From Wikipedia:
I'm sure we all know how much of a trainwreck the prerelease PR turned out to be, but we're finally here at the real, actual release after nearly three years.Mighty No. 9 (Japanese: マイティーナンバーナイン Hepburn: Maitī Nanbā Nain?) is an action-platform video game developed by Comcept, in conjunction with Inti Creates, and published by Deep Silver. The creation of the game was based on the online crowdfunding website, Kickstarter,and incorporates heavy input from the public. Mighty No. 9 very closely resembles the early Mega Man series in both gameplay and character design, which lead producer Keiji Inafune worked on, and is considered its spiritual successor.
Mighty No. 9 is focused on 2D platforming, with a blend of 2D and 3D artwork and animation. Players control a robot named Beck, who is able to run, jump, and shoot projectiles at enemies he encounters. Furthermore, the player is able to acquire both weapons and abilities from enemies they defeat. The game features 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 must face one of the other eight "Mighty" 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 Beck's partner, Call, is also available at some point.
In addition to jumping and shooting, Beck's main ability is a dash, which can be used to move quickly and cross large gaps. Upon weakening enemies by shooting them, Beck can dash through them in order to absorb a substance known as Xel (pronounced "Cel"). Absorbing Xel from enemies grants Beck temporary enhancements, such as increased power or speed. By defeating bosses, Beck can obtain new transformation forms, giving him new abilities such as magnetic limbs. Conversely, Call can't absorb Xel but can dash further than Beck and can use a shield that reflects projectiles and jetboots that slow her fall.
Now that the embargo has been lifted, opinions appear to be ranging from average to good, currently bolstering a Metacritic average of 65/100. It's received mostly 6s and 7s, but a couple of 8s as well. The general consensus seems to be that the game is mostly solid by its own merits despite some glaring flaws, but by no means a true successor to the Megaman franchise. Criticism has been drawn primarily to the lackluster graphics, uneven difficulty, and occasionally bland level design. This is mostly what I expected from the get-go, but it's disappointing that it didn't amount to something more in the time that it was delayed, amongst other various drama.
Comcept has expressed interest in making a sequel, so could this potentially turn out like the disparity in critical reception between Megaman 1 and 2? Also on the horizon is the animated series, which will likely directly compete with Man of Action's own Megaman cartoon.
If anyone's interested I'll be streaming it tonight upon release (Wii U version) - http://twitch.tv/sablesugar