8Bit/Digi

Replay the Mega Man Star Force Collection

If you are a fan of Capcom’s vast library of iconic series and classic titles, it is safe to say that 2026 has been a strong year, and we are still only in the first quarter. We have already been feasting on Resident Evil Requiem and Monster Hunter Stories 3, so what more could we ask for? The answer is a remaster collection of the Mega Man Star Force series, a release that fans of the iconic series or the spin-off itself will enjoy. Once available only on the Nintendo DS, now the entire fandom can enjoy it for the first time.  

Mega Man Star Force Collection brings the entire series together in a single experience and makes it available on all major consoles along with the PC. This gives Mega Man fans a chance to experience the collection for the first time. At the same time, those who grew up with the series can revisit it on modern systems.

Escaping a Tragic Fate

Mega Man Star Force is an action RPG series released on the Nintendo DS from 2006 to 2008. A Battle Network spin-off and sequel, it follows Geo Stelar and Omega-Xis as they work together to defend Earth from FM invaders. The franchise produced three mainline games and an anime series that aired from 2008 to 2009 that is available to watch on Capcom’s official YouTube channel.

As with many RPGs for a handheld console, you often get multiple versions of the same game with some differences. Mega Man Star Force was no exception, offering two to three versions per entry. While the story stayed the same, the biggest changes came down to version-exclusive content or a different gameplay focus. For example, Mega Man Star Force had Pegasus, Leo, and Dragon, with the key differences being exclusive Battle Cards and signature Giga Cards.

Here is a breakdown of each title in the Mega Man Star Force Collection consists of the following titles:

• Mega Man Star Force Pegasus
• Mega Man Star Force Leo
• Mega Man Star Force Dragon
• Mega Man Star Force 2 Zerker x Ninja
• Mega Man Star Force 2 Zerker x Saurian
• Mega Man Star Force 3 Black Ace
• Mega Man Star Force 3 Red Joker

Legendary Shooting Star

When it comes to gameplay, all three are action RPGs split between the real world and the Wave World. In that sense, the structure is similar to Persona, as you move between two worlds and your actions in one can affect the other. Players explore the real world, meet key characters, and build friendships that can provide support.

Combat takes place in the Wave World on a grid, where Battle Cards trigger special attacks against foes. Battle Cards are collected throughout the game and organized into a folder for use in battle. When the Custom Gauge fills, cards can be selected and used against enemies. Depending on the player’s deck, certain cards can be combined to create combo attacks. While each game introduces its own alterations and upgrades, the core mechanics remain consistent across all three entries.

While this foundation remains the same across all three games, it evolves with each later entry through added improvements and new features. Mega Man Star Force Collection also includes numerous quality-of-life features such as autosaving, a speed boost, camera panning, and more. These additions make for a more comfortable experience, whether you are familiar with the original games or not.

Lucky Star

Mega Man Star Force was originally released on the Nintendo DS in the late 2000s, but you would not know that just by looking at it. It looks and plays like a JRPG trying to capture the feel of a mid-’90s game with a modern flair. I mean that as a positive, because it was my first impression going in and a big reason why I enjoyed the experience. Prior to this, my only experience with the Mega Man series came from playing most of the mainline games across different systems. So for me, this felt radically different while still retaining the Mega Man identity I’m familiar with. It is also a testament to how well this collection has been remastered that it barely looks like a Nintendo DS game.

You also cannot overlook the blast of nostalgia that Mega Man Star Force Collection can evoke if you grew up in the 2000s. I did not play it when it first came out, but I grew up surrounded by that culture. Its style feels influenced by Pokémon and Yu-Gi-Oh!, both in its visual aesthetic, the tone of the experience, having different versions of the same game, and in the collecting fandom. Even though I had moved on to other parts of video game and anime culture by 2005, I had already been exposed to all of this, and the collection reminded me of an important part of my teenage years.

But as a remaster of a Nintendo DS game brought to PC and consoles, Mega Man Star Force Collection is bound to have some issues. That often happens when a game developed for a handheld or mobile device is adapted for consoles or PC, since it was originally built around the functions and limitations of a portable platform. However, this is not Capcom’s first time remastering a handheld title. In fact, it is also one of the best examples I’ve seen. Even so, some flaws remain, including the design of the world and stages, as well as how cluttered certain areas can feel at times. Some of the gameplay mechanics also have issues because the game was originally a Nintendo DS title. While these shortcomings don’t significantly hamper the overall experience, they are noticeable.

Mega Man is Back

Mega Man Star Force Collection not only brings the series to modern systems, but it also evokes nostalgia for the 2000s. It is one of the best remasters of a handheld game, upgrading the visuals while preserving its charm and refining the gameplay. The result is that Mega Man fans have a chance to experience the spin-off for the first time or again. At the same time, it reminds players why they loved the 2000s and what that era of culture felt like.

Disclaimer: The publisher, through a PR representative, provided the game used for this review.

This review is the critique and thoughts of one writer. If you want to see how other critics felt, then check it out on OpenCritic.

8Bit/Digi is an independent media outlet that provides insight into the gamer community of the San Francisco Bay Area.

Mega Man Star Force Collection (PC)

9

Excellent

9.0/10

Pros

• All the Mega Man Star Force games in one collection.
• Refined and updated gameplay for modern systems.
• Visual overhaul makes the game feel completly diffrent then what you would expect.
• That blast of nostalgia that reminds you of anime and games in the 2000s.

Cons

• Issues that stem from the game being a remaster of a handheld game.