Mega Man X3

From Sega Retro

For the unlicensed Sega Mega Drive version, see Rockman X3 (Mega Drive).

n/a

  • PAL
  • NTSC-J

MegaManX3 Title.png

MegaManX3 Saturn JP SSTitle.png

Mega Man X3
System(s): Sega Saturn
Publisher: Capcom (Japan), Virgin Interactive Entertainment (Europe)
Developer:
Distributor: Ecofilmes (PT), Zegetron (GR)
Sound driver: SCSP/CD-DA (30 tracks)
Genre: Action[1][2]

















Number of players: 1
Release Date RRP Code
Sega Saturn
JP
¥5,800 (5,974)5,800e[3] T-1210G
Sega Rating: All Ages
Sega Saturn
EU
T-7029H-50
ELSPA: 3+ OK
Sega Saturn
DE
T-7029H-50
USK: 6
Sega Saturn
PT
STJVG0642
Sega Saturn
UK
T-7029H-50
ELSPA: 3+ OK
Sega Saturn
GR
Sega Saturn
PL
219zł219
Sega Saturn
AU
VFMEG00SSC
OFLC: G8
Non-Sega versions

Mega Man X3, known as Rockman X3 (ロックマン X3) in Japan, is the third game in the Mega Man X series, a spin-off of the Mega Man franchise with more complex platforming and a darker storyline.

Story

Mega Man X3, X and Zero.png

Mega Man X3, Cutscene.png

X, Zero, and Dr. Doppler

In the year "21XX," humans coexist with intelligent robots called "Reploids" (replicant androids). Since they possess free will, some Reploids are prone to criminal activity and are said to go "Maverick." Dr. Cain, the inventor of the Reploids, establishes a military taskforce called the "Maverick Hunters" to prevent it. Even after two successful efforts by the Hunters X and Zero to stop a Maverick leader named Sigma from attempting to exterminate the human race, Maverick activity seems to continue.

The threat of the Mavericks is later neutralized thanks to the technology of the Reploid scientist Dr. Doppler, which prevents the Mavericks from going berserk. The reformed Reploids form a utopia near their new mentor called "Dopple Town." It seemed that all is well until the former Reploids suddenly revert and once again begin causing trouble, even going so far as to attack Hunter headquarters. Doppler is held accountable, and X and Zero are sent out to contain the new threat.

Gameplay

Mega Man X3, Stage Select.png

Mega Man X3, Pause Menu.png

Stage select and pause menu

The game is an action platformer played primarily as Dr. Light's final creation, the android X. Each stage has a variety of obstacles and platforming challenges to overcome and enemy robots to fight. The stage ends in a fight with a Maverick; defeating a Maverick adds a new special weapon to X's arsenal. Since each Maverick has a weakness to a particular special weapon, the player can strategize the order in which to complete the stages to best exploit these weaknesses. Furthermore, stages contain hidden items that upgrade X's capabilities, some of which are hidden behind barriers that can only be destroyed by certain weapons.

X controls similarly to Mega Man, but he is more agile. He moves with Left or Right. He jumps with B and jumps higher the longer the button is held. He gains additional jump height when underwater. He clings automatically to walls. He can scale walls by jumping off of them; otherwise, he slides slowly down. He dashes forward by holding C (or LeftLeft or RightRight). He climbs ladders with Up and Down.

X uses his weapon with A. X's primary weapon is his arm-mounted X-Buster, which has unlimited ammunition but can only have three shots on screen at a time. The X-Buster can charge a more powerful shot by holding A and releasing it when X starts to glow. X acquires an assortment of special weapons by defeating Mavericks. These special weapons cost energy to use; each has its own energy supply. The player can switch the special weapon with L and R or through the pause menu with  START .

The player can further upgrade X's abilities by collecting armor parts found within capsules in some stages. Capsules containing special chips add new abilities, but X is only able to use one chip per game. However, one hidden capsule gives X the benefits of all four special chips. Stages also contain hidden Heart Tanks, which permanently extend X's health capacity, and Sub Tanks, which store excess health for later use. X can also find robotic walkers called Ride Armors that he can ride throughout the stages.

The game also allows the player to play as X's ally Zero. Zero can be called to take X's place during nearly any stage. He controls the same as X, but he cannot collect or make use of any of X's special weapons or upgrades. He also cannot fight bosses; he is substituted with X instead when a boss encounter begins. If Zero is ever defeated in battle, he is unable to be called upon for the rest of the game. The player can swap Zero back for X, but Zero can only be selected once per stage. While the pause menu is open, the player changes the current character by pressing R (or switch back by pressing L) and unpausing.

