After the failed experiment that was X7, Capcom returned to 2D gameplay with Mega Man X8, now featuring X, Zero and Axl as playable characters. The game plays great, with X and Zero having their usual movesets and Axl's moveset being pretty fun. Level design is mostly good but for some reason they insist on adding awful gimmick stages that really ruin the pacing of the game.

Overall, a nice return to form for the series. If you own the X Legacy Collection 2 then this is one of the few games from it I recommend playing.