Mega Man 11
- September 7, 2018
- Capcom
- 5h median play time
Over the course of 30 years, the Mega Man franchise has had its fair share of missteps but Mega Man 11 finally puts the Blue Bomber back on track.
In Mega Man 11, embark on a new mission as the blue bomber with refreshed 2.5D graphics and classic side-scrolling action. Face off against the deadly Robot Masters using Mega Man's new Double Gear system, which adds versatility to his powers and abilities. Explore varied stages, battle menacing bosses, and save the day in this installment of the iconic Mega Man series.
Reviews
- music315 mentions
- 35 % positive mentions
- 52 % neutral mentions
- 13 % negative mentions
The music in Mega Man 11 has received mixed reviews, with many players finding it underwhelming compared to the iconic soundtracks of earlier titles in the series. While some tracks, particularly those associated with specific stages like Fuse Man and Block Man, are praised for their catchiness, the overall consensus is that the soundtrack lacks the memorable melodies and energy that fans expect from a Mega Man game. Additionally, the use of synth-heavy compositions has been criticized for feeling generic and not fitting the franchise's legacy, leading to a generally forgettable musical experience.
“The music is pretty great (Block Man's stage comes to mind) if you enjoy Mega Man, I'd recommend this game to you.”
“The music features some phenomenal tracks and the graphics got a facelift, but the graphics also serve to hamper platforming in some instances, particularly when precision is involved.”
“The music is good, but I don't know if I quite like how they only really used one soundfont for the whole soundtrack, blending things in a bit.”
“The music is bland, forgettable, and generic, just to think about how Mega Man soundtracks used to be a huge influence to listeners and composers as people still record renditions of timeless Mega Man hits all over the internet.”
“Before I go on and gush about the gameplay, I have to make it clear that the music in this game is just such an unbelievably egregious misstep for a Mega Man game that it's hard to believe none of the developers realized that 'hey..this doesn't really sound like, or anywhere near on par with the Mega Man series musical legacy, does it?'”
“The only major complaint I had with the game was the soundtrack which was overall weak for the series.”
- gameplay309 mentions
- 30 % positive mentions
- 68 % neutral mentions
- 2 % negative mentions
The gameplay of Mega Man 11 is widely praised for successfully blending classic mechanics with innovative features, particularly the new double gear system that enhances both speed and power, adding strategic depth to the experience. While many players appreciate the challenging level design and nostalgic feel, some criticize the reliance on the gear system and the occasional frustrating level gimmicks. Overall, the game maintains the core essence of the Mega Man series while introducing fresh elements that appeal to both longtime fans and newcomers.
“Still one of the best Mega Man games in terms of gameplay, from difficulty to making good use of the in-game shop for power-ups and leveling up against the robot masters.”
“The double gear is an interesting way to shake up the gameplay, and the levels are challenging but fun.”
“Mega Man 11 is an amazing entry to the series, with the new gear system mechanic that lets you increase attacks and stop time for a limited amount, not to mention the fantastic level designs and boss fights.”
“The gameplay is tedious and mediocre, with boring and frustrating level gimmicks, confounding enemy placement, and barely used special weapons (aside from the block dropper).”
“The double gear system is just an excuse for the developers to come up with horrible stage and gameplay designs.”
“Too much of the gameplay seems like it requires using the gear system rather than just being optional.”
- graphics270 mentions
- 44 % positive mentions
- 53 % neutral mentions
- 2 % negative mentions
The graphics of the game have received mixed reviews, with many praising the vibrant, modern 2.5D art style and clean visuals that enhance the classic Mega Man experience. However, some players find the new aesthetic too cartoonish or simplistic compared to the detailed pixel art of previous titles, leading to a divide in opinions on its overall appeal. Despite these criticisms, the graphics are generally regarded as a significant upgrade, contributing positively to the gameplay experience.
“The graphics and animation are next level.”