X's health is indicated by a gauge in the corner of the screen. He loses health when he takes damage from an enemy. Some obstacles, such as spikes or bottomless pits, destroy X regardless of how much health he has remaining. If he loses all of his health, he loses a life. X starts each stage with full health and special weapon energy. After losing a life, he does not replenish special weapon energy but retains any health stored in Sub Tanks. The game ends if X loses all of his lives. The game uses a password system for continuing.

Weapons

X

Weapons besides the X-Buster can only be charged after obtaining the X-Buster upgrade.

Mega Man X3, Weapons, X-Buster.png

Mega Man X3, Weapons, X-Buster Charged 1.png

Mega Man X3, Weapons, X-Buster Charged 2.png

Mega Man X3, Weapons, X-Buster Charged 3.png

Mega Man X3, Weapons, Z-Saber X.png

  • Mega Man X3, Weapons, X-Buster.png

  • Mega Man X3, Weapons, X-Buster Charged 1.png

  • Mega Man X3, Weapons, X-Buster Charged 2.png

  • Mega Man X3, Weapons, X-Buster Charged 3.png

  • Mega Man X3, Weapons, Z-Saber X.png

Mega Man X3, Weapons.png
X-Buster
X's standard armament. It does not cost any energy to fire. Only three buster shots can be out at a time. The player can hold A for a Charged Shot that does more damage. The Charged Shot has two different stages, depending on how long it is charged, dealing increasing amounts of damage, with a third stage unlocked after acquiring the X-Buster upgrade. The particles around X glow blue for the first stage, yellow for the second stage, and purple for the third stage.

On the third stage, X can fire a second charged shot with A. The second charged shot is equivalent to the first stage if X is glowing purple, but if it is charged for longer, he glows red and fires a second stage shot. If the second shot is fired immediately when he is glowing red, it detonates the first shot into a large blast.

If X obtains the Z-Saber from Zero in Doppler Stage B, the X-Buster gains a final, fourth charged stage. X glows green and fires a third-stage shot and detonates it automatically. He then glows green, and his next attack is a Z-Saber slash.

Mega Man X3, Weapons, Acid Burst.png

Mega Man X3, Weapons, Acid Burst Charged.png

  • Mega Man X3, Weapons, Acid Burst.png

  • Mega Man X3, Weapons, Acid Burst Charged.png

Mega Man X3, Weapons.png
Acid Burst
Fires up to two gobs of acid that splash on contact. When charged, the acid gobs bounce along the ground before bursting.

X acquires this weapon after defeating Toxic Seahorse. It is the weakness of Tunnel Rhino and Dr. Doppler.

Mega Man X3, Weapons, Parasitic Bomb.png

Mega Man X3, Weapons, Parasitic Bomb Charged.png

  • Mega Man X3, Weapons, Parasitic Bomb.png

  • Mega Man X3, Weapons, Parasitic Bomb Charged.png

Mega Man X3, Weapons.png
Parasitic Bomb
Fires an explosive charge that attaches to an enemy, stunning the enemy and exploding. X can walk through stunned enemies without taking damage. Smaller enemies are grabbed and flown into other nearby enemies, damaging both. When charged, four crosshairs appear around X and launch robotic bees that seek out and attack enemies.

X acquires this weapon after defeating Blast Hornet. It is the weakness of Blizzard Buffalo and Vile MK-II when piloting his Ride Armor.

Mega Man X3, Weapons, Triad Thunder.png

Mega Man X3, Weapons, Triad Thunder Charged.png

  • Mega Man X3, Weapons, Triad Thunder.png

  • Mega Man X3, Weapons, Triad Thunder Charged.png

Mega Man X3, Weapons.png
Triad Thunder
Creates three mines around X that charge electricity before shooting it off in three directions. Pressing A continuously rearranges the mines. When charged, X punches the ground, damaging all enemies standing on it. Two balls of electricity roll along the ground and cause additional damage (including some environmental damage). It has no effect if X is not on the ground.

X acquires this weapon after defeating Volt Catfish. It is the weakness of Crush Crawfish, Bit, and Volt Kurageil.

Mega Man X3, Weapons, Spinning Blade.png

Mega Man X3, Weapons, Spinning Blade Charged.png

  • Mega Man X3, Weapons, Spinning Blade.png

  • Mega Man X3, Weapons, Spinning Blade Charged.png

Mega Man X3, Weapons.png
Spinning Blade
Fires two saw blades forward that arc back in the opposite direction. When charged, it creates a giant spinning saw blade tethered to the end of the X-Buster, which can be spun around using the D-Pad. It retracts if spun through an entire circle.

X acquires this weapon after defeating Crush Crawfish. It is the weakness of Neon Tiger, Vile MK-II, and Sigma in his first form.

