Mega Man (1987) vs Mega Man 3
Side-by-side comparison of features, pricing, ratings, and alternatives.
Battle to stop the evil scientist Dr. Wily and his re-programmed Robot Masters from taking over the world in this iconic NES platformer. Play as the cybernetic hero Mega Man through challenging stages, utilizing precise jumping and shooting mechanics to defeat formidable bosses. Developed by Capcom and directed by Akira Kitamura, this timeless title combines memorable 8-bit graphics with a legendary soundtrack. Step into the role of the universe's defender as you penetrate Dr. Wily's strongholds and restore peace to humanity.
Mega Man returns in this action-packed platformer to face a robot rebellion involving powerful metal masters controlling treacherous worlds. Armed with his trusty blaster, the superpowerful cyborg must navigate hazardous mining stations and blast through formidable robotic foes in his toughest challenge yet. Published and developed by Capcom, this classic installment delivers intense side-scrolling shooting and platforming gameplay. Players must test their skills against a new roster of robot bosses, utilizing precise timing and strategy to overcome every mechanical menace in the galaxy.
- Timeless 8-bit art style and memorable soundtrack
- Challenging and rewarding platforming gameplay
- Iconic boss battles with unique encounters
- Launches a legendary gaming franchise
- Challenging and rewarding gameplay
- Memorable robot master boss fights
- Classic retro soundtrack and visuals
- Engaging single-player platforming action
- Can be exceptionally difficult for modern players
- Limited save features compared to modern titles
- Short overall runtime by today's standards
- High difficulty can be frustrating for beginners
- Limited saves compared to modern titles
- No multiplayer or cooperative modes
More alternatives & similar tools
Alternatives to Mega Man (1987)
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Step into the ring as Little Mac and fight your way to the World Championship!
Battle Dr. Wily and the Mega Man Killer Punk in this classic Game Boy platformer.
Alternatives to Mega Man 3
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Stop Dr. Doppler's Maverick rebellion as Mega Man X and Zero in this classic action platformer.
The Verdict
AI-generated from listing dataBoth are classic single-player platformers, but Mega Man 3 offers more stages and boss variety, while the original Mega Man is shorter and the franchise starter.
Key differences
- •Mega Man 3 has multiple mining station levels and more robot masters versus the original's seven stages.
- •Release dates differ: 1990 (Mega Man 3) vs 1987 (Mega Man), affecting graphics evolution within the same 8-bit era.
- •Pricing: Mega Man 3 lists an MSRP of $4.99; Mega Man has no MSRP provided.
- •Publishers differ: Mega Man 3 published solely by Capcom; Mega Man co‑published by Playtronic and Capcom.
Gameplay & fun factor
Mega Man 3 adds more varied robot master fights and hazardous platforming across multiple mining stations.
Platform availability
Both are retro titles; platform specifics not provided, so availability cannot be distinguished.
Price & value
Mega Man 3 lists a concrete MSRP of $4.99, giving clear cost; Mega Man lacks a listed price.
Multiplayer / co-op
Both are single-player only.
Content & replayability
More stages and robot masters in Mega Man 3 suggest higher replay value than the original's seven stages.
Difficulty & accessibility
Both note high difficulty and limited save features; no distinction in difficulty level.
Graphics & performance
Mega Man is highlighted for iconic 8-bit graphics that defined an era; Mega Man 3 does not emphasize graphics.
Choose Mega Man (1987) if…
Fans seeking the original franchise starter with iconic 8-bit visuals and shorter playtime.
Choose Mega Man 3 if…
Players wanting more content and varied boss fights in a classic retro package.
Common questions
Which game costs more?
Mega Man 3 lists an MSRP of $4.99; Mega Man's price is not specified.
Do either of these support multiplayer?
No. Both are single-player only.
Is one game longer or more content-rich than the other?
Mega Man 3 features multiple mining stations and more robot masters, indicating more content than the original's seven stages.