The Mega Man Zero/ZX Legacy Collection is the latest in a lineup of re-releases within the franchise, which also include the classic Mega Man games as well as Mega Man X. This time around, it consists of 6 games: Mega Man Zero 1-4, Mega Man ZX, and Mega Man ZX Advent. Mega Man Zero 1-4 originally launched for the Game Boy Advance, whereas Mega Man ZX and Mega Man ZX Advent were originally Nintendo DS games. For Mega Man fans, Zero fans, and newcomers alike, this is a near-perfect way to experience the sub-series that began so long ago.
There's no doubt that its biggest selling factor is the nostalgia associated with these games, as it's ubiquitous throughout every entry in the collection. Despite playing this on the PS4, it truly felt at times that we were back in the GBA days, and this is remarkable for something that is a re-release. Players expect major updates when something is announced as a remake or a remaster, but the minimalist approach here for the Mega Man Zero/ZX Legacy Collection is spot-on and exactly what is needed.
As a brief reminder, these games see players take on the role of the legendary Reploid Zero following his disappearance in the mainline Mega Man X games. This sees Zero return to his heroic ways, trying to find his role in the greater events of the game, and ultimately reach this point by the end. ZX and ZX Advent re-introduce these old Reploids and heroes as Biometals, first introducing the ability to play as a male or female hero while harnessing the power of various Mega Man characters.
It's worth mentioning that there's no hand-holding when it comes to the story and lore found in Mega Man Zero and its successors. As such, it's not a bad idea to brush up on some Mega Man lore before diving into the collection or to play the original Mega Man Legacy Collection. Returning fans who have fallen out of the franchise or newcomers will find themselves thrust into a world of conflict between Reploids, Mavericks, machines, and powers without there being any detailed explanation as to what these concepts truly are.
Players will upgrade their weapons through use, complete platforming levels, and face off with various villains that will remind them of the glory days. This basic and straightforward gameplay mechanic is not only complemented by the very details of the game but also by the tweaks and options Capcom provides in the Mega Man Zero/ZX Legacy Collection, helping prove it's one of the hottest video game releases in February.
For example, the graphics have been slightly sharpened for the modern consoles, but players can dial these back in the options menu if they so prefer the original graphics. They can also modify the overall layout of the screen presentation, having it blown up to fit modern consoles or displayed in a way befitting the original games. The one drawback of this is seen in ZX and ZX Advent where the Nintendo DS's touchpad is displayed and used in ways that are of little import, meaning phasing it out somehow would have likely been a better method than the actual inclusion of the mechanic.
There's also a save assist program that will go a long way for players of the Mega Man Zero/ZX Legacy Collection, as it creates checkpoints throughout the various levels and world and just before the various Mega Man bosses, so players do not have to completely reset after losing their lives. After all, many will agree that nostalgia can sometimes be surprising, and it's not truly a stretch to say that Mega Man Zero and its various iterations are particularly challenging. Despite never being known as an easy franchise, these games can genuinely be hard and frustrating at times, something that isn't easy to remember compared to their original releases.
Thankfully, for those who want a more leisurely playthrough, there's also a casual mode in conjunction with the aforementioned save assist program. The latter can be recommended for everyone, whereas the casual mode is for anyone wanting to not pull their hair out by some of the Mega Man level designs in Zero and all the games to follow. Equally, though, those looking for a challenge will appreciate a basic playthrough of the game, as well as the Z Chaser.
It is a competitive challenge addition that allows players to race across stages pulled from every game in attempt to post the fastest time. This can be done solo as well against ghost data, which can sometimes feel as if racing against the Blue Bomber himself, or in local multiplayer, and it's easy enough to let the time fly by while checking out this Mega Man Zero/ZX Legacy collection mode. Playing the Z Chaser mode can stack hours on top of hours for what players will already invest into the collection just beating the game.
From the Mega Man Zero/ZX Legacy Collection, players can expect plenty of content at a fantastic price. A basic playthrough of each game will take players a handful of hours, reaching roughly 10 each for ZX and ZX Advent. This means that for the solid price of $29.99, players can experience the full and complete story of Zero at a reasonable price. In fact, the only question left in the air with this collection is when Mega Man Battle Network and Star Force will receive the same treatment.
Mega Man Zero/ZX Legacy Collection is out now for PC, PS4, Switch, and Xbox One. Game Rant was provided a PS4 code for the purposes of this review.