Finding the best MegaMan game is a tough task, especially when there are over 100 titles in the series. What we’ve done here is, shortlisted some of the finest in the franchise in no particular order. Releases here are based on multiple sub series (main, X and Zero) and they’re designed for multiple platforms like the GBA, PS1, PS2, Xbox, GameCube and more, some dating back to the NES days.
So if you’re looking to relive the old days or start fresh with the franchise (in this case we’d recommend going back to the roots of the series) or for great releases to tick off your list, then head on below for brief descriptions on each title.
1. MegaMan 8:
As the name would suggest, this is the eighth installment in the main series that was originally launched back in 1996 for the PlayStation console followed by the Sega Saturn. In spite of being designed for a system that can handle 3D graphics, the title still retained the same 2D side-scrolling and platforming gameplay many have come to love.
You also get fully animated cutscenes. Where the story is concerned, the game starts off with the blue bomber investigating a meteor crash where he encounters Dr. Wily who has stolen the energy source from the site. Your goal is to put an end to his evil plans.
2. MegaMan X:
MegaMan X or Rockman X in Japan is not to be confused with MegaMan 10 which was launched back in 2010. This addition is the first title in the spin-off series which has released back in 1993 for the SNES. The game has also been ported to multiple platforms like Nintendo’s Virtual Console, PlayStation Portable, Android and iOS. This series takes place a century after the original where the world is inhabited by humans and Reploids.
Sigma who’s the Maverick leader wants to eliminate all of humanity and create a world of only Reploids. In this 2D side-scroller, you assume the role of Mega Man X and set out to stop him with help from your partner Zero.
3. MegaMan 2:
Old is gold and so is MegaMan 2. Being the second release in the original series, this was what gave the franchise the much needed boost after the initial release didn’t quite impress people. Set just after the original, you once again embark to teach Dr. Wily a lesson. The antagonist has raised a fortress along with a new army of robots, namely Metal Man, Air Man, Bubble Man, Quick Man, Crash Man, Flash Man, Heat Man and Wood Man.
It’s your objective to defeat the eight Robot Masters and challenge the evil doctor himself. In this platformer, you’ll be treated to immersive gameplay and a very enjoyable audio track.
4. MegaMan 5:
MegaMan 5 is the last of its kind for the Game Boy handheld and the fifth release in the original series. This one stands out compared to its predecessors where gameplay is concerned. While the UI and overall experience is quite similar to what we seen in MegaMan 2, Capcom has given the protagonist a new weapon and a fresh companion.
Also, instead of using the same bosses that were seen in the NES lineup, the developer has thrown in original ones, delivering a fresh take to the series. In this release, you fight a group of alien robots called Stardroids that are being controlled by Dr. Wily.
5. MegaMan 2: The Power Fighters:
MegaMan 2: The Power Fighters isn’t your usual MegaMan title. While the graphics are the same as previous side-scrollers, you won’t have to run across levels and defeat henchmen and other enemies to get to the boss fight. Instead, this one only offers boss challenges.
You get various playable characters like Proto Man, Bass and Duo, in addition to the blue bomber, which can be sent into battle against various types of enemies. There are three different modes to play, namely locate Dr. Wily, save Roll and recover stolen parts. This game was initially released for Arcade systems back in 1996.
6. MegaMan Zero Collection:
MegaMan Zero is the successor to the X series. It was originally release back in 2002 and harbors four titles, all of which were designed for the Game Boy Advance and developed by Inti Creates, not Capcom. This series basically follows Zero who’s X’s partner in the previous run.
Here, the timeline is set a century later where Zero attempts to stop an evil copy of X from destroying the reploids. A Collection pack was developed and release for the Nintendo DS back in 2010 which includes all four titles.
7. MegaMan Anniversary Collection/X Collection:
To end this compilation, we’ve got two packages that you ought to get hold of if you’re a fan of MegaMan. The Anniversary Collection was release for the GameCube, PS2 and Xbox sometime during 2004 and 2005. This bundle brings all the goodness of the original series into one place. Here, you’ll find the first eight releases that were for the NES, SNES and PS1 as well as Sega Saturn.
Additionally, Capcom threw in various new goodies and two unlockables, Mega Man: The Power Battle and The Power Fighters. The X Collection as you may have guessed is a bundle of the first six releases in the X series. What’s more, you’ll be able to get your hands on some unlockable artwork and music as well as the Mega Man Battle & Chase a racing game. This collection was also released for the GameCube and PS2.
Conclusion:
While we’ve got our favorites, picking one release to carry the title as the best MegaMan game is just impossible when there are so many great additions in the series. If you’ve got a favorite that deserves to compete for the title, then do take a moment to share your preferred releases with us.