Retro Replay Review

Gameplay

The core of Rockman Complete Works: Rockman remains true to the tight, precision-based action that defined the original NES title. Rockman’s jump, dash and Mega Buster all feel instantly responsive, allowing players to tackle intricate platforming sections and dodge enemy fire with split-second timing. The stage-select screen offers immediate access to each Robot Master’s fortress, so you can strategize your weapon order and tackle weaknesses in any sequence you choose.

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Capcom has added a handful of PlayStation-exclusive enhancements that modernize the experience without diluting its difficulty. A convenient save/password feature lets you record your progress at any time, replacing the notorious reliance on lengthy passwords. An “Arrange Mode” tweaks enemy placement and attack patterns for veteran players looking for fresh challenges, while a time trial function encourages speedrunners to shave off precious seconds.

The variety of weapons remains a highlight: from the electric-arc Thunder Beam to the homing Cut Man’s Rolling Cutter, each special armament transforms your approach to stages and boss fights. Learning enemy vulnerabilities and swapping between primary fire and charged shots under pressure feels as rewarding today as it did in 1987. Whether you’re a newcomer or a long-time fan, these gameplay staples shine in this Complete Works edition.

Graphics

Visually, Rockman Complete Works offers a faithful recreation of the original 8-bit sprites with subtle enhancements that make your PlayStation display pop. Character animations are buttery smooth—Rockman’s recoil when hit, the flash of beams on impact, and the vivid explosion effects all benefit from higher color depth and refined pixel art. Capcom also includes optional scanline filters for those who crave an authentic CRT look.

Backdrop details in each stage have been lovingly preserved, from the winding pipes of Guts Man’s factory to the electrified platforms in Elec Man’s domain. However, playing on modern televisions reveals a bit of blur around sprite edges—nothing game-breaking, but noticeable if you switch the filter off. For purists, the in-game gallery mode houses original concept art and promotional illustrations, letting you admire the design evolution from the NES era to this polished PlayStation port.

Sound and music also enjoy a crisp remastering. The chiptune melodies maintain their catchy hooks and memorable riffs while benefiting from fuller instrumentation. Every boss fanfare and stage theme has been rebalanced for stereo output, delivering a richer, more immersive audio experience that complements the visual charm of each level.

Story

Rockman’s narrative is delightfully straightforward: Dr. Wily has hijacked six of Dr. Light’s helper robots and turned them into instruments of global chaos. Enter Rock, the one loyal robot who receives an upgrade to become Rockman, humanity’s hero. From the outset, the conflict is clear, the stakes are high, and the tension builds neatly as you conquer each fortress in pursuit of Wily’s fiendish lairs.

The Complete Works package enriches this simple premise with brief FMV sequences and expanded dialogue panels between stages. While not a full cinematic epic, these interstitials inject personality into each Robot Master and hint at Dr. Wily’s diabolical scheming. It’s a welcome layer of storytelling that feels respectful of the source material without overstaying its welcome.

The game’s pace never lets the story stagnate—each victory unlocks a fresh snippet of cutscene or text, motivating you to press onward. By the time you’re storming Wily’s fortress and facing his ultimate mechanical monstrosities, you feel the payoff of Rockman’s transformation from humble helper robot to planetary defender.

Overall Experience

Rockman Complete Works: Rockman stands as a shining example of how to revive a classic without losing its soul. The combination of faithful pixel art, precise controls, rebalanced difficulty options, and modern conveniences creates an experience that satisfies longtime fans and welcomes a new generation. Even with the language barrier—this release was exclusive to Japan—on-screen icons and intuitive menus keep navigation straightforward.

Despite its regional limitation, importing this PlayStation classic is worthwhile for collectors and action-platformer enthusiasts. The added gallery, optional modes, and refined audiovisual presentation offer hours of gameplay value, from methodical stage runs to adrenaline-fueled boss rushes. Each moment you spend analyzing attack patterns or mastering the Mega Buster charge brings back the addictive thrill of 8-bit gaming’s golden age.

In the end, Rockman Complete Works: Rockman reminds us why Mega Man’s debut captured hearts worldwide. It’s a masterclass in level design, enemy placement, and risk-versus-reward gameplay. Whether you’re revisiting the Blue Bomber’s first outing or experiencing it for the first time, this PlayStation reissue delivers a polished, nostalgia-soaked adventure that still feels fresh and rewarding today.

Retro Replay Score

7.3/10