“The graphics are beautiful, the backgrounds were hand-drawn, and Mega looks great with whatever weapon he is wielding, very original!”
“The graphics are a welcome update from MM9 and MM10 that went back to the 8-bit Mega Man 2 era graphics.”
“Despite promises of hand-drawn graphics that could have brought a fresh, dynamic look to the series, the game instead delivers standard 3D models that fail to capture the charm or artistic ambition one might expect.”
“The art style looks unappealing and bland, especially for a game that is only five years old, and considering the rest of the series at least looks good.”
“The graphics aren't exactly ugly, but they're pretty sloppy when compared to the superb pixel art that Mega Man always used to have across the years.”
- story107 mentions
- 26 % positive mentions
- 69 % neutral mentions
- 5 % negative mentions
The story of Mega Man 11 is generally viewed as cute and lighthearted, providing some backstory for iconic characters like Dr. Light and Dr. Wily, but it remains largely standard and predictable, following the classic "stop Dr. Wily" plotline. While some players appreciate the attempt to add depth and context, particularly through flashbacks, many feel the narrative is simplistic and lacks the engaging elements found in previous entries, with minimal character development and a reliance on familiar tropes. Overall, the story is seen as a backdrop to the gameplay rather than a driving force, with mixed opinions on its execution and voice acting.
“The game has a pretty dumb plot, but then again it is the 11th installment in the core series, so I can let it pass.”
“This game has a great story from the get-go; Dr. Light and Dr. Wily are shown back when they had a moral argument regarding how far robots can be pushed.”
“Furthermore, it actually touches on the series backstory a bit: it begins with a flashback to Wily and Light's younger years as colleagues and reveals the straw that broke the camel's back that caused Wily to swear off their partnership.”
“The absence of series staples like Proto Man, Bass, and even Duo leaves a void that the game's minimal storytelling can't fill.”
“The story is essentially the classic 'stop Dr. Wily and his evil robots' plotline and is as lighthearted as ever, but it also has a small hint of seriousness as the game explores some new lore about how the doctors became enemies.”
“The plot of the game is just too basic, and it feels like it might be unique to this game, but I would be happy to play more games that take advantage of it.”
- replayability41 mentions
- 37 % positive mentions
- 56 % neutral mentions
- 7 % negative mentions
Replayability in the game varies significantly among players, with some noting limited value beyond completing different difficulty levels, while others praise the inclusion of extra challenges and time attack modes that enhance replay potential. Many reviews highlight the game's nostalgic appeal and well-designed mechanics, suggesting that it offers substantial replay value for fans of the genre, particularly through its challenge modes and achievements. Overall, while some players find replayability minimal, others consider it high, especially for those who enjoy platformers and are willing to explore all available content.
“While I do think this game is a tad overpriced for its length, I think it makes up for that in its sheer quality, along with it being extremely replayable as well as all the time attack modes giving you more than your money's worth in terms of length.”
“Great game, able to keep the classic Mega Man nostalgia while feeling brand new at the same time, good stages and fun boss fights, double gear system is a very interesting and fun game mechanic, good voice acting, pretty great music, and pretty great replayability, either making a new save file to take on a harder difficulty (or get some other achievements you missed) or replay certain stages or bosses through the challenge menu.”
“The game's inclusion of extra challenges extends the replay value for folks looking for more, and that's also really cool to see!”
“There is not much replay value other than to complete different difficulties.”
“There is very little replay value and the extra challenge modes are boring, but the game is worth it if you can get it on sale for like 15 bucks.”
“Not much playtime in it, only about 3 hours on newcomer, but I can see a touch of replayability in it (on the other difficulty modes, that is - but the replay value seems minimal to me).”
- optimization17 mentions
- 24 % positive mentions
- 47 % neutral mentions
- 29 % negative mentions
The optimization of the game has received mixed reviews, with some players experiencing significant performance issues, particularly related to DRM and stuttering during intense moments, while others report it runs well even on lower-end hardware. Overall, while some users appreciate the game's ability to run smoothly on less powerful systems, many express frustration over performance drops and the impact of DRM on gameplay.