Mega Man X3, Weapons, Ray Splasher.png

Mega Man X3, Weapons, Ray Splasher Charged.png

  • Mega Man X3, Weapons, Ray Splasher.png

  • Mega Man X3, Weapons, Ray Splasher Charged.png

Mega Man X3, Weapons.png
Ray Splasher
Shoots a line of energy balls at multiple successive angles. When charged, X launches a ball into the air that shoots the energy balls in multiple directions for a duration before exploding.

X acquires this weapon after defeating Neon Tiger. It is the weakness of Gravity Beetle, Byte, Vile MK-II, Godkarmachine O Inary, and Press Disposer.

Mega Man X3, Weapons, Gravity Well.png

Mega Man X3, Weapons, Gravity Well Charged.png

  • Mega Man X3, Weapons, Gravity Well.png

  • Mega Man X3, Weapons, Gravity Well Charged.png

Mega Man X3, Weapons.png
Gravity Well
Shoots a ball that creates a gravity well that damages smaller enemies in the vicinity after a delay before returning to X. The ball cannot be fired again until it returns. When charged, X shoots the ball into the X, creating a black hole that sucks smaller enemies into it. It can also lift platforms in some stages to access hidden areas.

X acquires this weapon after defeating Gravity Beetle. It is the weakness of Blast Hornet.

Mega Man X3, Weapons, Frost Shield.png

Mega Man X3, Weapons, Frost Shield Charged.png

  • Mega Man X3, Weapons, Frost Shield.png

  • Mega Man X3, Weapons, Frost Shield Charged.png

Mega Man X3, Weapons.png
Frost Shield
Shoots an ice dart that hovers in the air before thrusting across the screen. After hitting a target, the dart falls to the ground and turns into a three-pointed shard that explodes after a duration. The darts are bigger when fired underwater. When charged, a large chunk of ice materializes at the end of the X-Buster and acts as a frontal shield. If not used to ram an enemy (which shatters it), it detaches after a duration and slides along the ground before exploding. If detached underwater, it becomes a platform that X can use to float to the surface of the water.

X acquires this weapon after defeating Blizzard Buffalo. It is the weakness of Toxic Seahorse, Bit, Volt Kurageil, and Sigma in his first form.

Mega Man X3, Weapons, Tornado Fang.png

Mega Man X3, Weapons, Tornado Fang Charged.png

  • Mega Man X3, Weapons, Tornado Fang.png

  • Mega Man X3, Weapons, Tornado Fang Charged.png

Mega Man X3, Weapons.png
Tornado Fang
Launches up to three rocket-propelled drills in a stacked formation, which shoot across the screen after a delay. This weapon can be used to destroy cracked walls and crates in some stages. When charged, a drill appears at the end of the X-Buster, which does continuous damage to targets (but also drains weapon energy continuously). The drill attaches to walls that X jumps on, holding him in place when he would otherwise slide down. The drill is lost after air dashing.

X acquires this weapon after defeating Tunnel Rhino. It is the weakness of Volt Catfish, Byte, Press Disposer, and Vile MK-II when piloting his Ride Armor.

Zero

Zero cannot equip any special weapons.

Mega Man X3, Weapons, Zero Buster.png

Mega Man X3, Weapons, Zero Buster Charged 1.png

Mega Man X3, Weapons, Zero Buster Charged 2.png

Mega Man X3, Weapons, Z-Saber Zero.png

  • Mega Man X3, Weapons, Zero Buster.png

  • Mega Man X3, Weapons, Zero Buster Charged 1.png

  • Mega Man X3, Weapons, Zero Buster Charged 2.png

  • Mega Man X3, Weapons, Z-Saber Zero.png

Zero Buster
Zero's standard armament. Only three buster shots can be out at a time. The player can hold A for a Charged Shot that does more damage. The Charged Shot has multiple different stages, depending on how long it is charged, dealing increasing amounts of damage. The particles around Zero glow blue for the first stage, which fires a small charged shot, and yellow for the second stage, which fires a large charged shot. For the third stage, Zero glows purple and fires a small charged shot, keeping a large charged shot charged up for his next shot. For the fourth stage, Zero glows green and fires a large charged shot, keeping a large charged shot charged up for his next shot. His next attack after that is a Z-Saber slash.

