Mega Man Zero 2

The blue bomber isn't waiting here. In Mega Man Zero 2, the reins are taken by Zero, a warrior with a lightsaber, and right from the first minutes it's clear this will be one of the most demanding platformers of its time. Capcom created a game here that doesn't forgive mistakes and rewards precise play all the more.

The gameplay system is built on a classic action platformer with running, jumping and shooting, but adds the trademark angle of the Zero series: besides the classic blaster, you fight up close with the Z-Saber lightsaber and gradually acquire more weapons. Central to it all is the form system — the so-called Elves and forms — thanks to which Zero upgrades his abilities according to your playstyle, changes attack properties and gains new skills. The game also grades your performance in each mission, which pushes players to improve and play cleanly.

Behind the series stands Inti Creates in collaboration with Capcom, and the distinctive artistic style of the characters belongs to artist Toru Nakayama. The second installment came out in 2003 and built on the success of the first Mega Man Zero, smoothing out many of the original's rough edges and making the ability system more accessible. The story continues in a bleak world where Zero defends both humans and reploids against forces that seek to destroy them.

Visually the game ranks among the best the GBA offered in the genre: detailed pixel animation, fluid combat and impressive boss fights. The Zero series is revered among fans today precisely for its difficulty and the depth of its combat system, which rewards an aggressive yet thoughtful style of play.

The four-part Zero line later received the complete Mega Man Zero/ZX Legacy Collection, thanks to which these classics are available on modern platforms, including the option to soften the difficulty for new players. For many devotees of the Mega Man brand, it's precisely the Zero era that represents the peak of action platformers on a handheld console.

Why play: A demanding, stylish and exceptionally satisfying action platformer for players craving lightsaber combat and a hard but fair challenge.