“In terms of the technical side of things, the game is well optimized.”
“The best thing I liked is that the game requires less than 2GB of space to download and it runs well on my GTX 750, making it well-optimized even for a potato PC.”
“If you're like me and were resistant to buy MM11 because you were afraid of optimization, I'm happy to say you should feel free to buy this.”
“I get it adding to multiplayer games (still adding it to fighting games is a serious step back due to FPS drops and stutters + general performance issues), but singleplayer games?!”
“Game itself is a nice return, even if it also includes some of the worse aspects of the classic games, however, I do not recommend Capcom as a company, as they just added DRM to a long list of their games new and old that destroys performance, tries to stop anyone from being able to enjoy community-made mods and custom content (which they have some of the most popular modding communities ever), and straight up makes their games fully unplayable for a large number of people.”
“This game has the worst performance I have ever seen in a game on Steam!”
- grinding16 mentions
- 19 % positive mentions
- -12 % neutral mentions
- 94 % negative mentions
Reviews indicate that grinding in Mega Man 11 is a mixed experience; while it allows players to acquire necessary items and upgrades to mitigate the game's punishing difficulty, it often leads to tedious repetition and frustration due to long levels and sparse checkpoints. Many players find the grinding for bolts to be relatively easy, which can diminish the challenge and make the game feel shallow, yet it remains essential for progressing through tougher stages. Overall, the grinding aspect is seen as a necessary evil that can detract from the enjoyment of the game.
“You'll need a second life for grinding.”
“Grinding in this game is rewarding and keeps you engaged.”
“The grind is satisfying and offers a sense of progression.”
“In Mega Man 11, the levels are not just challenging; they are tediously long, stretching the player's patience thin without offering the intricate design and rewarding exploration of past titles.”
“Long levels with sparse checkpoints and plenty of cheap one-hit deaths means way too much tedious repetition.”
“At first, I decided not to use any special weapons and upgrades, as that's how I usually play my Mega Man games, but things were too frustrating. I eventually started using everything the game offered me, which made progress extremely easy as farming bolts doesn't take long. I had over 4000 of them without intentionally gathering them while stuck on my second stage of choice without much progress, so I was able to buy all parts and tons of extra e-tanks. After clearing a few stages, I decided to stop doing that because it was making the whole experience shallow and short.”
- humor12 mentions
- 100 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
The humor in the game is characterized by a mix of cheesy voice acting and campy elements that some players find amusing, while others feel it falls flat. Players appreciate the funny animations and quirky storylines, particularly the comedic interactions between characters, which add a lighthearted touch to the gameplay. Overall, the humor is seen as a fun aspect that enhances the experience, even if it doesn't always land perfectly.
“Its easier than the others and the speed boost is super hilariously strong, but it's definitely a fun game and worth a playthrough!”
“Beautiful graphics, funny short storyline, and classic gameplay.”
“I found Wily's plan B is super funny when he's trying to get Mega/Rock to 'spare him' = spoiler warning.”
- character development8 mentions
- 75 % positive mentions
- -12 % neutral mentions
- 38 % negative mentions
Character development in the game is praised for its outstanding quality, blending classic concepts with modern aesthetics, resulting in visually appealing designs that enhance the overall experience. Reviewers note that even minor characters are well-crafted, contributing to a rich atmosphere and engaging plot, which adds to the game's replay value and enjoyment. Overall, the character design and development are highlighted as strong points, elevating the game's appeal.
“The character designs are so great that the basic coloration and lighting become complimentary to the overall visual.”
“Input lag was responsive, game feels classic Mega Man, lots of replay value, outstanding character development, good atmosphere, music was good, good plot, and overall very entertaining and enjoyable.”
“The character designs are lovely, with even the smallest enemies having a lot of love put into their appearance and animations.”
