Rockman Corner

Check Out the Old Man's Super/Cross Arts

2012-01-27T14:13:00.007-06:00

Here's some additional Bad Box Art Mega Man (and Pac-Man) footage that flew under my radar yesterday. For a pudgy little guy, he's surprisingly agile.

Anyway, in case you missed it, be sure to check out the post below for Yoshinori Ono's explanation why BBAMM was chosen for Street Fighter X Tekken. It may help alleviate some of the frustration that's been making the rounds.

Also, I'd like to direct you to this post at The Mega Man Network. The staff would like for you to "send in a recording of your personal thoughts this appearance of Mega Man, and your stance on things in general." A select few will be chosen to be featured on February's Megacast podcast. Click on the link above for full details!

Bad Box Art Mega Man Confirmed For Street Fighter X Tekken (Updated)

2012-01-26T19:19:00.020-06:00

The rumors are true: Bad Box Art Mega Man is a playable character in Street Fighter X Tekken. Confirmation comes directly from the official SFxT website.

Strange, right? Well it gets a bit stranger. Get a load of BBAMM's bio:

"Known as a Digger, a person who digs up relics from the past for research. He is a hot-tempered man, but has a strong sense of justice and is also very polite. His weak point is that he is easily rattled when backed into a corner. He is always running around in a hurry due to the demands of his partner Roll, and this time he's been asked to travel to Antarctica to retrieve a mysterious box."

... so, he's a middle-aged Mega Man Volnutt? Okaaay.

BBA Mega Man is currently planned to appear alongside Pac-Man, Toro, Kuro and Cole as PSVita/PlayStation 3 exclusive fighters. It remains to be seen if he will appear in either or both versions.

UPDATE -- Here's an interesting tweet of note from SFxT's producer Yoshinori Ono:

"I consulted with Mr.Megaman(his name is Mr.I...) about it 1 years ago.Its result! ;D"

It would seem Ono actually consulted with Keiji Inafune when considering Bad Box Art Mega Man for the game. This means BBAMM's inclusion was planned way back when Mega Man Universe was still in production. So, yeah; chew on that for a while.

We'll keep you updated when more information drops.

Merti Figure Gets Some Much Needed Color

2012-01-26T10:11:00.006-06:00

Hellooo nurse! Figure site FG has revealed more photos and details of the upcoming Merti garage kit from Yama Tai Koku. Below is what you'd end up with without additional painting and detailing:

As you can no doubt see, the completed figure is quite revealing; more so than the source material. Then again, I don't hear anyone complaining.

Accessory-wise, the kit will come with three face plates with different expressions, expressions, three hand types, and Merti's trusty lance. If you want articulation, you'll have to purchase the joints separately. There's no word on additional decals such as eyes, so you might end up having to paint or scribe those on yourself. Needless to say, you'll have your work cut out for you!

Merti is planned to debut at the Winter 2012 Wonder Festival, on February 12th. But if you’re diligent enough, you might be able to find it elsewhere. Good luck!

Source: The Mega Man Network

Capcom's "Top Men" Devising 10-Year Plan For Mega Man

2012-01-24T21:35:00.012-06:00

Recently, there's been some Mega Man chit-chat between fans and Capcom on the latest Ask Capcom Live installment. With Street Fighter's 25th anniversary celebration in the pipeline, it's only natural to wonder what might become of the Blue Bomber's festivities. Christian Svensson stepped in to provide some insight.

“We are continuing to noodle what our plans and what our celebration should be,” says Svensson. “There’s a whole bunch of things that we know we kind of have to get in a row before we actually really divulge or start to celebrate Mega Man.”

Several minutes later, Svensson fielded an inquiry regarding Mega Man's foreseeable future and whether or not fans have something to look forward to. Svensson, once again, drew the "top men" card.

“I hesitate to say exactly what, because I don’t want people reading more into it than is there,” Svensson shares. “Let’s just say there are top men thinking about and actively discussing where we’re going to take the brand for the next ten years and how we’re going to do it.”

I understand that this is not an actual announcement, but it gives further affirmation that the company is prioritizing the franchise's longterm roadmap. It's simply a matter of time when we will see these plans materialize.

For many, it's going to be difficult to put one's faith in these ominous "top men."

The franchise's future, the next decade, rests in their hands. It's a pretty scary thought; more so when you reflect upon some of Capcom's recent, less popular decisions. Aside from voicing our opinions to the powers that be, there isn't too much we can do at this time to get the ball rolling in the right, and desired, direction.

For the full Q&A, be sure to head on over to Capcom Unity, where you'll find an archived version of the show in its entirety.

Source: Siliconera

Pharaoh Man Menaces MM #13's Variant Cover

2012-01-24T18:05:00.003-06:00

A few days ago, we caught a glimpse of Archie's Mega Man #13, which features a rather unique tabloid-inspired cover. And today, the traditional Villain Sketch Variant cover is upon us, courtesy of Destructoid.

The charismatic and diabolical Pharaoh Man takes center stage here, striking an intimidating "come at me bro" pose. Artist Jonathan Hill really knows how to instill fear in the hearts of those who dare to pick up this variant. As usual, color will not be added -- this is the finished piece set to grace a limited number of issues.

Mega Man #13, both the standard and villain variant, will hit newsstands later this May. Be sure to keep a close eye on Archie's online store for special deals and reprints of previous villain variants!

Thanks for the tip, Tony!

Another Bit of Anniversary Collection Concept Art

2012-01-24T09:48:00.011-06:00

Over the next few weeks or so, I'm going to begin dumping some old promotional/pre-release Mega Man assets right here on the blog. In general, most haven't been seen in years... or at all.

Kicking things off, here's a single piece of Mega Man Anniversary Collection concept artwork. I obtained this piece a few weeks after this story ran from a source that once worked closely with the game's developer, Atomic Planet Entertainment. For the usual reasons, he's chosen to remain anonymous.

It's a simple, ambient little piece that offers a look back at MMAC's planning phase.

Back when ideas for the collection's contents were being hammered out, the art team had their hands tied conceptualizing a hypothetical "Mega Man museum" -- a central hub where players could explore content spanning across the franchise's 15-year history. Inspiration for the hub's infrastructure came directly from Mega Man 7's Robot Museum stage, where the bodies of lifeless Robot Masters lined the halls.

The image of an idle Turbo Man -- awaiting admiration from new and old players alike -- embodies the spirit of the hub's original aesthetic concept. The area would have been laced with robots off all shapes and sizes serving as decorations and figurative curators. However, a tight and often grueling development process forced the concept to be significantly scaled down.

Traversing a theoretical Mega Man museum did, in fact, make its way into the final game. Boot up a copy of Anniversary Collection and you'll be whisked away to the fruit of Atomic Planet's efforts. It's not as grand as the team's initial vision, but it's an admirable tribute nonetheless.

Updates From the Legendary TOM-PON

2012-01-23T14:56:00.017-06:00

Staying on top of those fun-filled interviews between Rockman Unity's Ucchy and Capcom’s famed Naoya Tomita (aka TOM-PON)? If so, you'll be happy to know the latest installment in the ongoing video series is up for your viewing pleasure at Capcom Unity, divided into three parts. UPDATE: And a few more videos here, too!

Topics discussed throughout the individual videos this time are:

- Distribution of labor
- Why the Yellow Devil fight was a precursor to Dance Dance Revolution (and how to clear it with your eyes closed)
- How to make interesting platforms using a single color
- The lost robot masters of the first Mega Man
- and more!

This is definitely some of the more interesting batch of interviews to come out in a long time, so be sure to give 'em a watch. Complete coverage available at Capcom Unity. And don't forget: hit the CC button for subtitles!

Cover and Solicitation For Mega Man #13

2012-01-21T00:00:00.007-06:00

New solicitation and cover artwork for Archie’s Mega Man #13 is live. The tabloid-inspired cover shows off just how much content is packed inside this issue. Details below:

'Spiritus ex Machina,' Part 1. Mega Man joins Dr. Light at the Advanced Robotics Trade Show to address the future of thinking machines.

New faces abound - who are Drs. Cossack and Lalinde? What sinister forces lurk behind the scenes? Meanwhile, Dr. Wily searches for something to give him the edge deep in the forbidden Lanfront Ruins. All this plus the debut of Rush!" Writer: Ian Flynn, Artist: Gary Martin & Various, Cover Artist: Patrick Spaz Spaziante

A possible love interest for Dr. Light? Uh, I guess that could be interesting. But more importantly, it sounds like we're headed into Super Adventure Rockman territory, what with Wily's mischief in the Lanfront Ruins. Sounds like a pretty exciting issue. Definitely one to lookout for!

Source: BumbleKing Comics

Destructoid Talks Archie’s Mega Man With Ian Flynn

2012-01-19T19:17:00.006-06:00

Destructoid's local Mega Man fan Tony Ponce had a little sit time to chat with the writer of Archie's Mega Man, Ian Flynn. There, Ian strongly hints at incorporations of the classic Game Boy games, giving Roll a more proactive role in the future, and the prospect of seeing brand-new Robot Masters, among other topics.

Here's a small taste of the interview:

Before we begin, I think some congratulations are in order. Mega Man #9 is out this month, which means you've just lapped the Dreamwave comic [short-run series that was cancelled once the studio closed]! Good for you guys!

Ha ha ha! Well, it's easy when you've got such a kickass team to back you up. Have you seen Ben Bate's pages? Good lord, man. He's phenomenal!

I'm glad things are going swimmingly. For a while, I was worried about the comic's future. I had heard something about low newsstand numbers.

If I recall correctly, I think that was MM #3, and that was a shipping issue. Actually, MM has been doing very well -- #2 broke the usual trend in comics by outselling #1. MM is doing very well, so no worries there!

And that's all while Capcom keeps CANCELLING EVERYTHING.
Actually, it was Capcom who brought the idea of a comic to us. They've been crazy supportive of the project. I know the rash of game cancellations looks suspect, but they've been nothing but cool with us.

Hear that? The comic is doing juuust fine. I know that has been a bit of a stresser for some of you, but rest easy; it's not going anywhere.

You can read the full interview here. Thanks for the heads up, Tony!

Mega Man and Mega Man Zero Official Complete Works Restocked

2012-01-19T16:09:00.002-06:00

Exorbitant Amazon prices begone! UDON Entertainment's splendid art books, Mega Man: Official Complete Works and Mega Man Zero: Official Complete Works, are now back in stock, fresh from the printer.

The good word comes directly from the UDON crew:

"Mega Man fans Rejoice! The news that you’ve been waiting for is here, as Mega Man Official Complete Works is now back in print. We realize this book is going for some pretty crazy prices right now, and we’re just as happy as you are that there are now copies available for purchase at cover price. We’ve also just reprinted Mega Man Zero Official Complete Works and Okami Official Complete Works.

The books will be making their way to Amazon, Barnes & Noble, an other online outlets within the next two to three weeks. If for some reason you'd rather pick up them up in-store, you can go ahead and request a special order via the Comic Shop Locater. Grab the order codes at the UDON blog here.