Items

Mega Man X3, Items.png
Small Weapon Capsule
Restores a small amount of energy for the currently selected weapon.
Mega Man X3, Items.png
Large Weapon Capsule
Restores a large amount of energy for the currently selected weapon.
Mega Man X3, Items.png
Small Energy Pellet
Restores a small amount of health to X or Zero.
Mega Man X3, Items.png
Large Energy Pellet
Restores a large amount of health to X or Zero.
Mega Man X3, Items.png
1-Up
Gives the player an extra life.
Mega Man X3, Items.png
Heart Tank
Permanently extends X's maximum health capacity. There are 8 Heart Tanks to find, hidden in all of the Maverick stages.
Mega Man X3, Items.png
Sub Tank
Stores excess health. After a Sub Tank is collected, it stays in X's inventory and fills whenever X collects an Energy Pellet while at full health. The player can select a Sub Tank by pausing the game with  START  and use it to replenish X's health during a stage. There are 4 Sub Tanks to find, hidden in the Frozen Town (Blizzard Buffalo), Quarry (Tunnel Rhino), Power Control Center (Volt Catfish), and Safari Park (Neon Tiger) stages.
Mega Man X3, Items.png
Ride Armors
Grants X access to a new model of Ride Armor, equippable from Robot Ride Platforms in stages. X must have found the Chimera Ride Armor to make use of these additional Ride Armors.

Upgrades

Mega Man X3, Dr. Light Capsule.png

Dr. Light Capsule

Capsules containing a hologram of Dr. Light are hidden throughout the stages and provide X with upgrades.

Armor

Armor upgrades give X new capabilities (as well as changing the appearance of his armor components).

  • Leg: Gives X the ability to dash horizontally in the air with C or vertically in the air with Up+C. He can only perform one midair dash per jump, unless he has the Leg Chip. Found in the Frozen Town (Blizzard Buffalo) stage.
  • Arm (X-Buster): Unlocks a third charge stage for the X-Buster, which can also fire a second charged shot in quick succession, and enables X to charge his special weapons as well. Found in the Safari Park (Neon Tiger) stage. X must have the
    Mega Man X3, Weapons.png
    Tornado Fang weapon and the Leg upgrade to access the capsule.
  • Body: Halves the damage X takes from enemies. When hit, a barrier surrounds X and further guards him from damage for a duration. Found in the Power Control Center (Volt Catfish) stage. X must have the
    Mega Man X3, Weapons.png
    Gravity Well weapon and Arm upgrade to access the capsule.
  • Head (Helmet): Shows hidden items on the stage select screen. Items that X has not yet found appear in pink text; items that X has found appear in white text. Enhancement chips appear as "????". When X enters a stage, a map appears that shows the location of any hidden items that have not been found yet. Found in the Quarry (Tunnel Rhino) stage. X must have the
    Mega Man X3, Weapons.png
    Triad Thunder weapon and the Arm upgrade to access the capsule. This upgrade cannot be collected without replaying the Quarry stage, regardless of the stage order chosen, because it requires using Tunnel Rhino's weapon to uncover it.

Chips

Mega Man X3, Gold Armor.png

Gold armor with the Hyper Chip

Enhancement chips also give X new capabilities, but X can only have one enhancement chip installed per game and cannot change to a different chip after installing one.

  • Arm Chip: Equips X with the Hyper Charge weapon, which can fire X-Buster Charged Shots as long as it has weapon energy. Found in the Airborne Aircraft Carrier (Gravity Beetle) stage.
  • Body Chip: Reduces damage taken by enemies. Like the Body upgrade, it provides a barrier that surrounds X and protects him for a duration after taking damage. Found the Shipyard (Crush Crawfish) stage.
  • Leg Chip: Allows X to perform two midair dashes per jump. Found in the Giant Dam (Toxic Seahorse) stage.
  • Head (Energy) Chip: Slowly regenerates X's health and Sub Tanks when he is standing still. Found in the Weapons Factory (Blast Hornet) stage.

If X collects all of the armor upgrades, all of the Ride Armors, all of the Heart Tanks, and all of the Sub Tanks but does not install any of the enhancement chips, and he reaches the hidden Dr. Light Capsule in Doppler Stage A with full health, he can find and equip the Hyper Chip. This chip gives him the capabilities of all four enhancement chips and turns his armor gold. It also regenerates X's weapon energy more quickly and reduces the energy used by the Hyper Charge.

Ride Armor

Mega Man X3, Robot Ride Platform.png

Robot Ride Platform

Ride Armors are giant mechanical walkers that X can use to traverse stages. The armor has its own separate health meter that absorbs damage instead of X. Zero cannot use Ride Armors. X can jump out of a Ride Armor with Up+B.

X must find the Ride Armors hidden in the stages. The Chimera armor is necessary before the others can be used. The others are found as items. Available armors can be equipped in a stage by standing on a Robot Ride Platform. If a Ride Armor is destroyed, another one cannot be used for the rest of the stage. All Ride Armors except for the Frog short out and stop functioning in water.

Mega Man X3, Ride Armor N.png

Ride Armor N (Chimera)
The base Ride Armor. It can dash with C and punch with A. Found in the Weapons Factory (Blast Hornet) stage.

