Editing Mega Man X (section)

== Gameplay ==
The ''[[Mega Man (series)|Mega Man]]'' series has always consisted of 2D platformer games that focus on [[Shoot 'em up#Run and gun|run-and-gun]] gameplay. The player takes control of ''Mega Man X'' ("X" for short), a [[Maverick Hunter]] who seeks to stop Sigma's rebellion against the humans. After an introductory stage, the player is presented with a stage selection screen that depicts eight Maverick boss characters. The player may attempt these levels in any order, using weapons and abilities gained in one level to overcome challenges in the others. Each level ends with a battle against its respective Maverick. Completing a stage rewards the player with a new weapon, and may subtly affect the layout of a different stage.

X's abilities are similar to those in previous Mega Man games, such as running, jumping, and a chargeable weapon. The slide move has been replaced by a dash upgrade, which can be used in conjunction with a jump to propel X forwards rapidly. New to ''Mega Man X'' is the ability to jump off and climb up walls, a feature that has become a mainstay of the series.

''Mega Man X'' also introduces hidden upgrade capsules to the ''Mega Man'' franchise.  These appear in several stages in this game, and display a [[holography|holograph]]ic message from Dr. Light when approached.  Each capsule upgrades one of X's body parts—his legs, armor, helmet, or X-Buster—granting the player improved firepower and defense, as well as new abilities. The player can also increase X's life energy by collecting a total of 8 "Heart" upgrades, one in each Maverick stage, and four sub-tanks that can store extra energy. By collecting all upgrades available, a fifth, secret capsule can be unlocked which gives X the ability to perform the [[Hadouken]], the same special attack used by main characters Ken and Ryu from the [[Street Fighter]] series. The hadouken can only be used when X's life bar is full, but can defeat any enemy (including bosses) instantly.