20 Dumb Video Game Restrictions Players Hated

12. Nightmare Virus - Mega Man X6

Mega Man X6 is one of the most disliked entries into the legendary franchise, in no small part due to its unique but incredibly frustrating mechanic that greatly limits the player in how they can complete levels.

Most of X6’s story and gameplay revolves around the Nightmare Virus, a strange affliction that ravages Mega Man’s futuristic world, turning helpless Reploids into monsters.

Each level in the game features sixteen Reploids in need of rescue from the virus. If you don’t manage to get to them in time, the Reploids succumb to the illness and turn into hostile enemies, which for the most part means losing extra Life Energy and lives.

However, in each stage, there are also unique Reploids who carry parts used for unlocking new powers and abilities. If these Reploids are infected by the virus, their parts are lost forever, meaning that if the player doesn’t immediately rush to their rescue, the game permanently prevents them from getting essential upgrades.

The mechanic is stressful, frustrating, and honestly as far away from fun as the injured Reploids are from you in each and every stage.

It’s plain awful game design.