Thanks for the tip, Tim!

New Mega Man Plush To Cuddle

2012-01-18T00:32:00.003-06:00

GE Animation have been making good use of their Mega Man license with all sorts of little trinkets, posters and apparel. Now their looking to produce what is hopefully the first in a line huggable paraphernalia.

It's soft. It's cuddly. It's downright adorable. It's the official Mega Man Powered Up plush.

This little guy is due for distribution in late April. At present, we've no idea just how large or how small the plush is, so your guess is as good as mine. I imagine size will play a large factor in pricing, which has yet to-be-determined.

GE Animation's Mega Man products tend to surface at specialty pop culture retailers, both in-store and online. Keep your eyes pealed and your radar primed come late April/early May!

Source: Video Game Memorabilia Museum (via GoNintendo)

Mega Man Playable In Street Fighter X Tekken? Seems Like It

2012-01-17T10:26:00.018-06:00

Well, we saw this one coming. Jump to 3:09 below for a little tease...

Let's see that again.

No doubt, that's Pac-Man and... an anatomically correct Mega Man? Could be Frank West in his Mega Man duds, but I'm beginning to wonder if Lupinko's "Bad Box Art" Mega Man comment holds some credence...

What say you, keen-eyed fans?

Source: Capcom Europe

Mega Man Saves the Mushroom Kingdom Again In Super Mario Bros. Crossover 2

2012-01-17T09:54:00.004-06:00

The sensational video game mash-up that swept the internet in 2010 is back. Mega Man and the likes of other gaming icons return to yield the perils of the Mushroom Kingdom in the upcoming sequel, Super Mario Bros. Crossover 2.

If it wasn't apparent enough, Crossover 2 boast spiffy new 16-bit era graphics, which is just awesome-sauce. The game will be available in a couple of months, playable directly at Exploding Rabbit. If you loved the first, you'll no doubt dig this outing.

Thanks for the tip, Jimb0!

Iwamoto Fan? You Could Win a D-Arts X Comic Version!

2012-01-16T19:29:00.001-06:00

Our friends at The Mega Man Network have kicked off a pretty tantalizingly contest for fans of Yoshihiro Iwamoto’s Rockman X manga. Simply prove your Mega Man mastery, and you could win an honorary, free Rockman X “Comic Version” figure!

The rules are quite simple:

"You make whatever you want to show tribute to Yoshihiro Iwamoto’s Rockman X manga. It can be artwork, or a comic, or a video; anything you like! It simply must reference the manga. Show your fandom to win! You have until February 5th at midnight, PST to send us your entry, so get to it!"

By and large, this is a tribute contest, so you're free to whip up anything that best represents your passion for the Blue Bomber. Paintings, sculptures, cosplay; leave no stone unturned! This is your time to shine!

Hit the above link for full contest rules and regulations. Best of luck, everyone! Should time allow, I might go ahead and join in myself!

Vote For The Next D-Arts Figures From Bandai!

2012-01-14T12:36:00.004-06:00

Bandai/Bluefin wants to know what direction to take the Mega Man D-Arts line next, and they need your help! The toy manufacturer is now accepting ideas for which Mega Man characters you’d like to see a D-Arts action figure of. Your mission is officially a go!

The event, which will ultimately determine the next D-Arts product(s), is split between two polls:

Poll 1: "We are letting fans add their own choices to vote on possible future figure releases along with some of our choices. Fans will vote on our Facebook page and we will take the top 7 highest polling numbers. We expect to see all sorts of character names thrown on here and will be quite interesting to see since it will be open to ALL megaman games/universes. This poll will be open for 1 week starting Jan 16, 2012 until Jan 23, 2012."

Poll 2: "The top 7 from the previous poll will be put on a new poll in order to measure the level of desirability among those seven. This won't have an official end date."

You're pretty much free to suggest ideas for anything. No matter how obscure the character -- be it Eddie, Nana, iX, or the Green Biker Dude -- Bandai and Bluefin want to hear your voice! Simply drop a comment at this Facebook post and hope for the best.

National Public Radio Interviews Get Me Off the Moon

2012-01-13T13:38:00.011-06:00

The 100,000 Strong for Mega Man Legends 3 Facebook group has posted a very special update to their page. In an effort to get the word out about the movement, International Strategies Leader Matt Papa scored an interview with one of the largest radio stations in the country: National Public Radio (NPR).

"While I was not able to secure as many interviews as I would have liked to, we WERE interviewed by easily the biggest name at the entire con: National Public Radio," reports Matt from the MAGFest floor. "That's right dudes, NPR interviewed us about 100,000 Strong AND Mega Man Legends 3 to put in a segment they are doing on MAGFest!"

According to Matt, the MAGFest feature won't air for another few weeks. In the meantime, we're told to keep a close eye on NPR's schedule for when the segment airs. Of course, I'll be sure to give everyone a reminder, too, when the date draws closer.

About 34 million people tune into NPR programming each week. So, yeah; the fight for Legends 3's reinstatement just got a whole lot more interesting. A little mainstream exposure could go a long way. Best of luck, Team Legends!

Source: Get Me Off the Moon

Bandai's Got A Mission For You

2012-01-11T16:52:00.008-06:00

I've a bit of an interesting tease for you all this afternoon. Earlier today, I received word directly from Bandai regarding a very special opportunity for Mega Man fans coming down the pike that's, well, pretty awesome.

I can't really dig into specifics at the moment, but I will say that you may want to keep close watch on Bluefin Tamashii's official Facebook page. There, an announcement will be made in the near future that will involve the participation of U.S fans. You will be presented with a tantalizing task that will directly influence something Mega Man related coming from the fine folks at Bandai. New D-Arts, perhaps? I can't say.

So, yeah, chew on that for a while. In the meantime, I suggest you scope out Bluefin Tamashii's Twitter. There's a couple clues lurking around there that will help you get a better idea of the forthcoming task. They're not too hard to find, especially if you're well versed in the traditions of Bandai's past cooperative efforts with certain fan bases.

Stay tuned!

Mega Man 25th Anniversary Logo Leaked

2012-01-09T23:57:00.024-06:00

Persistent Rockman Corner reader Pedro has made a profound discovery withing the guts of the recently released Mega Man X iOS port. Picking apart the contents of the code, Pedro succeeded in decrypting and opening the graphic files used by the game; he was surprised to discover following images...

Why, it's the official 25th anniversary logo! Spiffy, no? A little plain for my tastes, but for all we know, this could be a work-in-progress/placeholder design. Mind you, we aren't suppose to be seeing this right now.

As per usual, the logo will probably be used to promote products and events related to the Blue Bomber's 25th. Previous anniversary logos have adorned everything from games and books, to commemorative food products. If this is indeed the final design, be prepared to see it grace everything released under the IP throughout the year.

Specific plans for the anniversary have yet to be disclosed by Capcom; however, we do know that things are on the burner. According to Christian Svensson, Capcom are currently in the process of planning "things" to commemorate the occasion:

"25th for MM and 25th for Street Fighter next year. "Both will have "things" to commemorate the occasion. Exactly what is in planning stages but the are solid ideas already being batted around I hope you guys will like. But please bear in mind, they won't happen until some time in our next fiscal year begins mostly (so still a good ways away)."

Next fiscal year officially kicks off around March 31st, 2012. I advise you continue to keep your expectations in check until we have a better idea of what, exactly, these "things" may be. Nevertheless, the logo is an ensuring sign of things to come.

Mega Man and Sonic Team Up to Fight Cystic Fibrosis

2012-01-09T13:31:00.006-06:00

A blue robot and a blue hedgehog working together? It's a crossover Archie Comics have been mulling over, but for now you'll have to make do with this: an original sketch of the dynamic duo drawn and signed by Archie's Ben Bates.

Elveen's Comics and Collectibles has opted to put up the exclusive sketch of Mega Man and Sonic the Hedgehog up for auction in order to raise money for charity. Once the auction is closed and set, all benefits will go to Team Alyssa, a charity committed to fighting Cystic Fibrosis; a debilitating disease with sufferers requiring ongoing support with their health.

The bidding begins at $9.99, with six days and four hours left to go. If you’re interested in taking part, you’ll find the auction on eBay here. It's a splendid sketch that will look great on any collector's mantle! I wish Elveen's the best of luck in reaching their goal for a worthy cause.

Thanks for the tip, Mac!

Rokko Chan Art Book, Soundtrack Now Available (Updated)

2012-01-07T00:26:00.005-06:00

Last week, we were introduced to Rokko Chan, a charming Mega Man clone that features a female Blue Bomber. Prompted by the game's success and cult following, developer King has graciously released a pair of goodies you may want to check out.

The official Rokko Chan art book (sampled above) is available for your consumption on this page. Inside, you'll find an abundance of images from Rokko Chan's development. There's some conceptual designs, 3D renderings, sprites, and even a few kooky surprises thrown in. Unfortunately, the 22-page book is entirely flash-based. A high resolution PDF version is not readily available at this time. Even so, it's a delight to behold. UPDATE: Here's a rip, courtesy of GeminiSaint!

If you fancied Rokko Chan's excellent chiptune soundtrack, you'll be pleased to know the soundtrack has gone live. Grab it here and typed the word "rokko" into the blank field at the top, and press the button directly underneath. The page should open a link to download the soundtrack. If that fails after five seconds, click the link that reads "こちら".

Enjoy, folks! And if you haven't played Rokko Chan yet... well, what are you waiting for? Give it a spin here!

Thanks for the tip, Jeff!

Should WayForward Make A Mega Man Game?

2012-01-06T14:09:00.008-06:00

Responsible for some of the finest 2D games in recent years, WayForward Technologies (WF) seem like a perfect fit for Mega Man. But is this dream collaboration within the realm of possibility? Vice-president of Strategic Planning & Business Development, Christian Svensson, stepped in to field the inquiry:

"I'm also a WF fan and I'm familiar with their work. I'll never say never but there'd be a million approvals before a MM title could ever be produced in the West."

It would certainly be an interesting change of pace to see a Mega Man project outsourced to the West. And, really, there's no better candidate than WayForward. The developer has an immense respect for the conventions of traditional 2D platformers, going so far as to incorporate a smidgen of Mega Man elements in a number of their titles. Bloodrayne: Betrayal, specifically, pools inspiration from Mega Man X.

For now, though, don't get your hopes up. Still, it's fun to image what WayForward could do with the property.

A penny for your thoughts?

Source: GoNintendo

Rockman X4 Mobile: Zero Version Released, Rockman Solitaire Announced

2012-01-04T23:21:00.007-06:00

We've got a double dose of mobile phone news tonight, courtesy of Rockman Corner contributor Amunshen (via CapKobun). First up, customers of Docomo and AU cellphone services in Japan can complete their mobile Rockman X4 experience today with the release of Zero Version. Have some screenies:

Following in the footsteps of its predecessor, X Version, the game boasts high quality graphics and sound and the addition of a brand-new online ranking mode. If you happen to be in Japan, you can download the game for a mere 450 Yen (520 Yen for AU subscribers).

