Every Mega Man Game RANKED
#11: “Mega Man 8” (1996)
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The first game in the main series not to be released on a Nintendo platform, “Mega Man 8” can feel like a black sheep for some fans. The art style is bright and cartoony, there are act breaks in the middle of levels, a lot of auto-scrolling stages, and the voice acting is downright infamous! And don’t get us started on the weird, soccer ball power-up! Even so, “Mega Man 8” is still a fun game with some good innovations, like being able to use the Mega Buster and a boss weapon at the same time. It’s just frustrating that with a few tweaks it could’ve turned out better.
#10: “Mega Man 6” (1993)
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The final “Mega Man” game released for the NES, “Mega Man 6” is one of the most average in the series. It’s not as beloved as some other entries, but it’s still a good example of everything “Mega Man” does well. Some distinguishing features include its branching levels, many useful boss weapons, as well as the introduction of power armors from Mega Man combining with his dog, Rush. It’s also the only game in the classic series to feature Robot Masters designed by people from countries other than Japan, thanks to a Nintendo Power contest. However, some possibly recycled level layouts and “Mega Man 6” coming out at the end of the NES life cycle leaves the game feeling a little tired.
#9: “Mega Man” (1987)
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The game that started it all, the original “Mega Man” certainly has a few differences to most of the series. It has a points system like an arcade game, along with only 6 Robot Masters, instead of the traditional 8. There are also some annoying difficulty spikes, like moving platforms and the accursed Yellow Devil boss! But, at the end of the day, “Mega Man” gave us some of the most iconic bosses and began so many of the series’ staple features that we can’t deny what it did for the franchise.
#8: “Mega Man 4” (1992)
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The fourth installment in the series is something of a turning point for “Mega Man.” “Mega Man 4” introduces the Charge Shot, allowing Mega Man to charge up his default weapon. It’s also the first game to have a decoy villain fill in for Dr. Wily, until, gasp, Mega Man’s mustachioed nemesis is revealed to be behind it all. While that unfortunately became a trend, “Mega Man 4” does have some wildly varied stages and creative boss designs that make it fun to return to. However, some of its innovations, like the Charge Shot, are better implemented in later games, which is part of why we didn’t rank this one higher.
#7: “Mega Man 7” (1995)
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Lucky number 7! The only numbered core series “Mega Man” released for the Super Nintendo, “Mega Man 7” is often considered one of the easier games in the series. However, that does make it a great starting point for beginners. “Mega Man 7” has inventive Robot Master designs, introduces new antagonists, like Bass and Treble, consolidates features like the power armor, and has fun hidden secrets, like a versus mode and alternate stage music. While it shares a more cartoonish aesthetic and other design elements with its immediate successor, “Mega Man 7” pulls them off better and has superior pacing.
#6: “Mega Man 10” (2010)
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The second of the retro-revival 8-bit styled “Mega Man” games, “Mega Man 10” arguably has some of the highest replay value of any game in the series. This is thanks to having 3 playable characters (Mega Man, Proto Man, and Bass) as well as a ton of bonus content, like challenges, an endless mode, and extra stages and bosses that pay tribute to Game Boy titles. While “Mega Man 10” is let down by some less inspired Robot Masters, it more than makes up for any shortcomings with the sheer volume of content it delivers.
#5: “Mega Man 5” (1992)
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It may not be especially game changing, but “Mega Man 5” is a solid entry in the series. It refines and powers up the recently introduced Charge Shot (some would argue too much), while also introducing Mega Man’s bird friend, Beat. The Robot Masters have fun designs and several stages have unique mechanics, like the gravity switching from Gravity Man’s level. And although the story is yet another “it was Dr. Wily all along” twist, the idea that Proto Man could turn evil is still fun to explore. “Mega Man 5” may have a few balance issues, but if being slightly overpowered is the biggest criticism on offer, you’re doing nearly everything else right.
#4: “Mega Man 11” (2018)
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The most recent entry in the main series as of this writing, “Mega Man 11” brought the franchise back after another long absence. Along with its 2.5D art style, the game also introduces some dynamic new gameplay changes, most importantly the ability to guard break enemies and the Double Gear system, which includes a time slowing mechanic and an improved charge shot. These new upgrades also have downsides and a cooldown to balance them out. “Mega Man 11” is a spectacular modern update on the series’ formula, even if there are a few difficulty spikes - mainly difficulties with spikes.
#3: “Mega Man 3” (1990)
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The third “Mega Man” game is frequently considered by many as a contender for the best in the series, and we can see why. “Mega Man 3” introduces several staple characters, like Rush and Proto Man, the former of whom could be used to bypass certain obstacles or reach new areas. It introduces the sliding mechanic, lending more speed to Mega Man’s movement and ability to dodge. It even features a tribute to its predecessor with special stages and a boss that imitates Robot Masters from that game. The third time’s the charm, and “Mega Man 3” is a perfectly charming entry in the series.
#2: “Mega Man 9” (2008)
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After a decade without new titles in the series, “Mega Man 9” came back swinging! Returning to an 8-bit style and classic gameplay from the franchise’s early titles, “Mega Man 9” is the perfect blend of old and new. Modern features like achievements, special challenges, and bonus modes make for fun touches that also give the game more replay value, but improvements to the core gameplay are evident too. Most stages have unique platforming elements and all the boss weapons have utility outside of just doing damage. “Mega Man 9” is something of a “Mega Man” fan’s “Mega Man” game, given its challenge and tribute to the past. But that’s what makes it so great!
#1: “Mega Man 2” (1989)
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Any true-blue fan of the Blue Bomber, or anyone keeping track of the numbers, shouldn’t be surprised by this pick. “Mega Man 2” codified many elements of the first game and refined others. There are 8 Robot Masters instead of 6, it introduced a password system, and energy tanks became available. It may not have the dynamic movement or increased firepower of later entries, but “Mega Man 2”’s no-frills gameplay stands the test of time, as does its soundtrack, which is often regarded as the best of the franchise. It may be the second “Mega Man” game, but “Mega Man 2” is second to none!
