Yeah, this is the best Classic Megaman, no contest.
Levels are great, they each have distinct things unique to them that still keep the focus and gameplay the same. Only two I have any sort of problem with are Hornet Man and Jewel Man but with the ladder it's really only one jump and it's not like the entirety of HM's level is bad. Boss balancing is good here, there are some that are easier than others (Galaxy Man, Splash Woman) but none is an impossible first pick like some other games in the series, and no Wily Boss comes off as bs like ones only weak to one weapon or the abominable Yellow Devil Mk-II. I have consistently found use for EVERY ROBOT MASTER WEAPON which is actually huge, no other game even comes close to that.
Megaman 9 doesn't do anything new, but it takes all the good things Megaman has and uses them to great effect and the result is wonderful.
Levels are great, they each have distinct things unique to them that still keep the focus and gameplay the same. Only two I have any sort of problem with are Hornet Man and Jewel Man but with the ladder it's really only one jump and it's not like the entirety of HM's level is bad. Boss balancing is good here, there are some that are easier than others (Galaxy Man, Splash Woman) but none is an impossible first pick like some other games in the series, and no Wily Boss comes off as bs like ones only weak to one weapon or the abominable Yellow Devil Mk-II. I have consistently found use for EVERY ROBOT MASTER WEAPON which is actually huge, no other game even comes close to that.
Megaman 9 doesn't do anything new, but it takes all the good things Megaman has and uses them to great effect and the result is wonderful.