Secondly, we've also caught word that Capcom plans to release a Rockman-themed Solitaire game in the near future. The game will use classic 8-bit sprites in lieu of those lovely revamped Rockman Rockman Puzzle Battle graphics. UPDATE: First screenshot, logo available at the Mega Man Network.

Can't say I'm surprised to see another puzzle-based Rockman game coming down the pike. These things seem awfully easy to produce, so one can only wonder what will come next. Rockman Backgammon? Rockman Go Fish? Crossword Puzzle Battle? Yeah; I like the sound of that last one.

Thanks for the tip, Amunshen!

Hitoshi Ariga Reflects On Mega Man Gigamix, Future Projects

2012-01-04T17:56:00.013-06:00

The UDON Entertainment crew has a nice little interview with Hitoshi Ariga up right now, talking about the conclusion of the Mega Man Gigamix manga, which ended its English run back in November with the advent of volume 3. For those interested, here's a tiny snippet from the interview:

How did you feel about completing the story? Because it’s an epic story… were you glad it was finished or were you sad it was over?

"I first started the story about ten years ago, so I kind of felt relieved that I finally got all the way to this point, to be finished. I actually came up with the finale of the book back in ’98, so more than 10 years ago.

"When I was working on the book there were times when production on the videogame would pause, and then it would start up again. For instance, there was a long period of time between Rockman 8 and Rockman 9. So the publisher said, ‘because the game is not coming out, we don’t really need to make a new manga.’ Also, the magazine that was originally publishing my manga stopped carrying Megaman all together, so that was another delay."

Ariga also spends a bit of time discussing future projects, although he can't go into too much detail at the this time.

Of note, Ariga teases he's involved with some video game work... but, again, he can't comment. Could Capcom have possibly brought Ariga in to assist with a new Mega Man game? We already know he's working on something related to the Blue Bomber, but what? As always, speculation is welcome.

Fans of Hitoshi Ariga's work should definitely give the full interview a read at the UDON blog!

Instant Rockman X Noodles!

2012-01-04T03:03:00.011-06:00

Here's a rather oddball blast from the Blue Bomber’s past, dating back to sometime before the original Rockman X hit the scene on the Super Famicom. The year 1993 ushered in a food tie-in so incredibly obscure that collectors are adamant on finding unopened packages today...

In the buildup to the release of Rockman X, a hefty cross-promotional advertising campaign permeated Japan. There was all sorts of X-themed trinkets and doodads, but none more tasty than packages of Rockman X-branded noodle soup and packets of ramen; byproducts of Capcom's partnership with Acecook. For children, these treats were impossible to resist due to the embossed X packaging and the promise of free collectible trading cards. For the starved college students in a hurry, it was a enduring favorite.

The enclosed trading cards were entirely random, so you can imagine some bright young thing grabbing a whole shelf's worth of packages in an attempt to collect 'em all. Fortunately, the endeavor wasn't costly, what with packs selling for as little as 75 to 100 Yen a pop (a dollar-ish). Today, sealed packets have been sighted on the auction block for a couple thousand Yen. In all my years of scoping out Yahoo! Auctions, I've only come across one set, albeit devoid of trading cards. And yet, I'd rather starve myself than eat 19-year-old food.

By and large, these artifacts are just another example of the franchise's ability to branch-off to virtually every piece of merchandise imaginable. And yes; my Mega Man pajama/underwear post is in the works. That should be loads of fun!

Source: RockmanX121

Fan Demand Paves Way To Rockman X Manga Reissue

2012-01-02T17:55:00.006-06:00

After having been out of print for many years, Yoshihiro Iwamoto's acclaimed Rockman X manga is being reissued in Japan. Fan-demand has led publisher Fukkan to reissue the manga in its entirety, available while supplies last.

The manga's most recent reissue was in 2005, coinciding with the debut of Irregular Hunter X. For collectors, the big draw there was the new covers made for the books by Iwamoto himself. The 2012 reissues are based on those editions, which condensed the original 12 tankobons into five thick volumes (pictured).

Orders are now being taken directly on Fukkan.com for these 1,995 Yen (roughly $26) books. Fukkan estimates the reprints will sell out by mid January, so once they're gone, they're gone. The publisher made no mention if they intend to offer the 2012 editions again at a later date.

Considering all their success with Mega Man, I’d say there's no time like the present for UDON Entertainment to bring these puppies stateside. Keep voicing demand, and we'll see what happens!

Thanks for the tip, Amunshen!

Cap Off the Holidays With 'Mega Man's Christmas Carol II'

2012-01-01T22:58:00.007-06:00

For many of us the Holiday Season is drawing to a close. In just a little while, it will become a thing called January 2nd. Once prized Christmas trees will be sent to the garbage. All the dazzling lights and cherished ornaments are put away. The kids are back at school. But before we face the reality of January 2nd, what better way to cap off the season of joy with a wonderful homebrewed Mega Man game? A special holiday-themed one, at that!

Sprites Inc., your one-stop shop for Mega Man sprites, has released "Mega Man's Christmas Carol II", the official sequel to last year's hit fan-game. Set one year after the events of the Charles Dickens crisis, the Light family nestles in for a cozy Christmas. Ah, but what's this? The tree and presents are gone?! It's the Grinch! Oh, wait; it's just Dr. Wily... dressed as santa. Yep, the man is really picking at straws this time. Nevertheless, Mega Man's got a job to do -- Christmas depends on it!

It's a very short and humorous bite-sized game. Give it a whirl and relish in the holiday spirit one last time. You can download Mega Man's Christmas Carol II here.

Of note, the game is still in the "beta phase", so updates and minor tweaks are to be expected. If you come across any bugs or glitches, alert the Sprites Inc. crew and they'll see what they can do.

The Fight For Everlasting Peace, Waged Through Chess

2011-12-31T13:21:00.006-06:00

Chess really isn't my cup of tea, but even I think this is pretty rad. Ben Howard of the tenacious Fizzman Industries, produced a hand-crafted Mega Man chess set with all of your favorite classic series characters. You'll be able to check out this bad-boy in person at MAGFest X:

The game divides the classic series cast into two factions: the good side and the bad side. Dr. Light and Mega Man are the king and queen respectively; as are Dr. Wily and Bass. Roll and Kalinka fill the boots of the bishop, Rush and Treble take on the role of nights, Beat and Batton the rooks, and Eddie and Metools charge to battle as pawns. Quite an interesting twist on the classic strategy game -- it's certainly left a wry smile on my face!

Chess aficionados will be happy to know you can request a commission from Fizzman Industries by filling out an order form here. Not sure how long Ben will offer these particular sculpts, so act quickly!

Check out Ben's website for more pics of the Mega Man chess set as well as his other video game character sculptures.

Rockman & Forte Manga Translation Project Kicks Off

2011-12-30T00:57:00.003-06:00

When it comes to translated Rockman manga, there's no better friend than UDON Entertainment. Thanks to UDON, English speaking fans worldwide have be been able to enjoy a bevy of comics from Hitoshi Ariga's Megamix series, to Shin Ogino's Mega Man ZX adaptation.

But in spite of their consistent track record, UDON has yet to revisit twenty-something years worth of untranslated material. Shigeto Ikehara, Yoshinori Iwamoto, and Koji Izuki's works, to name a few. There's an entire backlog waiting to be translated -- so much so it could take years to cover it all! Fortunately, that's where the fans come in.

Manga translation group Rockman Tanjou are gearing up to help lighten UDON's load a bit -- taking it upon themselves to translate Koji Izuki's Rockman & Forte manga. The prologue and first chapter have been officially uploaded for everyone's viewing pleasure, available to download at Tanjou's official blog. The translation sticks closely to the source material, retaining the original Japanese names and vulgarity. Other chapters will be released in due course.

Over-the-top action interspersed with wacky shenanigans make Izuki's Rockman & Forte a non-stop thrill ride. Any classic series fan will dig this stuff, and for fans of Hitoshi Ariga, it's a must read. Click the above and check it out!

Source: The Mega Man Network

Indie Flash Game 'Rokko Chan' Is An Absolute Delight (Updated)

2011-12-28T13:14:00.014-06:00

As we bid good riddance to a rather disappointing year, indie developer King dashes onto the scene to end 2011 on a great note. The Japanese team has delivered an authentic and ridiculously enchanting Mega Man parody called Rokko Chan, a free to play Flash game.

Rokko Chan is a parody in every sense of the word. Players take on the role of the titular Rokko, a female robot created by Dr. Sane, who ventures forth to put a stop to the evil ambitions of Dr. Mad. You'll do battle with six robot villains, each with a -man motif, charge through gaping corridors, hop across vanishing platforms, and catch yourself from a spikey doom by the skin of your teeth. Rokko Chan is the hardcore Mega Man game you've been craving all year long.

Although 8-bit styled in presentation, Rokko Chan successfully integrates classic and a smidgen of X gameplay into a polished package. The game even pools mechanics from other classic platformers, like Super Castlevania IV's famous rotating room. There's a boatload of other unexpected surprises, but giving them away would dishonor the experience.

Rokko Chan is nothing short of charming. King has successfully produced a platformer that rivals the official games. It's essentially Mega Man 11 in spirit. There's a lot more to be said, but really, it's better if you give the game a spin yourself. Click here to play it now!

UPDATE: Reader Kirak took the liberty of ripping and compiling the game's soundtrack in its entirety. Download it here! Enjoy!

Rockman X2 Lands On Japanese Virtual Console

2011-12-28T00:02:00.002-06:00

Still not sure about North America, but in Japan today you can boot up your Wii, head to the Wii Shop Channel, and purchase Rockman X2 for 800 Wii Points. Capcom even whipped up a special trailer for the occasion:

Still no word on a North American release (or Europe, for that matter). However, we do tend to get releases after Japan, so we'll probably expect something to surface in early 2012. Doubtful X2 will hit this week, but you never know.

Thanks for the tip, Josh!

Jin Saotome Unleashes Custom Mega Man Action Figure

2011-12-26T02:05:00.004-06:00

We’ve seen some pretty cool action figures and models over here at Rockman Corner, and today adds one more to the mix. Master action figure customizer Jin Saotome is back at the Mega Man scene again, and this time, he’s rolled out a new, wicked reinterpretation of the Blue Bomber himself.

Check out more photos here!

Pieces are coming from every which-way to assemble this 6'' scale masterpiece, as per usual. An Armored Avenger Titanium Man figure makes up the body, a DC Direct Flashpoint Cyborg for the arms and legs, and the head is borrowed from a Cloud Strife figure, fitted with an original helmet mold. The Mega Buster is the icing on the cake: comes with two interchangeable magnetic attachments -- a fully charged blast and an electric shield -- borrowed from a Doctor Doom figure. Very cool!

