31. Mega Man 7 (SNES)

For players new to the Mega Man franchise, Mega Man 7 is a great place to start: a pure platforming experience in contrast to the more complex Mega Man X, and colourfully inviting without the harsh challenge of earlier core Mega Man entries. It's by no means the best title in the series — gigantic sprites make the game frustrating at times and lead to more generic level designs to accommodate the character models — but it's nevertheless a solid addition to the library.

30. Mega Man 6 (NES)

Probably the worst thing you can say about Mega Man 6 is that it plays it safe.

It follows the same basic idea of eight Robot Master stages followed by castle stages, and doesn't really bring any big new gameplay features. The level design (save for Plant Man's stage), music, and everything else are all pretty good, but if you've played all the previous entries, you can't help feeling that the sixth game is a bit by-the-numbers.

Capcom didn't really go out with a bang with this final NES Mega Man game, then, but it did create one final enjoyable entry on the console which birthed the series. And a 'just good' Mega Man is still better than most other video games, so mustn't grumble.

29. Mega Man Zero 4 (GBA)

At this point in a series, you should know what to expect, and Mega Man Zero 4 delivers in the same way that other high-numbered Mega Man titles do in other branches of Capcom's franchise.

You get more of the same excellent gameplay in this final game, with the addition of an optional Easy Mode for those who prefer a light jog-and-gun as opposed to a full on run-and-gun, although things were already simplified in Zero 3. There is still a secret hard mode if you want a truly harrowing experience, as well a plethora of unlocks that are quite difficult to acquire.

All-in-all, this relatively late release in the GBA's life cycle is another fine franchise entry.

28. Mega Man Star Force (DS)

An action RPG starring the blue bomber, Mega Man Star Force is similar to the Battle Network series of games. Following the exploits of Geo Stelar (you can rename the player character, but why would you?), the plot is a colourful melange of aliens, missing parents, keys and space agencies which makes the deep 3D battle system seem simple by comparison, but the love for the Battle Network series ensured that this game has a solid base of devoted fans.

27. Mega Man Zero (GBA)

Mega Man Zero kicks off a series that will challenge you endlessly, but is very rewarding to master. Its brutal difficulty is bound to turn off a lot of gamers, but those who stick with it will find the richest world in any Mega Man series, populated with interesting characters and pulsing with a predictably brilliant soundtrack. Its sword-heavy combat and Cyber Elf approach to upgrades aren't going to resonate with everybody — and the grinding is a genuine obstacle to enjoyment — but if you have even a passing interest in Mega Men, it's worth seeking out. Just don't expect to be very good at it for a long time.

26. Mega Man 5 (NES)

When people ask about the best Mega Man game on the NES, Mega Man 2 and Mega Man 3 tend to get the lion's share of love. However, Mega Man 5 deserves attention, too.

It doesn't quite reach the stellar highs of the bombardier bleu's earlier outings, but with a host of novel additions to its levels — gravity switching, and even a vehicular section — it's another fine entry in Capcom's series.

Yes, it might be 'just' more Mega Man, but who doesn't fancy a bit of that?

25. Mega Man Zero 2 (GBA)

Mega Man Zero 2 does a great job of ironing out the wrinkles of its predecessor. With both audio and visual improvements, it also significantly reduces grinding, and provides the same brutal challenge in what feels like a much more fair way. Unlockable forms and EX Skills are also added to the mix, which gives the game an additional layer of replayability.

It's a sequel done right, and it's no surprise that it's remembered so fondly all these years later.

24. Mega Man ZX (DS)

While its direct sequel might have added bells and whistles, Mega Man ZX built on the formula of both the Mega Man X and Mega Man Zero series and Inti Creates built something that struck a chord with fans. There may have been some dark times ahead for Phil Megaman, but the DS hosted a couple of gloriously light spots.

23. Mega Man X3 (SNES)

By no means a bad game, Mega Man X3 is just a disappointing one. From a design standpoint, there's simply too much that feels lazy and incomplete compared to X or X2.

Unremarkable weapons, illogical solutions to environmental puzzles, and repetitive boss fights take some of the shine off the series, although franchise fans will find enough here to warrant a playthrough.

Those looking to dip a toe, however, would be much better served by either of its predecessors.

22. Mega Man Battle Network 6: Cybeast Falzar & Cybeast Gregar (GBA)

Mega Man Battle Network 6 doesn't reinvent the wheel, but makes some slight alterations to keep fans of the series interested. It's still Mega Man Battle Network and it's still as solid as ever, so if you enjoyed the previous games you're almost guaranteed to enjoy this one as well. And if you got a little tired around 3 or 4, probably best to sit this one out.

21. Mega Man Battle Network 2 (GBA)

Mega Man Battle Network 2 expanded upon the first game in the series, serving up more fun chip-based gameplay with a bit more refinement. The series' card and board game-styled influences make for some exciting encounters and collectability, although you might have to fight the temptation to break out those gift chips you're granted to burn everything down early. If you just want to jump right into the series and find out what it has to offer, number 2 is a great springboard.