Mega Man X was an intense, often difficult side-scrolling shooter for the SNES. Mega Man Maverick Hunter X provides the essentials of the original along with updated 3D graphics, remixed audio, animé cut-scenes, and a well-animated bonus video.

The action is standard Mega Man fare with jumping, shooting, climbing, powerups, and level bosses. After beating the game as Mega Man, his arch-enemy Vile is a playable character — otherwise the game-play in this remake is only slightly altered. Even with the PSP's widescreen, enemies approach quickly and in quantity with little warning. Level and enemy memorization is a big part of winning, so expect to replay levels many times before moving on.

While many remakes do nothing to improve on the originals, the graphics in Mega Man Maverick Hunter X are impressive and make the entire experience contemporary. It's this repackaging of the familiar game and story that really shines. Everything in the levels has been updated to 3D, with smooth movement and character animations. The environments are well integrated within the action. Polished cut-scenes add to the experience. Unfortunately, the in-game audio and music are not as impressive as the graphics, and they get monotonous at a few points in the game. Except in the animations, the audio simply does it's job without either great success or failure.

For those up to the challenge, Mega Man Maverick Hunter X wraps "old-school" action in a shiny new package. What keeps this title from being suited for all audiences is the same thing that affected the original: it can be infuriatingly hard.

Everything that made the first few Mega Man titles great is back in this remake of the original platform-shooter. This isn't just a port of the first Mega Man, but a complete overhaul that still manages to keep the essential game-play intact. The heart of the game consists of playing either classic or new story modes, but the 100 levels in the challenge mode are also a lot of fun. Two new bosses have been added, and over time the game can be played as any of the unlocked bosses with their associated powers. A level editor is available to create new challenges for personal use or sharing with other players, even over the internet.

A significant part of Mega Man Powered Up is the updated presentation. While the game is still a 2D platformer, the graphics have all been converted nicely to colorful 3D models. Characters have been restyled to be even cuter than previous incarnations, resulting in a strange mutation between animé and the Powerpuff Girls. The whimsical yet solid voice acting adds to the cut-scenes and story. Mega Man purists may find the changes too cute, but everyone else should be pleased with the aesthetics.

Mega Man Powered Up is a solid entry not only to the series but to the genre in general. The new graphics and audio combine with new play modes and tons of unlockable content to provide hours of challenge.