If you like what you see, you'll be happy to know the figure is currently up for auction on Jin’s eBay store. It is described thusly:

"Dark are the foretold days of Future Past, where giant robots roam desolate city ruins once home to a sprawling populace. But this future is not yet set and a hero arrives in a beam of light to make sure it never comes to pass! Megaman, the blue bomber himself is here to save the day in Marvel legends 6" scale! This rockin' Rockman has been hand-painted with deep shading, bright highlights, realistic armor effects, metallic sheens, and amazingly intricate detail which will really make him stand out in your Marvel Legends collection."

You can find the auction here; and much like previous Mega Man customs, is quickly skyrocketing in price. With six days left to bid, one can only image what the final price tag will be. Best of luck collectors!

Source: Tomopop

That One Time Mega Man Saved Christmas

2011-12-24T14:33:00.006-06:00

Of the tens of thousands video games released in the last 30-odd years, there aren't too many Christmas-themed games out there, compared to other genres, anyway. But among those released, shines an obscure little game starring everyone's favorite blue robot: Mega Man's Rocket Christmas.

A holiday spin on another equally obscure mobile title, Rockman Space Rescue, Rocket Christmas is exactly what it sounds like. Players take to the skies as Rockman to deliver gifts to all the good girls and boys, using inertia to move about. You'll have to navigate a series of twists and turns to reach the kiddos -- but act quickly, because your jet pack won't last forever! But you need not fret; simply locate a stray Christmas cake, and your fuel will replenish. Yes; Mega Man's rocket is powered by Christmas cake. A tastier alternative to fossil fuels.

When the required number of gifts have been delivered, you'll have to make your way to the exit point, where a platform waits to extract you. And, really, that's all there is to it. Rocket Christmas is a rare Dr. Wily-free game, so the plot is pretty much left open to interpretation. Why is Mega Man delivering presents in place of Jolly Old Saint Nicholas? Why is the rocket powered by cake? Where are all the parents?! Ambiguity at its finest.

Capcom ended distribution of the game some years back, but that doesn't mean you still can't play it. The Mechanical Maniacs hosts a download of Rocket Christmas in .jar format. You'll need a Java platform or emulator to play, of course. It's surprisingly fun, albeit a bit sluggish from time to time. Well worth a play if you're into bizarre Mega Man games.

Happy holidays, everyone!

Rockman Online Has A New Navigator

2011-12-23T13:03:00.003-06:00

With so many returning characters from both the classic and X series, one wonders if there's enough room in Rockman Online for some originality. Fortunately there is.

Neo Wiz Games has lifted the veil on a newly announced character named Irene (pictured); a Navigator who will oversee the player's progress. Irene's introduction comes way of a special Christmas message from the Neo Wiz staff, wishing fans a merry Christmas (and a Happy New Year). Speculation indicates Neo Wiz will give Irene a proper introduction in a future post, where her involvement in Rockman Online will be explained in greater detail.

Navigators sport a new look in this era, laced in Tron-esque lights and panels, among other changes. So far, the characters have only appeared in SD form. Irene will be joining the likes of Alia and Layer in Rockman Online, two returning Navigators from the X series. Command Mission's Nana is also expected to return, though Neo Wiz have yet to officially recognize her.

This is probably the last Rockman Online update for 2011. Well, no I take that back: we have an English translation of the third fan Q&A session coming along. But in terms of new info about the game itself, I think it's a wrap. Well, there's always 2012.

Thanks for the tip, Amunshen!

Maverick Hunter X, Mega Man 4 Half-Off on PSN (Updated)

2011-12-21T22:45:00.003-06:00

Capcom's holiday PlayStation Network sale is in full swing! With Christmas around the corner, Capcom has decided to team with Sony to celebrate by offering discounts on two digital Mega Man titles (among other games).

From now through January 10th, you can nab Mega Man: Maverick Hunter X and Mega Man 4 at half-off: Maverick Hunter for $4.99, Mega Man 4 for $2.99. Two great games for under $15, who can resist? Not a bad deal if you’re missing any of these.

Mind you, Mega Man 4 is Complete Works version of the NES classic, sold in its unadulterated Japanese form. As such, navigating menus can be a little tricky from time to time. Fortunately, that's what this handy guide is for. Use it whenever necessary!

If Mega Man isn't your thing (why are you here?), you'll be happy to know virtually every digital Capcom game is on sale. From Breath of Fire 4 to Street Fighter 3 Online, there's a little something for everyone this season.

Head on over to Capcom Unity for the complete list!

Update: Prices have yet to be discounted as of this writing. However, the PlayStation Store is currently undergoing maintenance. The issue may be rectified soon. Check back often!

Revamped Mega Man X Hits App Store Today

2011-12-20T14:10:00.036-06:00

Well, this is a surprise. Preempting a release in Japan, the revamped Mega Man X iPhone port is now available on the New Zealand App store. What's more, according to Pocket Gamer, Mega Man X will hit North America and Europe later this evening! To keep your appetites whet till then, here's some footage of the game in action...

The iPhone port boasts optimized graphics, leaderboards, two new difficulty levels (easy and normal) and 80 challenges for the seasoned gamer. Additionally, Capcom has implemented a "shop" option where players can purchase Heart Tanks, Armor Parts and Sub Tanks. Arranged music (assumingly, the Maverick Hunter X soundtrack) can be purchased as well. Jump to 6:15 in the video above for shopping footage.

It's a little unsettling that you now have the option to pay for armor upgrades and the like with real money. Heck, you can even fork over $3.99 to buy everything in one fell swoop! Yeah, I don't quite see the point either. EDIT: Fortunately, you can still find the items in-game. This has been confirmed by our Japanese correspondent Amunshen.

UPDATE: Bit of a weird situation going on in Japan right now. The game has been removed from the App store due to a nasty bug where customers are receiving a demo version in lieu of the full game. However, Japan is the only affected region thus far. Here's hoping things will work out sooner rather than later.

The game will retail for £2.99 / $3.99 in Europe and North America respectively when it releases later tonight.

Hit the jump for more info...

The New Zealand App store provides a bevy of information, detailing everything there is to know about the game:

◆Supported OS
iPhone 3GS, 4, 4S with iOS 4.3 onwards / iPod touch 3G onwards
※Please note that iPod touch 8GB Model No. A1288 is not supported. (Model No. can be found on the back of the device),
※This App is not validated on iPad / iPad2

◆Powered-up features include:

1.【 Beautiful Game Graphics Supporting Retina Display 】
The nostalgic graphics of "MEGA MAN X" are optimized for the iPhone's Retina Display.

2.【 Two Different Display Modes 】
In addition to a "Regular Mode," a "Full Mode" is available to display the game in full screen.

3.【 Difficulty Levels 】
In "Story Mode," "Easy" and "Normal" options are available. "Easy" mode includes helpful modifications to make platforming a bit easier for beginners. For more agile action gamers, they can skip straight to "Normal" mode to test their skills.

4.【 Ranking Mode with Game Center Support 】
"Ranking Mode" encourages players to compete with others. In "Score Attack," aim for a high score in each stage to earn higher ranks. Additional modes will be added in future updates.

5.【 80 Challenges with Game Center Support 】
There are 20* challenges in the opening stage of "Story Mode" alone and a total of 80 challenges overall to keep players aiming for high scores and higher rankings.

*The first 20 challenges are not supported by Game Center.

6.【 Support Items Provide Advantages for Game play 】
When reinforcement items are not immediately available or for an immediate power up, the "Customize" screen allows players to readily access helpful items like "full armor," "full weapon" and more through in-app purchases*. A "perfect set" provides the best chances for beating the tough enemies. Players can also customize the music by selecting between the in-game back ground music or an arranged version.

*To purchase the items, 3G or Wi-Fi environment is necessary.

-----------------------------------------------------------------

◆Operating Controls

Move・・・・・Direction button
Shot・・・Attack button
Jump・・・Jump button
Change Weapon・・・Change Weapon button on the right top

Quick Change・・・Touch the top of the game screen. And scrolling a finger right and left, can change the weapon quickly and easily.
Dismounting Ride Arm・・・Tap the icon on the right side of the screen

The "Green Biker Dude" Gets His Own Game

2011-12-19T20:33:00.004-06:00

Many acts of great bravery were performed by the Maverick Hunters during the Great War, but none more admirable than the Green Biker Dude's selfless charge into battle. Green Biker Dude's brief but heroic moment in Mega Man X2 has garnered a considerable following in way of fan-art and musical tributes. But fangames? Well, he finally got his due.

Here we have the aptly titled "Green Biker Dude" by Blyka, a side-scrolling fan-game starring GBD in his own PC adventure. Set before the events of Mega Man X2, players take on the role of GBD as they hone their wheelie skills for battle:

"Challenge the main "story" mode, blasting enemies for score as you race hard to the finish of the four tracks, ending with a boss battle and the tragic story of Green Biker Dude. Brush up on your racing skills in Time Attack mode, where you leave behind score and enemies and race hard for the best possible time. Submit your highest score and best times to the Global Records to compete with players around the world, or battle and chase with a friend locally in VS mode. "

If you like what you see, you can download the game at Blyka's Door. The GBD devoted will no doubt get a kick out of this.

Thanks for the heads up, Blyka!

Capcom Looking To Develop Rockman Pachinko

2011-12-18T20:39:00.012-06:00

Having tackled practically every genre under the sun, Rockman may be headed to the uncharted waters of pachislot. According to a report from 100,000 Strong (via Yahoo! Japan), Capcom are seeking out programmers to help develop pachinko games based off of Rockman, Resident Evil, Street Fighter and Sengoku Basara properties:

“Capcom is now looking to hire an experienced game programmer under a one year contract. We want to make a fun electronic slot machine using characters such as Mega Man, Ryu, and Zombies. Once hired, you will be in charge of this project from planning to completion.”

In Japan, it’s pretty common for video games to have pachinko machines. I'm actually surprised its taken this long for a Rockman pachislot to come around! But, Rockman is no stranger to the arcade/gambling scene in Japan. The Blue Bomber previously starred in a fast and frantic pinball game, and a highly obscure Rockman X3-themed roulette machine some years back.

Today's pachinko machines are more than just cabinets for spinning metal balls. New machines even feature large LCD displays and surround to keep players engaged. I'm sure Capcom has some interesting ideas up their sleeves to make the whole experience very "Rockmany."

More news on this story as it comes!

Cover and Solicitation For Mega Man #12

2011-12-18T02:04:00.014-06:00

New solicitation and cover artwork for Archie’s Mega Man #12 is live, which intends to cap off the Mega Man 2-inspired story arc, "The Return of Dr. Wily." The cover, alone, is enough to make anyone want this issue instantly! But alas, we have to wait until March 2012.

"This is it, the grand finale of “The Return Of Dr. Wily!” Dr. Wily has hidden himself in his latest fortress and surrounded himself with killer robots as he plots his counter-attack.

Can Mega Man breach the defenses and stop the mad scientist in time? Maybe not alone — but the Original Robot Masters have got his back! It’s all-out robot warfare in the explosive conclusion!" ---- 32 pages, $2.99.

