Platformers

The future world is in turmoil after the peacekeeping mother computer is hacked and a dangerous virus runs rampant. Only Mega Man X possesses the ability to traverse eight treacherous levels in cyberspace, battle colossal bosses, and restore the system to its normal state. When situations become too intense, Mega Man X can summon his loyal ally Zero to help him survive the most perilous encounters. Experience an X-treme platforming adventure built for portable action and save the world from total digital collapse.

✦ Best for retro platformer fans wanting challenging cyber action.

Mega Man X8 takes the classic action-platforming series to new heights as Earth's survivors face a massive threat following Sigma's invasion. When an orbital elevator crashes down from the Jakob Project, X, Zero, and Axl discover that the newly developed moon-colonization Reploids have turned hostile and can copy DNA. Players embark on an epic outer-space adventure to the moon to stop the conspiracy led by Lumine. Featuring intense side-scrolling shooter mechanics, a team-based navigation system, and dynamic cooperative gameplay elements, this installment revitalizes the Maverick Wars with fresh depth, challenging stages, and diverse playable characters.

✦ Best for retro gamers wanting challenging lunar sci-fi action platforming.

Mega Man X7 is a 2003 action platformer developed by Capcom for the PlayStation 2 and PC. Following X's retirement due to fatigue from the Maverick Wars, Zero and a new vigilante defector named Axl must step up to stop the reckless Red Alert group. The game introduces fully 3D graphics intermixed with traditional 2D and 3D gameplay mechanics across an octet of selectable stages. Players can switch between playable characters on the fly as they battle through intense sci-fi levels and confront dangerous Maverick bosses.

✦ Best for series fans wanting to try axl and dynamic character switching.

Mega Man X6 is the sixth installment in the acclaimed Mega Man X series, challenging players to navigate a bruised and battered planet three weeks after the near-collision of space colony Eurasia. Stepping into the role of Mega Man X, players must battle through a maze of hazardous levels, track down missing comrades, and uncover the mysteries behind a wave of rampaging reploids. The game introduces the dynamic Nightmare System, which actively randomizes level layouts, enemy placements, and even the story's ending based on your gameplay choices. Blending classic side-scrolling shooter mechanics with science fiction action, it offers a challenging test of reflexes and strategic reploid rescue operations for dedicated platformer fans.

✦ Best for platformer enthusiasts seeking challenging sci-fi action and dynamic level changes.

Terrorists have attacked an asteroid colony and disabled its artificial gravity, creating an imminent threat to life on Earth. As either Mega Man or Zero, you must battle your way through eight challenging stages, defeat powerful bosses, and acquire their unique abilities to save the planet. Experience the classic side-scrolling run-and-gun action the series is famous for. Choose between Mega Man's ranged blaster combat or Zero's close-range plasma sword, navigate treacherous obstacles, and make strategic choices to prevent global catastrophe.

✦ Best for retro gamers and platformer fans wanting challenging sci-fi action.

Mega Man X4 delivers classic side‑scroll action with two distinct campaigns, letting players control either Mega Man X or his rival Zero. The game introduces new mechanics like Air Hover and Zero's Saber Tactic system, expanding strategic depth while battling eight Maverick bosses. Originally released in 1997 for Sega Saturn and PlayStation, the title was later ported to PC and included in the Mega Man X Collection, preserving its vibrant sci‑fi visuals and fast‑paced shooter gameplay for modern audiences.

✦ Best for retro action fans wanting classic dual-character platforming.

Mega Man X and his trusty partner Zero face a new crisis when the scientist reploid Dr. Doppler and his utopia, Doppler Town, suddenly rebel against humanity. After an infected anti-virus causes a massive Maverick outbreak, X and Zero must step up as Maverick Hunter commanders to neutralize the threat and uncover the truth behind the Sigma Virus. Dive into classic side-scrolling action, featuring intense boss battles, hidden armor upgrades, and the ability to play as both Mega Man X and Zero. Navigate through challenging stages set across Doppler Town and beyond, utilizing a vast arsenal of special weapons to put an end to the deadly Doppler Effect once and for all.

✦ Best for retro platformer fans wanting classic challenging action and playable zero.

Mega Man X2 builds on the fast‑paced platforming of its predecessor, delivering tight controls, challenging stages, and a memorable soundtrack set in a futuristic world. Players guide X through six distinct levels, mastering new weapons and the powerful dash mechanic while battling the Maverick forces threatening humanity.

✦ Best for retro gaming fans

Mega Man X is the first installment in the beloved spin-off series, originally released in 1993 for the SNES and later brought to mobile and other platforms. Set in the year 21XX, a century after the classic series, the game follows X, the first robot with independent thought, as he joins forces with Zero to combat rebellious Reploids known as Mavericks led by the corrupted Sigma. Blending fast-paced run-and-gun action with platforming exploration, players must navigate diverse stages, defeat powerful boss characters to acquire their weapons, and upgrade X's abilities with hidden armor parts. Driven by an iconic soundtrack and challenging gameplay, it established a legendary legacy that continues to resonate with action platformer fans worldwide.

✦ Best for retro platformer fans seeking tight controls and sci-fi action.

Rockman & Forte: Mirai kara no Chousensha is a classic action platformer and a continuation of the Rockman series. When a mysterious group of destructive robots known as the Dimensions attacks Symphony City, Rockman and his rival Forte must set aside their differences to uncover the truth behind the sinister leader, Rockman Shadow. Developed by Layup and published by Bandai in 1999, the game challenges players with intense side-scrolling action. As you progress through the stages, you will experience a deep storyline connected to past adventures like Rockman World II, ultimately leading to a climactic showdown against the mysterious doppelganger from the future.

✦ Best for classic platformer fans wanting a challenging retro rockman and forte adventure.

Step into the boots of Mega Man, the chosen defender of the human race, as you fight against the powerful leaders and forces of Monsteropolis created by Dr. Wily. Armed with your laser beam weapons, you must single-handedly penetrate seven separate heavily-guarded empires and prison-like structures. Navigate treacherous environments ranging from concrete uprights with embedded gun turrets to subterranean passages beneath icefields. Face off against formidable empire leaders including Cutman, Gutsman, Iceman, Bombman, Fireman, Elecman, and ultimately Dr. Wily to stop his rapid expansion of misrepresentations of humans.

✦ Best for retro action fans seeking a challenging single-player sci-fi platformer.

Mega Man V is the fifth and final game in the Game Boy version of the original Mega Man series, developed and published by Capcom. When a mysterious and powerful alien warrior named Terra defeats Mega Man's standard Buster, Dr. Light equips him with the new Mega Arm and introduces his robotic cat assistant, Tango. Unlike previous Game Boy entries, this title features entirely original bosses known as the Stardroids rather than recycled NES bosses. Players must collect P Chips to exchange for power-up items at Dr. Light's lab while battling across major cities conquered by space invaders.

✦ Best for retro gamers and classic platformer fans wanting original bosses.