If there’s one company that knows how to do a remaster, it’s Capcom. Over the last couple of years, the famed Street Fighter and Resident Evil publisher has been popping out retro compilations of various titles, including feature-packed Mega Man collections that celebrate the entire history of the Blue Bomber. Out later this month, Mega Man Star Force Legacy Collection shines a light on a more obscure spin-off series from the 2000s, when the franchise tried to steal some of Pokémon’s thunder with a surprisingly well-crafted action-RPG.
Just like Nintendo’s Pokémon series, Mega Man Star Force Legacy Collection bundles three main games, each split into different versions—much like Pokémon Red and Blue when they launched 30 years ago—for a total of seven games. Originally released for the Nintendo DS between 2006 and 2008, the three main games feel like fun throwbacks to a simpler time. The narrative stays as kid-friendly as possible, the graphics burst with colour, and the character designs remain spritely. What really stands out in this compilation, though, is how well Capcom translated a dual-screen experience onto a single display, delivering an elegant and authentic emulation of these classic games.
Capcom keeps the original 4:3 aspect ratio of the Nintendo DS screens so the visuals don’t look stretched. By miniaturizing the second screen in the upper corner and letting you enlarge it instantly, the game preserves smooth, handheld-style gameplay.
Gameplay today feels just as sharp as it did in 2006. Battling on a grid-based field, setting up card combos, preparing counters, and dodging at the last second all come together in a satisfying gameplay loop. The original games aimed to hook players with a fairly forgiving experience and quick battles, making them perfect for lunchtime sessions or a brief distraction during a morning commute. If you pick the game up on PC for a system like the Steam Deck or Asus ROG Ally, you’ll likely fall into that same routine again.
Retro enthusiasts should also appreciate that the collection includes archival materials like an art gallery and music player. While the extras don’t reach the comprehensive level of other collections, like Atari 50 or Mortal Kombat Legacy Kollection, they still give fans something to enjoy as they celebrate this hidden gem from the Mega Man franchise.
Mega Man Star Force Legacy Collection offers a charming nod to the past, especially if you remember the original DS games fondly. You can spot some of its DNA in modern titles, and overall, it serves as a slick, vibrant time capsule that’s fun for all ages. If you’re after an old-school action RPG that lets you sink into a satisfying grind for power, and which encourages you to see how far hard work can take you, this is the Pokémon-flavoured Mega Man bundle you’ve been waiting for.
Mega Man Star Force Legacy Collection releases for PC, PS5, PS4, Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, and Switch on 27 March.