '90s transition to 32-bit gaming. Today, we're diving into Capcom's full-throttle promo for Mega Man X4 — a chaotic, flame-bordered explosion of screenshots and hype that screamed "the Blue Bomber is bigger than ever!"
The Ad Breakdown: '90s Excess in Full Force
This double-page (or full-bleed) spread is pure late-'90s energy: a brilliant blue background with fiery orange bursts radiating from the center, where Mega Man X strikes his classic pose mid-charge. Massive yellow "X" words dominate — X-PLOSIVE GAMEPLAY, X-TREME GRAPHICS, MEGA MAN X4! — while dozens of vibrant gameplay screenshots form an "X" shape around the edges, showcasing lush jungle stages, high-tech bases, Ride Chasers, and intense boss battles.
The copy goes full hype mode: "Gaming's greatest hero unleashes his X-traordinary new powers on 32-bit systems! Mega Man X4 blasts light-years ahead of its predecessors, with unrivaled graphics, vibrant animation and a barrage of cool new features. For the first time you can play either as Mega Man X or his mighty partner Zero in two separate adventures... X-plore all-new X-Hunter levels, where perplexing passages, power-ups, concealed rooms and hidden weapons abound. Fire up your new Land Chaser Superbike and battle tons of Maverick Reploid Robots while mastering new attacks like the Air Hover and Zero's Z-Saber Tactic. All told, it's the most X-citing X-ploit in the Blue Bomber's history! Truly, a 32-bit blast!"
Logos for PlayStation, Sega Saturn, and the ESRB "K-A" rating sit proudly, with box shots for both versions. This ad ran in major magazines like Electronic Gaming Monthly and GamePro around late 1997, perfectly timed for the North American launch.
Game Context: Dual Heroes, Full 32-Bit Glory
Mega Man X4 (Rockman X4 in Japan) launched in Japan on August 1, 1997, with North America following in late summer/early fall (PlayStation on August 1, Saturn shortly after). Developed by Capcom, it marked the series' true 32-bit debut with stunning sprite work, animated cutscenes, FMV sequences, and voice acting.
Key innovations included:
- Full playable Zero (no longer just backup) — melee-focused with Z-Saber combos, air-dash (Hienkyaku), double-jump (Kuuenbu), and learned special techniques.
- X keeps ranged X-Buster play with new armors, including the powerful Ultimate Armor (via code or capsules).
- Ride vehicles like the Land Chaser bike and Ride Armor mechs.
- Eight Maverick stages, branching paths, hidden items, and a deep story involving Repliforce rebellion and Sigma's return.
The game is widely regarded as a series peak — balanced difficulty, memorable bosses (Slash Beast, Storm Owl, etc.), and an emotional narrative that deepened Zero's backstory. It sold well enough for Greatest Hits status and later appeared in collections.
Why This Ad Stands Out
In the midst of the 3D revolution, Capcom doubled down on gorgeous 2D platforming and used every '90s buzzword ("X-treme," "X-plosive," "light-years ahead") to prove sprite-based games could still dominate 32-bit hardware. The ad's collage of screenshots sold the sheer volume of content — secret paths, new moves, dual campaigns — while the fiery "X" motif tied everything to the X series' evolution. It perfectly captured the excitement of finally getting full Zero playthroughs after years of teases.
This was Capcom saying: "Forget polygons — this is peak Mega Man."
Final Thoughts
Mega Man X4 remains a must-play classic — fire it up on modern collections or emulators for that perfect blend of challenge and spectacle. Remember seeing this ad in old EGM issues? Favorite Maverick stage or Zero vs. X debate? Drop your memories in the comments! More explosive retro ads coming soon in Ads From the Past.
Retro Gaming Life Blog – X-ploding Through Nostalgia, One Ad at a Time.
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