Classic Mega Man tuneage poll

Ahh, I'm always up for some vigorous MM music debate.

Megaman 2 is the clear choice among the NES set. It has the melodies, the rhythms, the counterpoint, and most importantly, the punch and kinetic energy that the rest of the series flirts with but never quite recaptures. If I had to settle on one piece as being the best, I'd go with Airman - the rhythms are perfect and the 8-bit guitar solo in the back half is still completely awesome 17 years later.

Next would be Megaman 5. Never liked Stoneman's theme, but the rest plays like a more cohesive and skilled version of Megaman 3's music, with its different styles and bittersweet melodies. Seeing as I put it in the Best Song Contest, it's no surprise Darkman's theme is my favorite, followed closely by Napalmman.

Third would be Megaman 3, which matches MM2's energy but channels it into a sunnier sound than its predecessor's anthems. The more serious pieces get more clout amongst the fans (the intro, Protoman's theme, Wily 3-4), but it's the upbeat stuff that really carries it (well, maybe not Topman). My favorite here is Needleman, the funkiest 8-bit piece this side of Hip Tanaka.

Next is the apparently-unloved Megaman 6. While very poor in parts (Centaurman, Mr. X Stage), when it's good, it's very good. My personal favorite piece is Windman, one of the happiest MM pieces ever.

Getting weaker now...Megaman 4 is next. Some very good pieces, particularly in its castle themes, but many of the initial 8 stage themes are just plain blah (Skullman and Diveman are excused). Also, the boss theme is terrible. Cossack Stage 3-4 is best here, and it's a damned shame the Anniversary/Complete Works mix robbed it of its hypnotic hum and thumping drums.

Dead last is the original entry. Without Fireman, Cutman, and Wily Stage 1-2, the thing would be utterly worthless. I don't understand what so many people see in Elecman's theme. Cutman's tops, here.

If 7, 8, and Bass were to be included here, put 7 just behind 5 (Shademan and bitchin' Wily themes!), 8 just behind 6 (Searchman and Astroman!), and Bass dead last - Dynamoman aside, that shit's terrible.

P.S. As far as the X music goes, X5 is best, followed by X4 and X1. X7 and X8 are tied (though X8 would be higher if its disappointing themes weren't really disappointing), X3 and X6 are blah, and X2 and Command Mission should be stricken from the record entirely.

P.P.S. Just remembered the GB Megamen. 5 (Mars!), 2 (Hardman!), 4, (Wily Stage!), 1 (Wily Stage 2!), and 3 (Wily Stage...I guess).

Jam it back in, in the dark.

Originally Posted by AWACS Eagle Eye

She also worked on the TurboGrafx-16 version of Street Fighter II: Special Champion Edition and Mega Man X4.

Wait a minute...I thought Toshihiko Horiyama was X4's sole composer? Where did you hear this?

There's nowhere I can't reach.

Originally Posted by AWACS Eagle Eye

Actually, you're right. Mari only did voicework on X4... Split Mushroom, to be exact. I was too hasty in posting and forgot.

REALLY? That's awesome...I love that voice. Between this and Hamauzu singing One-Winged Angel, I wonder how many VGM composers do voice work as well. Might be worth another topic down the line...

This thing is sticky, and I don't like it. I don't appreciate it.