Anime fans can identify the signs of a shonen show. “Shonen” is a genre that’s geared toward boys and has a wide-eyed male protagonists who gain a surprising power. That’s echoed in shows such as “My Hero Academia” or “One Piece.” It’s a formula that’s perfect for video games, and it’s one that’s in the DNA of the “Mega Man Star Force Legacy Collection.”
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The upcoming title brings the action-role playing series to a new generation of fans. The “Star Force” series is a follow-up to the “Mega Man Battle Network” franchise, but those unfamiliar with either can jump in without knowledge of the prior entries.
ADVENTURES AWAIT
The games follow the adventure of Geo Stelar and his EM ally, Omega Xis, as they battle threats to the planet. These enemies come in the form of EM viruses and other alien entities that exist in an invisible world that can only been seen using a device a called Visualizer.
Like the previous entries, the “Star Force” series maintains its mix of card-based gameplay, in which players choose a card from a series to use as attacks, and employs them in a 3-by-5 grid, in which players move left to right blasting at enemies while using their card abilities. It’s an approach that will be novel for beginners but will be old hat to veterans of the “Mega Man Battle Network” games.
Players battle on a 3 by 5 grid in the “Mega Man Star Force Legacy Collection” games. (Capcom)
IMPROVEMENTS
From what I’ve played, the visuals look drastically improved compared to the original Nintendo DS version, with sharper sprites and art. The graphics hold up while the gameplay is novel for those who haven’t tried a “Mega Man Battle Network” game. Unfortunately, I didn’t get to try the online component, which was a key feature of the Nintendo DS games.
The major element making the game more accessible is that the “Mega Man Star Force Legacy Collection” has all the shonen tropes that will make it easy to jump into. The formula makes it predictable, but it will hit the spot for gamers looking for an anime experience that will last through a three-game package: the original “Mega Man Star Force” which comes in three variations a la “Pokemon” — “Pegasus,” “Leo” and “Dragon;” “Mega Man Star Force 2,” which has two variations — “Zerker x Ninja” and “Zerker x Saurian” and “Mega Man Star Force 3,” which has two variations — “Black Ace” and “Red Joker.”
“Mega Man Star Force Legacy Collection” is scheduled to be released in 2026 on Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, Xbox Series X and Series S, Xbox One and PC.