Although Final Fight set the standard for scrolling fighters, X-Men created several innovations for the genre, including the ability to hit felled opponents to prevent them from getting back up, as well as a character-specialized "mutant power," which could clear the screen of enemies, but also reduced the player's health. The game is fondly remembered by those who played it for its fun, addictive gameplay and colorful graphics. However, it is also sometimes criticized for its wooden voice acting and often ungrammatical script ("I am Magneto, Master of Magnet" and "Welcome to Die!").
Depending on the machine, the maximum number of simultaneous players varies from two, to four, to six.
* "Pyro will turn you to toast!" * "Nothing moves the Blob!" * "Windego
" * "The White Queen welcomes you to die!" * "Juggernaut will flatten you!" * "Welcome to die!" * "I am Magneto, you are nothing!" * "I am Magneto, Master of Magnet!" * "You are helpless against my power, X-Men!" * "X-Men, come to die
" * "X-Chicken!" * "You are dead!" * "You shall meet with my wrath!"