“The character development feels shallow and lacks depth, making it hard to connect with the characters on a meaningful level.”
“There are limited options for character progression, which makes the experience feel stagnant and unengaging.”
“The characters don't evolve throughout the game, leaving players with a sense of disappointment in their growth and story arcs.”
- stability8 mentions
- 50 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 50 % negative mentions
Overall, the game's stability is generally positive, with many users reporting smooth performance and minimal issues on platforms like the Steam Deck. However, some players have experienced occasional minor bugs, such as stutters and audio glitches, as well as more significant problems like freezing on startup and loading screens. While most find it runs well, these stability concerns can lead to frustration for some users.
“Runs great on Steam Deck.”
“Plays great, looks great, runs great.”
“This game actually runs great for me.”
“Some bugs that range from minor (occasional stutters, audio glitches once in a while) to major (game freezing on the startup screen, 30fps lock [didn’t happen to me but happened to others]).”
“Can't play; it freezes on the loading screen. It reminded me of playing on the original Nintendo, but at least you could pull out the game and blow on it. Here, you just look at your screen wondering what you can do to play it. Frustrating.”
- atmosphere4 mentions
- 100 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
The game's atmosphere is highly praised for its nice graphics and atmospheric stage designs, with each level featuring an engaging introduction. Reviewers appreciate the classic Mega Man feel, complemented by responsive input and a good soundtrack, contributing to an overall entertaining experience. The combination of these elements enhances the game's replay value and character development.
“Nice graphics, very atmospheric stages, and four difficulty levels - you can slow everything down for several seconds whenever you want.”
“As one review points out, the first screen of every level provides an especially atmospheric introduction to the stage.”
“Input lag was responsive, the game feels like a classic Mega Man, with lots of replay value, outstanding character development, good atmosphere, good music, a solid plot, and overall very entertaining and enjoyable.”
- emotional3 mentions
- 100 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
Players express a deep emotional connection to the game, reminiscing about the nostalgia of childhood experiences with classic titles like Mega Man. The game evokes strong feelings, leading some to tears, while others feel a mix of vulnerability and frustration, suggesting a powerful yet complex emotional impact.
“It made me feel like I felt as a kid playing Mega Man 1 and Mega Man 2 for the first time.”
“I cried like an anime fan on prom night.”
- monetization1 mentions
- 0 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 100 % negative mentions
Reviewers appreciate Capcom's decision to innovate rather than resort to a nostalgic cash grab, indicating a positive reception towards their monetization strategy that prioritizes creativity over exploitation.
Critic Reviews
Mega Man 11 Review
Mega Man 11 not only marks a return to form for the franchise, it serves as a natural evolution of Mega Man's foundation, finally allowing the series to progress into the next generation. On an aesthetic and gameplay level, the series has taken some much needed, and welcome, steps. The art style has an appropriate level of charm and polish, while still evoking a more old school aesthetic, while the new Double Gear system pairs wonderfully with the platformer's tight level design. Mega Man 11 is a magnificent blend of old and new, honouring what came before, while never forgetting to look towards the future.
90%Mega Man 11
Speaking of the Robot Masters, the latest group of 8 are some of the most unique bosses ever seen in the series. This is largely thanks to each boss having an additional phase during their fights, which brings about a temporary transformation that completely changes the pattern of their attacks. This can result in something as simple as faster attack speeds to something bigger and more dangerous, once again theming the gameplay around the Double Gear System. In classic Mega Man tradition, however, once a boss’s weapon weakness has been determined, they can be easily dispatched without much trouble. The same rule applies to the later bosses found in Wily’s Castle, although strangely enough the very first boss of Wily’s stages doesn’t have a weakness, thus making it the most difficult boss in the entire game (hint: it’s a returning nightmare for older fans).
70%Mega Man 11 Review
Over the course of 30 years, the Mega Man franchise has had its fair share of missteps but Mega Man 11 finally puts the Blue Bomber back on track.
90%