Well fancy that... the cover art is a reinterpretation of the European Mega Man 2 packaging! Quite the improvement, wouldn't you say? And really, Dr. Wily’s “Seal of Disapproval” is just the icing on the cake. Splendid work on behalf of Patrick 'Spaz' Spaziante!

Credit: The Mega Man Network via Comics Continuum

Happy 24th Anniversary, Mega Man!

2011-12-16T15:28:00.003-06:00

It's the wee morning hours of December 17th in Japan right now, so it's official: our beloved Mega Man / Rockman has turned 24-years-old. Hard to believe it's been really that long since A.K and Keiji Inafune first introduced us to the Blue Bomber. Time certainly flies, doesn't it?

The year 2011 wasn't a particularly good one for the blue boy. Things started off just fine, yes; but within the span of four months, everything went kaput. Development of Mega Man Universe ceased in late March, followed by the inexplicable cancellation of Mega Man Legends 3 in July. The latter really struck a chord. But in its wake arose the most ambitious Mega Man fan-campaign yet, uniting fans across the world toward a common goal. “Get Me off the Moon” has since grown into a paragon of perseverance, and I sincerely hope their efforts will pay off.

But not all has been doom and gloom. From what has been an abysmal year for Mega Man games come the remarkable efforts on behalf of Archie Comics, UDON Entertainment, Kotobukiya and Bandai. These partners have done an admirable job at keeping Mega Man alive in their respective forms, be it comics or plastic. From comics and graphic novels to action figures and model kits, this was a tough year not to spend money!

The road ahead is... well, uncertain. I really wish more could be said about stuff to look forward to. Yeah, there will always be a steady flow of merchandise in the future. But the games? It's all up in the air right now. I cling to the hope that something worthwhile is in the works for the franchise's 25th anniversary. Something has to happen on that front.

All-in-all, this has definitely been a memorable year for all the wrong reasons. BUT, I am confident that things will straighten out. The Blue Bomber is too iconic a character and brand to disappear into thin air. And we, the fans, are too passionate to let that happen.

To better days ahead, my friends.

What Are the Chances of Mega Man 9 & 10 Going Retail?

2011-12-16T02:07:00.006-06:00

Yesterday, Capcom announced the Xbox 360 exclusive Capcom Digital Collection, which bundles eight XBLA games on a single disc including 1942: Joint Strike and Super Street Fighter II, among others. Fantastic idea.... just one problem: no Mega Man.

Inexplicably omitted from the collection, the Blue Bomber's finest digital titles; Mega Man 9 and Mega Man 10. Naturally, the news has caused a bit of a knee-jerk reaction. You know, the usual "Capcom has abandoned Mega Man!!111" spiel.

But all is not entirely a lost cause. In a recent post at the Ask Capcom forums, Christian Svensson fielded a question on whether one could expect a disc-based Mega Man 9/10 bundle in the future. His reply:

"Just two games, probably not. We'll see how the first compilation does and if it hits expectations, maybe we'll take a stab at a 2nd one that could potentially include those others (and some other stuff too)."

It's not a stretch to imagine a hypothetical Capcom Digital Collection Volume 2. After all, the current collection is missing out on Marvel Vs. Capcom 2 and Bionic Commando: Rearmed. Throw Mega Man 9 and 10 in the mix, and you've got yourself a mighty fine product. I

So where do you sit with all of this? Would you like to see Mega Man 9/10 finally receive a disc release and fill that void on your Mega Man shelf? Sound off in the comments! More info on the Digital Collection can be found at Capcom Unity.

Thanks for the tip, Jimb0!

Mega Man Star Force Reaches Fifth Anniversary

2011-12-14T21:14:00.004-06:00

Had it not been for a few vocal tipsters, this would have totally slipped my radar. Today marks the fifth anniversary of the Mega Man Star Force! The first game in the series, spanning across three versions, released in Japan on December 14th, 2006. Goodness time certainly flies! It feels like just yesterday the original teaser trailer hit the web:

Mega Man Star Force began life under the tentative title of "Rebirth of Rockman ZN." The ZN project aimed to succeed the Battle Network series, concurrently ushering in the franchise's 20th anniversary. It wasn't until the summer of 2006 that the game was officially dubbed Ryuusei no Rockman (Shooting Star Rockman). That winter, Pegasus, Leo and Dragon versions blasted to store shelves in Japan. In total, the games collectively moved 593,675 units by the end of 2007.

Although things seemed like they were off to a good start, the series never quite found its footing financially. Beginning with Star Force 2, sales entered a death spiral.

Failing to meet projections, SF2 would go on to sell far less than its predecessor. By 2008, both version sold a meager 291,962 units combined. SF2's lackluster performance spelled the end for numerous cross-media ventures. In fact, Star Force 3 marked the first time in a little under a decade a "network timeline" game was not accompanied with an televised animated series or toy line. Star Force's financial viability reached an all time low.

Star Force 3 would go on to sell the worst of the lot -- Black Ace and Red Joker, in total, sold 174,426 copies by year's end. What's really sad about that is the game actually met Capcom's projected forecast. Capcom had little faith in Star Force 3 from the get-go!

In the end, Star Force couldn't hold a candle to the success that was Mega Man Battle Network; a brand that kept Capcom fed and happy for nearly ten years. Operate Shooting Star did little for the ailing series. Failing to live up to its potential (a crossover between Battle Network and Star Force), the game was met with negative criticism from fans of both series. Sales were ultimately lackluster.

It's hard to say what the future holds for the network timeline. Despite its shortcomings, there exists a truly passionate fanbase for this particular series. So long as the fan voice is there, there's always a chance for something like Star Force 4 or true crossover.

iOS Mega Man X Feels Good, No Current Plans For Console Port

2011-12-13T14:09:00.004-06:00

As awesome as a revamped Mega Man X port sounds, not everyone is entirely sold on the product.

Capcom has tried Mega Man on iOS before with Mega Man 2. It was, for lack of a better word, abysmal. The less-than-stellar touch controls failed to conform to MM2's pinpoint accuracy. Mega Man X requires just as, if not more precision in terms of jumping and combat; it's no wonder the upcoming iOS version has some fans worried.

However, these issues may be a thing of the past. Two Capcom staffers, Christian Svensson and Brett Elston, have stepped up to the plate to assure fans things control just fine.

"Having played through a build of this last week, let me say that I had no difficulty doing things that I thought I wouldn't be able to do on a touch device," writes Svensson. "It feels good." Elston, meanwhile, took to Twitter to share a similar experience. "I can't comment on its availability, but I can say it handles much better than the mobile MM2 I played many years ago :)"

Speaking of availability, there's been a moderate demand for the game to make the jump over to home consoles. Unfortunately, those plans aren't in the cards right now. Christian Svensson adds, "I do understand people would like to see this on other platforms. That's not currently the plan but we'll see what happens."

We'll have to make do with the iOS version for now, but you never know. Mega Man X is slated to hit the Japanese App Store sometime this month. Pricing and any release outside of Japan aren't yet confirmed, but we'll certainly be keeping our fingers crossed for news soon.

"Another Sun" Singer Publicly Supports Legends 3 Revival

2011-12-11T12:41:00.015-06:00

Morishita Reika, who sung the theme song for the original Rockman DASH, has come out and publicly pledged her support for the tenacious efforts to reinstate Mega Man Legends 3. Word comes from her official blog, translated by Team Legends:

"As everyone might know, "Another Sun", which is my 7th single, was also the theme song for "Rockman DASH." I heard that this song and "Anata no kaze ga fuku kara" ("Your wind is blowing"), which was the subtrack for that single, have been supported by a lot of DASH fans. They even went so far as to refer to it as a godly song! So I thought, "Wow, were those songs really that powerful?" I've just recently become aware of it.

Another thing I recently noticed was that "Rockman DASH3" was axed just before its release! Oh my, that is so sad! Capcom, I wanted to work with you together again~

I wish for them to release DASH3 so that I can tie-up my business composing a reprise for "Another Sun" and "Your Wind Is Blowing."

Naturally, Reika's opinion is already being met with open arms by the Get Me Off the Moon masses.

And for the record, Reika is not the super secret supporter I've been teasing on my Twitter. That news is still forthcoming. When? I can't say. Nonetheless, it's something to look forward to. Keep your expectations in check and I think you'll end up pleasantly surprised.

Source: Get Me Off the Moon

Bizarre Mega Man Cartoon Soundtracks Analyzed

2011-12-11T00:07:00.002-06:00

Music is an intricate component to the Mega Man franchise. The convergence of different sounds and instruments has produced some of the most memorable soundtracks in gaming history.

Ruby-Spear certainly took that to heart when setting out to adapt the series for animation; their efforts culminating in a generally interesting musical score (with a rad theme song to boot). Unfortunately, the score never quite got the album treatment it deserved.

Destructoid's Tony Ponce takes us on a trip back to the 90's to explore the insanely offbeat Mega Man cartoon albums that, essentially, have very little in common with the show. The soundtracks, both released in 1996, were a dumping ground of Mega Man-inspired thrash songs, tasteless hip-hop, and amateur metal bands. Today, the soundtracks are a great commentary on record labels trying to cash in on a popular name.

Posted on the Offbeat Hall of Fame you'll find a detailed analysis on both disks, along with (gulp) samples. The contents are just so bizarre, trippy even, that I'm almost certain Capcom/Ruby-Spears regrets ever licensing it.

Those brave enough to learn more can head on down to the Offbeat Hall of Fame.

Amazon Discounts Mega Man Star Force DVD Set

2011-12-10T16:24:00.003-06:00

Still looking for that perfect holiday gift for the Mega Man Star Force fan in your life? If you don't mind Viz Media's handiwork, and have have a region-free DVD player or live in the UK, then this deal is for you!

Amazon UK are selling new copies of the Mega Man Star Force DVD box set at a ridiculous low price of £4.97 (roughly $7.75). What's more, third party seller 666 Media are reportedly selling the set even lower. How's £1.95 ($1.38) sound? Not a bad deal at all, especially if you were holding out for a price drop.

For those not in the know, Viz's Star Force dub was only released on DVD in Europe. The box set contains all thirteen dubbed episodes that aired on the now-defunct Toonami Jetstream service. No Japanese voice track here, I'm afraid. For one reason or another, Manga Entertainment opted not to include a Japanese voice track for this release.

If that doesn't bother you, it couldn't hurt to look into this reasonably priced set. Stock is limited, so nab it while you can. Click the above links to order!

Thanks for the tip, Tim!

Revamped Rockman X Blasting To iOS This Month (Updated)

2011-12-08T20:57:00.032-06:00

Capcom Japan has announced that the original Rockman X will be available on iPhone later this month. The "powered up" iOS version will sport optimized graphics, touch controls and an all-new ranking mode via Game Center.

Pricing and release date specifics are forthcoming. What's more, there's no news yet on a western release. The game is currently penned exclusively for Japan. Naturally, I'll update you on the situation should word surface. UPDATE: According to Andrisang, the game will have 80 challenges to conquer. It remains to be seen if this is a new game mode or achievements.

