The second game in Capcom's Mega Man series is often considered the greatest Mega Man game ever made.
In Mega Man 2, Dr. Wily was defeated by Mega Man and thrown in jail. However, soon he escaped and had created eight brand new Robot Masters to help him try again in taking over the world. Once again, having a strong sense of justice, Mega Man sets off to stop Dr. Wily from trying to take over the world yet again.
Review by Marcel Van Duyn
Surprisingly, the original Mega Man (or Rockman, as the series is known in Japan) did not do that well. The creator, Keiji Inafune, was allowed to create a sequel as a side-project in his own spare time, however, and with the effort of a few colleagues and a lot of time, he created Mega Man 2, bigger and better than the original.
This time, there are eight robot masters instead of six, which remained the same for the rest of the series. Instead of designing them himself, Keiji Inafune asked children around Japan to create their own designs and send them in. Out of these, he picked Metal Man, Air Man, Bubble Man, Quick Man, Crash Man, Flash Man, Heat Man and Wood Man.
The original Japanese release only had one difficulty mode which was extremely hard (if you thought the first game was hard, try this!). Thankfully, for the American and European release, players could pick between "Normal" (easier than the Japanese version) and "Difficult" (the same as the Japanese version).
Unlike its predecessor, in which all robot masters had a clear weakness to one of the others' weapons, this game's a bit more open-ended. Most robot masters can be killed with the Mega Buster with no trouble. Some have more than one weakness: Metal Man's is his own weapon (obviously you can't use it on him until you battle him again in the final stages), and if you use the Crash Bomber on Heat Man, you refill his health!
Alongside the robot master weapons, there are also three special items (conveniently called "Item-1", "Item-2" and "Item-3") that create platforms for you to stand on so that you can reach high ledges and cross gaps more easily. In various stages you can also find a blue box with an E on it - the E-Tank. Using this item at any time completely refills your life.
Other changes in this sequel include not being able to revisit robot master stages after clearing them (although this would be useless, as there are no secrets this time), and a password feature, so that you can continue where you left off (though this should not be needed with the VC's suspend feature!). After clearing the eight stages, just like in Mega Man, you battle through five stages of Dr. Wily's fortress, facing new and old bosses until you finally have a showdown with Wily himself.
Mega Man 2's generally noted as the best of the series, and for many good reasons. It's the only Mega Man with a difficulty setting, meaning both new players and veterans can enjoy it, and the robot master weapons and level designs are also among the best in the series. But the thing most people love the game for is the music: each and every stage has an unforgettable 8-bit tune that sounds really good.
If you want a good platformer, look no further than this, this is classic Capcom platforming action at it's very best.
Average reader rating: 4.71 (87 ratings)
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1. Tull
27 Nov 2007, 11:18 GMT
Thank you Capcom
2. Kevin
27 Nov 2007, 12:14 GMT
I can't wait to download this awesome game! Please give it 5 stars!
3. deggs
28 Nov 2007, 11:04 GMT
one of the greatest games of all time. this is one of the "perfect" mega man games alongside mega man 5 and mega man X and possibly mega man 3 (just my opinion of course). If you only get three or four megaman games, I would recommend those ones (megaman X being the best of the bunch and one of the greatest video games ever created). if you have an xbox or 360 or PS2, you should hunt down the Mega Man Anniversary Collection and likewise, the Mega Man X collection is also available for PS2. I pretty much bought a PS2 just for those two sets. Each set offers like 10 games (or thereabouts) for cheap (i got them both off of ebay for under 20 bucks US)...
i remember when this came out. it blew me away at the time. it was probably the greatest platformer next to metroid at the time. after nes and snes games started going for cheap, i built up an amazing collection of mega man games, only to have them all stolen... luckily the ps2 collections were released though. honestly, the ps2 collections are the way to go... they're much cheaper than buying each game individually for the virtual console. also, mega man 8, x4, x5, x6, the mega man fighting games and Battle & Chase are included in those collections and none of those games were ever released for any nintendo console as far as i know (though none are as fun as the originals in my humble opnion but i guess that's just the childhood nostalgia talking...). what i'm really hoping for is mega man 64 because i never actually got to play that one back in the day...
i'd say that the one and only complaint anyone could make about this game (when you compare it to other mega man nes games at least) is that you can't charge your weapon like you can in mm4 and higher. other than that, everything is pretty much amazing. great level design. fun bosses and some of the best music the nes had to offer (every now and then, i still hear dance mixes of the music from this game remixed by djs and stuff)... it's definitely worth the 5 bucks if you don't have as ps2...