Mega Man X3, Ride Armor F.png

Ride Armor F (Frog)
This armor hops instead of walking. It leaps forward with C instead of dashing. It can fire a flurry of torpedoes with A, which seek out targets. It is the only Ride Armor that can operate underwater. It jumps much higher underwater. Found in the Airborne Aircraft Carrier (Gravity Beetle) stage.

Mega Man X3, Ride Armor K.png

Ride Armor K (Kangaroo)
It has spinning claws that do more damage than punches. If charged by holding A, the armor lashes its spiked fist forward on a chain. Found in the Giant Dam (Toxic Seahorse) stage. It requires the Ride Armor F to find.

Mega Man X3, Ride Armor H.png

Ride Armor H (Hawk)
This armor can fly using its thrusters for a short duration by holding B in midair. It fires twin missiles with A. Found in the Shipyard (Crush Crawfish) stage.

Stages

Opening

Mega Man X3, Stages, Opening 1.png

Mega Man X3, Stages, Opening 2.png

Mega Man X3, Stages, Opening Boss 1.png

Mega Man X3, Stages, Opening Boss 2.png

  • Mega Man X3, Stages, Opening 1.png

  • Mega Man X3, Stages, Opening 2.png

  • Mega Man X3, Stages, Opening Boss 1.png

  • Mega Man X3, Stages, Opening Boss 2.png

Hunter Base
Mid-boss:
Mac
Boss:
Maoh the Giant
This stage is played with X; when X is captured, players control Zero, then X again.

Mavericks

After completing the opening stage, the eight Maverick stages can be played in any order.

X can revisit any stage after it is completed, which is often necessary to collect hidden items using newly obtained weapons and abilities. When revisiting a stage, the player can exit it at any time by pausing the game with  START  and selecting "Exit."

Mega Man X3, Stages, Weapons Factory.png

Mega Man X3, Stages, Weapons Factory Subboss.png

Mega Man X3, Stages, Weapons Factory Boss.png

  • Mega Man X3, Stages, Weapons Factory.png

  • Mega Man X3, Stages, Weapons Factory Subboss.png

  • Mega Man X3, Stages, Weapons Factory Boss.png

Weapons Factory
Mid-boss:
Shurikein
Boss:
Blast Hornet
Blast Hornet's weakness is the
Mega Man X3, Weapons.png
Gravity Well weapon. X receives the
Mega Man X3, Weapons.png
Parasitic Bomb weapon after defeating him. The Energy Chip and the Chimera Ride Armor are hidden in this stage.

Mega Man X3, Stages, Frozen Town.png

Mega Man X3, Stages, Frozen Town Boss.png

  • Mega Man X3, Stages, Frozen Town.png

  • Mega Man X3, Stages, Frozen Town Boss.png

Frozen Town
Boss:
Blizzard Buffalo
Blizzard Buffalo's weakness is the
Mega Man X3, Weapons.png
Parasitic Bomb weapon. X receives the
Mega Man X3, Weapons.png
Frost Shield weapon after defeating him. The Leg upgrade is hidden in this stage. There is also a warp capsule leading to Vile's stage.

Mega Man X3, Stages, Giant Dam.png

Mega Man X3, Stages, Giant Dam Subboss.png

Mega Man X3, Stages, Giant Dam Boss.png

  • Mega Man X3, Stages, Giant Dam.png

  • Mega Man X3, Stages, Giant Dam Subboss.png

  • Mega Man X3, Stages, Giant Dam Boss.png

Giant Dam
Mid-boss:
Hotareeca
Boss:
Toxic Seahorse
Toxic Seahorse's weakness is the
Mega Man X3, Weapons.png
Frost Shield weapon. X receives the
Mega Man X3, Weapons.png
Acid Burst weapon after defeating him. The Leg Chip and the Kangaroo Ride Armor are hidden in this stage.

Mega Man X3, Stages, Quarry.png

Mega Man X3, Stages, Quarry Subboss.png

Mega Man X3, Stages, Quarry Boss.png

  • Mega Man X3, Stages, Quarry.png

  • Mega Man X3, Stages, Quarry Subboss.png

  • Mega Man X3, Stages, Quarry Boss.png

Quarry
Mid-boss:
Hell Crusher
Boss:
Tunnel Rhino
Tunnel Rhino's weakness is the
Mega Man X3, Weapons.png
Acid Burst weapon. X receives the
Mega Man X3, Weapons.png
Tornado Fang weapon after defeating him. The Helmet upgrade is hidden in this stage.

Mega Man X3, Stages, Power Control Center.png

Mega Man X3, Stages, Power Control Center Boss.png

  • Mega Man X3, Stages, Power Control Center.png

  • Mega Man X3, Stages, Power Control Center Boss.png

Power Control Center
Boss:
Volt Catfish
Volt Catfish's weakness is the
Mega Man X3, Weapons.png
Tornado Fang weapon. X receives the
Mega Man X3, Weapons.png
Triad Thunder weapon after defeating him. The Body upgrade is hidden in this stage. There is also a warp capsule leading to Vile's stage.

