Mega Man 2 Review

By Charles

August 26, 2025

Mega Man 2 is the big one. It's widely considered to be the best Mega Man game. It's not my favourite, but I have still played it over and over and can see why it let the Mega Man series take off.

Mega Man 2

NES, 1988 ~$300 sealed ~$50 used

Virtual Console Wii 3DS Wii U

NES Classic Edition

Mega Man Legacy Collection

Mega Man Anniversary Collection

30

/40

PRESENTATION

CONTROLS

CONTENT

The game has one of the most iconic soundtracks in gaming, featuring unique instrumentation that isn't like any other NES game. All of the tracks are exciting and give each level a unique tone. Sound effects are improved, except for the annoying Dr. Wily UFO noise. A higher percentage of backgrounds are detailed. Level tiles are consistently well-done. The title screen is given an awesome opening animation and the stage select menu is improved drastically, featuring intimidating mugshots for each Robot Master. Unfortunately, the larger bosses cause a lot of flashing and sprite flickering.

Mega Man 2 irons out all of the control issues and sets a baseline for the series to add to in further entries. Mega Man feels very tight and you really forget that you're holding a controller sometimes. The only issue with platforming is that Mega Man still takes too long to go up ladders. Menus also take too long and feel very slow to move through. The special weapons are very useful throughout levels in this game, adding more things to think about when choosing what level to do first. This game features three mobility items that you unlock in different levels. They are more annoying to use than the Magnet Beam, but they provide more options.

Mega Man 2 contains four more levels than 1 along with a password saving system, but it's still very short. There is a Normal and Difficult mode, but Normal is very easy and Difficult's challenge swings wildly. Most levels and bosses are extremely easy with or without weaknesses, but some feel impossible - or are impossible - without a certain weapon. Mega Man can now collect E-Tanks to refill his health, but they're rarely needed if you follow the boss order. The Special Weapons, especially the Metal Blades, are way too overpowered. The level design is also very simple and is mostly made up of ladders.

FUN FACTOR

9

3

Even though the difficulty feels a little off, the game is super fun. You feel like a superhero plowing through the easier levels, but the super tough levels keep you on your feet. The insane amount of item drops in Normal mode makes the game so satisfying to play. The more simple level design allows you to focus on the awesome music and visuals. Mega Man 2 is the perfect game to replay - it's short, has tight controls, awesome music and isn't frustrating once you get used to it. Unfortunately, I can't give Mega Man 2 a 10 for Fun since Wily 4 is the most annoying level in the whole series.

9

9

WORTH THE MONEY?

The NES version is pretty cheap, so if you have an NES and want to start collecting games, this might be a good choice. It's also another very good reason to get the Mega Man Legacy Collection.

WORTH THE TIME?

I think this is the one Mega Man game everyone can enjoy. It's not too tough and is a really great experience. If you're a big Mega Man fan, skip straight to Difficult, but if you've never played one before, Normal mode will be a lot of fun.