4. deggs
28 Nov 2007, 11:05 GMT
this is also good because this means that capcom is still on track in releasing stuff for vc... i'm really hoping for gargoyle's quest 2 at some point in time
5. Drake
28 Nov 2007, 11:56 GMT
Actually, the GameCube also got Anniversary and X Collection, so you can play them on the Wii anyway if you live in the US or Japan. Europe and Australia didn't get either, as such those are also the only regions with Mega Man on VC.
6. deggs
28 Nov 2007, 17:59 GMT
oh yeah, forgot about that...
thing is, the button config on the game cube version of anniversary collection and X collection is really annoying though... i guess that's why i forgot it was around
7. Frank
30 Nov 2007, 00:15 GMT
Megaman 2 is one of my favorite games of all time. It was the game that really made me love the Megaman series. That's a awesome that this game is finally coming to the VC.
8. BJ
30 Nov 2007, 14:57 GMT
Oh, great! Mega Man 2 is already announced and we americans still don't have Mega Man yet.
9. Rockman 90
30 Nov 2007, 21:26 GMT
The reason i think we europeans got it first is beacuse we did not get annevarsary collection nor x collection i mean the us/japan could get all of the games togheter on an gamecube disc and play it on wii for a cheaper price but we cant so what are you complaining about?
10. Frank
01 Dec 2007, 03:23 GMT
In the United States we did get Megaman Anniversery collection for the Game Cube. It had megaman 1-8 so I was excited when I got it because I enjoy the series. However the control system for the Game Cube is very frustrating. It makes the games hard to play and not as enjoyable. I wish they had an option to change the button configuartion. The virtual console will be similar to the NES two buttons, one for shooting and the other for jumping and that's why fans are excited. To feel and play how the game should be.
11. darthmix
06 Dec 2007, 17:30 GMT
I've never been the biggest Mega Man fan - I dunno, the series always felt sorta repetative to me - but I do have fond memories of this game. It's well-designed, the sprites are beautifully drawn, and the action-platforming is totally solid. The theme from Flash Man's stage is probably my single favorite piece of music from an NES game. Looking forward to it.
12. deggs
08 Dec 2007, 13:30 GMT
yeah, the ps2 button config is the best for the anniversary collection. the controller just feels right...
13. yeehaw
11 Dec 2007, 23:11 GMT
I have no words to explain it's beauty...
Megaman 2 is IMHO the best - game - EVER!!!
14. LazerGun
12 Dec 2007, 00:01 GMT
Best Mega Man game ever. Period.
15. PresidentLeever
14 Dec 2007, 01:34 GMT
Wow finally. This is among the best, most atmospheric of the classic MM games though not as polished gameplay-wise as entries 3 and 5. There's a lot of trial & error, slowdown and IIRC you can get stuck in the last part of the game and have to restart if you're not careful with your ammo. The soundtrack is pretty much flawless though.
16. PresidentLeever
14 Dec 2007, 01:36 GMT
Forgot to add that some weapons are overpowered (metal razors?) while others are useless (leaf shield).
17. Robert
14 Dec 2007, 03:04 GMT
Mega Man 2 + 3 are never to be forgotten.
I Remember in 1992 i was searching christmas presents at home, and i found it O:) and played it to death. I even remember the password when going to wily with 9 energy tanks *smile* But that was part 3, part two...i was sooooooo glad when i defeated that dragon! lol.
18. Raichu06
14 Dec 2007, 03:36 GMT
Best Mega Man Game ever. Full stop.
19. Aaron
14 Dec 2007, 04:48 GMT
Instead of having dozens of mega man games on my Wii and an empty pocket from purchasing them, I am going to get the Mega man collections for the GC.
20. Atlantis1982
14 Dec 2007, 05:30 GMT
Good grief you people that can't play the game on the Gamecube. Wimps, I had no trouble at all with the Anniversary collection using that controller.
21. Mip
14 Dec 2007, 06:03 GMT
Holy crap, the soundtrack is the best soundtrack in a video game EVER.
