Handheld emulation and ports onto a big screen console have always had issues with stretched pixels, models and environments losing their definition and warped game screen dimensions due to a different aspect ratio. The Mega Man Zero and ZX Legacy Collection combats this well by providing users with various filters and aspect ratios to find a viewpoint that’s best for them. Considering two games in this collection are Nintendo DS games, that is no small feat.
Serving as spin offs set around 100 years after the original Mega Man series, Zero and ZX provided some much needed Mega Man action for a new generation such as myself on the Game Boy Advance and Nintendo DS. The titles feature interwoven and detailed storylines mixed in with devastatingly difficult platforming gameplay with various elements to mix the formula up.
Spirit of the Game
This review isn’t going to cover every single Mega Man game in this collection. But suffice to say that Mega Man Zero / ZX Legacy Collection is a big bag of fan-service with hopes of picking up a few new fans along the way. Whilst this writer has never been a Mega Man Mega Fan, it’s great to see artwork spanning all of the titles advertisement and development phases in its gallery section.
Fans will be pleased to know that all FMV cutscenes and audio dialogue come in the original format. They benefit from using the less compressed original files and are clear and crisp.
Balancing Act
As previously mentioned, these games are notoriously difficult. Capcom have provided two extra modes for all titles which makes gameplay easier for those who don’t have the time to grind a boss for a few hours or those to simply want to take in the story.
For the die-hard speed running fans of the series, a speedrunning mode ‘Z Chaser’ features online leaderboards has been included that span all levels across both series for players to foam at the mouth over. What’s more? In-game collectables such as cards can unlock cosmetic changes in game such as posters on walls and other novel easter eggs fans will enjoy.
With the exception of Z Chaser, players can also remap all controls for their perfect Mega Man experience. Having X to jump somehow makes gameplay easier for me for example. With the exception of Mega Man Zero One and Two, all cutscenes and FMVs are skippable too.
Audiovisual Fidelity
The soundtracks are all complete with a nice tidy up and media player so fans of the series can kick back and take a trip down the nostalgia warp-hole.
In terms of presentation overall, it’s a clean one with new save features and manuals in an overlayed menu system that can be accessed during gameplay.
The separate menus for the series do feel a little awkwards however. It would’ve been much simpler for players to have one menu that covers all games. But such an approach does preserve the complete experience for each title in the collection and will please long-time fans.
A Mega Collection
Overall, the Mega Man Zero/ZX Legacy Collection is a wonderful bundle of fan service and a great introduction to newcomers, albeit a tad overwhelming at first.
It would’ve been nice to see a quick story FMV to catch people up on the lore, but maybe that’s down to personal preference. If you want a challenging platforming experience, or just a decent one, this collection is a sound investment.
