Mega Man 3 Ridley X Hack 1

Levels: Good

Graphics: Good

Music: No Change

Enemies: No Change

Bosses: Eh (few room changes, Wily 3)

Weapons: No Change

Castle: Eh

Difficulty: EASY-MEDIUM

Comments: This is the first Ridley X hack I’ve played, and I have to say I was close to being mildly impressed. Clearly Ridley has an eye for graphics, repurposing newer tile sets for the game and creating cool levels like Spark Man’s stage… but occasionally you get monochromatic snoozefests like Needle and Top Man’s stages. Ridley’s enemy placement can be clever and challenging in parts, but sometimes it leans too heavily on unavoidable damage or waylaying you with Mettools on steps. The overall stage layout remains the same and bosses are basically unchanged, so the hack isn’t nearly as hard as it first appears. Sadly, Ridley X loses all steam at the Wily Castle, making it just barely “alright” in the end.