Mega Man X3, Stages, Shipyard.png

Mega Man X3, Stages, Shipyard Boss.png

  • Mega Man X3, Stages, Shipyard.png

  • Mega Man X3, Stages, Shipyard Boss.png

Shipyard
Boss:
Crush Crawfish
Crush Crawfish's weakness is the
Mega Man X3, Weapons.png
Triad Thunder weapon. X receives the
Mega Man X3, Weapons.png
Spinning Blade weapon after defeating him. The Body Chip and the Hawk Ride Armor are hidden in this stage. There is also a warp capsule leading to Vile's stage.

Mega Man X3, Stages, Safari Park.png

Mega Man X3, Stages, Safari Park Subboss.png

Mega Man X3, Stages, Safari Park Boss.png

  • Mega Man X3, Stages, Safari Park.png

  • Mega Man X3, Stages, Safari Park Subboss.png

  • Mega Man X3, Stages, Safari Park Boss.png

Safari Park
Mid-boss:
Worm Seeker-R
Boss:
Neon Tiger
Neon Tiger's weakness is the
Mega Man X3, Weapons.png
Spinning Blade weapon. X receives the
Mega Man X3, Weapons.png
Ray Splasher weapon after defeating him. The X-Buster upgrade is hidden in this stage.

Mega Man X3, Stages, Airborne Aircraft Carrier.png

Mega Man X3, Stages, Airborne Aircraft Carrier Boss.png

  • Mega Man X3, Stages, Airborne Aircraft Carrier.png

  • Mega Man X3, Stages, Airborne Aircraft Carrier Boss.png

Airborne Aircraft Carrier
Boss:
Gravity Beetle
Gravity Beetle's weakness is the
Mega Man X3, Weapons.png
Ray Splasher weapon. X receives the
Mega Man X3, Weapons.png
Gravity Well weapon after defeating him. The Head Chip and the Frog Ride Armor are hidden in this stage.

Intermission bosses

The "Nightmare Police," Bit and Byte, appear as additional minibosses during the Maverick stages.

Mega Man X3, Stages, Bit Boss.png

Bit
Bit randomly appears as a miniboss in the third, fourth, or fifth Maverick stages until he is defeated. His weaknesses are the
Mega Man X3, Weapons.png
Frost Shield and
Mega Man X3, Weapons.png
Triad Thunder weapons. If he is not defeated using one of his weaknesses, X must face him again, alongside Byte, in the first Doppler stage in their combined form, Godkarmachine O Inary.

Mega Man X3, Stages, Byte Boss.png

Byte
Byte randomly appears as a miniboss in the sixth, seventh, or eighth Maverick stages until he is defeated. His weaknesses are the
Mega Man X3, Weapons.png
Tornado Fang and
Mega Man X3, Weapons.png
Ray Splasher weapons. If he is not defeated using one of his weaknesses, X must face him again, alongside Bit, in the first Doppler stage in their combined form, Godkarmachine O Inary.

Mega Man X3, Stages, Vile.png

Mega Man X3, Stages, Vile Boss 1.png

Mega Man X3, Stages, Vile Boss 2.png

  • Mega Man X3, Stages, Vile.png

  • Mega Man X3, Stages, Vile Boss 1.png

  • Mega Man X3, Stages, Vile Boss 2.png

Vile MK-II
This stage is accessed by hidden warp capsules found in the Shipyard, Power Control Center, and Frozen Town stages after two Mavericks have been defeated. The capsules disappear after Vile's stage is completed or after all eight Mavericks are defeated. Vile MK-II's weaknesses are the
Mega Man X3, Weapons.png
Ray Splasher and
Mega Man X3, Weapons.png
Spinning Blade weapons or the
Mega Man X3, Weapons.png
Parasitic Bomb and
Mega Man X3, Weapons.png
Tornado Fang weapons when he piloting his Ride Armor. If the player does not find this hidden stage or if Vile MK-II is not defeated using one of his weaknesses, he escapes and appears as the boss in Doppler Stage B (using different Ride Armor). X returns to the previous stage after defeating Vile and reaching the warp capsule at the end.

Doppler

The Doppler stages are played in order after the eight Mavericks are defeated.