Mm.. Music of the first stage at the Dr. Wily's castle. *drool*
I'm a big fan of sidescrolling oldschool action games. (NES ninja gaidens, ghosts 'n goblins and sequels, splatterhouse 1 & 2 and so on..)
But I gotta say this just might be the best example of that "genre".
22. Vriess
14 Dec 2007, 06:50 GMT
YES
Thank you Capcom, thank you Nintendo!
What a perfect start of the weekend!
23. MjN
14 Dec 2007, 08:27 GMT
Absolutely fabulous. Best game ever. One of the few reasons I bought the Wii. I might drop a few tears as I play this one..
24. yeehaw
14 Dec 2007, 08:46 GMT
Oh my god! It's finally here. This is the game i've been waiting for since the launch of the Virtual Console. This is IT right here. One piece of advice for the people that have never played this game, DOWNLOAD IT!!! (now all I need is GoldenEye, and i'm good to go xD)
One question though. Does it have that pesky slowdown like Megaman 1 did?
25. Tull
14 Dec 2007, 12:18 GMT
Only noticed slowdown on BubbleMan when bubbles bounced and we spammed pew pews
26. Villain
14 Dec 2007, 13:37 GMT
The slightly glitchy and half-awkward Megaman 3 might be extremely awesome otherwise, but to me, THIS is the definitive Mega Man.
The backstory about how Inafune insisted this game would be made and offering to work on it as he worked on a Capcom-Disney game...inspiring.
27. /l\ T /l\ R I
14 Dec 2007, 13:48 GMT
Advice needed... It's a toss up between, Mega Man 2, Super Metroid or Gunstar Hero's? Which one should I pick?
28. Deckers
14 Dec 2007, 15:42 GMT
Super Metroid (if you never played it)
otherwise Megaman 2 if you like Action games
Gunstar hero's if you want a COÖP game
hope that helps you out =)
29. cr00mz
14 Dec 2007, 17:15 GMT
Super Metroid all the way, and then at a later time Mega man 2
30. Villain
14 Dec 2007, 17:26 GMT
@Whatever you called yourself, last poster...
As awesome as Mega Man 2 is, the most "game" of the three you mention is Super Metroid. I've had many discussions with my cuz about what game one should own if one had to choose 1 single game...I say I would choose Metroid 3. It's a complete mix of action and adventure, and it covers all aspects of the genres completely. I'm not gonna bore you with why SM is one of the absolutely best games ever made (though there's no such thing as "very best game ever"), but you'll get a whole lotta game if you buy SM. A whoooole lotta game. It's worth the extra points. But I insist you buy MM2 as soon as possible after SM!
31. darthmix
14 Dec 2007, 17:28 GMT
Between those three, assuming you've never played any of them, I'd go with Super Metroid, which is one of the best games ever made for any system. Then MM2, which really is one of the pinnacles of NES action-platforming and a definitive game of the time. Gunstar Heroes would be third; it's a great game, but it's kind a niche action title for Treasure fans and its hyper-frantic pacing might not appeal to everyone.
32. Rossi
14 Dec 2007, 19:47 GMT
I really wont to spend 500 points on this game! But is the level in the video hard, because the gameplay looks to fast for me, as a new player to the franchise, i really would like some help on this..
33. Drake
14 Dec 2007, 21:00 GMT
I'm just trying to show off in the video, you can take your time, and there's a few extra items I didn't show that you can use to make it easier. On top of that, the video shows the US version, the EU version is slightly slower due to conversion. (Also, don't rate games if you haven't played them!)
34. Delay
15 Dec 2007, 14:12 GMT
Here a good tip:
The Metal Blades (M), from Metal Man are totally overpowered and can easily defeat most normal enemies.
35. Veszerin
16 Dec 2007, 02:06 GMT
CURSES!!! CURSES ON EU!
j/p
One of the best NES games.
36. Rockman 90
16 Dec 2007, 20:28 GMT
This game rocks
37. N-Gamer
17 Dec 2007, 16:48 GMT
Man, always loved this Megaman game!
Own the original game on the NES, but would also be nice to have it on my Wii =)
38. dave
17 Dec 2007, 19:28 GMT
Most people love the Dr. Wily castle theme, but I think Bubble Man's theme is the best. Wait, every song is awesome and it adds to the awesome, futurist atmosphere of the game. Add awesome level design, tight control, a ton of awesome weapons, memorable enemies and bosses, and adjustable difficulty. They don't make them like this anymore. A complete classic that honestly deserves all 5 of those stars. Only the 80s era and a mixture of bizarre circumstances could produce something so superb and unique.
