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Mega Man 3

aka: Mega Man III, Rockman 3: Dr. Wily no Saigo!?, Rockman 3: Dr. Wily's Time to Die!?, Rockman Complete Works: Rockman 3: Dr. Wily's Time to Die!?

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Critic Reviews 86% add missing review

VideoGame ( )

Mega Man, um simpático robô, está de volta na sua terceira aventura. E durante 21 fases, deverá enfrentar 8 novos robôs maus, passar por uma revanche com os robôs inimigos do Mega Man II e ainda derrotar Dr. Willey, o cientista do mal que construiu todos os robôs e planeja acabar com a paz no mundo. Fácil, não?

Apr 1991 · NES · read review

The Retro Spirit (6 out of 6)

Mega Man 3 er kanskje NES-seriens høydepunkt, og det av god grunn. Det er lengre, mer polert og endå mer utfordrende. Musikken sitter som støpt og anses som et av de ypperste i fra hele NES-eraen! Det sier sitt! Vi er så absolutt enige. Dette er plattformentusiastenes mekka, hvor underholdningen aldri stopper, solen nekter å gå ned og energibøtta når aldri botn! Igjen ser vi det som en nødvendighet å stappe vår «Golden DOS Spirit»-utmerkelse i kanonen til vår blå helt, for dette smeller det godt av!

Dec 7th, 2011 · NES · read review

Hey Poor Player ( )

By addressing these critiques and building off of Mega Man 2’s incredible foundation, Mega Man 3 is a more perfect game than 2. Indeed, it features some of the most tightly designed levels, combat, and platforming challenges on the NES or any system. However, it also lacks some of Mega Man 2’s ineffable charisma, and suffers a minor identity crisis. Lacking some of Mega Man 2’s bravado and bravery, Mega Man 3 is a borderline flawless game that leaves a little bit less of a mark. Admittedly nebulous criticism aside, it is a brilliantly constructed sequel made by a virtuosos at the top of their game. Without being the quantum design leap that is Mega Man 2, it admirably evolves the Mega Man formula through its novel slide mechanic and even more perfect design.

Jun 16th, 2017 · NES · read review

Questicle.net (A+)

Mega Man III is another great addition to the Mega Man lineup. Capcom really tightened up Mega Man’s control in this one, to the point of zero slipperiness. The graphics are even better than Mega Man II. There are unique blends of beautiful colors, especially in the later Wily stages; it almost doesn’t matter that they’re using recycled backgrounds. The music is great, as always, though I would rate it slightly under the timelessness of Mega Man II’s. My one complaint would probably be the difficulty. The game strangely got easier as it went on, especially in Wily’s Castle. Still, it’s great to see the beginnings of Rush and Protoman, and it’s always fun to fight a fresh batch of bosses. Mega Man IV awaits!

Sep 2012 · NES · read review

Ação Games (4 out of 4)

Se as outras odisséias de Mega Man já eram emocionantes, espere até conhecer esta!

May 1991 · NES

1UP! (95 out of 100)

Mega Man 3 est fantastique. A moins de préférer les jeux très durs ou de faire une fixation sur certains aspects du second, c'est lui qui mérite vraiment d'être déclaré le meilleur épisode sur NES. La musique, irréprochable, et le graphisme, magnifique, placent le jeu immédiatement parmi les merveilles de la console. Sa difficulté le met à la portée de tout le monde sans pour autant trahir l'esprit de défi de Mega Man. Et surtout, c'est un régal à jouer, avec des niveaux tous plus inventifs et amusants à traverser les uns que les autres, sans exception. En méditant Mega Man 3 pendant deux ans, Capcom s'est donné les moyens de réaliser un chef-d'oeuvre et de se surpasser. Si Mega Man avait été une trilogie, cela aurait fait une superbe conclusion, dans le cas présent, c'est tout juste un épisode, mais un épisode néamoins superbe, victorieux, qui se dresse au sein de cette série comme un oriflamme.