Mega Man X3, Stages, Doppler A.png

Mega Man X3, Stages, Doppler A Subboss.png

Mega Man X3, Stages, Doppler A Boss A.png

Mega Man X3, Stages, Doppler A Boss B.png

  • Mega Man X3, Stages, Doppler A.png

  • Mega Man X3, Stages, Doppler A Subboss.png

  • Mega Man X3, Stages, Doppler A Boss A.png

  • Mega Man X3, Stages, Doppler A Boss B.png

Doppler Stage A
Mid-boss:
REX-2000
Bosses:
Press Disposer or Godkarmachine O Inary
The boss is Press Disposer if both Bit and Byte were defeated with their weaknesses in the previous stages or Godkarmachine O Inary otherwise. The weaknesses of Press Disposer are the
Mega Man X3, Weapons.png
Tornado Fang and
Mega Man X3, Weapons.png
Ray Splasher; the weakness of Godkarmachine O Inary is the
Mega Man X3, Weapons.png
Ray Splasher.

Mega Man X3, Stages, Doppler B.png

Mega Man X3, Stages, Doppler B Subboss.png

Mega Man X3, Stages, Doppler B Boss A.png

Mega Man X3, Stages, Doppler B Boss B1.png

Mega Man X3, Stages, Doppler B Boss B2.png

  • Mega Man X3, Stages, Doppler B.png

  • Mega Man X3, Stages, Doppler B Subboss.png

  • Mega Man X3, Stages, Doppler B Boss A.png

  • Mega Man X3, Stages, Doppler B Boss B1.png

  • Mega Man X3, Stages, Doppler B Boss B2.png

Doppler Stage B
Mid-boss:
Mosquitus
Bosses:
Volt Kurageil or Vile MK-II
This stage is different depending on whether Vile MK-II was defeated using his weakness in his hidden stage. If so, the stage has fewer enemies, one section is filled with water, the bosses are Mosquitus and Vile MK-II. If not, the stage is lab is destroyed, it has more enemies and no water, Mosquitus does not appear, and the boss is Vile MK-II.

Mosquitus is the only boss in the game, besides Mac in the opening stage, that can be fought with Zero. If the player uses Zero to defeat Mosquitus, a cutscene plays where it crashes onto Zero and Zero gives his Z-Saber to X to continue without him. This adds an additional charged stage to the X-Buster.

The weaknesses of Volt Kurageil are the
Mega Man X3, Weapons.png
Frost Shield and
Mega Man X3, Weapons.png
Triad Thunder; the weaknesses of Vile MK-II are the
Mega Man X3, Weapons.png
Ray Splasher and
Mega Man X3, Weapons.png
Spinning Blade or the
Mega Man X3, Weapons.png
Parasitic Bomb and
Mega Man X3, Weapons.png
Tornado Fang when he piloting his Ride Armor.

Mega Man X3, Stages, Doppler C.png

Mega Man X3, Stages, Doppler C Boss 1.png

Mega Man X3, Stages, Doppler C Boss 2.png

Mega Man X3, Stages, Doppler C Boss 3.png

Mega Man X3, Stages, Doppler C Boss 4.png

Mega Man X3, Stages, Doppler C Boss 5.png

Mega Man X3, Stages, Doppler C Boss 6.png

Mega Man X3, Stages, Doppler C Boss 7.png

Mega Man X3, Stages, Doppler C Boss 8.png

Mega Man X3, Stages, Doppler C Boss 9.png

  • Mega Man X3, Stages, Doppler C.png

  • Mega Man X3, Stages, Doppler C Boss 1.png

  • Mega Man X3, Stages, Doppler C Boss 2.png

  • Mega Man X3, Stages, Doppler C Boss 3.png

  • Mega Man X3, Stages, Doppler C Boss 4.png

  • Mega Man X3, Stages, Doppler C Boss 5.png

  • Mega Man X3, Stages, Doppler C Boss 6.png

  • Mega Man X3, Stages, Doppler C Boss 7.png

  • Mega Man X3, Stages, Doppler C Boss 8.png

  • Mega Man X3, Stages, Doppler C Boss 9.png

Doppler Stage C
Mid-bosses:
Mavericks
Bosses:
Dr. Doppler
X fights all of the Mavericks again, followed by a fight with Dr. Doppler, whose weakness is the
Mega Man X3, Weapons.png
Acid Burst.

Mega Man X3, Stages, Doppler D.png

Mega Man X3, Stages, Doppler D Boss 1.png

Mega Man X3, Stages, Doppler D Boss 2.png

Mega Man X3, Stages, Doppler D Boss 3.png

  • Mega Man X3, Stages, Doppler D.png

  • Mega Man X3, Stages, Doppler D Boss 1.png

  • Mega Man X3, Stages, Doppler D Boss 2.png

  • Mega Man X3, Stages, Doppler D Boss 3.png

Doppler Stage D
Bosses:
Sigma
The boss is Sigma. His first form is weak to the
Mega Man X3, Weapons.png
Spinning Blade and
Mega Man X3, Weapons.png
Frost Shield. His second form can only be harmed by fully charged
Mega Man X3, Weapons.png
X-Buster shots to the head and especially the Z-Saber.

