Have you ever thought, ”I wish I could play them all in one single game”? That’s exactly what Megaman Star Force Perfect Collection has done. Released at the milestone of the Rockman series' 20th anniversary, this work is not just a collection; it is crafted as a single piece to ”experience the entire history.” Furthermore, it boasts a massive volume, including 7 titles even counting the different versions. The interesting part is that you don't have to worry about ”which one should I play?”—instead, it turns into the happy dilemma of ”how much can I possibly play through?”

”Do you think heroes are strong from the very beginning?” To that question, this work quietly shakes its head. At the center of the story is Subaru Hoshikawa, a boy living in Echo Ridge. He is by no means a brave protagonist from the start; he is a being burdened with a sense of loneliness. However, after meeting War-Rock from outer space and transforming into Megaman, his destiny begins to move in a big way. The plot questions the meaning of ”connecting with someone” amidst the dangers lurking behind the convenience of a highly developed network society, offering a depth that goes beyond the framework of a children's game. The theme of ”We are not alone” gradually soaks into your heart as you play.

The background of this work makes you want to say, ”The amazing thing about this series is that it doesn't just end with the game.” Having gained popularity through developments such as anime and card games, ”Megaman Star Force” did not stop at being a mere game title but expanded into a single worldview. That charm is firmly condensed in this collection, which even includes a gallery mode where you can enjoy illustrations and BGM from that time. Feeling moments like ”Ah, this song is nostalgic” or making new discoveries like ”I didn't know this visual existed” is a way of enjoying the game unique to this collection.

”Aren't old games inconvenient to play now?” You will hardly feel such a concern with this work. Rather, the competitive elements have been strengthened, and new ways to enjoy the game have been added through online support. The heat of playing face-to-face with friends in the past can now be shared with opponents far away. While keeping the speedy and highly strategic battles intact, the fact that it has evolved to fit the modern play environment is a plus for both series fans and new players alike.

Ultimately, where does the charm of this work lie? ”It's a great deal because everything is included”—that's certainly true, but beyond that, I believe the value lies in being able to ”experience the story of Megaman Star Force in its entirety.” While following each individual work is fun, by experiencing them together like this, the evolution of the series as a whole and the shifts in its themes become much clearer. Whether you are ”someone who played it back then” or ”someone who is about to discover it,” you can experience different kinds of emotions; such depth is packed into this collection.