The blue robot, Mega Man and his friends have starred in some of the best video games. Many games in the franchise laid the foundation for their genre of games. Mega Man X raised the bar in side-scrollers with its exciting gameplay. Mega Man Battle Network has an innovative battle system. Many players such as you and I continue to enjoy these fun games.
Mega Man has appeared on almost every major console. Capcom has released collections of the Classic Series, X Series, and Zero series on major consoles. The Zero Series and ZX Series were exclusive games on Nintendo’s consoles until the Mega Man Zero/ZX Collection.
I have listed the ten best Mega Man games. This was not an easy task because the franchise has many amazing games. These games have a legacy in the gaming industry.
1. Mega Man X
- Console: SNES
- Release Date: December 17, 1993
Capcom and Keiji Inafune expanded the gameplay and lore of the series in Mega Man X. We are introduced to a darker world than the classic series. Mega Man X must stop Sigma’s rebellion against humans. The game’s journey is a story of growth. Mega Man X reaches his full potential and surpasses his best friend, Zero.
Furthermore, Mega Man X is one of the best side-scollers in video game history. The game has a simple story, and eight powerful mavericks to defeat. The stellar gameplay in Mega Man X set a new standard for the gaming industry. Mega Man X has fantastic mobility with the dash boots. The game introduces charged shots with special weapons.
2. Mega Man Zero 3
- Console: Game Boy Advance
- Release Date: April 23, 2004
My introduction of the Zero series was Mega Man Zero 3. Capcom and Inti Creates created a masterpiece on the Game Boy Advance. Great games can sometimes come in small game cartridges. The game expands the lore of the X series and Zero series. The events between the series are revealed to us.
Furthermore, Cyperspace is a new addition to the game. Zero can travel through Cyberspace to unleash the power of Cyber Elves to gain a major advantage in stages. Zero also gains a new weapon, the Recoil Rod. He knock enemies back and swing it in multiple directions.
The game continues the story of Zero in a dark world helping the resistance. The new enemies pose a major threat to the resistance and Neo Arcadia. One of the franchise’s most evil villains, Dr. Weil makes his first appearance. Dr. Weil manipulates Copy X to become the ruler of Neo Arcadia. He has the wicked reploid, Omega on his side.
3. Mega Man 11
- Consoles: Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4, Xbox One
- Release Date: September 6, 2018
The blue bomb blasted his way onto the Nintendo Switch in Mega Man 11. Dr. Wily returns with a new scheme to take over the world. Only Mega Man, his dog Rush, and Dr. Light can defeat the mad scientist! Mega Man 11 introduces eight new Robot Masters with challenging stages. The game also has a great soundtrack.
In addition, Capcom introduced a new ability, Double Gear. Players can increase Mega Man’s speed and strength. The ability creates new strategies to complete stages and defeat powerful Robot Masters. Double Gear adds a fun and strategic feature to the gameplay in Mega Man 11.
4. Mega Man Battle Network 2
- Console: Game Boy Advance
- Release Date: December 14, 2001
Mega Man Battle Network 2 is a great example of a perfect sequel. Mega Man Battle Network 2 takes all of the great concepts from Mega Man Battle Network, and elevates those concepts with new features. The game introduces the Style Change, the first series of transformations for MegaMan.EXE. This feature added depth to the battle system and strategy. Every game following Mega Man Battle Network 2 has alternate forms for MegaMan.EXE.
Furthermore, Mega Man Battle Network 2 has one of the best stories in the series. The netmafia, Gospel attempts to recreate the super navi, Bass.EXE. Lan and MegaMan.EXE must stop the terrorist organization. Every member of Gospel has motivations to change the world or improve their lives. The game also introduces new characters such as Mr. Famous and Gauss Magnus.
5. Mega Man X: Command Mission
- Consoles: Nintendo Gamecube & PlayStation 2
- Release Date: September 21, 2004
One of my favorite games on the Nintendo Gamecube is Mega Man X: Command Mission. It was the first traditional RPG game in the franchise. Mega Man X: Command Mission reinvented items and concepts from the X Series to fit in a RPG game.
Capcom perfectly created a world and system for Mega Man X in a RPG game. Players battles enemies in a turn-based battle system, and each party member had a signature move. There are a variety of unique weapons for each party member. The entire party shared sub tanks.
Furthermore, Mega Man X: Command Mission has a refreshing story. X, Zero, and Axl are the main protagonist. The game introduces new characters such as Cinnamon, Steel Massimo, and Marino. It also is the first and only game in the X series without Sigma.