History

Release

The game was originally made and released for the Super NES as the third in a trilogy of Mega Man X games, and then ported to the Sega Saturn and Sony PlayStation. This 32-bit version was released in Japan and Europe. It did not initially see a console release in North America, being exclusive to Windows PCs in that region.

Reportedly, Sony initially rejected the game during its PlayStation approval process, likely for being a 2D game[6], which may have had a knock-on effect for a Saturn release.

Legacy

The game was followed by Mega Man X4, which was released for the Sega Saturn, Sony PlayStation, and Windows PCs.

In 2006, the PlayStation version of the game was ported to the Nintendo GameCube and PlayStation 2 as part of Mega Man X Collection. This compilation only saw only an American release.

In 2018, the Super NES version of the game was re-released as part of the Mega Man X Legacy Collection, which was released worldwide for the Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, and Steam.

Versions

Changes from the original Super NES version include a redone, arranged soundtrack, different sound effects, and new full-motion video anime cutscenes. However, it introduces frequent load times, which has made many prefer the SNES original.

While both the Super NES and PlayStation versions run at a 256x224 screen resolution, the Sega Saturn does not support this resolution and opts for 320x240 with borders added. This means the PlayStation and Super NES versions are stretched horizontally to fill a 4:3 display while the Saturn version is not. Since the artwork was designed with this stretching in mind, this can give the Saturn game a more "squashed" look.

The Saturn version has higher quality video than the PlayStation, with more frames of animation and a larger palette of colours.

Localised names

Also known as
Language Localised Name English Translation
English Mega Man X3 Mega Man X3
Japanese ロックマン X3 Rockman X3

Production credits

Like its original Super NES release, Mega Man X3 lacks a staff roll, instead ending after its cast roll. The following information pertaining to this version's music is derived from the liner notes of the 2003 soundtrack release of Mega Man X1~6 and related interviews.

  • BGM Arrangement & Original Music Composition & Arrangement: Toshihiko Horiyama, Shusaku Uchiyama
  • BGM Arrangement: Yoshino Aoki[7]
  • Original Music Composition & Arrangement (for overseas releases): Makoto Tomozawa[8]
Source:
Uncredited

Magazine articles

Main article: Mega Man X3/Magazine articles.

Promotional material

Logo-pdf.svg
Print advert in (JP) #1996-08: "1996-08 (1996-05-10,24)" (1996-04-26)
Logo-pdf.svg

Artwork

Physical scans

Sega Retro Average 
Publication Score Source
{{{{{icon}}}|L}} Division by zero.
Based on
0 review
Sega Retro Average 
Publication Version Score
(FR)
80
[9]
(JP) NTSC-J
63
[10]
(DE)
60
[11]
(US) NTSC-J
71
[12]
(US) NTSC-J
75
[13]
(DE) PAL
74
[14]
(DE) NTSC-J
68
[15]
(UK) NTSC-J
57
[16]
(DE) NTSC-J
70
[17]
(FR) NTSC-J
68
[18]
(JP) NTSC-J
65
[19]
(DE) PAL
61
[20]
(UK) NTSC-J
23
[21]
(UK) PAL
66
[22]
(JP) NTSC-J
67
[23]
(JP) NTSC-J
57
[24]
Sega Saturn
64
Based on
16 reviews

Mega Man X3

Saturn, JP
MegaManX3 Saturn JP Box Back.jpgMegaManX3 Saturn JP Box Front.jpg
Cover
MegaManX3 Saturn JP Spinecard.jpg
Spinecard
MegaManX3 Saturn JP Disc.jpg
Disc
Saturn, EU
MegaManX3 Saturn EU Box.jpg
Cover
Saturn, PT
MegaManX3 Saturn PT cover.jpg
Cover
Saturn, GR
MegaManX3 Saturn GR Box.jpg
Cover
Saturn, PL
MegaManX3 Saturn PL box front.jpg
Cover
Saturn, AU
MegaManX3 Saturn AU cover.jpg
Cover

Technical information

Main article: Mega Man X3/Technical information.

References


Mega Man X3

MegaManX3 Title.png

Main page | Comparisons | Maps | Hidden content | Development | Magazine articles | Reception | Technical information


No results



Mega Man The Wily Wars, Items.png
Mega Man games for Sega systems
Sega Mega Drive
Mega Man: The Wily Wars (1994)
Sega Game Gear
Mega Man (1995)
Sega Saturn
Mega Man X3 (1996) | Mega Man 8 (1997) | Mega Man X4 (1997) | Super Adventure Rockman (1998)
Unlicensed Mega Man games for Sega systems
Sega Mega Drive
Rockman X3 (1996)
Mega Man related media
Book
(1997)