Electronic Gaming Monthly's Top 40 Mega Man Games

Mega Man X6 (PlayStation)

#40

“I thought I'd sooner see Sasquatch ride a Chimera bareback through the streets than a bland series like Mega Man X last through six installments. At this point, Capcom is subscribing to the "ladel on more power-ups and push it through" philosophy. If you've played a recent MMX game, you know the story and bosses have gotten lamer with time, but X6 takes the cake. Metal Shark Player? Ground Scaravich? It's like Capcom is testing us to see how far they can take this joke before we stop buying it.” (3.5 out of 10)

Mega Man X7 (PlayStation 2)

#39

“Yep, it's true. X7 features a spinning onion as a boss ... who trash-talks with an Eastern European accent as he tosses deadly leaves. Not since Kung Food on Atari Lynx have vegetables been portrayed so negatively. Unfortunately, Tornado Tonion is the least of this game's problems. How do insanely tough boss fights, unimaginative levels, unskippable cut scenes, and the series' worst boss collection ever sound? Of the 3D stages' horrible camera control and lousy targeting system? The series has always been about replayability. It just hasn't always been about mediocrity. Or onions.” (5.3 out of 10)

Mega Man 64 (Nintendo 64)

#38

“Nintendo 64 owners are finally getting a Mega Man game -- too bad it's not very good. First one, if you own Mega Man Legends for the PS, there's no good reason to buy MM64. It's the same game, expect for mildly improved graphics and a couple of other cosmetic changes. In addition, with masterpieces like Mario 64 and Banjo-Kazooie on the same system, MM64 looks dated and uninspired. Any old characters could be dropped in Mega Man's place with a few character, name and item changes. I'd rather play a regular 2D Mega man game.” (5.5 out of 10)

Mega Man Battle Chip Challenge (Game Boy Advance)

#37

“Let the broken record play on: The biggest problem with Challenge is that the battles just aren't all that fun. Since all the strategy takes place before the fight, the bouts themselves are long, boring sequences in which you do nothing but repeatedly tap A. It's definitely not in the same league as the legendary Card Fighter's Clash for Neo Geo Pocket, but it's not terrible, either.” (5.7 out of 10)

Mega Man Xtreme (Game Boy Color)

#36

“This game is exceedingly average: no better and no worse than what you'd expect from a Mega Man outing on the Game Boy Color. If you've played any one of the Blue Bomber's 742 games, you know the drill -- charged shots, dash-jumps and challenging bosses with patterns. It's a solid, if a bit dusty, formula. The stages seem quite short though, and often it feels like you can't see enough of the level around you to move comfortably. But as long as you don't expect much more than you're used to from Mega Man, you won't be disappointed.” (6 out of 10)

Mega Man Battle Network (Game Boy Advance)

#35

“Just when you though the Mega man series couldn't get any more convoluted between the original, X and Legends games, here comes another link in the chain. Battle Network is half Pokemon and half Mega Man. It's got all the bases covered: trading, battling, even an evil organization hell-bent on world domination. The storyline's predictable, boy-saves-world stuff, just loaded with old school Mega man references. It's fun, but it's more for Mega Man fans than anyone else.” (6 out of 10)

Mega Man Network Transmission (GameCube)

#34

Have my once-great Mega man skills atrophied to the point where I have to continue 20 times to beat a level? Nope -- this game is just life-threateningly, perversely hard. Seriously, this is the toughest game the series has ever offered, and the extreme challenge will annoy, frustrate and ultimately eradicate nearly every gamer who attempts to tackle it. Rent, rant, then return.” (6 out of 10)

Mega Man Legends (PlayStation)

#33

“I hate the graphics, Mega Man's Canadian accent sounds ridiculous, the control system sucks the big one, and the fac that you can't skip through story/talky bits is annoying. I had high hopes for this, but it's lack of originality and grating childish humor and presentation really bugged me. There's plenty to do, and you can make it last (read: drag), thanks to lots of subquests and weapon mods -- but it all seems so boring.” (6.25 out of 10)

Mega Man X: Command Missions (PlayStation 2 & GameCube)