Feb 15th, 2008 · NES · read review

Random Access (9.5 out of 10)

What else can I say about this, my favourite of the classic eight-part Mega Man saga? When I think of a game that embodies the full spirit of what Mega Man games are supposed to be about -- pure fun without excess clutter and strategy, just a go-get-em experience -- this one immediately comes to mind.

2005 · NES · read review

Nintendojo (9.4 out of 10)

Sure, the milk might've spoiled over time as The Big C left it out in the sun too long, but games in this series remain among the most sought-after by players. The latter games simply remain overshadowed by the old-fashioned boss-blasting action of Mega Man 3. It comes highly recommended.

1996 · NES · read review

Joystick (French) (93 out of 100)

Si vous n'êtes pas déjà un initié de la Mega Mania, goûtez et devenez adepte.

Sep 1992 · NES

Pixel-Heroes.de (9 out of 10)

Bis auf die geringfügigen Änderungen ist "Mega Man 3" mit dem Vorgänger mehr oder weniger identisch, vom Leveldesign her meinem Empfinden nach aber definitiv schwächer. Aus diesem Grund kriegt das Spiel nur neun Punkte.

Sep 7th, 2008 · NES · read review

NES Times (9 out of 10)

Just like most other franchises, the third time is definetly a charm for Mega Man as this is easily one of the best games in the series. Capcom really went all out here with excellent graphics, great sounds, and top-notch gameplay. While some may argue that MM2 or MM5 are the best versions, and they both are great games, but Mega Man III still emerges as the top Mega Man title for the NES.

Nov 7th, 2008 · NES · read review

Jeuxvideo.com (18 out of 20)

Après un Mega Man 2 incroyable, vu par beaucoup comme le meilleur jeu de plates-formes de son temps, on se demandait comment Capcom réussirait à faire mieux. En méditant plus de 2 ans sur Mega Man 3, l'éditeur a réussi à accoucher d'un jeu fantastique. A moins de faire une fixation sur la difficulté un tantinet faible, on voit mal comment vous pourriez y résister. En supprimant les défauts des précédents volets, en y ajoutant une trame scénaristique, de nouveaux personnages, un gameplay affiné, et tout en restant dans l'esprit de la série, Mega Man 3 surpasse son prédécesseur, et c'est à lui que devrait revenir le titre de meilleur épisode NES !

May 16th, 2013 · NES · read review

Electronic Gaming Monthly (EGM) (36 out of 40)

Mega Man 3 is a winner from beginning to end. Not only do you get the excitement of the old games, you get new options and more than enough to battle! Looks great and plays even better!

Oct 1990 · NES

Play Time (90 out of 100)

Bei diesem Spiel haben die Programmierer von Nintendo wieder einmal gezeigt, was sie können. Seinen Vorgängern steht es in nichts nach. Nur die Extras sind spärlicher verteilt, so daß das Ganze etwas schwieriger wird. Ohne den Trick (als Paßwort, einen Punkt auf A/6) hätte ich Dr. Willy niemals besiegt. Die einfache und logische Steuerung, abwechslungsreiche und farbenfrohe Grafik und der einzigartige Spielablauf machen das Spiel zur “Creme de la Creme“ der NES-Module.

Feb 1992 · NES

Hardcore Gaming 101 (9 out of 10)

Let me just say this. Mega Man 3 is an EXTREMELY fun NES game due to the combination of great graphics, music, play control, and challenge. Don't forget the fantasic gameplay. As far as lasting value goes, MM3 has more stages than any other MM game and has cameo appearances of ALL of the Mega Man 2 robots! Talk about a complete Mega Man package! This game will never wear out its welcome.

2002 · NES · read review

Ultimate Nintendo: Guide to the NES Library ( )

This game tweaks the established series formula with the excellent inclusions of Rush, Proto Man, and the slide, but the bedrock is largely unchanged: great music, great enemies, and great gameplay.