39. mixahman
21 Dec 2007, 11:19 GMT
EU has MM1 & MM2, yet The US has none except lame NeoGeo & Turbografx games they are trying to dish out & make a buck Nobody wants these games, we didn't want them when they where released in the 1st place. Why would we want them now?
The Megaman Anniversery collection for the Cube was crap. Inverted buttons, music fades after a while, removed the sound effects from the 2nd soundwave & added a stupid mode for new gamers. I waited months for it, played it one day & I just when back to playing them on my good ol NES.
40. michinmuri
21 Dec 2007, 17:27 GMT
Yes, this IS the best MM ever. I remember playing MM as a kid and liking it so-so, then MM2 came out and I had to try it. You can't help but fall in love with it. The music, design of stages, bosses, enemies, etc are all top-notch. If you get any MM for the from the NES era (or an MM game for that matter), this is the one.
41. expa0
22 Dec 2007, 19:00 GMT
Wow, This was my second non-emulator Megaman game(I hate emulators) and i gotta say that this one is much better than the first one! I really hope that Megaman´s 3,4,,5 and 6 are coming soon. I also hope that you Americans get Megaman games soon too.
42. Roo
04 Jan 2008, 15:37 GMT
Hard as a rock, but its really good fun - one of the better NES games out thus far on Virtual Console. And if you've not played anything from the Mega Man franchise before, this (not the first one) is the place to begin!
43. learn japanese ds
10 Jan 2008, 01:40 GMT
What the--? EU gets Mega Man 1 and 2 and NA get zip? I feel so...unappreciated...
44. whalleywhat
11 Jan 2008, 22:06 GMT
Fellow NA'ers, quit whining. We get plenty of stuff first. Can't wait for this. This game is godly. The graphics, the music, the gameplay, perfect. You don't need any collection, just MM2 + 3, played with the Classic Controller.
45. Cally
14 Jan 2008, 02:35 GMT
This is my single favorite game of all time. I can remember the order I first beat the eight bosses. The stage select concept, along with acquiring the boss's weapon, was what made Mega Man stand out. In this one, the level design, music, and even that cool intro altogether made MM2 absolute magic. Brings tears to my eyes.
MM2>MM3>MM1>MM8
MMX>MMX4>MMX2>MMX3
IMHO.
46. The shoemaker
21 Jan 2008, 02:23 GMT
Hmm is maga man really that good, it's still doesn't look like much to me
47. CENGOMANIA
21 Jan 2008, 19:52 GMT
Mega Man II is AWESOME... Love this game, brings back some good old memories... When is Mega Man III comi´n??
48. Mario
22 Jan 2008, 02:27 GMT
Just the music makes this game great. I still have the cartridge and play it on my generation NEX. does anyone else have a NEX?
49. kalle3004
22 Jan 2008, 19:26 GMT
Don't you mean a nes?
50. Mario
23 Jan 2008, 01:01 GMT
No. the nex is an awesome NES clone from messiah entertainment. go to playmessiah for more details. the thing Rocks!!!!!
51. JDub
30 Jan 2008, 17:33 GMT
great graphics, perfect difficulty, best sound...simply amazing!
52. uncle smuck
01 Feb 2008, 19:03 GMT
This game reminds me of the good old days. It's amazing how challenging these games were and they are still as hard as always. Damn that crashman!!!!
53. HairyMike87
05 Feb 2008, 02:42 GMT
mega man is pretty awesome. i never owned the NES versions of the games tho. i only have megaman X and megaman 8 for the ps1. i like X better and i plan on getting mega man 2 when it comes out in US.
54. d.vader
13 Feb 2008, 05:07 GMT
HairyMike and anyone else in the US waiting for it to come out in the VC, I have a question...a BIG question!
Will this game be available to us living in North America? It's out in Europe, but will we ever get it? I've been on message boards where some have speculated that because we got the gamecube version of it that we might never get it for the Wii VC.
I hope that's not true because the gamecube version has been redone and is no longer representing the original form. Also, I just purchased 4 Wii-motes and don't want to have to get a gamecube controller. If anyone knows FOR A FACT or can tell me with compelling reason that Nintendo and Capcom are planning to release Megaman 2 (and also MM1 and MM3) for the Wii VC then please tell me (with reference) because it would be ashamed if this game didn't come out for the Wii VC.