#32

“In combining Mega Man X with an RPG, Command Mission somehow draws attention to the worst parts of both. While the crisp graphics and energetic battles work well, the dungeons are a chore and the plot is your usual Mega Man X bluster. Unfortunately, innovation has taken a backseat here to more predictable competence.” (6.3 out of 10)

Mega Man X8 (PlayStation 2)

#31

“For some reason, Capcom decided we needed to see another Mega man X game even after the mess that was X7. Fortunately, it's given us something a little more enjoyable this time. The last game's horrible 3D stages are now less frequent, and the bosses have graduated from embarrassing to forgettable. X8 may not be the series' high point, but it's good to see it crawl back up to respectability.” (6.7 out of 10)

The Misadventures of Tron Bonne (PlayStation)

#30

“Trone Bonne is cute in a way but its target audience is a mystery to me. I guess fans of Mega man would get the most out of it. The silly part is, it's kiddy in many ways, but deep enough to be confusing for young gamers. All that crap about debt and bank robbing, plus managing the Servbots. The stuff could get screwy real fast. I categorize this as an oddball title that only a select few will appreciate. Probably the same guys who like Irritating Stick.” (6.75 out of 10)

Mega Man 6 (NES)

#29

“OK, Mega Man was fun and original back in the days when the letters NES meant something. Now, the game is just getting redundant. Oh, sure, Mega Man may learn a few new tricks here and there, but this series has to end soon. On the brighter side of things, the backgrounds have more detail than the previous five games and the music is decent for 8-bit, but c'mon already, let's end this before it gets any worse.” (6.75 out of 10)

Mega Man Soccer (Super NES)

#28

“A good soccer game, with Mega man as the main selling point. The game is incredibly playable, with the great option of selecting teammates who are friends and foes alike. This will keep you and a friend playing for hours!” (6.8 out of 10)

Mega Man ZX (PlayStation)

#27

“Yippeee, it's a new Mega Man game! Good thing, too, because I was getting a little worried Capcom wouldn't meet its Mega man quota for the month. Not that it's hard to blast these babies out ... hell, I'm convinced every time a Capcom developer coughs, a new Mega Man game pops out. Thankfully, the game doesn't fiddle with the familiar Mega Man framework -- you still do all the fun things: running, shooting and, well ... you should know the rest.” (6.8 out of 10)

Mega Man X5 (PlayStation)

#26

“While you could probably say this about any Mega man game, the X series in particular hasn't felt fresh since the very first game on the SNES -- no matter what you're doing, you get the feeling that you've done it before. X5 is no exception, it plays like the last four games, it looks like the last four games, it has the same confusing, animal-based bosses to boot. I like an old-school 2D action game as much as the next guy, but it's time to get new ideas in the mix. Only play this if you're a fan.” (7 out of 10)

Mega Man Maverick Hunter X (PSP)

#25

“For my money, the first Mega Man X will always be the best -- it was fresh, vlever and (mostly) unpretentious. Sadly, many of these qualities have been lost in this portable remake. The 3D graphics are lovely on the PSP's screen, but the controls feel a little sluggish compared to the Super NES classic's. The visual facelift is accompanied by numerous updates to both the story and the level designs, a full-length anime detailing the game's backstory, and the ability to play as antihero Boba Fett (er, Vile). In other words: It's a love letter to Mega Man X fans that won't be of much interest to anyone else.” (7.2 out of 10)

Mega Man Zero 2 (Game Boy Advance)

#24

“This series' well of inspiration ran dry a decade ago, back when Capcom decided that Flame Man was different enough from Fire Man and Heat Man to warrant creation. So, although Mega man Zero 2 fails to delivery anything substantially new, at least it serves up a solid action romp. Mega fans won't be let down, and even casual players will get their money's worth.” (7.3 out of 10)

Mega Man Zero 3 (Game Boy Advance)

#23

“Another year, another Zero. You know what to expect here: superb 2D visuals, tight controls, punishing bosses with ridiculous names and extremely challenging gameplay. I love a good old-fashioned side-scroller, but when the biggest enhancement you've got is Cyber Space, you know the developers are running out of ideas.” (7.3 out of 10)

Mega Man 7 (Super NES)

