Adding the word “64” to a game name ended up not meaning anything. Some games used it to denote a game specifically made for the N64, some for a new entry in a series for the N64, while others used it for direct ports. However, the most egregious is probably Mega Man 64. The name implies a Mega Man game for the N64. However, this is a port of Mega Man Legends from the PlayStation, an action/adventure RPG game that is very different to a typical Mega Man game.

In terms of graphics and style, Mega Man Legends really suits the N64. The colourful worlds work really well, and the characters look great, especially the character faces and very animated expressions, which remind me a lot of Wind Waker (incidentally, the game is also set on a flooded world where only small islands exist). There’s also a good amount of voice work, and the cutscenes are all in-engine, so they translate extremely well to the N64, and I massively prefer cutscenes like this over FMVs that look nothing like the main game.

Start playing, though, and you know it’s a PlayStation game, with entirely digital movement and tank controls by default, although the Z and R allow for strafing. However, you can swap this to turning, with strafing moving to the stick. With a bit of remapping, you can have a modern style setup that works well for the game, even if movement is a bit clunky due to it still being digital.

While Legends is set on one small island, the explorable world is still quite large. There’s a lot of NPCs to discover, and side quests to find and complete. It’s fun to explore more areas, although better draw distance would have been appreciated. As you go through the game, you’ll have to complete missions, such as defending the city, defeat bosses, and blow up enemies in an on-rails boat section. You’ll also have to find entrances to the dungeons.

Or, should I say, dungeon. You start off with a few small dungeons in different locations, but will see areas you can’t reach. As you unlock more abilities and weapons, you’ll discover that these dungeons are all connected – this underground world is essentially a Metroidvania. The graphics here are a bit drab compared to the overworld, but exploring is still a lot of fun. The platforming itself is quite simple, but it’s still enjoyable, with lots of weapons and blaster parts to discover.

With the overworld and dungeons being connected really well, the wonderful facial animations and in-engine cutscenes looking great, Mega Man Legends in some ways comes across as more modern than it actually is, but the controls are a constant reminder as to how old the game is. The game is really good, and the N64 port is really well done.

Great

Mega Man isn’t quite as awful as it first seems – if you can swallow your price for a moment and bring yourself to embrace what is essentially and ageing PlayStation game. Capcom have offered up some fairly solid entertainment, delivering just about enough fun and longevity to make this both endearing and worthy of investigation.

Geraint Evans, N64 Magazine #53. Review Score: 70%

Remake or remaster?

A remastered Mega Man Legends collection (with the two games, plus The Misadventures of Tron Bonne and Mega Man Legends 3: Prototype Edition) would be great, especially if they can add an optional analogue control option. With the basic platforming, it wouldn’t break the game in any way.

Official ways to get the game.

You can still buy it on PS3 and Vita, but it isn't available on newer consoles and you need to buy them via gift cards.