GENRE
	Retro Compilation
	DEVELOPER
	Atomic Planet
	PUBLISHER
	Capcom
	NUMBER OF PLAYERS
	1
	CONNECTIVITY
	no
	BUY NOW AT

It seems strange to think that Mega Man debuted on the Nintendo Entertainment System back in 1987 with some of the worst box art ever made. That was 17 years ago! Nothing will make you feel older, really. In any case, after all these years of the blue bomber parading across every generation and straight into this one, Capcom has released a treasure in the eyes of gamers everywhere. The release of Mega Man Anniversary Collection is like a hymn from some distant messiah, informing us that everything’s going to be alright. In all seriousness, though, this is a compilation that will be remembered for a long time as one of the most well produced anthologies of this current generation and beyond.

visuals

It’s all about the interface in Mega Man Anniversary Collection. The player selects from the games they want to play using a PlayStation-era model of Mega Man and directing him towards different doors that lead to different games. Each game is a direct visual representation of the classic, using some extremely impressive emulation technology. It’s great to see that these classic titles can still hold their own today, despite extremely out-dated visuals. Going into these games will certainly bring back some memories, just by watching the sprite-based graphics. The wonderful character, level, and enemy design is all still here and kept perfectly preserved. It’s almost like opening a time capsule for the first time in years and years. You’ll never know what you’ve miss until you see it with your own eyes.

audio

The music is still as memorable as ever. If you haven’t heard the theme song to Mega Man 2, you were born far too long after the release and haven’t played it or simply don’t play videogames. It’s the be-all-end-all of theme songs. The sound effects are still nicely put together and anyone will be able to remember all of the classic sounds that Mega Man makes. It’s all here and there’s nothing that will make you complain, unless you’re some kind of classic gaming Nazi. We’re watching you… Unfortunately, GameCube gamers aren’t treated to the optional remixed music found in navi mode on the PS2 version, but it isn’t too much of a complaint. At least we get it in the menus and other goodies.

gameplay

Hold onto your seats, because Mega Man Anniversary Collection contains ten games in all. Mega Man 1-8 are instantly available along with two unlockable fighter titles which have hardly seen the light of day in North America. Mega Man the Power Battles and Mega Man the Power Fighters are both a little on the weak side, but it’s definitely a worthwhile bonus for Rockman freaks everywhere. As an unlockable feature, who could ask for more than two free games? The meat of the game is found in the aforementioned anthology of generation-spanning Mega Man classics. Mega Man 2 is widely known as one of the best NES titles of all time and to have it in this collection is worth the purchase alone.

There have been a few changes, but practically 98 percent of the game is true to the classic series. First up is the new, and optional, Navi Mode which can be turned on in the options menu. The Navi Mode allows you to use the heads-up display featured in Mega Man 8 throughout all of the other seven previous titles. The new interface features the amount of lives the blue hero still has, new menus featuring updated art, as well as helpful hints from his friends throughout each game. It’s a great addition for “just-for-fun” gameplay and is, of course, optional for anyone who wants to keep to the traditional play mechanics. Also featured is a new rapid-fire button, introduced in Mega Man 8 but once again spans across the previous titles. This option, however, is mandatory and can’t be turned off. However, you can simply not push the rapid-fire button throughout any of the games and you’ll still have the button-mashing fun that you played those long years ago.

Lest we forget the switched controls on the GameCube version of the game. The A and B buttons have been switched so when you feel like you're jumping, you're shooting and vice versa. Some people may not forgive that and that's a big issue to those who can't. If you are one of these people, at least pick up the PS2 version. Thankfully, we get the more interesting producer interviews for the GameCube as opposed to the 30-minute clip of the Mega Man cartoon on the PS2. If it weren't for the botched controls, the compilation would be perfect on the GameCube.

multiplayer

N/A

overall

Mega Man Anniversary Collection is easily the best compilation available on today’s market. Yes, it has just been stated. This game must be in everyone’s collection if you own a GameCube, a PS2 or both. You absolutely must have this game. With a price tag of almost 30 dollars, it’s as if the game is punching you in the face for not buying it. In the summertime, it’s hard to come across these rare gems, especially for the GameCube. This game blows away Sonic Mega Collection and tramples Midway Arcade Treasures so far as compilations go. One can only thank Capcom for bringing it our way and Atomic Planet for doing such an outstanding job developing it. Now, let’s talk about getting us some Street Fighter Anniversary Collection goodness for the GameCube…

9.3/10