• Publisher: Capcom
  • Release Date: Jun 22, 2004
Metascore
81 out of 100

Generally favorable reviews - based on 26 Critics

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 23 out of 26
  2. Negative: 0 out of 26
  1. The fantastic level design, precise control and underlying weapon-swiping game theory are second to none. [Aug 2004, p.53]
  2. It's one of the most thorough and competent rehash packages in recent memory, offering a slew of great games in top form, along with a few cool bonuses.
  3. Capcom poured the love into this collection. They took their time to give fans something worthy.
  4. Packed with tons of nostalgia, unique weapons (including the suspiciously fanciful "Top Spin"), and more hardcore 2D shooting and platforming than you can shake an arm cannon at. [July 2004, p.111]
  5. This is what Mega Man is all about. Its creative level and enemy design, difficulty, and easy controls are what made Mega Man a classic from day one.
  6. This is classic gaming done right with one of the industries best heroes finally getting his just due and future compilations from other companies would do well to take heed of how Capcom delivered this tribute to fans.
  7. There's a hefty dose of nostalgia in this collection, but you'll also find that these games have aged marvelously well.
  8. 85
    What Mega Man Anniversary lacks in technology and convolution, it more than makes up for in mechanical brilliance, loveable characters, a compelling art direction, and an abundance of robotic charm.
  9. A scintillating package of retro Capcom goodness; there’s something for everyone to love here, and the low price makes it a killer buy.
  10. Sadly, the games’ graphics did not get a similar treatment. In fact, some of the games seem surprisingly worse then they did on their original consoles.
  11. Here's to the simpler things in life, and to Mega Man on his 15th birthday.
  12. A must-own for any fan of the series. It contains great ports of the first 8 games plus the option of playing them with slightly enhanced graphics and hints, as well as easy and hard difficulties and the ability to start with 3 or 5 lives.
  13. Simply one of the richest, most well-put-together classic compilations ever made, and it manages to not only refrain from sacrificing key elements of gameplay for the sake of making the hardware transition process easier but also makes improvements that are not only great but practically seem like common sense.
  14. There’s just something about running and jumping that never gets old, and it’s precisely this indescribable “something” that, despite the outdated play mechanics and antiquated visuals, allows me to bestow a wholehearted recommendation upon Anniversary Collection.
  15. 80
    Whether you plan to acquire it as a collector’s item or just want to get acquainted with Mega Man’s past, you can be sure it’s going to be one heck of a trip back into time.
  16. 80
    For pure dollar value -- 10 total games for $29.99 -- Mega Man Anniversary Collection is a great buy. That is, if you can make your peace with the atrocious button-swapping snafu.
  17. Newcomers should stay away ("I can't duck? or shoot up?!"), but for those of us who grew up with Capcom's blue bomber, 30 bucks for this high-quality collection of old-school favorties is a steal. [Aug 2004, p.101]
  18. 75
    They manage to still be fun and they age marvelously well. It makes you wish that Capcom would dust off the cobwebs and make another game starring the classic Mega Man, and make it work right.
  19. 75
    It faithfully reproduces the classic action series, and the handful of modern conveniences are a nice addition. However, the display method the game uses looks bad and the extras are not quite there.
  20. 75
    Unsurprisingly, playing through this Anniversary Collection is much like listening to a ten-album Grateful Dead box set: it's very good for what it is, and some of titles included are genuine masterpieces. But taken together, the monotony is almost overwhelming.
  21. Though the series is pretty much stale these days, that wasn’t always the case, and the Mega Man Anniversary Collection serves as a reminder that while the games might feel a little dated, the Blue Bomber still has some fight left.
  22. A great collection for nostalgic fans and newcomers alike. None of the spin-off Mega Man X titles are included in the package, but what’s included is more than enough to keep any player blasting for more.
  23. Mega Man fans and experienced gamers will love this massive collection of old-school goodness, but we'll admit it does little to attract new followers. [Aug 2004, p.28]
  24. A no-brainer for all Mega Man fans out there. And even if you weren't an old-school addict, you can still dig in for some harmless fun... just be prepared for the frustrations and insane difficulty that come with many retro classics.
  25. Veterans will have to take a little time to adjust, while newcomers will be able to jump right in without even noticing such problems.
User Score

Generally favorable reviews- based on 8 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 5 out of 5
  2. Mixed: 0 out of 5
  3. Negative: 0 out of 5
  1. It's not the best collection pack, but it is certainly worth picking up if you are a fan of the series. Pros: Excellent ports of 10 retro Mega Man games with an additional audio reproduction, remixed soundtrack, and mid-game saving system. Cons: At least half of the games can be a bit too repetitious or frustrating. Full Review »
  2. MP83
    9
    Great collection of games that made me into a Mega Man fan. More companies should release their old games as collections like this. *hints*
  3. WhiteWarrior
    9
    Wow, talk about a blast from the past!! This will take veteran gamers (like myself) back to the days when games were difficult and took skill and patience to complete. The bonuses are awesome. I mean adding the first episode cartoon of megaman as an unlockable secret, kudos to the developer on that one. Anyway to the elite gamers this is a MUST have for your collection. To gaming newbees, jump right in and enjoy. I only wish they would do something like this for the Sonic the Hedgehog series... HINT...HINT!! Full Review »