Mega Man 3
By Yorch la Torch
Released on September 28th 1990 for the NES, Mega Man 3 is one of the most popular entries in the Mega Man franchise. Its combination of challenging gameplay, creative powerups, and impressive soundtrack make it not only one of the best games in the series, but also one of the very best titles to grace the NES.
7 reasons to play Mega Man 3 this week
1. The soundtrack
Mega Man's soundtrack is memorable. The extraordinary intro theme sets the mood for an incredibly melodic experience. The select screen theme is pure 8-bit anticipation. Spark Man's stage is beautifully composed, and captures what the franchise is all about--challenging excitement. Snake Man's theme is a masterclass on how to leverage the APU channels on the NES. Every single theme distills personality and confidence. Composed by Yasuaki Fujita (Bun Bun) and Harumi Fujita, Mega Man 3's has left an indelible mark in the history of videogames. It is a journey worth listening to.
2. The gameplay
In Mega Man 3 you are able to select 8 different stages, each one guarded by a boss called a Robot Master. You must jump and blast your way through every stage while fighting hovering spark robots, mechanical snake heads, robotic porcupines, and Metalls. Every level is unique, making the game feel fresh and interesting. Sure, it wouldn't be a Mega Man title without some significant challenges, but part of the game's charm is using the power-ups you collect after defeating a Robot Master which brings me to...
3. The powerups
Once you defeat a Robot Master, you'll acquire its weapon. This is where many fail, thinking that Mega Man NES games are impossible to beat. The weapons you acquire can be used strategically to either bypass difficult parts of a stage or exploit another Robot Master's weakness. Every Robot Master has one or a couple of weaknesses against specific weapons, including everything Dr. Wily throws at you in later stages. Use every weakness to your advantage, and you'll beat the game.
4. The Robot Masters
The Robot Masters in Mega Man 3 are iconic. Magnet Man, Snake Man, Needle Man, Hard Man, Top Man, Gemini Man, Spark Man, and Shadow Man—each one is a force to be reckoned with. Each of their levels reflects their personality and goes beyond the typical green forest or water levels. I personally find them a bit tougher compared to the Robot Masters from Mega Man 2, but part of the fun is figuring out the order to beat them. Don't let any of the Robot Masters discourage you. Exploit their weaknesses to your advantage.
5. Rush
Mega Man 3 is the first game in the series to feature Rush, the robotic dog. Although it may be easy to see him as just an aesthetic wrapper for the Special Items from Mega Man 2, Rush can transform into a submarine, a springboard for higher jumps, and a levitating platform. Rush becomes an essential aid to master after beating the eight Robot Masters, so make sure to always keep his energy full.
6. The Dark Masters
I won't spoil much, but once you beat all eight Robot Masters, you'll need to conquer remixed versions of their levels, along with a few surprises from previous Mega Man games. This is definitely one of the main reasons to beat Mega Man 3.
7. Wily's Castle
Wily's Castle is unforgiving. Be ready for the toughest challenge in the game. The good news is that it doesn't feature any gimmicky sections or traps like the infamous Boobeam Trap from Mega Man 2. Another incentive to reach Wily's Castle is the art direction, which features some of the best pixel art in the entire NES catalog.