Mega Man X3, released by Capcom for the Super Nintendo Entertainment System (SNES) in 1995, is a fast-paced action-platformer and the third entry in the acclaimed X series. It introduces new mechanics to the franchise, notably allowing players to briefly take control of Zero, X’s powerful ally, and expanding the array of collectible armor upgrades. Players must navigate challenging stages, defeat eight distinct Maverick bosses, and acquire their unique weapons to progress.
How to play
The objective is to guide X through various stages, defeating the Maverick bosses at the end of each to acquire their weapons and exploit the weaknesses of the remaining bosses. The default controls map the SNES gamepad to your keyboard: move using the arrow keys, jump with Z (A button), and shoot or charge your buster with X (B button). The A and S keys map to the SNES X and Y buttons, while Q and E act as the L and R shoulder buttons for dashing. Press Enter for Start and Shift for Select.
Tips
- Prioritize acquiring the Leg Parts: Found in Blizzard Buffalo’s stage, the leg upgrade grants the air dash ability, drastically improving X’s mobility and making many subsequent platforming sections and boss fights significantly easier.
- Exploit boss weaknesses: As with all Mega Man games, acquiring a Maverick’s weapon gives you a massive advantage against another specific boss. For instance, Blizzard Buffalo’s Frost Shield is highly effective against Toxic Seahorse.
- Utilize Zero strategically: You can call upon Zero once per stage through the pause menu. He possesses a powerful Z-Saber, but if he loses all his health, he becomes unavailable for the rest of the game, so use him for tough mini-bosses rather than risking him against the main Mavericks.
Leave a Comment / Review: