Mega Man: Anniversary Collection

The Good
10 Megaman games on one disk with extras!

The Bad
Emulation of an inferior Megaman 8, disappointment in the fact that the much touted "anime" extra was from the TV show that debuted years ago in the U.S., finding out that the Xbox version was coming with more extras.

The Bottom Line
Megaman Anniversary Collection is quite possibly the best game compilation ever. All eight console Megaman games are included plus two arcade ports from Japan. On top of that there's artwork to be seen, remixed music to hear, a producer interview for the Gamecube version, the Megaman "anime" for the PS2, (the "anime" in question is actually an episode from the crappy American cartoon from the U.S.) and both for the Xbox. Capcom released Megaman Anniversay Collection on June 22nd, 2004 for GCN and PS2 and on Xbox on March 15th, 2005. I just couldn't wait...

Here's a synopsis of what you're getting:

Megaman - This is the rock-hard game that started it all back in 1987 on the NES. At the time of its release it was cutting edge.

Megaman 2 - The greatest Megaman game of all time! Even the series creator Keiji Inafune thinks so. MM2 perfected the Megaman formula, gave us two difficulty settings, has some of the best game music EVER, and a killer ending. If you play any Megaman game, play this one.

Megaman 3 - In contention for the title of best Megaman ever. Some fans like their Megaman a little harder and a little longer. This game also introduces the slide move and Rush the robodog.

Megaman 4, 5 and 6 - these are like extensions of Megaman 3 with steadily improving graphics. All good in their own right.

Megaman 7 - Megaman goes 16-bit on the SNES in 1995. One of the great platformers for SNES. This is the game that introduces the character of Bass.

Megaman 8 - Megaman goes 32-bit in one of the last great 2D platformers. This game features anime cut scenes and fantastic visuals. This might actually be my favorite game in the series, but one sore point; the Anniversary Collection emulates the inferior PS version of MM8, I don't understand why the Saturn version wasn't used.

Megaman:The Power Battle + Megaman:Power Fighters - These are coin-ops that were previously found only in Japan. If you beat all 8 bosses in MM3 you unlock Power Battle. If you beat all 8 bosses in MM7 you get Power Fighters. These unlockables are basically fighting-style arcade games. It's nice two have some 2-player games included.

No matter what system you own Anniversary Collection is a great value, especially if you've never played a Megaman game before. But beware, if you're a long-time fan you will be frustrated by the Gamecube's control scheme: The jump and fire buttons are reversed and there's no option available to change it. I don't see how such a simple design flaw could be overlooked, in any case; the PS2 or Xbox version is the way to go if you're stuck on the classic control scheme; the Xbox version being far and away the best due to improved extras... too bad I couldn't wait for it. GCN:B+ PS2:A-

The Good
For starters, you get all eight of the games from the original Mega Man series on one disc, as well as the little-known arcade games Mega Man: The Power Battles and Mega Man: The Power Fighters. All of these games are recreated perfectly in their original 8-, 16-, and 32-bit glory. There are many different unlockables, including concept art, remixes of classic Mega Man tunes, interviews with MM creator Keiji Inafume, and clips from the Mega Man cartoon (depending on which platform you purchase this for).

You can also save your progress in any of the games, so that you can jump right back into the game where you left off, and avoid unnecessary memorization of passwords.

The Bad
Although you get remixed tunes when you turn "Navi Mode" on, not every song in every game is remixed, which can lead to some weird musical transitions in the first three Mega Man games.

The Bottom Line
Don't want to go searching eBay and spending hundreds of dollars looking for the old Mega Man games? Then this Anniversary Collection is perfect for you. Ten games, one disc, loads of extras...this game has all a Mega Man fan could want. Even those who haven't grown up on Mega Man can play this game to appreciate the roots of the series. I really can't say much bad about this collection.