In gaming elements, Capcom introduced Hyper Mode and the Force Metals. Hyper Mode is glossed over somewhat, just stating that it is an option that can be selected from the menu during battle, which of course makes the player stats more powerful during its duration. Along with X's X Fire armor, Zero's Black Zero, Axl's Stealth Mode and Marino's Quicksilver, they also list Spider's Trickster, Cinnamon's Iron Maiden and Masimo's Demonian. No details are given on their Hyper Mode abilities (although Cinnamon's Iron Maiden looks quite exciting).
The next details are Force Metals, the power-up ores which came from space. Repliroids and Mechaniloids alike using the Force Metals were able to increase their power, intelligence, decision making abilities and so forth. However, the energy load given off from the Force Metals becomes great and exerts a bad influence onto artificial intelligence (similar to Irregulars).
In the game, Force Metals can be used to upgrade the stats for Power, Armor, Shield, Speed, LE and WE in different varieties. Each character can be customized in the way you prefer. Force Metals can be found in items on the field as well as drop from defeated enemies in battle. Though each character has a "resistance value" to Force Metals, when this value is exceeded it can cause various penalties (FM hazards).
This brings us to the Force Metal Generator (FMG), a Force Metal refining system which only Cinnamon has. In order to refine Force Metals, it's necessary to arrange four conditions: "Cinnamon's level," "Material," "FME Point" and "Recipe."
Cinnamon's Level: Every Force Metal has a set level which is necessary for refining. Leveling up Cinnamon rapidly will enable her to refine powerful Force Metals.
Material: A maximum of four kinds of materials is used. The things used as materials are Force Metals, Items, Main Weapons and Sub Weapons.
FME (Force Metal Energy) Point: It is possible to obtain this from defeating enemies.
*By defeating enemies via Final Strike you can receive many more FME points.
Recipe: You can receive these by fullfilling some conditions. Such conditions for receiving Recipes are your current battle total and how many enemies you've defeated.
From this point, we go onto the characters.
Shadow: An able Irregular Hunter who was dispatched to Gigantis along with X and Zero.
Jango: Wildcat type high starting Repliroid. Having a callous and sly character, he is the type that will go through any means to fullfil his purpose. Using his eight sharp claws he can create attacks that can rip to shreds any kind of object.
Horned: This Repliroid was formerly a soldier who specialized in the destruction of base rock. Making other companies submit, it is his purpose in life to flaunt his power. His incredible body draws out tremendous power with which he can repulse any kind of attack.
Dr. Psyche: A member of a team that was doing research and developement on the new generation of Repliroids at Gigantis. He has a high IQ and he's cunning. He always looks down on others and doesn't accept anyone but himself. Like his appearance, his attacks are strange and unpredictable.
Jentler: A member of a government army who was sent to Gigantis for the sake of keeping public order. At some point of his developement he lost his dignity. He can freely fly about and attack from the air.
Ancientus: An evil spirit who can manipulate flames, streams and lightning. His eerie existence is wrapped up completely in mystery. He has three different heads, one for managing fire, water and electricity. He can produce powerful skills from using his three attributes and six arms.
(On note for americans, gamepro seems to be stating that it might hit NA in August. Certainly not impossible since they've done this with X6 before)
