The plot of Mega Man X8 focuses on the abduction of a next-generation "Reploid" from the construction site of a space elevator, and the subsequent pursuit of his captors.

While the presentation was praised for improving the poor 3D Mega Man X7 tried developing, the gameplay led to mixed reviews in regards to length and execution.

To escape these troubles, mankind has begins next generation of research and development by constructing an orbital elevator able to take equipment and handwork to the moon which they seek to colonize.

Contained on every single copy chip in these robots is Sigma's own DNA, meaning that the next-generation 'Maverick-Proof' reploids are in fact able to go Maverick.

When Axl walks up to Lumine's body, however, he is shocked as a tentacle springs from it and damages the crystal on his head.

As the three different characters ride back down the Jakob Elevator, Zero wonders if he no longer has to fight now that Sigma is dead for good, while X ponders Lumine's words on evolution.

[16] Inafune himself was not involved in the production of Mega Man X8, although the game's art designers did consult with him before changing the overall style of the characters.

Similar to his previous work in X7, Yoshikawa wanted the designs to pander to his feelings about the first Mega Man X game while still following his own ideas too.

[18] The three main characters were revised for Mega Man X8 as Yoshikawa planned to give them more unique features to contrast their personalities.

[23] The Windows version of Mega Man X8 was released in Asia, Europe, and as a download from GameStop in North America.

[24] This version can run in windowed mode, in addition to full screen, and includes mouse and keyboard features, although it does support using a controller.

The Windows version also features several languages and the possibility to toggle between Japanese and English voices, which can be changed from the main menu or after starting a new game.

The musical score for Mega Man X8 was co-composed by Yuko Komiyama, Naoto Tanaka, and Shinya Okada.

[13][35][30] IGN praised the game for its mixture of 2D and 3D, and its camera system, saying "Thankfully the transition from one plane to another is pretty seamless and isn't the bothersome chore that switches in X7 were.

[13] GameZone criticized the game design for making X to come across as the weakest playable character when compared to the more useful weaponry from Zero and Axl while also felt that most stages lack appeal enough to revisit them.

They also derided the story, remarking that it "dabbles in a lot of nonsensical anime-style ramblings about things that are of little importance to the actual game.

[37] While GameSpy appreciates whether or not the player can be assisted by navigator, he still called the main story "bad cyberpunk nonsense".

[13] According to Famitsu, Mega Man X8 was the tenth best-selling game in Japan during its week of release at 14,927 units.