Mega Man 2 -NES- 9.5

December 8, 2023

Megaman 2 has been one of my favorite Nes games for a long time. Twenty years ago, I bought this authentic cib, but I only beat the game on emulation with save states back then. So yesterday, i decided to finally run through the game on the authentic cart, and I beat it this morning on normal mode. Megaman 2 is famous as one of the most popular and influential Nes games ever made. I never played its predecessor, but my understanding is that Megaman 2 allowed you to gain each bosses’ weapons after you beat them, as well as receive extra abilities from Dr. Light, and this gave way to far more gameplay variety. The weapons I used the most were Quickman’s boomerangs and Metalman’s saws, but every weapon is fun to use. Dr Light’s tools were also essential for much of the platforming segments in the final stretch of the game. As far as action platformers go on the Nes, Megaman 2 is one of the best and most creative you will see. Each level is unique, varied, and loads of fun. The platorming is challenging and requires precision from the tight controls. Every boss is memorable and gives you a great tool to use in the rest of your run. Megaman 2 is not a long game, but being able to select what stage you want to go to in whatever order you want makes for great replay value. And the best part of it all is the outstanding soundtrack. This is without question one of the top few best soundtracks in the whole Nes library. Just about every single track is an absolute banger. My personal favorites are the stage songs for Flashman, Airman, Bubbleman, Quickman, and Dr Wily’s Castle. I still listen to these tunes every so often, multiple decades later. Megaman 2 is an outstanding representation for what makes retro gaming so great and memorable. It’s easy to pick up and play, but hard to master. Each level and enemy is completely different from the last. The controls and game mechanics are tight and polished. And the entire soundtrack is unforgettable. I give Megaman 2 a 9.5 out of ten. It easily places in the top ten best Nes games ever made.