Mega Man 3

Mega Man 3 is my least favorite entry in the classic NES series, but that speaks more to the high quality throughout.

Much like Mega Man 2, this entry improves in noticeable ways, sets more standards for the series (Rush, the slide ability, three act structure) but also comes with its own baggage with some annoying levels and occasionally terrible game design. The biggest offender comes from platforming areas that require Rush in second tier of levels. If you screw up the first time, you have to restart the entire level because you won't have enough energy for the items you need. It's a little thing but given the challenge, it's infuriating they designed it this way -- even Mega Man 1 would give you a respawning supply of energy at areas that require an item. Speaking of the first entry, it feels good to get revenge on a much easier Yellow Devil.

My biggest problem with this entry is that it is an aesthetic mess. The levels, weapons and bosses rarely line-up in a clever or logical way. This reaches absurd peaks at Gemini Man's bizarre level full of alien hatchlings. This is further hurt by the lamest weapons and soundtrack of the series. Unlike other entries, I never bothered to use the boss weapons other than to exploit a boss' weakness. They are all awkward to use. Outside a couple tracks, the soundtrack is underwhelming especially compared to the first two entries.

The things I love about this one -- the increased length, Rush and the slide -- are still present in the sequels, rendering this one the most forgettable of the series despite being the second most played as a kid (I only had the first three).