Thanks!
55. Kuroshiro
18 Feb 2008, 15:46 GMT
I just don't get it. I bought this game and the musics are SLOW. I mean, the music was the most awesome thing in this game, and when I play it, the musics are so slow that the half of the fun is gone. Is this normal or is my game somewhat corrupted?
56. Pocketim
18 Feb 2008, 16:55 GMT
@ Kuroshiro
EU/AU = SSLLOOWWDDOOWWNN
In other words, Slowdown
57. Faithful Dragon
19 Feb 2008, 06:55 GMT
Why Isn't this game out in the US yet it's my Favorite Mega Man game to date and I still haven't been able to beat the last boss.
58. d.vader
23 Feb 2008, 08:23 GMT
Please put this game out in its original form on the Wii VC!
I don't plan to get many VC games. This is one of the few games I plan to get so please make it available for download =)
Thank you,
Megaman 2 fan
59. mixahman
25 Feb 2008, 21:42 GMT
I'll probably sell my Wii if they release MM3 before they release any of the MM games in the U.S. I bought this for the old school games not the new crap they are making & if they are not releasing good stuff from back in the day, why bother.
Betcha they probably won't release them all & just jump to the next console & let this die. Besides the Wii was only a gimmick that Nintendo was hoping might work & did.
60. Lurch
17 Mar 2008, 06:48 GMT
one of the most completed NES games. get it now or sell your wii. 5/5
61. stinssd
17 Mar 2008, 17:55 GMT
Even better than the first.
62. StillbornOne
24 Mar 2008, 05:46 GMT
To: Capcom and Nintendo.
Bring this to America's VC channels, NOA.
63. hackattack
24 Mar 2008, 22:56 GMT
I really wish the better version or mega man would come out on VC!!!
64. ChrisDavison7
28 Mar 2008, 17:41 GMT
One of the top 5 games of all time. Period.
65. d.vader
02 Apr 2008, 15:58 GMT
Please release Megaman 2 for the NA VC!!! Please stop releasing games like Crusin' USA (yawn). You know more people will buy Megaman 1, 2, or 3 than any of the VC releases that were announced all last month.
66. Mikaro
06 Apr 2008, 18:45 GMT
This is in my Top 10-list. Wily's Castle 1-2-, Woodman- and Metalman-musics are great. Gameplay is very good. Game is quite easy and only Wily's Castle level 4 is difficult. Even difficult-mode is easy. It is still good that the game isn't insane hard. Game's difficulty is maybe "normal". My favorite boss is Quickman. Favorite stages are Metalman, Woodman and Heatman. I hate Airman-stage but the music is good. Worst music is Wily's Castle 3-5. Its good but too simple and hypnotic.
67. CopyofCopyX
25 Apr 2008, 15:30 GMT
This is, in my opinion, the BEST 8-Bit Megaman game, even better than Megaman 3.
And it certainly not that difficult, for a game on the NES and around Megaman anyway.
68. Wiireview123
07 Jun 2008, 17:35 GMT
got this on ps2. want it here in NA on vc
69. cowboy
09 Jun 2008, 21:22 GMT
ok first i will download it then i will rate it!!! hmmmmm lets seee,is it realy that good?
70. PsychoFish
15 Jun 2008, 22:03 GMT
The best Mega Man ever, period!! Great gameplay, awesome music. My all time favourite Mega Man and one of my No.1 NES games.
71. Taco_Human
23 Jun 2008, 16:49 GMT
I really really want this out on the US VC now. I have the Anniversary collection for the GC, but I would rather play it like an NES. (D-pad, plus 2 buttons)
72. Kreegs07
26 Jun 2008, 14:04 GMT
Very fun game. You would be a fool not to get it when it comes out in NA.
73. Jon
27 Jun 2008, 07:58 GMT
This is an absolute must if you consider yourself a gamer.
74. morphballer
30 Jun 2008, 14:51 GMT
There's an easy solution to the Gamecube control issue: Just get a Dual Shock 2 controller and a CG to DS2 adapter and play it that way. Problem solved!
75. Kirby8
03 Jul 2008, 20:20 GMT
Best megaman game ever
I LOVE IT
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