Interesting news, to say nothing of unexpected. But to be perfectly honest, I shudder at the thought of playing X1 with a touch-based UI. It's one of those games that pretty much requires force-feedback. Throwing your controller in frustration is one thing, but throwing your phone is far worse! Let's just hope things are a bit more touch-friendly than the less-than-stellar iOS port of Mega Man 2.

Graphically, things look pretty spiffy. I can't quite put my finger on it, but something seems a little... off?

Source: Famitsu App

Mega Man Remains A Key Brand, Says Capcom

2011-12-08T14:57:00.014-06:00

Over at Game Informer, a new interview has been posted with Christian “Sven” Svensson, Capcom's VP of strategic planning and business development. Among topics, he discusses the present status of the Mega Man franchise, which as you no doubt know, has seen better days. His words are a bit reassuring, to say the least:

Game Informer: Mega Man has played an important role in Capcom’s catalogue for many years, but recently he’s been missing in action. Is the mascot’s absence part of a larger plan to refocus at Capcom?

Svensson: Change has been a constant during my six years at Capcom (vastly for the positive) but I want to be crystal clear on this point. Mega Man is a key brand for Capcom and will remain so. I don’t have any products we’ve announced publicly that I can point to and say “see, I told you” but there are “top men” (“top men”? “Yes, top men”) within Capcom thinking about the future of the brand and where it’s going. We will have official announcements in due course.

=============

You'll find some more Mega Man talk on page 2.

The only thing we can be certain of is that Capcom is indeed analyzing and evaluating a roadmap for Mega Man. In spite of the many mishaps of 2011, it sounds like they're being proactive right now.

When these announcements will be made remains to be seen. However, something tells me that after the implosion of Universe and Legends 3, Capcom won't be saying anything until things are primed and ready. All we can do now is continue to be patient.

Source: GoNintendo

More Mega Man Swag On The Way

2011-12-06T22:57:00.003-06:00

Great Eastern Entertainment are once again prepping another round of new officially licensed Mega Man products. The latest bounty isn't due out until March 30, 2012, but distributors are already prepping pre-orders. Have a look:

First up: a fleece Proto Man helmet cap. Who didn't see this coming? Complements the plush buster/fleece Mega Man cap perfectly. The shades are a nice addition, although the positioning has me thinking they've been relegated to a forehead warmer. UPDATE: As reader MegaMac pointed out, you can make out a netted see-through material on the shades. Looks like they do go over your eyes!

Moving along: Extend your love of the Blue Bomber to your shoulders with the Mega Man Powered Up back pack -- an ideal accessory for lugging around GE's other assorted Mega Man goodies on the way. Finally, we have some small trinkets: stickers and magnet sets. Not much to say about these guys, really. Powered Up certainly seems to be a popular choice for GE... and who can blame them? Cute sells.

Again, everything seen above will ship to specialty retailers in late March, per request. You can't order these items normal means (for the time being), but you can request a local retailer to stock up on them. Click on the above links for instructions.

That's all from Great Eastern for now. I imagine more goodies will be revealed in the coming months. GE are on a roll with no sign of slowing down!

Happy 20th Anniversay, Rockman 4!

2011-12-06T15:30:00.006-06:00

One of my personal favorites turned 20-years-old today. Rockman 4 blasted onto store shelves in Japan on December 6th, 1991.

Fans are split on where they stand with Mega Man 4. Some love it to pieces, others despise it. The love/hate relationship is rooted in MM4's gameplay; an attempt to push the franchise's gameplay into new territory. This ambition, alone, would go on to create a rift in the fanbase. You came out of Mega Man 4 either embracing the changes, or left with a bad taste in your mouth.

The presence of the Charge Shot in particular seems to be the instigator -- to some, it's an excellent addition to the tried-and-true gameplay. To others, it was a game breaker; an anomaly that disrupted a formula that wasn't broken to begin with. And then there's the wide range of diverse opinions about level design, Robot Masters, weapons and plot. It goes on and on, really.

Again, you either love it or hate it. Truly, I fall into the former. To me, MM4 pushed the boundaries -- tried some new things and, for the most part, succeeded.

At its core, Mega Man 4 offers enough variation from its predecessors to be unique. Familiar challenges boasted some new twists, the story (initially) threw us for a loop, menu screens were streamlined and slick, and two sets of solid castle stages helped make MM 4 into one of the longer adventures. Oh, and the music. Yummy stuff. Most of the tunes are diverse and fairly catchy. To this day, I often find myself finger or foot tapping to the beats.

While not my all-time favorite Mega Man game, Mega Man 4 does rank highly on my list. By no means is it perfect -- some aspects could have used some extra polish, but as a whole, Mega Man 4 stands proud as the underdog. And hey, I think we can all appreciate MM4 for introducing us to Eddie -- that lovable walking suitcase.

So take some time today to reflect on Mega Man 4. Of course, feel free to share your thoughts in the comments!

Amazon Lists Mega Man Trade Paperback Volume 3

2011-12-04T13:15:00.001-06:00

Amazon has posted a pre-order listing for the third trade paperback compilation of Archie's Mega Man comic book series. Chronicling the complete "Return of Dr. Wily" story arc, this handy book will retail for $11.99, due out on August 28, 2012. The release date is certainly a long ways away, but appropriate given the fact the story arc won't begin distribution until a bit later this month.

The Return of Dr. Wily is a four-part adaption of the events of Mega Man 2, written by Ian Flynn, art by Ben Bates. Wily returns to set his evil ambitions in motion with the help of his own set of home-grown Robot Masters. Designed solely for combat, the likes of Quick Man, Flash Man, and the rest of the lot are primed and ready to lay down a world of hurt on the blue bomber. The fight for everlasting piece won't be a cake walk in the slightest.

Amazon's product description is devoid of bonus features; but if tradition holds true, we can expect Volume 3 to house a collection variant covers, exclusive sketches and other extras. Stay tuned for more info!

Toast, Mega Man! For Everlasting Peace!

2011-12-03T17:33:00.003-06:00

Toasters aren't usually very exciting to look at, but all it takes is one creative person to turn a run-of-the-mill kitchen appliance into an awesome work of art. John MacInnis, a student of Industrial Design at the Wentworth Institute of Technology, is just that person. Lo and behold, the Mega Man toaster:

"For this project we needed to pick a cartoon/video game character and create a toaster specifically for them," writes MacInnis. "I chose my all time favorite character, Mega Man."

Mind you, this isn't a real working toaster -- it's a conceptual design made from "half renshape, half love." But who are we kidding? Working or not, this is a pretty cool concept! It has "do want" written all over it.

Fund it, Capcom.

More of John's work viewable at Coroflot

Mega Man #1 Seeing Special Edition Reprint For Free Comic Book Day

2011-12-02T16:37:00.017-06:00

This year, Free Comic Book Day falls on May 5th, 2012, and Archie will be participating with a special edition of Mega Man issue #1: Let the Games Begin! The free issue sports an all-new colorized cover, featuring artwork by Chad Thomas.

The prospect of a free issue allows new readers a chance to test the waters, all the while giving collectors another reason to repurchase issue #1. Smart move on Archie's part. What's particularly neat about all this is the bragging rights; out of hundreds if not thousands of comics, Mega Man #1 was chosen to represent FCBD, under the Gold sponsorship, no less.

“We had a record amount of entries from publishers this year with more than forty-five different titles”, says FCBD spokesperson Leslie Jackson. “Retailers on the committee had a tough time deciding on which titles to choose for Gold sponsorship, but we’re sure fans will be pleased with the line-up for next year.”

It's quite an honor to see Mega Man thrown into this honorable tradition, especially when you take a look at the other participating FCBD brand-name titles from Star Wars and Transformers, to The Simpsons and Peanuts. Our blue boy's in the big leagues now!

Those interested, you can find a complete list of all FCBD comics in the January issue of Diamond Comic Distributors’ preview catalog, sold at all comic book shops on December 28.

Source: Comic Culture

The Legendary TOM-PON Talks Nicknames

2011-12-02T16:20:00.001-06:00

Staying on top of those fun-filled interviews between Ucchy-san and Capcom’s Naoya Tomita? If so, you'll be happy to know the latest installment in the ongoing video series is live. This time around, the legendarily TOM-PON talks about Rockman staff nicknames -- not just his own, but even Inafune's former "Inafking" callsign. Be sure to enable Closed Captioning on the video to see the subtitles.

You can find more TOM-PON interviews on Capcom Unity!

Rockman X4 Mobile: Zero Version Dated

2011-12-01T16:04:00.011-06:00

Mobile phony savvy fans won't have to wait too long to play as Zero in Rockman X4 mobile. According to our friend overseas, CapKobun, Zero version will blast its way onto the Capcom Party service on January 5th, 2012.

For those not in the know, Capcom will be porting Rockman X4 to mobile phones, splitting the game in two parts. Rockman X's storyline (X Version) debuted earlier today, which also comes with an all-new network based ranking mode.

X4 mobile is being being touted as Capcom's highest quality cellphone game yet, with authentic gameplay and sound. I've little doubt the sound will be top-notch, but gameplay? I dunno. Those screenshots have me wincing. I think "Rockman X4: Claustrophobic Version" is a more suitable name for this particular product.

But hey, who knows. Maybe this will turn out to be a solid on-the-go port. If all goes well, Rockman X5 mobile is pretty much a done deal.. Not sure if the whole splitting the game in two will work there...

In Case You Haven't Heard, Mega Man X2 Due For Wii Virtual Console

2011-11-30T19:15:00.003-06:00

Yeah, I'm a little late with this one, but it’s worth talking about just the same.

Some months back, the ESRB rated Mega Man X2 for the Wii Virtual console. Things were quiet on that front up until a few days ago when Capcom Japan confirmed the game for a December release. Meanwhile, the Australian Classification Database has officially awarded the game with a PG certification, thus confirming the X2's Virtual Console distribution in that region. So if it wasn't clear enough: Mega Man X2 is coming to the Virtual Console.

Australia and North America tend to get Virtual Console releases weeks to months after Japan, so we can probably look forward to a late 2011/early 2012 release. No idea what's up with Europe, I'm afraid. Those folks are still patiently awaiting X1!

So if all the X-related merchandise wasn't enough to deplete your Zenny, be on the lookout for X2. Awfully lot of Mega Man X love lately, what with all the figures, trinkets and classic game re-releases. Gauging interest in something are we, Capcom? Hm...

Thanks for the tips, everyone.

Request Mega Man Albums For Capcom Store

2011-11-30T00:03:00.002-06:00

Much to the dismay of international fans, official Mega Man albums have been predominately sold exclusively in Japan for several years. With your help, however, that may soon change.

In a thread on Capcom Unity, Christian “Sven” Svensson has put the call out for album requests, which might just make their way over to the Capcom Store. Your task is simple: if there's a specific Mega Man album you want to see -- be it the remastered Rockman Zero soundtracks, or We are ROCKMEN! -- request it at this thread here. No guarantee your requests will come to fruition, but really it couldn't hurt to show some support.