#22

“Get ready for more of the same. Mega Man 7 looks, feels and plays like every other Mega man game before it. Of course, there are the typical new weapons and bosses, but the game is and probably always will be repetitive. The graphics are crisp and the control is superb, but the music is, well, boring. If you're not running out of room on your shelf from all the MM games, give it a try.” (7.4 out of 10)

Mega Man X3 (Super NES)

#21

“I am so sick of Mega Man, that I have dreams at night of the blue-clothed hero showing up to my house and forcing me to play more of his redundant title. This latest release is just like all the rest; it looks and plays really well, but the story needs a serious facelift. Mega Man X3 is nothing we haven't seen before in earlier Mega Man releases.” (7.4 out of 10)

Mega Man Battle Network 2 (Game Boy Advance)

#20

“Last year's Mega Man Battle Network offered an interesting twist on the standard Mega Man theme, mixing RPG-inspired gameplay with an innovative, action-based battle system. It comes as no surprise that a follow-up is already upon us, but this time around, it feels less like a sequel and more like a remix of the original game. Revolutionary it ain't, but if you liked the first Battle Network, chances are good you'll dig the sequel as well.” (7.5 out of 10)

Mega Man Battle Network 3 (Game Boy Advance)

#19

“I've never been a huge fan of the Blue Bomber's Battle Network games, but this eerily similar third installment is actually slightly better than the last two. The graphics haven't changed much, and the gameplay has had only a few nips and tucks. This time, though, the whole package just feels more cohesive. I still can't completely get into the collect-a-chip battle system, and I wish Capcom would make the multilevel stage layouts less confusing, but you can't have everything.” (7.5 out of 10)

Mega Man V (Game Boy)

#18

“Will the Mega Man series ever end? This latest entry into the never-ending saga has the typical huge levels and formidable bosses with unique powers. There are plenty of weapons and other items, and one can't help but wonder how they can keep cranking these Mega man entries out and maintain such a level of creativity. Fans of the first four portable entries will appreciate this one.” (7.6 out of 10)

Mega Man X2 (Super NES)

#17

“Yes -- finally, the sequel we've been waiting for! This one has music and stages similar to the old NES series and has everything that are trademarks of the Mega Man series: Hidden items, huge bosses, etc. A must for fans.” (7.6 out of 10)

Mega Man Anniversary Collection (PlayStation 2 & GameCube)

#16

“It's scary to think that Mega Man is older than a large portion of the gaming populace, but it's a perfect opportunity for those people find out why the series has been around so long. As this Collection shows, almost every one of the 10 Mega Man games offers an action experience that still holds up to this day, thanks to some great level design and gameplay mechanics. The only problem is that Capcom stuck to the basic Mega Man formula too closely.” (7.7 out of 10)

Mega Man IV (Game Boy)

#15

“Mega Man ... again. Oh well. Capcom has a way of creating the Mega Man series over and over again while still being fun to play. New bosses and weapons spice up the game while the levels are still challenging with their confusing twists and turns. The blurring is a reoccurring problem when Mega man is on the move but it doesn't detract from the absolute fun Mega Man always delivers.” (7.75 out of 10)

Mega Man 5 (NES)

#14

“Okay, so it's an 8-bit title. Big deal. I must admit that I'm hooked on Mega man. Each sequel looks better than the last, but I just wish it would sneak over to the 16-bit world at about the 6th or 7th sequel. All new bosses with all new weapons await, and I can't wait to stop reviewing it so I can play it.” (7.75 out of 10)

Mega Man Legends 2 (PlayStation)

#13

“As one of the biggest skeptics when Mega man went 3D, I found enough gripes about the first Legends to keep me from getting as absorbed in it as I did with the old NES games. The sequel, though, is actually a fun little game with a lot of improvements in gameplay and appearance. Story-wise, it pretty much flows from the first Legends with the same characters and plot, so if you liked the original, you'll surely enjoy this game.” (7.8 out of 10)

Mega Man II (Game Boy)

#12

“All of the technique, action, lively graphics and animation from the NES versions of Mega man have been captured for his second Game Boy adventure. Mega Man 2 on the Game Boy is a great addition to the portable's library of adventure titles and definitely a sure-fire pleaser for anyone familiar with the Mega Man saga.” (8 out of 10)

