Mega Man: The Wily Wars

What if you could relive the blue robot's first three adventures, but this time in full 16-bit splendor? This is exactly the offer brought by Mega Man: The Wily Wars, a compilation in which Capcom transferred the classics from the NES to the SEGA Mega Drive in 1994 and wrapped them in a new coat.

At the heart of the package are remakes of the first three installments of the Mega Man series, originally released on Nintendo's 8-bit console. Capcom reworked them into richer graphics and improved sound, so the familiar levels, bosses and gameplay gained a fresh 16-bit sheen without losing their spirit. For fans of the classics it is a pleasant look back at the series' roots.

Besides the three reworked games, the compilation also adds a bonus campaign called „Wily Tower". It offers new challenges and gives players the chance to combine weapons and abilities across installments, bringing content that was not in the original versions. It is a nice little cherry on top that makes the package more than a simple re-release.

What is especially interesting is its distribution history in North America. There the game was never released in regular retail on a cartridge, but was available only through Sega's subscription Sega Channel service, which delivered games over the cable network. As a result, the physical cartridge is very rare and collectible in the US today.

For lovers of classic Mega Man, Wily Wars is both a pleasant curiosity and a full-fledged way to revisit the series' fundamentals in a new guise. It's no revolution, but an honestly crafted tribute that will please anyone fond of the blue robot.

Why play it: A nice 16-bit remake of the first three Mega Man games with a bonus campaign – a treat for fans of the classics and a rare collector's piece.