Mega Man X2 Review

By Charles

February 20, 2026

Mega Man X2 is next, and I've always liked this game more than X1. I think it's for similar reasons to why I like Mega Man 3 so much: it's a little on the wacky side, with the developers trying a lot of new things.

Mega Man X2

SNES, 1994 ~$1300 sealed ~$220 used

Virtual Console

Mega Man Legacy Collection

32

/40

Mega Man X Collection

PRESENTATION

CONTROLS

CONTENT

FUN FACTOR

Mega Man X2 outclasses its predecessor in the graphics department, showing that Capcom got used to working with 16-bit colour palettes. The game also includes special 3D wire-frame objects thanks to the Cx4 graphics chip, which is apparent from the title screen. I think that the developers implemented this perfectly as it doesn't feel experimental or overused. The opening is improved drastically and actually makes you excited to play the game this time. The instrumentation on the new soundfront is a little strange, but it's not bad and provides a unique feel for the game.

This time, X starts the game with the dash power, which keeps the start of the game from going too slowly. All of the new upgrades provide interesting new abilities, especially the upgraded foot parts. The problem with X's ever-expanding arsenal is that the game never tells you what the controls are for new powers. For the most part, you can figure things out, but there are a few items that seem impossible to collect without pure luck or an online guide.

Mega Man X2 has about as many levels as X1, with the addition of roaming "X-Hunter" bosses. These bosses make your level order more meaningful as you can see what levels they are in. The only issue is that they vanish forever if you don't find their room but finish the level. This means that you have to be way more careful, which does feel a little restrictive. The ending only differs slightly, however, if you don't beat them, so it isn't a huge deal. I also don't like how the paths to get hidden items feel much more contrived than in X1. It feels like they were thought up first and the level was designed around them. The difficulty remains fair.

Mega Man X2 feels like it has taken the training wheels off and really shows what the Mega Man X series will be like in future entries. There are a lot more creative game elements which give X2 a more exhilarating feel. The X-Hunters are a fun addition, but they are more often annoying than fun. You will also find yourself having to look at a guide often to figure out where all the secrets are hidden. As long as you focus on the main platforming, however, Mega Man X2 is a great time and vastly improved from the original.

8

5

10

9

WORTH THE MONEY?

X2 and X3 are quite rare, so only get this game physically if you're a hardcore collector. This should not be in your first few sealed games to buy. Otherwise, Legacy Collection is fine.

WORTH THE TIME?

Mega Man X2 isn't very long and it has its own feel that makes it stand out from the other SNES titles. It's definitely worth a try.