2016 · NES

Classic-games.net (9 out of 10)

Mega Man 3 is probably my favorite title in the original series and one of the best NES games of all time. I know I’m not alone with that opinion. Regardless of which game you prefer both are an essential part of any NES library. Do not pass this up.

Jan 4th, 2017 · NES · read review

PGNx Media (9 out of 10)

Overall, this game is a wonder and it really brings out some of the best traits in Mega Man. The challenge, the intrigue, and all of those robots. Yep, this is definitely one of the best of the series.

Jan 1st, 2003 · NES · read review

Jaded Gamer, The (88 out of 100)

This game is fun, period. Great graphics, great gameplay, decent replay challenge... great game. A couple of things left me cold, though. The Proto Man thing... The entire issue of this mystery man was left rather unresolved at the end of the game. Plus the game was rather easy. Once I figured out the order...BAM! Wiley was done for. A second difficulty setting would have been nice, or at least a bit more toughness in the Wiley stage.

Oct 12th, 2003 · NES · read review

Retro Archives (17 out of 20)

Entre un scénario mal mis en valeur, un Proto Man farouchement sous-exploité et une réalisation toujours aussi inspirée mais qui ne parvient pas à surpasser celle du deuxième épisode, le titre de Capcom trahit parfois ce qu'il est : un jeu très solide qui n'atteint jamais totalement les hauteurs stratosphériques que son équipe de développement aurait aimé viser. Cela reste fort heureusement un Mega Man, et on sait que la formule désormais rebattue n'apparaîtra pas comme une faiblesse de nos jours (certains le considèrent même comme le meilleur épisode de la saga), mais ceux qui attendaient des nouveautés un peu plus marquantes qu'une glissade, un chien n'apportant rien de neuf et la réapparition des boss de Mega Man 2 risquent d'en être pour leur frais.

Mar 16th, 2022 · NES · read review

ASM (Aktueller Software Markt) (10 out of 12)

Die Programmierer waren beim Leveldesign jedoch nicht der Versuchung erlegen, die Anforderungen zu hoch zu schrauben. Jedes Level besitzt in etwa die gleiche, wohltuend hohe Spielbarkeit, verfügt aber über ein eigenständiges Outfit und immer neue Überraschungen, die im Spielverlauf erlernt werden müssen. Wandelnde Energiebarrieren, fallende Steinbrocken, zuckende Messer, bei Berührung steigende oder sich öffnende Plattformen – diese Reihe ließe sich beliebig fortführen. Dazu gibt es grafisch ein solides Plattformlayout mit ein paar hübschen Einfällen (Killerpinguine!) und ein aufmunternder Sound für dramatische Höhepunkte. Abgerundet wird das Ganze noch durch ein Levelcontinue und Paßwörter für das spätere Weiterspielen. Megamäßig stark!

Apr 1992 · NES · read review

Game Freaks 365 (8.1 out of 10)

This game is a true NES classic, just as its prequel is, and is well worth a spot in your collection if you are a fan of 2D action shooters. Be aware though, that replay value is due to the game being fun to play multiple times and not to the length of the game.

2006 · NES · read review

GamesCollection (8 out of 10)

Il terzo atto del robottino targato Capcom si riconferma un gran gioco, giocateci e lasciatevi travolgere dal divertimento!

Jan 16th, 2009 · NES · read review

GameCola.net (8 out of 10)

Lord, I do love this game. It has the best level designs of any Mega Man game ever. Tops, magnets, industrial traps, needles, space bubbles or something, umm…I really don't know what Shadow Man's stage is supposed to be, but I fucking love it, and if you've never played this game, you will, too.

Feb 1st, 2009 · NES · read review

RetroGame Man (8 out of 10)

Overall, Mega Man 3 is an awesome entry into the series. It’s a lot of fun, looks and sounds great, and adds a few things to the series as a whole – my favourite being Rush! Having said that, I still don’t think it beats Mega Man 2 as the best Mega Man game – but thats just personal preference! The game also looses a little bit of marks for slowdown and bad flicker which I found a bit worse than in part 2.