It might be a good idea to limit requests to soundtracks that came out within the last year or two. Anything before that is likely out-of-print. Doubtful Capcom would produce fresh new copies of, say the Rockman X7 soundtrack just for North America. It'll be far easier to stock up on discs that continue to be produced (and sold) today. But hey, you never know.

Drop your wish lists off here.

Artwork courtesy of Coramune

Hitoshi Ariga Interprets Mega Man 9 & 10 Foes

2011-11-28T12:41:00.012-06:00

Hitoshi Ariga, writer/artist for the Megamix and Gigamix line of Mega Man manga, has been drawing up a storm over at his official deviantART account. More recently, the artist tried his hand at interpreting some of the more quirky enemies from Mega Man 9 and Mega Man 10. Doubtful these pieces relate to his mysterious new project, but they're well worth a gander if you're an Ariga nut. Commentary below:

Mega Man 9 Piece
- Octopus minion: "I made the legs similar to existing squid/octopus type robots, and went with Springer type eyes."
- Stone mid-boss: "I felt it didn't have enough "mecha flavor", so I added to that while still sticking to the "Mega Man" vibe."
- Elephant mid-boss: "I thought this mid-boss didn't fit in well with the other mid-bosses of the series with respect to its proportions, so I tried to bring it closer to the dog mid-boss from MM2 and the hippo mid-boss from MM4."

Mega Man 10 Piece
- Light Bulb mid-boss: "It kinda bugged me that his eyes were ovals, so I made them circles instead."
- Ax minion: "The eyes on this one bugged me too. Looking back at the series, it was my opinion that this enemy should have had lenses for eyes."
- Snowman minion: "Since there is already one eye on the body, this character would end up with three eyes once its head had taken shape. I altered the eye on the body so that it would look like a button instead once the head was in place. The eye is similar to the eyes used on the raccoon minion from MM6."
================

Seeing this only fuels my desire for an Ariga-esque Mega Man game. I think we're well overdue for something like that. Ariga's style is practically begging to be immortalized in polygons, sprites, or what have you. One day, maybe.

Ariga's deviantART is home to a wealth of personal illustrations of not only Mega Man stuff, but other video game characters as well. Be sure to check it out!

The Coolest Rush Cake You'll Ever See

2011-11-27T12:49:00.002-06:00

We've seen some amazing Mega Man-themed pastries here at Rockman Corner; the amount of creativity and hard work that goes into these scrumptious creations never ceases to amaze. Just when I though I'd seen it all, Yummy Pixels comes along with this:

Mega Man's faithful canine companion Rush is a master of transformation -- but this latest form certainly takes the cake. Kat, the self taught baker of Yummy Pixels, whipped up this Rush Jet cake for her husband's birthday:

"I was thinking of doing Rush early on but hesitated at first. The last time I did a character cake (Kirby), it was kind of sad to cut into it… But! I went ahead and made a cake of him anyway since Buckley likes the Megaman series so much. I chose his jet form since he’s lying down and is mostly flat.

This cake ended up larger than I originally planned. I accidentally made his head too big, which meant making everything else bigger to be proportional. He is made from lemon-orange cake and rice krispies. His head, body, and 2 front paws are carved from cake. The rest of the parts are rice krispie treats molded into shape."

While it may look delicious, I think we can all agree it would be hard taking a knife to this masterpiece. And standing on it wouldn't be too bright, either.

More photos of the cake available at Yummy Pixels. While you're there, be sure to check out Kat's other masterpieces, like the Sandvich!

Hardcover Mega Man Tribute On Sale This Weekend

2011-11-26T00:52:00.001-06:00

In honor of the biggest shopping period of the year, UDON Entertainment are offering Mega Man Tribute at half off. The hardcover edition, no less. UDON's Matt Moylan sends the good word:

"Just $39.99 (regular $79.99 – that’s a $40 savings!!) Save half-off this exclusive hardcover edition of our Mega Man Tribute book, featuring hundreds of international artists paying tribute to the Blue Bomber! This limited edition hardcover version features exclusive cover art by Mega Man manga artist Hitoshi Ariga (Megamix, Gigamix), and is only available direct from UDONstore.com."

Not a bad deal if you ask me! If you've yet to snag Mega Man Tribute for yourself, now might be an ideal time to act. Of course, if you already have it, you can't go wrong with gifting it to somebody!

Though the sale lasts all weekend, one can never anticipate when stock will deplete. Purchase your copy ASAP while supplies last!

Thanks for the heads up, Matt!

Great Adventure On The Five Islands Part 1-6 and 1-7

2011-11-25T22:00:00.000-06:00

Apologies for not posting this one sooner... let's just say Thanksgiving at the Protodude family home has been rather hectic (for lack of a better word). Nonetheless, here are the final two parts of Get Me Off The Moon's 'Great Adventure On The Five Islands' fan dub.

Click here for Part 1-7!

Don't be mistaken: this is not the end of Great Adventure. Get Me Off the Moon are prepping a "second season", which kicks off a whole new story arc. Get Me Off The Moon has not shared when Episode 2-1 will hit, but sometime next week would be a safe assumption.

Stay tuned!

Rockman Online Q&A Session Part 2

2011-11-25T11:58:00.004-06:00

It took a little while, but NeoWiz has finally gotten around to answering another batch of Rockman Online questions. Unfortunately, this part of the Q&A didn't have very much better info than the last, nor does it contain your questions we collected. Eh, maybe next time.

In the meantime, our pal Amunshen strained the Q&A into a convenient summary of actual pertinent info:

The game is still on track to be a 2D scrolling platformer made with 3D models.
None of the game’s music will come from existing Mega Man games; it will be entirely original.
None of the game’s original characters (at least those conceived up until now) will be playable.
None of the game’s villain characters (such as Vile) will be playable.
There is no system for choosing to represent the URA or UCA.
Although the game looks based on the X series from appearance, the scenarios do not slant towards any particular series. That being said…
Sigma is the main villain of the game.
All playable characters have charged attacks.

A third Q&A post from NeoWiz is in the works, so hopefully they'll get around to the questions Amunshen collected. Hang tight!

Thanks for the translation, Amunshen!

Original Mega Man Cartoon Pitch Unearthed

2011-11-24T22:27:00.020-06:00

At long, long last we have ourselves footage of the elusive promotional video used to pitch the Ruby-Spears Mega Man cartoon before the show was "Americanized". A rare look at what could have been, The Mega Man Homepage has uploaded the original footage in its entirety. And it's awesome.

Click here to watch!

The promo tape features two-minutes worth of never-before-seen footage of a significantly different Ruby-Spears cartoon. In its early stages, the show featured aesthetics incredibly faithful to the art direction of the games, with a style largely influenced by Keiji Inafune's character designs.

When the show was finally picked up and green-lit into production, however, Ruby-Spears gave it a complete overhaul. The anime style was ditched; suddenly Mega Man became a buffed-up American Super Hero, cheesy one liners and all. Hey, at least the theme song was catchy.

We aren't exactly sure why the art direction changed, but The Mechanical Maniacs' has a pretty good theory:

"In the early 90's anime hadn't taken off yet. The biggest shows were Batman: the animated Series, X-Men, and Spider-Man. These shows were probably considered Mega Man's main competition and the show we got falls into line with these shows as opposed to any other shows on at the time. Furthermore, if you watch the OVAs, you'll see that they're preoccupied with teaching foreigners about Japanese culture. An admiral attempt, but I don't think it went over very well as many characteristics that might have been deemed "Japanese" were taken out."

Regardless the reason, I'm very happy to finally see this footage with my own eyes. It's a true sight to behold! Bit of a shame this version never came to fruition.

Thanks for the tip, RADIX!

D-Arts News Round-up: Comic Version Zero Revealed, Ride Armor Confirmed?

2011-11-24T12:07:00.003-06:00

Tamashii Nation 2011 isn't kicking off until tomorrow, but already we have ourselves some tantalizing D-Arts news. Full color prototypes of Zero Type 2 and Vile have been spotted at the exhibit and, well, they look fantastic:

Aside from the apparent confirmation of a Z-Saber, we've no word on additional accessories and doodads set to ship with Zero Type 2. Same goes for Vile; no indication of accessories, pricing, and release date just yet. I imagine that news will be coming along shortly. Even so, there they are in vibrant color.

Also spotted at the exhibit, a D-arts Zero "Comic Version" and... a Ride Armor?

The marker below Zero there indicates a THIRD D-Arts Zero is in the works, and much like Comic Version X, it will be based off of Yoshihiro Iwamoto’s interpretation of the character. Speculation says the figure could go on sale tomorrow alongside Comic Version X, but we've no official confirmation on that. Click here for a close-up.

And then there's that Ride Armor conveniently placed behind Vile. It's hard to say at this point if the figure will actually be sold, or if it's nothing more than part of a promotional display. Bandai has been known to decorate D-arts displays with items and knick knacks that never made it to retail. Hopefully that's not the case.

Stay tuned for more D-Arts news shortly!

Credit: The Mega Man Network

Rockman X4 Mobile Screens, Zero Version Due In 2012

2011-11-23T23:23:00.006-06:00

Hot on the heels of our previous report, Rockman Unity has released a small helping of Rockman X4: Rockman X Version screenshots. Graphically, things look just as spiffy as they did on the Sony PlayStation and Sega Saturn. But, because this is a mobile phone port, screen resolution had to be significantly cropped down:

Rockman Unity also confirmed the production of Rockman X4: Zero Version, due for release in January, 2012. Confirming previous speculations, Rockman X4 is being partitioned into two separate games starring X/Zero respectively. The split was done in order to preserve the quality and authenticity of the original game, released back in 1997.

X Version begins distribution on December 1st for 525 Yen (roughly $6.55), exclusively to NTT Docomo FOMA905i and 705i series phones via the Capcom Party internet service.

Source: Rockman Unity

Rockman X4 Going Mobile In Japan

2011-11-23T16:14:00.007-06:00

According to CAP Kobun and Tarbosan, Capcom announced on their mobile site that they intend to release a cell phone version of Rockman X4 on December 1st in Japan. The game will be released for Docomo FOMA905i and 705i series phones.

For the most part, the game is a port of the original PlayStation version; however, only X will be playable. The port carries the subtitle of "X Version", so it would seem a separate version starring Zero will be released at a later date.

Rockman X4: X Version will run you 525 Yen (about $6.55). Very little doubt you'll see this one stateside, I'm afraid. Gotta admit, I grow jealous over all the lovely Rockman games on mobile phones in Japan. Is it simply too much to ask for something along these lines to make it to my side of the pond?

Source: CAP Kobun, Tarbosan

Rockman Unity Teases D-Arts Zero Version 2.0

2011-11-23T02:30:00.010-06:00

The minute I laid eyes on Bandai's Full Armor Rockman X, I just knew a "Zero 2.0" D-Arts was just around the corner. Lo and behold, it is.