Mega Man 2 (NES)

#11

“Mega Man 2 is one of those must-buy games of the year. It's just a tad too easy and will probably be no big problem for seasoned players to beat. Excellent graphics and sound with exceptional gameplay that is perfect in every way!” (8 out of 10)

Mega Man Zero (Game Boy Advance)

#10

“This series is really tired -- the last few X games on the PS1 have been really boring. But I have to say that Zero really surprised me in that it's a lot more fun and a lot less irritating than the previous games. My only complaint is that this doesn't really feel like a Mega Man game. You don't get to choose your bosses in a random order, nor do you really get any of their weapons. But I can't fault an otherwise good game for simply having the wrong title.” (8 out of 10)

Mega Man III (Game Boy)

#9

“Capcom has created a near perfect copy of the NES version. The game plays the same, looks the same (without the color of course) and almost sounds the same. This is easily one of the best GB action titles to come out in a long time. Great bosses and not a whole lot of screen blurring. Don't miss this outstanding cart.” (8 out of 10)

Mega Man 4 (NES)

#8

“Our favorite 8-bit hero is back for another adventure in Nintendoland. The graphics are typical Mega Man style and aren't anything spectacular. The music is good but gets repetitive rather quickly. I love the new power-ups, like the wire arm. However, the game is still fun to play, and in the end, that's what counts.” (8 out of 10)

Mega Man X4 (PlayStation & Saturn)

#7

“In a world populated by polygons and 3D environments, there's something unique about a side-scrolling action title. Mega Man X4 carries on the Mega Man franchise with straightforward gameplay that incorporates the running, jumping and shooting technique that enabled its predecessors to stand out when similar titles were commonplace. The game blends anime with gameplay to produce a somewhat uneven effect, but Mega Man X4 is a nice change of pace.” (8.25 out of 10)

Mega Man & Bass (Game Boy Advance)

#6

“With all the Xs, Legends and Battle Networks, it's easy to forget what made the Mega man series great in the first place. After all, it's been six years since Mega Man 8, the last "real" Mega Man game. Mega Man and Bass brings us back to the series' roots and gives us what made the little blue guy so popular to begin with: a great, if slightly derivative platformer. Unless you're completely worn out on the series, you'll find this to be one of the best action games on the GBA.” (8.5 out of 10)

Mega Man 8 (Saturn)

#5

“The Blue Bomber strikes again, with yet another solid title. My biggest complaint is the horrible voices, but beyond that, Mega Man 8 has all the gameplay that made him famous. The power-up options are awesome, though I was disgruntled at the inability to have a fully powered Mega man (not enough bolts). Still, this is a side-scrolling must-have.” (8.5 out of 10)

Mega Man in Dr. Wily's Revenge (Game Boy)

#4

"OK, you've actually caught me playing the Game Boy for prolonged periods of time. Honest, it's all because of this cart. This is definitely my favorite GB cart. Great graphics and sounds and the classic game play that has lost nothing in the translation. Mega man is mega awesome!” (8.5 out of 10)

Mega Man 9 (PlayStation, Xbox 360 & Wii)

#3

“If you're one of those crazies who naysays Mega Man 9's retro vibe, I totally don't understand you. As a decades-long NES lover and evangelist, I'm overjoyed; it's a pretty daring stylistic choice in 2008 -- and, if anything, the 8-bit aesthetic underscores. MM9 is an unapologetic nod to one of gaming's greatest eras, it might've been made for nostalgia-crazed dorks like me, but it's something that any challenge-seeking gamer can dig.“ (B+ out of A+)

Mega Man X (Super NES)

#2

“The theme of Mega Man will never get old, especially when it's done this well. Is it the great graphics, the incredible play mechanism, the fantastic control? Yes! From start to finish, this is one of the best action games of the year. This may be a bit too easy for mega fans, but there is tons to explore and each of the levels seems like a new adventure. This definitely gets the Sushi two swords up!“ (9 out of 10)

Mega Man 3 (NES)

#1

“Mega Man 3 is better than the first two put together! The storyline is familiar, but totally different with new enemies to learn and overcome, not to mention a surprise ending! Great fun!“ (9 out of 10)