Retro Replay Review

Gameplay

Mega Man X Collection delivers seven classic entries in Capcom’s storied action-platformer series, offering seamless pick-up-and-play fun for both newcomers and veteran players. Each title preserves the tight controls and responsive movement that defined the genre in the 1990s. Dash through treacherous corridors, wall-jump across chasms, and unleash X’s versatile arsenal of weapons acquired from defeated Mavericks. The core run-and-gun formula remains as addictive as ever.

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Modern enhancements give this compilation real staying power. Customizable controls let you remap buttons to your preferred layout, eliminating the frustration of dated default schemes. A built-in save feature replaces reliance on lengthy passwords in Mega Man X4 through X6, while X1 to X3 retain password support for purists. Load times are noticeably shorter, and slowdown is all but eradicated, ensuring that even the franchise’s most technically ambitious stages flow at a consistent pace.

Beyond the main series, Mega Man Battle & Chase appears as a hidden bonus—a kart-racing diversion that spices up the collection. This unexpected inclusion brings a fresh challenge: sabotaging opponents, swapping vehicle parts, and turbo-boosting your way through tracks inspired by familiar X stages. Whether you’re mastering the dash in the main titles or drifting through Battle & Chase circuits, the variety of gameplay here is staggering.

To round out the experience, a suite of unlockable extras rewards completionists. Discover concept sketches, original artwork, music remixes, and in-game hints by meeting specific milestones in each title. These collectibles add replay value and offer insight into the series’ development, making the act of replaying stage select screens as satisfying as route-planning through the toughest bosses.

Graphics

The visual evolution across the Mega Man X saga is on full display in this collection. The Super Nintendo classics (X1–X3) boast crisp 16-bit sprite work, vibrant color palettes, and detailed backgrounds that pop on modern screens. In X3’s enhanced version, anime-style cutscenes elevate storytelling interludes with hand-drawn flair, providing an early taste of what the series would embrace on more powerful hardware.

Transitioning to the PlayStation era with X4, X5, and X6, you’ll notice richer environments, more intricate character models, and occasional 3D effects that blend seamlessly with the traditional side-scrolling action. Although these titles carry the slight grain and texture common to early ’90s console ports, the remixed user interface and polished sprite animations ensure each Maverick encounter feels impactful and distinct.

Because this collection runs natively, you benefit from reduced flicker and eliminated slowdown in boss-heavy segments where the original hardware occasionally faltered. Whether you’re zooming across the wires of Sting Chameleon’s stage or dodging lightning spears in Volt Kraken’s lair, the framerate remains admirably steady, preserving the tight timing crucial to high-skill play.

Story

Mega Man X first introduced a darker, more mature narrative compared to its predecessor series, setting the stage for a six-game arc that explores themes of free will, the ethics of artificial intelligence, and the battle between Maverick Reploids and their human allies. In the earliest installments, Dr. Cain’s discovery of X leads to the creation of the Maverick Hunters, placing you squarely in the crosshairs of Sigma’s uprising.

As you progress to X3’s enhanced edition, anime cutscenes weave character moments into the high-octane action, fleshing out relationships between X, Zero, and the enigmatic Dr. Doppler. By X4 through X6, fully voiced dialog (albeit limited by period technology) gives personality to both friend and foe, adding emotional stakes to each mission. Although the overarching plot can feel episodic, each chapter builds upon the last, creating a satisfying sense of continuity.

Bonus galleries and concept art unlock as you clear stages, casting light on the creative process behind the Maverick designs and stage themes. Music remixes offer a fresh take on familiar tunes, reinforcing emotional payoffs when you land that final shot on Sigma. For players who relish world-building and lore, these extras provide context that enriches the main campaign without feeling obligatory.

Overall Experience

Mega Man X Collection stands as a formidable package for any platforming enthusiast—seven core titles, a hidden kart racer, and a treasure trove of unlockables all in one disc. The seamless integration of modern conveniences (save states, custom controls, improved load times) ensures the gameplay remains as engaging today as it was at launch, while high-quality emulation minimizes technical distractions.

This compilation is equally rewarding for completionists and casual fans. Speedrunners will appreciate the consistent frame rates and responsive inputs, while newcomers can ramp up gradually using the save feature. The hunt for artwork, sketches, and music tracks encourages multiple playthroughs, extending the collection’s longevity far beyond a single campaign run.

Though the visuals reflect their respective eras and occasionally show their age, the timeless design of the Maverick Hunter series shines through. From the moment you dash into your first stage to the final confrontation against Sigma, Mega Man X Collection delivers an experience that is at once nostalgic and refreshingly robust—making it a must-own for anyone seeking top-tier action-platforming heritage.

Retro Replay Score

7.8/10