Jun 19th, 2016 · NES · read review

Nintendo Power Magazine (4 out of 5)

With a blast of blue energy and bundle of new gadgets, the mighty mechanical hero, Mega Man, has burst onto the scene again.

Jan 1991 · NES

TigerChainsaw (7.8 out of 10)

Mega Man 3 adds some good elements to the series with Proto Man and the ability to slide. It’s too long for my taste and comes with a predictable twist. It’s brutal with how many times you’ll die so it’s best to use a password system to help you advance.

May 4th, 2020 · NES · read review

Nintendo Land (77 out of 100)

MegaMan 3 is a difficult game to sum up. On its own, it would have been pretty damn good. Unfortunately, given that Capcom hardly seem to have done anything but tweak the past formula (Street Fighter 2, anyone?), it's difficult to whole-heartedly recommend. A few more changes, and it would have been great. Take note, Capcom.

2003 · NES · read review

The Video Game Critic (B)

The cast of supporting villains includes hilarious little pole-vaulters and a huge fat cat among others. Mega Man now has the ability to slide and call on his dog Rush, who functions much like the special items of Mega Man 2. MM3's biggest downfall is the excessive slowdown and graphic break-up. While some of these issues could be found in the previous two games, it was never this pronounced. In addition, the level designs don't seem quite as fun or clever this time. It's not the best, but Mega Man 3 is still better than most platform games for the NES.

Jul 27th, 2002 · NES · read review

Video Games (74 out of 100)

Für Mega-Man-Anhänger ist so alles in Butter und das Modul ein Muß; alle anderen Geschicklichkeitsfreunde sollten das gelegentliche Geflacker gnädig übersehen und Bekanntenschaft mit dem Elektroknirps schließlich. Auch ohne neuerliche Qualitätsteigerung wird er seinem makellosen Ruf im vorliegenden dritten Teil gerecht.

May 1992 · NES · read review

Video Games & Computer Entertainment (7 out of 10)

MegaMan 3 is really a nifty little game, a very familiar breed executed with more than the usual amount of well-devised puzzles and obstacles. It should serve you well, even if you've never played a MegaMan game before. In fact, if this game serves as your introduction to the series, you may just find yourself running back to see what the others are all about.

Jan 1991 · NES · read review

Total! (Germany) (2.75 out of 6)

Die Grafiker müssen sich wahrlich ein Bein ausgerissen haben, um zahlreiche und teils große Gegner zu schaffen. Daß das gute alte NES diese Grafikgewalt nicht ohne Flackern hinbekommt, ist wohl klar. Jedoch wird das Spiel nur selten langsamer. Die Level werden mit verschiedenen und prächtigen Musikstücken untermalt. Auch die Soundpalette trägt zu munteren Mega-Man-Stunden bei. Außer dem Hund und den Endgegnem bietet das Garne keine sonderlichen Neuerungen. Die Spielelemente wurden praktisch den ersten beiden Teilen entnommen. Daher ist das Programm hauptsächlich Mega-Man-Fans oder Action-Jump&Run-Begeisterten zu empfehlen, die noch keinen Ableger dieser Serie haben.

Aug 1995 · NES · read review

Retro Game Reviews ( )

The only real innovation in Mega Man 3 is the awesome slide mechanic but even that can't save the game from mediocrity. Overall, it's more of a rehash than an evolution of the series and the uninspired level design, reused boss battles and numerous technical issues make it hard to recommend.

Jun 4th, 2016 · NES · read review

Player Reviews

Mega Man is back, and so with new features.
by Bregalad (967)

The Good
So this is the third installment in the classic Mega Man series for the NES. The story is not the best I've ever seen, as doctor Albert Wily seems to not have taken his lessons last two times and created 8 robot masters again in the hope of taking over the world, but Mega Man will go stop them. Anyway, this is a nice excuse for a game, and don't worry because it's the last time in the original Mega Man series the story is that simple.

