Long time pal Zero kept a space colony from crashing into Earth, but the planet has became a wasteland in the process and reploids (robots) are put to work to rebuild Earth. Worse yet, Zero is missing and reports of crazed reploids send Mega Man out to find his pal and take care of business.

The play is standard in X6. Mega Man travels through Forests, Magma, and a Weapons Factory to name a few locals. Each level contains a different boss bot for the big M to defeat. To carry on Mega Man tradition, after you kill them you snatch their weapon. To keep the story moving in X6 there are lengthy cutscenes with Japanese voice-overs. There are also mini-cutscenes within each level and a new Nightmare system that randomizes maps, enemies, and endings based on play.

There are two character options – X and Hunter. Mega Man X can shoot, charge, dash, sword slice, and hang on walls. Mega Man Hunter adds an air dash. After you beat a boss you can take their powers, and extra moves can be found and equipped in various stages.

You’ll need every move you can get in X6 because the game is tough. Enemies will shoot you right when you jump over a chasm, blind spots can mean instant death over spikes, and enemies linger in the air to knock you to your death. Thankfully, mid-level saves and unlimited continues make Mega Man’s job a little easier.

The sights and sounds aren’t bad in X6. Mega Man animates well but looks too much like he’s walking on ice. The enemies and bosses have standard animation and the sounds that compliment them get the job done.

Mega Man is classic 2D action. It’s not an intense game, but the decent 2D gameplay is as solid as ever.