Mega Man Legacy Collection (Nintendo 3DS) Review

For the uninitiated, Mega Man Legacy Collection features games that are archetypal platformers: they see the titular character running through eight levels in each one, defeating a boss of varying elemental affiliation, and then gaining its weapon for use in later levels. That each boss is weak to another's weapon creates a degree of strategy - more committed players might spend their time working these weaknesses out for themselves, although many will likely use a strategy guide. Overall, the gameplay doesn't offer any major surprises, as is to be expected in such a vintage package, but it's constantly well-crafted and rewarding.

There is a notable progression in the design from Mega Man to Mega Man 6 - new abilities, namely a slide move and a charge shot, are added in Mega Man 3 and Mega Man 4, respectively, whilst canine sidekick, Rush, gets a range of unlockable functions throughout the series. However, there's never a point where it doesn't feel distinctly "Mega Man." Each outing is as solid as the last, with consistently original level and enemy designs.

It could be said, however, that this package, in particular, is a little too consistent. It's no secret that the series did not end at six games - however, the four following iterations are nowhere to be found here. While there are certainly very few fans who would consider the seventh or eighth releases to be franchise highlights, and Mega Man 9 and 10 are easily available on last generation's consoles, it's still disappointing that Capcom did not think to include them here, especially due to the former two's inclusion on 2004's Mega Man Anniversary Collection.

There is, however, a range of extras included: a gallery provides an extensive collection of concept art, while the full soundtracks are available in-game. The main draw for fans of the originals will, of course, be the range of time trials; while none of these shake up the gameplay in any way, they offer extensive replay value, and even more are available exclusively on the 3DS version of the collection, provided gamers have the Mega Man amiibo.

The ports themselves run faithfully, although this can often be something of a drawback, as the infamous slowdown rears its ugly head once again. While this is a trait now synonymous with the originals, it's also an incredibly annoying one that can sometimes leads to some unfair deaths, and it would have been nice to play Mega Man as it was no doubt intended.

However, Mega Man Legacy Collection's main problem is its identity crisis. Who exactly is this package meant for? Old fans may not find themselves satiated by art and music that is already available online, while the Challenge Mode essentially just changes the order of existing set-pieces; series newcomers, on the other hand, can already find the games that are included on the 3DS' Virtual Console, making this collection essentially pointless. It may be a pleasing change to see Capcom recognising its most historic franchise, yet it doesn't quite fit the bill for what fans have been waiting for.