Nevertheless, Mega Man 3 has all its predecessors had (you gain the boss ability after defeating them) with some enhancements. First, you get a friend dog robot, called Rush, who can help Mega Man to jump to otherwise inaccessible places. After some bosses are defeated you get Rush Jet and Rush Marine, whose can help you to reaches other places as well. Additionally, Mega Man can now slide, by pressing down+B, he can pass in narrow places, and this is useful as hell in boss battle to avoid their attack. This is a great innovation.

Now the graphics are top-notch for the NES, and are definitely more detailed, but also darker than in both previous games (even if some sprites haven't changed, especially Mega Man himself). They still have their ski-fi look pretty much everywhere, and each stage looks rather unique. Now the stage are less elemental than in the first two games, as the robot masters themes are a bit different, they don't follow plain elements, but are a bit more varied, which can proof to be fun. The game is overall as inspired as the first two, which means it's very inspired.

A notable addition as well is the mini-bosses, whose you have to defeat first before continuing to progress. Most of them were large, detailed and fun (never I'll forget those cats in Top Man's stage throwing mouses at you, nor those giant penguins in Gemini Man's stage). Also, it's a nice fact that all enemies of the game are brand new and none of them ripped from any of the first two games (the traditional mets are still there, and you get a couple of different versions of them !).

The soundtrack is fast-paced and excellent. It sounds less techno than the first two games, and more "fast-rock" style. It feels a bit nostalgic at times. This suit the game well, and follow its change from overall style as well. The sound quality has greatly improved from the first two games, and all sound effects were reworked as well. Capcom did a great job in the sound department, as excepted.

In addition to the traditional 8 robot masters and the 4 doctor Wily's fortress stages, they added 4 intermediary stages, which are "short but hard" versions of 4 already beaten stages, whose contains two bosses each : Each time a robot mimic one of the bosses from Mega Man 2, but is harder to defeat than the real one in Mega Man 2. In short, those 4 stages are very hard, and you have to re-beat all 8 bosses from Mega Man 2 again. In addition to this, if you loose against one of them, you have to restart the whole half of the stage over, which can become frustrating. They also added a couple of battles against Proto Man inside some stages, for a mysterious reason (none of them is really hard).

Fortunately, the E-Cans (cans that can refill Mega Man's lifebar) come in useful, as you can collect up to 9 of them (unlike 4 in Mega Man 2), and the password keeps track of them. It's also easy to trick the password system to get more E-Cans. Those are almost necessary to defeat some of the harder bosses of the game (the Mega Man 2 bosses imitated by that weird robot comes to mind, as each hit from them removes a lot of energy to Mega Man).

The Bad
The only real annoyance is the places where they forced you to use Rush-Jet or Rush-Marine, but make it very hard to pass, and if you failed all your energy would be gone, and you'll just have to waste all your remaining lives to suicide in order to redo the stage with full energy on the Rush items again.

I also didn't like how most of the 8 weapons you get are not very useful. Only the Hard Man and the Magnet Man weapon has proof to be useful at all to me, I used the 6 others only inside boss battle. I know it's hard to make all 8 weapons useful, but still I found myself switching weapons much less often than in the first two Mega Man games, and when I had to switch it often was to use Rush instead to use a weapon.

The game is harder than the first two (except that the E-Cans really make the battles easier), and some boss battles, especially the last one, can become a pain in the ass if you're not prepared (especially on the PAL version, where the last boss glitches a lot due to bad programming by Capcom). If you don't use the good weapon you're going to just fail at your task.

Last but not least, the graphical glitches and flickering is extremely frequent, and a bit annoying sometimes.

The Bottom Line
Mega Man continues his was pretty fine, and as Mega Man 3 is not my personal favorite for some reason (but it's the personal favorite of a lot of people), I still like that game very much and think it's a good game overall. It makes a better use of the NES hardware than most NES games, and add a lot of stuff in the Mega Man series. If you like 2D platformers, I'd recommend getting it, or downloading it from the internet if you can't. As a plus, it's the first Mega Man game to have a decent cover !

