It is noteworthy for having been developed by a different company than the rest of the Mega Man titles on the Game Boy.

The game follows Mega Man as he pursues his arch-enemy Dr. Wily, whose most recent ploy for world domination involves the theft of an experimental time machine.

Mega Man confronts both Wily and a number of enemies from his past, including a new and mysterious robot named Quint.

[2][5] Meanwhile, Mega Man is sent to investigate an underground passageway containing enemy Robot Masters from his previous adventures.

Beating the Robot Master boss at the end of the stage allows the player access to its unique weapon for the remainder of the game.

Spare energy tanks can be obtained and selected to completely refill the player's health.

[5] Defeating some Robot Masters will grant Mega Man access to three adaptors for his canine companion Rush to be used in different environments.

[2] Mega Man II has been re-released as part of the Nintendo Player's Choice line of budget titles in North America.