• Publisher: Capcom
  • Release Date: Dec 7, 2004
Metascore
68

Mixed or average reviews - based on 23 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 6 out of 23
  2. Negative: 1 out of 23
Buy Now
Buy on
  1. This game is thoroughly enjoyable from start to finish, even when you are dying over and over. Like "Prince of Persia," it's that one time you actually make it all happen that has you forgetting how many times you hit retry.
  2. After the mess of new ideas that was Mega Man X7, it's amazing that X8 can go back to the basics and seem completely fresh by not doing anything new.
  3. Game Informer
    83
    Old-school fans will rejoice, and maybe a new generation will now understand why Mega Man is awesome. [Jan 2005, p.124]
  4. One mighty fine addition to the series, as well as a quality platforming/action title in its own right.
  5. The stages are challenging, the bosses are interesting, though a bit predictable, and the game is just about classic platforming fun.
  6. Play Magazine
    75
    The best original Mega Man game since the days of Sega Saturn. [Jan 2005, p.56]
  7. With the introduction of polygons in Mega Man X2 in 1995, I never thought their use would result in a good X game. But this is the game I imagined the future would bring.
  8. 73
    If you loved "Mega Man X7" and thought it was one of the best action games of last year then Mega Man X8 will probably grant you eternal life.
  9. 70
    The story's dry as a bone, but that's not what you're playing Mega Man for anyway. The only truly glaring flaw: there are some lame 3D shooter sections, and while they aren't as frustrating (or prolific) as those in X7, surmounting them will still test your patience more than your ability with a joypad.
  10. 70
    It's certainly not as good as the early X games, but it's a giant leap in the right direction.
  11. PSM Magazine
    70
    Polishes everything about "X7", but makes no big changes. [Jan 2005, p.73]
  12. GMR Magazine
    70
    The best Mega Man X in recent memory and will provide an enjoyable challenge to gamers willing to give 2D another go. [Feb 2005, p.97]
  13. The last game's horrible 3D stages are now less frequent, and the bosses have graduated from embarrassing to forgettable. [Jan 2005, p.134]
  14. Better than most of the series' efforts, this is still a painfully stunted experience. The art team give things a nice visual nudge, but the focus still needs to fall on the core gameplay.
  15. There's a total lack of ingenuity here, and although this may be the first 3D Mega Man game that "works", it's only because Capcom played it safe; the game is downright tiresome at times, with barely any interesting touches.
  16. Eliminates some of the annoyances of its predecessor. However, while that's all well and good, X8 can still often be an intensely frustrating game, and still isn't especially fun.
  17. And while the whole trial-and-error mechanic is enough to make you throw your controller down and never return, there's a rewarding feeling when you do finally win.
  18. A fairly hard game that regularly borders on the frustrating.
  19. This game may be relatively simply, but it sure is varied... Comforting and predictable.
  20. MegaMan X8's return-to-basics approach makes for predictable but reasonably entertaining gameplay antics IF you're a diehard fan of Capcom's series.
  21. Familiar but flawed. Once again, Capcom has added a few more wrinkles to make the experience slightly different than before.
  22. Cheat Code Central
    50
    It maintains the old-school traditional gameplay but methinks that it holds it too tightly - like a wino hugging a bottle of cheap wine.
  23. 40
    Maybe our blue buddy needs to take a breather for a little while, replace his outdated circuitry, and make another run in a few years' time.

Awards & Rankings

43
#43 Most Discussed PS2 Game of 2004
27
#27 Most Shared PS2 Game of 2004
User Score
8.3

Generally favorable reviews- based on 120 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 94 out of 120
  2. Negative: 11 out of 120
  1. Mar 20, 2021
    9
    I was surprised when I saw how many bad reviews X8 got by critics, because it's such a good game. The graphics in this game, and the newI was surprised when I saw how many bad reviews X8 got by critics, because it's such a good game. The graphics in this game, and the new character designs actually look great. The gameplay is amazing and the controls are amazing, it's fast-paced like the original ones. The stages are awesome even if a little short, but still really good, especially towards the end. X8 is filled with content compared to previous titles, which makes it actually worth putting some hours into. The story is a bit over the top, but at least it has a story and it is overall solid. It also has proper cutscenes, which is a first since X4 and very welcome. On the other hand, the boss battles are a little too easy. Some rare metals are impossible to find without a guide. The mini boss at Gravity Antonion's stage is really annoying. The soundtrack is overall poor, even if it has some of the best songs in the series like the Title screen, Jakob Elevator, Intermission Theme etc. The two fully 3D stages are also awful. However, at the end of day Mega Man X8 is a fantastic game that was a big step in the right direction, and it shows they were ready to put some effort into the series again. Shame it died here, suffering from X7's reputation. Full Review »
  2. sdc
    Apr 5, 2015
    10
    Just wished the game had a better soundtrack. But the gameplay was smooth, the story is pretty epic, the graphics are lush, and they fixedJust wished the game had a better soundtrack. But the gameplay was smooth, the story is pretty epic, the graphics are lush, and they fixed everything wrong with Mega Man X. Only second to X5. Full Review »
  3. Jun 22, 2020
    10
    Megaman X8 is the best megaman x game,the soundtrack,bosses,levels,everything in this game is good,he is the last of the series and the best one