Aug 15th, 2007 · NES

One of the best NES games ever, and the best of the NES Mega Man games.
by CaptainCanuck (1065)

The Good
The graphics were clean and pretty amazing at the time, with little slowdown. Mega Man still had his same old animation for running, gunning, etc. but with a new slide thrown in for good measure. Sound-wise, the game's music shines as being the best Capcom's put out for the NES. It's amazing how much they could coax out of the NES for the sound. Gameplay is the typical Mega Man game: choose a boss, fight it out with the boss, get the boss' weapon, use the boss' weapon on another boss. Lather, rinse, and repeat. Granted, Capcom made a nice swerve after beating the initial eight robot masters (why didn't they do something like this in later games?). The game's challenge rating falls somewhere between moderate and easy, though one particular boss (Rockman aka Yellow Devil) is a pain if you don't know what weapon to use.

The Bad
Probably the fact that this was the last really good Mega Man game, and that those that followed were cookie cutter made (you knew who you were up against all the time, in reality), with some truly strange choices for robot masters. As for Mega Man 3, the disappearing platforms that Capcom loved to throw in throughout the Mega Man series rear their ugly heads again, and can become annoying if you don't know the pattern. Plus, one sequence does require the use of the Rush Jet for an extended period, and if you mess up and have to restart with a less than full energy meter, you're in for a world of hurt.

The Bottom Line
Simply put, the game is one of the best the NES offered, and truly was Nintendo's 'other' NES mascot. While Mario might be the king of action/adventure for the NES, Mega Man was right up there as well. Grab this game and don't let go.

Jan 4th, 2005 · NES

A true classic!
by David Bryan (24)

The Good
The thing I liked about this game was the style of gameplay, and the great music score of this game. For it's time it had some great gameplay mechanics.. and wonderful presentation of sound and color. I loved the boss battles, the way they had you on the edge of your seat. Characters what I can I say, they're original and very well thought out. The artwork is very nicely done in the form of sprites, and flashing backgrounds really draw you into the gameplay experience.

The Bad
I didn't like the fact that there was absolutely no opening story sequence to this game.. all the story was in the manual, which if you do not have the manual. Or you lost the instruction manual because you no longer thought you needed it, it really takes away from the story of the game.

The Bottom Line
I would describe this game, as a true classic a game with memorable music, and game play. Beautifully put together backgrounds and colorful character design. if you do not have this game, please find it it's a must have for people of all ages and backgrounds. Even if you do not like action platformers, this game offers so much more than just shoot em up and jumping platforms.

Aug 23rd, 2007 · NES

Mega Cool
by ETJB (479)

The Good
Mega Man 3 takes everything that was great about the first two games and improves upon them, creating one of the best Mega Man games in the franchise as well as one of the best games for the 8-bit Nintendo. The graphics, music and sound effects have all been improved without losing the original look and feel of the game. The game itself is longer, with a more complex story, that develops the characters. Mega Man not only has his trusty laser cannon, but new weapons and devices to use on his large, science fiction, anime themed quest. The ability to slide is highly helpful as is your new robot dog.

The Bad
Mega Man 3 suffers from a few minor complaints that were typical of even the best of 8-bit games. Getting hit by a minor enemy frequently pushes Mega Man back, sometimes into the instant death of spikes or a bottomless hole. While the storyline was a great improvement from the previous games, no self-respecting gamer could believe that evil Dr. Wily was reformed.

The Bottom Line
Mega Man 3 demonstrated the full hardware power of the 8-bit Nintendo, as well as the ability of Capcom to produce a superior sequel.

Apr 5th, 2010 · NES

Plus 88 player ratings without reviews

Contributors to this Entry

Critic reviews added by chirinea, Alsy, RhYnoECfnW, SlyDante, Tapio, Wizo, Alaka, Patrick Bregger, Jeanne, Big John WV, Seth Newman, A H, firefang9212.