Rockman 2 (or Mega Man 2 if you grew up outside Japan) is where the series really hit its stride. You jump straight into blasting through eight Robot Master stages in any order you want—which sounds cool until you realize some weapons just wreck certain bosses. (Metal Blade is basically cheating, but hey, I won’t judge.)

The levels are punishing but fair, with those classic disappearing block puzzles and enemies that seem designed to knock you into pits. And thank god for E-tanks—those little life-savers let you heal mid-fight when you’re getting wrecked by Quick Man’s lasers for the tenth time. Password system’s a nice touch too, though good luck deciphering those symbols as a kid.

It’s got that perfect NES-era balance: tough as nails, but you’ll keep coming back because nailing a boss rush feels incredible. The soundtrack alone is worth the playthrough.