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The Mega Man X series has been a staple in the platforming and action genres since its debut. However, which of the eight mainline Mega Man X games, excluding spinoffs and handheld titles, could be considered the best?
From the worst to the absolute best, here’s my definitive ranking.
8. Mega Man X7
In the last spot, we have Mega Man X7, a game that fails on almost every level. The music is lackluster, the Mavericks are forgettable, the voice acting is cringe-worthy, and the blend of 2D and 3D gameplay is disastrous. The 3D segments are awkward and clunky, while the 2D parts are bland and uninspired. There’s nothing redeeming about X7, making it the lowest point in the series.
7. Mega Man X6
Coming in seventh is Mega Man X6. This game was rushed, and it shows. The levels are often repetitive and clearly unfinished, and the difficulty spikes in the final stages make it feel like an unintentional challenge run. The Mavericks are uninspired, though the music isn’t awful, and the armors are quite interesting. Despite its flaws, it’s still a step above the disaster that is X7.
6. Mega Man X8
Mega Man X8 is a significant improvement over X7 but still lacks the charm of its predecessors. The Mavericks are better designed, and the customizable armor system is a welcome addition. However, the game feels like a shadow of the series’ former glory. It’s fun but doesn’t capture the magic of the earlier titles. Nevertheless, X8 pointed the series in a positive direction, leaving fans curious about what could have come next.
5. Mega Man X5
Mega Man X5 is a controversial title, with some fans loving it and others feeling it falls short. It’s a good game but struggles to follow the excellence of the first four. The armors are solid, the music is great, and most Mavericks are well-designed. Intended to be the final game in the series, it features numerous throwbacks to the older games. However, the parts system complicates the gameplay unnecessarily, and some levels are questionable in design. It’s worth playing, but it isn’t the pinnacle of the series.
4. Mega Man X3
In fourth place is Mega Man X3. This game boasts possibly the second-best soundtrack in the entire series, with enjoyable Mavericks and their stages. Playing as Zero for the first time is a nice touch, although opportunities to do so are limited. The game is packed with upgrades and power-ups, which can feel overwhelming and unnecessary. Despite this, X3 remains a fantastic entry in the series.
3. Mega Man X2
Mega Man X2 takes third place, improving upon the solid foundation of its predecessor. The gameplay is streamlined, and the X-Hunter system adds an interesting layer of challenge for players seeking the best ending. While a couple of Mavericks might be less memorable, their stages are enjoyable. Mega Man X2 is a near-perfect sequel but is just edged out by two superior games.
2. Mega Man X4
In second place is Mega Man X4, an incredible experience that transitioned the series to the PlayStation era beautifully. Offering the ability to play as either X or Zero for entire campaigns essentially doubles the gameplay. The Mavericks are compelling, the stages utilize the PlayStation’s visuals well, and the music is great, though not quite on par with the SNES titles. Mega Man X4 is straightforward but excellent, with simple upgrades and armors, and is immensely fun to play.
1. Mega Man X
At the top spot is the original Mega Man X, the game that started it all. It features the best Mavericks, all of whom are memorable, and boasts perfect stage design with natural progression. The music is arguably the best in the entire franchise, making it an absolute masterpiece. There’s not a single flaw I can point out in Mega Man X.
It’s a game I revisit annually, follow in speedruns, and was one of the first games I ever completed. It’s not only the best in the X series but also stands as one of my absolute favorite games of all time. While dormant for years, the Mega Man X series remains a beloved part of gaming history. With its extreme highs and lows, you should be cautious not to dive too far into the low end of this list, or you’ll risk being turned off to the series.
Mega Man X Legacy Collection 1 + 2 is available on the Playstation 4, Xbox One, PC and Switch.
