The original Mega Man game debuted in 1987 on the Nintendo Entertainment System and has since grown into a large and popular franchise. Over the years, the series expanded with new installments like Mega Man X, Mega Man Zero, Mega Man ZX, and Mega Man Legends. While all these games are connected, this article focuses on the first 11 games, known as the “Classic” series, which were largely released on the NES. These games have been ranked based on fan appreciation, their importance to the overall story, and how enjoyable they are to play.
11) Mega Man 8
Released in 1996 for the Sega Saturn (and later the PlayStation), Mega Man 8 was the first game in the series built for 32-bit consoles. The story follows Mega Man as he investigates a meteor crash and uncovers Dr. Wily’s scheme to harness a powerful energy source. While still a classic 2D platformer, Mega Man 8 added impressive features for its time, like full-motion video and voice acting. It’s a fun and solid Mega Man game, but it didn’t quite push the limits of the new 32-bit technology as much as some might have hoped.
10) Mega Man 6
Released in 1994 for the NES, Mega Man 6 is the sixth game in the series. In this installment, Mega Man investigates a tournament where eight powerful contestants have been manipulated by the villain Mr. X, and he must thwart Mr. X’s plans. The gameplay is very similar to the previous five Mega Man games, but it adds new stages with branching paths. Mega Man 6 also introduced the Rush Adaptors and was the final game in the series created for 8-bit consoles. Though some felt it didn’t offer enough new ideas, it remains a popular and highly regarded game in the franchise.
9) Mega Man 7
Following the release of the previous game on the NES, Mega Man 7 arrived on the Super Nintendo. The story picks up six months after the events of Mega Man 6, with Mega Man tasked with stopping Dr. Wily from unleashing his Robot Masters and escaping. While the gameplay remained familiar, Mega Man 7 boasted improved graphics and sound thanks to the SNES’s more powerful hardware. Some critics felt the game didn’t offer enough new ideas, as the series’ formula was starting to feel repetitive. However, many players enjoyed continuing the classic gameplay, and Mega Man 7 is still a beloved title for retro gaming fans.
8) Mega Man 11
Released in 2018, Mega Man 11 was the final installment in the original Mega Man series, appearing many years after the earlier games. While it came out in the 2010s, Mega Man 11 kept the classic gameplay that fans loved. It was a visually updated game with 2.5D graphics and featured voice acting for the first time. Mega Man 11 has become the best-selling game in the series, selling over 2 million copies and receiving positive reviews from both critics and players.
7) Mega Man
Even though the original Mega Man from 1987 launched a hugely successful series, it doesn’t quite live up to the quality of the games that followed. While it set the stage for the entire franchise and established its backstory, the first Mega Man is quite short and notoriously difficult – a true “Nintendo Hard” experience. It earns a spot at #7 on our list, and it is a great game! Capcom continued to make Mega Man games for a reason – the core gameplay was a hit. Players enjoyed the creative level design and the rich story and characters, which explains why the original remains a cherished classic.
6) Mega Man 10
Released in 2010 for Xbox 360, PlayStation 3, and Wii, Mega Man 10 continues the story right after Mega Man 9. The game centers around Mega Man and Proto Man’s quest to find a cure for the Roboenza virus, which is causing robots to malfunction. Gameplay stays true to the classic Mega Man formula, but downloadable content adds extra levels and lets players control Bass, a character who first appeared in Mega Man & Bass back in 1998. While Mega Man 10 received some criticism for not being particularly innovative, its adherence to the established formula is actually a key part of what makes these games so enjoyable.
5) Mega Man 4
Released in 1991 for the NES, Mega Man 4 continues the story after Mega Man 3. Dr. Cossack and his Robot Masters are causing trouble, so Dr. Light sends Mega Man to stop them. The gameplay is similar to the first three games, but now Mega Man has the New Mega Blaster, an upgrade to his arm cannon that lets him fire charged shots. This new ability changed how the game was played while staying true to the series’ roots. Mega Man 4 was a beloved title in the classic series and is still fun to play today.
4) Mega Man 9
Released in 2008 for download on platforms like WiiWare and PlayStation Network, Mega Man 9 intentionally looks and plays like an old-school NES game. The developers specifically aimed for that classic 8-bit style that made the original Mega Man so popular. It was the first game in the series available only as a digital download, and it picks up the story after Mega Man 8. The game is a loving tribute to the series’ origins, offering a fun, retro experience with challenging levels and plenty of reasons to play it again.
3) Mega Man 5
Released on the NES in 1992, Mega Man 5 continues the story just two months after the events of Mega Man 4. This time, Mega Man must battle his own brother, Proto Man, who leads a group of robots in an attack on Dr. Light. The game looks and plays very similarly to the previous installments, but it greatly expands the overall story of the Mega Man series. Mega Man 5 is known for being more accessible than earlier games, and it’s become a popular title that’s been ported to many different platforms.
2) Mega Man 3
Released for the NES in 1990, Mega Man 3 continues the story after Mega Man 2. Players control Mega Man as he helps Dr. Light battle Dr. Wily, facing off against a series of challenging Robot Masters. The game was a huge hit, selling over a million copies, and is known for its difficulty and expansion of the series’ backstory. It’s been re-released on many platforms, including mobile devices, and is widely considered one of the best games in the original Mega Man series.
1) Mega Man 2
Mega Man 2 isn’t just the best of the original Mega Man games – it’s a standout title in Capcom’s history. Picking up right after the first game, it features Mega Man battling Dr. Wily and his Robot Masters once more. It built on the foundation of the original with noticeable improvements to both gameplay and graphics. While the first Mega Man didn’t sell exceptionally well, Mega Man 2 became a commercial success, selling over 1.5 million copies. Many consider it one of the greatest platforming games ever made, and it’s widely regarded as the best in the classic Mega Man series.
What’s your favorite classic Mega Man game? Share your thoughts in the comments below and join the discussion on the ComicBook Forum!
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2025-12-27 19:17