Mega Man X3 Review

By Charles

February 20, 2026

Mega Man X3 is the last SNES entry in the series, and it really feels like the grand finale. I'm only going to include info on the SNES version of the game since the other versions introduce quite a bit. However, I really liked the Sega Saturn soundtrack and would like to play that version one day!

Mega Man X3

SNES, 1995 ~$5600 sealed ~$330 used

Virtual Console

Mega Man Legacy Collection

33

/40

Mega Man X Collection

PRESENTATION

CONTROLS

CONTENT

FUN FACTOR

Mega Man X3 somehow improves the graphics again - in this case, I think it's simply that the design work is better. Special effects are used very well once again, and the design from X1 and X2 has been refined for one last SNES game. The music is very heavy and synthesized., but can sometimes feel grating. To make this worse, most of the songs sound the exact same. However, I'm not taking any points off for this. Although they sound similar, they are all great and give the game an extremely cohesive feel. Sometimes in X1 or X2, there would be a jarring tonal shift, but in this game, the music really holds the game's theme together.

Once again, X plays well and the new upgrades provide interesting new effects. This game actually includes two sets of upgrades, which add even more depth to the move set. However, the charge shot is absolutely awful. You are given two shots in a row, but X stops right where he is to fire these blasts. This means that you can't really charge your shot while you're moving unless you can safely stop in your tracks. This can actually cause huge problems in boss fights. If it wasn't needed for charged special weapons, I wouldn't get this upgrade. In addition, like in X2, there are a lot of controls that are never explained, especially how to play as Zero.

Mega Man X3 has new roaming bosses as well as a secret special stage you can reach from teleporters scattered throughout the main stages. The roaming bosses are improved since you have to pass through their rooms. X3 iterates on this even further by adding secret endings that are accessed based on how you interact with these bosses. The methods are extremely contrived - it's nearly impossible to find all the secret endings yourself. However, I like this since the main ending is better, leaving the secret as something fun to look up. You can actually play as Zero once per level, but it doesn't add much.

Mega Man X3 is a really unique experience, as it's very flawed but a lot of fun. Some of the bizarre additions actually add to what is a surprisingly consistent tone - the game feels like Capcom pulled out all the stops for one final battle on the SNES. There's the most collectibles of any game so far, the most intense music, and secret endings. Best of all are the secret upgrades that make X3 Mega Man feel like the strongest Mega Man ever. The story is well done and actually feels like there are stakes for once. The game simply feels over-the-top and it's amazing.

10

6

10

7

WORTH THE MONEY?

Mega Man X3 is one of the rarest SNES games ever. If you can find it for a low price, consider buying it. Once again, Legacy Collection is great if you just want to play it.

WORTH THE TIME?

The bottom line is that Mega Man X3 doesn't ruin the series. If you liked the first two, continue the series with this one. It introduces enough new ideas to be worth your time.