the first X is defintinly the best of the megaman X games.
Also you could find four parts which would not only add abilitys but change megaman's appearence eventually if you get all 4 making him look like how he does on the box cover and manual cover. Also subtanks were introduced as well. These werent one time use items but allowed you to recycle health pickups when you were at max. Also while megaman starts with less health than he does in the old games you could find life ups which would add to his life meter adding to the impressive amount of findable items and adding somewhat to the replay value. A lot of gamers are turned off to megaman games because of the diffculty. Well this megaman is slightly easier than the rest. it earns its hard rating though because of the final battle (you will have to wall kick A LOT and itll probably wear your finger out) heck if you want a challenge you can always just not collect some of the powerups.
this game is defintinly worth a purchase (i found my copy a year or two back for five bucks) espiecally if you like the other x games.