[Review] Mega Man Legacy Collection
System: 3DS
Release date: February 23, 2016
Developer: Digital Eclipse
Publisher Capcom
It’s been over half a decade since Mega Man received a new release, but the iconic character still lives on by making the rounds with appearances in places such as Super Smash Bros. Finally though, a new product is here. Mega Man Legacy Collection brings together the first six titles of The Blue Bomber’s adventure into one spot, with added challenges, a museum to look at concept art from each game, and a music player to listen to some of the series’ most memorable tracks. This package serves as a way to honor Mega Man’s legacy and impact since his arrival into video games, and is one hardcore fans of the series will certainly enjoy.
Each title represented in Mega Man Legacy Collection comes with an awesome slew of collectibles in a museum you can view by selecting the title you’d like to play and navigating via the lower touch screen of the 3DS. The different games have an immense amount you can look at in high detail by zooming in to boxart from all regions, original manuals and concept art. These are a huge treat to see and many are vintage Mega Man collectibles that are a rarity to find in mint condition today. It also helps as being a bit of a history lesson to those less informed on the series or weren’t around during that time period. Mega Man Legacy Collection certainly does a commendable job at giving you an insight through its Museum Mode.
The great thing about the Mega Man Legacy Collection is how the included games play and function exactly as you remembered them. Thanks to this, it’s easy to adopt and jump back into the game you once loved as a child growing up. Some may be a little disappointed by the lack of renovation, seeing that they may seem similar to the eShop releases, but those looking to have another reason to go back will have plenty to do with the convenience of having all the games in one place as well as an inventive Challenge Mode to test the more skilled Mega Man fans.
Challenge Mode lives up to its name, providing a high difficulty and target times to beat certain tasks in or points to achieve by the level’s end. It’s perfect for the diehards, which is, funny enough, a lot of what you’ll be doing. With plenty of levels, Mega Man fans of all skill levels and ages will be sure to stay here for a good while. Each challenge provides a unique twist on a Mega Man stage – some being boss fights, others being mirrored levels, time trials, and much more. Challenge Mode keeps the legacy fresh and inviting by providing players much more to do beyond the main installments.
Though plentiful in its gameplay and content sure to please the most hardcore Mega Man fans, one of the few unfortunate things about Mega Man Legacy Collection – though certainly not a reason to disown it – is the fact that, if you take out the Challenge and Museum Modes, you’re left with the same exact games that were put up on the eShop a good while ago. There are no true upgrades that you would find in some of Nintendo’s and SEGA’s 3D Classics versions of their retro titles.
Turning the 3D slider on the 3DS to full blast only gives the background depth, which is typically either black or of a blue gradient with occasional characters depending on the title, while the game itself remains flat and exactly the same as it was if played from each title’s individual eShop release. Basically, this renders the need for 3D useless. Just like most other Virtual Console games, you’ll also notice flickers usually on the sides of each game due to the emulation. This may be a distraction or a nuisance to some, but those that frequent older titles through emulation will probably ignore it without issue. It’s not a big thing that’s in the way, but depending on the coloration of where you are in a particular point of the game, it can sometimes standout quite a bit.
Mega Man Legacy Collection really serves as a convenience factor with a few extra perks by having Mega Man 1-6 all in one place while adding a hefty amount of challenges for the more hardcore players that like to put their skills to the test. Those that have purchased a few here and there – or even all of the Mega Man games including those past Mega Man 6 – may not have as big an incentive to grab this collection.
Let it be known that if you’re a platforming enthusiast and/or grew up on Mario such as myself, don’t go into this thinking you already have the upper hand – you don’t. Mega Man is notorious for its difficulty, and the skills needed to be an adequate player are ones that comes with perseverance and patience. However, those that appreciate a challenge that have yet to delve into the world of Mega Man will find a lot to offer and are sure to appreciate what’s made Mega Man so great and beloved all these years.
Mega Man Legacy Collection is a treat to longtime fans of Mega Man and those that love classic retro platforming. Having Mega Man’s debut entry up to its sixth title with tons of out-of-game collectibles to look at such as original manuals, sketches, cartridges, and others make this a valuable collector’s item for any fan of the series. The only real complaint you can really give about it is the missed opportunity of taking what SEGA does with their 3D Classics and have it be remastered in a way specifically for this collection. Instead, you just get what has been previously released in the eShop all in one cartridge with extra goodies such as the museum and challenges for those more inclined. Unless you’re a diehard Mega Man fan or someone that’s been interested in delving into the origins of Mega Man and have yet to purchase any of the Virtual Console releases, you’re really not missing much. Ultimately, however, the convenience of having it all in one place and Mega Man being fun to this day still makes this a purchase that’s worth it.