6. Mega Man X4
- Console: PlayStation
- Release Date: August 1, 1997
Capcom gave players a sample of Zero in Mega Man X3. Players could finally play as Zero with some limitations. That finally changed in the fourth game in the X series. Mega Man X4 gave players the options to play as Mega Man X or Zero.
Mega Man X4 has a lot of value for players to replay the game. Both characters have slightly different scenarios. X and Zero also have different special weapons. Mega Man X received a similar version of a boss’s weapon. On the other hand, Zero learned a new technique with his Z-Saber.
Furthermore, Mega Man X4 is a beautiful game. Capcom presented fantastic graphics and amazing audio to progress the series from the SNES to the PlayStation. The stages have colorful, exciting, and interactive environments. Like many Mega Man games, Mega Man X4 has a stellar soundtrack.
7. Mega Man Legends 2
- Console: PlayStation
- Release Date: April 20, 2000
Mega Man Legends 2 is one of the best Mega Man games. Fans of the Blue Bomber should purchase a copy of the game. Mega Man Volnutt and Roll continue their journey to discover the Mother Lode. The Bonne Family returned and new pirates such as Glyde joined the hunt for the Mother Lode. Mega Man Volnutt also considered his true origins as well.
Mega Man Legends 2 has more charm than first game on the PlayStation. There are many exciting moments throughout the adventure. The boss battles against powerful robots and the pirates are some of the best highlights from the game.
Furthermore, Mega Man Legends 2 expands the world from the first game. Players can enjoy hours of exploration. Mega Man Volnutt travels to many islands, explores many ruins, and goes to the moon for an epic battle. Players can discover new weapons on their explorations in the game’s mysterious ruins.
8. Mega Man ZX Advent
- Console: Nintendo DS
- Release Date: July 12, 2007
After the Zero series concluded, Capcom continued the story in Mega Man ZX on the Nintendo DS. The game’s success led to a sequel, Mega Man ZX Advent. Mega Man ZX Advent defines a good sequel in video games. The game takes all of the good idea from Mega Man ZX, and adds good concepts to deliver a better experience to players.
Mega Man ZX Advent introduces two new playable characters, Grey and Ashe. They have slightly different stories. Players have a lot of content to enjoy with both characters.
Furthermore, the game features a new model, Model A. This model is based on Axl from the X Series. Grey and Ashe have the special ability to transform into bosses after you defeat them. Players need to transform into bosses to progress through areas. Axl has the same ability in the X series to transform into enemies.
9. Mega Man Legends
- Consoles: PlayStation & Nintendo 64
- Release Date: December 18, 1997
In 1997, Capcom took Mega Man to 3D! This game was a major change for the franchise because all prior games were side-scrollers Mega Man Legends was first released on the PlayStation, and the game was rereleased on the Nintendo 64 as Mega Man 64.
Mega man Legends introduced Mega Man Volnutt, a digger, who is seeking the Mother Lode with his sister Roll Caskett. Their quest takes a drastic turn when the Bonne Family invades Kattelox Island. Mega Man must save the island from the Bonnes, and defeat the mysterious Mega Man Juno.
Furthermore, Mega Man Legends was the first game with a lot of story in the franchise. The game’s setting is on Kattelox Island. There are a lot of things for players to do. They can explore areas, ruins, and forests. The game has a lot of side missions to complete to obtain items for new weapons and gear.
10. Mega Man 4
- Console: Nintendo Entertainment System (NES)
- Release Date: December 6, 1991
With the major success of the first three games, Capcom released Mega Man 4 on the NES. They kept most of the same formula from the previous games. The game included new robot masters, stages, and special weapons. They also introduced Eddy, a robot that gives items to Mega Man.
Mega Man gained his signature ability, the charge shot from Mega Man 4. The blue bomber could now charge his buster gun to unleash a powerful energy blast! This upgrade was very useful for progressing through stages and defeating the new robot masters.
Mega Man 4 started the brief trend of a false antagonist with Dr. Wily behind the scenes. It became a trope for the series for the final three games on the NES. The game tricked the player to believe Dr. Cossack is the main antagonist. However, Dr. Wily blackmailed Dr. Cossack to attempt to destroy Mega Man. Players would never fall for this trick again.
Final Thoughts
All in all, Capcom has created many fantastic Mega Man games. The franchise has made a mark in every generation in the industry. What are your favorite Mega Man games? Share your favorite Mega Man games in the comments!