21. Mega Man X
This is my favorite Mega Man game in any series, and Ill tell you why. It took the original Blue Bomber formula, which was already pretty good, and it expanded upon it and gave the series new possibilities in level design that it never had before. Now youve got wall climbing, dashing, and the like, so the gameplay has opened up more. The intro level does an excellent job of preparing you for the different experience Mega Man X is compared to Mega Man Classic, showing you how to use all the new stuff, as well as introducing you to Zero. It certainly sets the stage for greatness.
Mega Man X also has an excellent set of Mavericks who have some fun levels to navigate. I love riding through the mines in Armored Armadillos stage, working your way through the airport at Storm Eagles stage, deftly avoiding all the electrical hazards in Spark Mandrills stage, etc. I like how none of the stages felt the same. I know they had individual themes relating to the Maverick in charge, but it still felt like you werent doing the same thing over and over again in each level. They all had a unique design to them. The boss fights are also fun, whether youre doing Buster only or exploiting weaknesses. Plus, Mega Man X has an excellent soundtrack, probably one of my favorites for any game.
I also love the feeling of getting new upgrades and seeing Xs armor change into a newer, sleeker design. You just feel like youre getting more powerful as the game goes along. Plus, you can get a Hadouken! Its pretty satisfying to be able to one shot a boss with this thing if you can manage it because its not easy. MMX provided a decent challenge overall. The last boss in particular was pretty difficult for me. But Im not good at Mega Man games in general, so yeah.
Mega Man X is the one Mega Man game I can find myself coming back to and replaying over and over again. Im not a huge fan of Mega Man in general, to be quite honest with you. Ive always found Mario and (dare I say it on Board 8) Sonic to be more appealing platforming series in general, but Mega Man X is the exception to the rule. Just a solidly designed and fun game. Its probably the only MM game other than MM1 where I can easily name off all the bosses and what theyre weak to as well!
Bonus Question: What is your favorite game in the Mega Man universe?
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