Mega Man (NES) Playthrough
5Playthrough of Mega Man, Capcom's 1987 action-platformer for the NES.
Mega Man, known as Rockman in Japan, is a groundbreaking action-platformer developed and published by Capcom for the NES. Directed by Akira Kitamura and featuring character design by Keiji Inafune, it was Capcom’s first game developed specifically for a home console, marking a major shift for the company from arcade to console gaming. While it wasn't an instant blockbuster, Mega Man laid the foundation for one of Capcom’s longest-running and most beloved franchises, setting a new standard for action platformers.
The story follows Mega Man, a humanoid robot created by Dr. Light, as he battles against six renegade Robot Masters—Cut Man, Guts Man, Ice Man, Bomb Man, Fire Man, and Elec Man—who have been reprogrammed by the evil Dr. Wily. Each Robot Master resides in a themed stage filled with enemies, traps, and platforming challenges. What set Mega Man apart from its contemporaries was its non-linear structure—players could choose the order in which they tackled the Robot Masters. Upon defeating one, Mega Man acquires their weapon, which can then be used to exploit the weaknesses of other bosses, introducing a strategic element to the gameplay.
The level design in Mega Man is both inventive and challenging, featuring precise platforming, tricky enemy placements, and environmental hazards like conveyor belts, vanishing blocks, and instant-death spikes. Unlike later entries, the game lacks a password or save system, meaning players must complete it in a single sitting, adding to its notorious difficulty. However, the satisfaction of mastering each stage and discovering boss weaknesses makes for a rewarding experience.
Visually, Mega Man stood out on the NES with colorful, detailed sprites and distinct enemy designs. Mega Man’s blue armor became an iconic look, and each Robot Master had a unique aesthetic that set them apart. The game's soundtrack, composed by Manami Matsumae, features some of the most memorable chiptune tracks of the era, including the energetic Elec Man theme.
Despite being a challenging first entry, Mega Man established many core mechanics that would define the series. It has since been re-released and remade multiple times. Though its sequels refined the formula, Mega Man remains a legendary title that helped shape the platforming genre and solidified Capcom as a major player in console gaming.
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