The Mega Man X series (originally appearing on SNES, Saturn and PlayStation) rigidly follows the same formula as its predecessors. Mega Man must make his way through a series of non-linear levels, absorbing the powers of fallen bosses as he goes. The difficulty is set high from the very beginning and smooth progress is only assured by knowing which order it is best to tackle the levels in. The increased power of the X series’ host platforms (compared to the NES) allowed Capcom to build upon the cartoon looks of the original games in order to create a world that was closer to the anime feel that they had always intended. Characters and backgrounds are much more detailed and colourful whilst bosses often take up an entire screen or more. Many of the later X games even feature animated cutscenes thanks to the PlayStation’s CD-ROM format. As the series goes on it does become notably easier - Zero and his close-range sword attack becomes available whilst Mega Man gains the ability to duck and shoot by X5 - but the series still remains much harder than its peers.

Mega Man X Collection features 7 games from the long-running Capcom saga: the first 6 games (X7 and X8 having only recently appeared on PS2) and a bonus unlockable in the form of Mega Man Battle and Chase, a kart racer that originally appeared on the PlayStation and was unreleased in the USA. Mega Man X3, for the record, is an emulation of the PlayStation/Saturn version rather than the older SNES version - although the differences are few. Emulation is, for the most part, spot on. Aside from some very occasional graphical glitches the games are very faithful to their 16- and 32-bit counterparts. Mega Man X2 still even features the secret diagnostic test that was accidentally left in the original SNES version.

Opinion is divided on whether the Mega Man X games are better than their ancestors. The edgier, teenage style of the characters and universe certainly aren’t as appealing as the more innocent sci-fi setting of the first few NES games but there is definitely more variety. As the series evolves from its premier 1993 outing to its 2001 finale, there is a clear progression in both gameplay and graphics. The introduction of Zero as a fully playable character freshens up the action, which was becoming quite stale at that point, whilst the progress in technology from 16- to 32-bit platforms allows for bigger and more dynamic sequences as the series goes on. The bosses become bigger and far glitzier in later episodes whilst Mega Man is also able to take control of several vehicles - from motorbikes to mech suits - that significantly spice up the action. It’s this added variety that makes Mega Man X Collection well worth owning even if you already have the first compilation.

One of the few criticisms of the original Mega Man Collection was that the controls were the reverse of the layout of the NES versions. Thankfully, Capcom have listened to the complaints and included an option to remap the controls for every game on the disc. It’s concessions like this and the ability to save in-between every level that are just the sort of refinement that a retro collection benefits from the most. Flashy graphical updates and a new soundtrack are unnecessary and it’s great to see that Capcom realises that all we need are the games themselves in their original states with just a couple of extra options to improve the convenience factor without altering the gameplay or presentation.

Aside from a gallery of unlockable art, this is all there is to Mega Man X Collection. Just 6 very similar games and an unlockable racer. Emulation is of a high standard and the user interface works as well as you would expect. Whether this collection can be recommended largely depends on the individual's tolerance for difficult games. Those not accustomed to the ways of the Maverick Hunters may be better off starting with Mega Man Anniversary Collection before braving these waters but hardened Mega Man fans who don’t have access to the original games will find this package of unspoilt classics essential.