Rockman Unity's Ucchy-san is teasing the production of yet another D-Arts figure from Bandai. In spite of Ucchy's best efforts to obscure the image, one can easily make out the visage of Zero, sporting his famous Rockman X2 armor. Yep, Bandai's finally making the Zero figure you've been waiting for.

Beginning with Rockman X2, Zero received a bulkier armor that incorporated shoulder guards, gold trimming, and the character's trademark weapon, the Z-Saber. No doubt, fans disappointed in the design of the original D-Arts Zero figure (based off of his X1 armor) will be happy to know an X2 variation is coming along. And hey, it looks like they fixed the hair mold, too.

Unfortunately, Ucchy neglected to provide additional details, cryptically asking readers to "stay tuned." More info is expected to surface at this weekend's Tamashii Nation 2011 event in Akihabara. Until then, well, you heard the man: stay tuned!

Source: Rockman Unity

Mega Man Goods On Sale This Weekend At Zazzle

2011-11-23T00:12:00.004-06:00

Capcom have decided to hop aboard the Black Friday bandwagon, appropriately slashing prices on all products offered at their online Zazzle store. If you've been toying around with the idea of scoring some Mega Man swag for the holidays, but haven’t taken the plunge, then this deal is for you.

Using the handy-dandy Promo Code, CAPCOMRULE20, you can save 20% on all products from Zazzle's Mega Man wing. There you can browse designs and then customize products to your liking. T-shirts, mugs, skateboards, aprons, and even doggie shirts, if you name it, you can slap Mega Man on it!

Of course, if Mega Man isn't your thing (why are you here?), the promo code can be used with all other Capcom/Zazzle products themed after Street Fighter, Ace Attorney, and even Power Stone. You can find all of Zazzle's Capcom products here.

If Zazzle's offerings tickle your fancy, grab your Zenny and be sure to take advantage of this sale.
Gotta say, I like that 8-bit Abbey Road design a lot. I see a new coffee mug in my future...

Source: Capcom-Unity

Fight, Lockman! For Everlasting Peace!

2011-11-21T20:59:00.008-06:00

Bicycles are widely used in Japan as a mainstream form of transportation. People of all ages and social standings rely on cycling to get around, so you can imagine how important it is to keep your bike locked up when not in use. Choosing a bike lock that's fit for your needs is no easy task, what with so many to choose from. Fortunately, one mom-and-pop business has summoned the likeness of Rockman to help them come out on top.

Meet Lockman. He's here to sell you bicycle locks at affordable prices! The mascot of a local hardware store in Japan, Lockman makes for an appropriate poster child because of a convenient pun on Rockman's name. In the Japanese language, it's difficult to recognize the difference between L and R, because the sounds fall into the ra/ri/ru/re/ro liquid category. Therefore both L and R are pronounced as a single phoneme. So 'Rockman' often sounds like 'Lockman'. It's quite punny.

Lockman here has become something of a miniature imageboard meme over the last couple days -- well on his way to cult status. It's only a matter of time before the fan art starts pouring in! A "Mr. Lockman" crossover is inevitable.

Source: Omaketeki

The Mega Maniest Car On Earth

2011-11-21T16:32:00.005-06:00

Just how far is someone willing to go to express their affinity for Mega Man? We've seen tattoos, fanart, and even cake... but nothing comes quite as close as this. Spotted by the folks at Motorworld Hype, the untapped realm of Mega Man-themed car modifications has finally been realized:

What can I say? Mega Man fans are a passionate bunch. There's nothing wrong with allowing your Blue Bomber affinity to spread to other parts of your life. The attention to detail here is all kinds of wonderful -- maybe even a little too wonderful. It's not a stretch to say this Mega-mobile is a perfect meta-commentary on distractive driving.

Unfortunately, that's the only image we got on this lovely labor of love. Whoever owns this piece -- if you're reading this -- we'd love to see more!

Source: Motorworld Hype

Mega Man #11 Cover And Solicitation

2011-11-21T00:31:00.013-06:00

New solicitation and cover art for Archie’s Mega Man #11 is available, and from the looks of it, our blue boy will have his hands full. With events largely inspired by Mega Man 2, the penultimate issue of the "Return of Dr. Wily" story arc heats up as Mega Man fights back against the likes of Quick Man, Metal Man, and the rest of the MM2 gang. It's sure to be a doozy:

MEGA MAN #11 -- Written by Ian Flynn, art by Ben Bates and various, cover by Ben Bates.

"Dr. Wily Returns," Part 3. Mega Man has been in the fight of his life against Dr. Wily's eight new Robot Masters! Fearsome as they are, Quick Man has always been there to mock Mega Man and slow him down. Now, at long last, it's the showdown you've been waiting for! And you won't believe who shows up to help Mega Man at the eleventh hour! 32 pages, $2.99.

I gotta say, I'm really digging that cover art. Bates has done an admirable job of mimicking Inafune's trademark style. The color could use some work, but I'm sure things will loosen up a bit when this releases next yet. One more issue to go before we enter an all-new arc! The sooner we jump into Mega Man 3, the sooner we get to see Proto Man/Break Man's Archie debut!

In related Archie news, solicitation and cover art for the second tradepaper back volume is up. The 112-page book collects issue #5-8. According to Amazon, we can expect it to ship out on March, 20, 2012. Full details, images and more available at Comics Continuum.

Rockman X Hits Android Phones In Japan

2011-11-20T00:42:00.012-06:00

Capcom Japan has just announced a new mobile port of the original Rockman X for Android phones. The game is a 1:1 reproduction of the Super Famicom classic with all-new touch-based controls. Few pictures of the port exist at the moment, so make do with this pair for now:

Distribution of the game is currently limited to docomo-branded phones via Capcom Party. As with most mobile Rockman games, X1 requires a 315 Yen ($3.80) monthly fee.

To be perfectly honest, I shudder at the thought of playing X1 with touch-based controls. It's one of those games that pretty much requires force-feedback. Unless gameplay was tweaked to compensate touch-screen input (à la the iOS Mega Man 2 port), I highly doubt this will be an enjoyable port. Throwing your controller in frustration is one thing, but throwing your phone is much worse!

Source: Android Wire

Great Adventure On The Five Islands Episode 1-5

2011-11-19T12:55:00.000-06:00

Another week, another episode. Mega Man Volnutt continues his quest to thwart the Bonne family, who's up to no good, as per usual. The chase won't be an easy one: Reaverbots and Bonne forces lurk around every corner!

Need to play catch-up? Previous episodes can be found at Get Me Off the Moon's official YouTube channel here. Check back every week for new content!

An In-Depth Look At Kotobukiya's Localized Zero Kit

2011-11-19T00:02:00.010-06:00

Released in Japan back in October, Kotobukiya's localized Mega Man Zero model kit is headed stateside next month. In case your on the fence about this one, this extensive video review from Pixel Dan of the Pop Culture Network may help you make your decision.

Overall, the consensus is pretty darn good! If you're a fan of Kotobukiya's previous Mega Man kits, you can't go wrong with the red crusader. Pre-orders are up and running from a number of online retailers such as ToyWiz, Entertainment Earth, and elsewhere. Availability will increase as we approach December, so do keep an eye out.

It's worth mentioning the Japanese version is readily available right now, but the purpose of the localized version is to provide a budget-friendly, import-fee-less method of obtaining the kit within North America. This version is essentially the same as the former, save for the inclusion of translated portions of text and "Mega Man" branding.

Source: The Pop Culture Network

Rumor: Mega Man Playable In Street Fighter X Tekken

2011-11-17T11:30:00.015-06:00

The enigmatic Lupinko is at it again. The man who accurately leaked the entire vanilla Marvel Vs. Capcom 3 and Mortal Kombat 9 rosters (among other fighting titles), has recently hinted Mega Man (and Pac-Man) will be a playable guest character in the upcoming Street Fighter X Tekken.

Coming from Lupinko's Twitter...

"Everybody will love the yellow dude's style, but blue boy will cause lots of lols or lots of rage, wait and see! Excelsior!"

Street Fighter X Tekken is no stranger to guest characters, what with Cole (inFamous) Toro and Kuro (Sony cats) fleshing out the roster. Mega Man and Pac-Man, Capcom/Namco's respective mascots, seem like a fitting addition to an already diverse cast.

Compensation for Mega Man's MVC3 no-show? Hopefully. Lupinko has been spot on for the most part, so there's definitely some credence. And don't forget that ending bit from the game's announcement trailer. Suffice to say, that does support the rumor.

Better ready those grains of salt just in case.

Source: @Lupinko (Thanks, Clown Prince of Crime!)

Auction: Inflatable Mega Man Bop-Bag

2011-11-17T01:30:00.004-06:00

2011 has been nothing short of frustrating for our blue bomber. The year will go down in the books for singlehandedly shattering the faith of an entire fanbase; a year defined by broken promises and shattered expectations. Yes, we've all been feeling a bit disgruntled lately. But in lieu of bottling up that frustration, here's a great product to safely express those aggressive impulses: an inflatable Mega Man bop-bag.

From the depths of Ebay comes one of Jazware's more obscure Mega Man items -- a simple bop-bag produced in 2005, adorned in Mega Man X's likeness. While certainly not the biggest bop bag around (measuring in at 42'' when inflated), it'll get the job done. However, Mega Man collectors may want to go easy on it, because it's quite a rarity.

2005 was a time when retailers began to show fleeting interest in Jazware's Mega Man products, save for the popular Retro Roto figures. More often than not, the likes of Toys R Us and Wal-Mart simply refused to stock anything with Mega Man and Jazware's in the same sentence. As a consequence, many items fell into obscurity such as our lovely bop-bag. Fortunately, it looks like someone managed to nab one!

So the choice is yours: inflate it and bop the scrap out of it? Or collect it and admire it on the shelf? Full item details here.

Mega Man TV App Comes To Nokia

2011-11-15T13:57:00.003-06:00

For those who wish to stream animated Mega Man content on-the-go, you’re in luck. That is, if you're a Nokia subscriber. The Anime Network and ZooVision have partnered to produced "Mega Man TV", a mobile app designed specifically to stream full-length Mega Man content on your Nokia device of choice.

For a mere $4.99, you'll have on-the-go access to the Mega Man original video animation “Upon a Star" in its entirety. What's more, the app comes with some special mobile Mega Man wallpapers and themes. The app itself takes up no more than 0.59 MB, with storage space predominantly reserved for optional content. WiFi and/or 3G connection is required.

Anime Network also currently holds the distribution rights to the Ruby-Spears Mega Man cartoon, and while there's little indication the show will make the jump to Mega Man TV, it's a possibility. Because really; how convenient would it be to have a single outlet just for streaming Mega Man television shows? That's pretty awesome.

Grab your Nokia device of choice and download the app here.

Giant Servbots Relieved of Greeting Duty From Capcom HQ

2011-11-15T00:48:00.015-06:00

Since 2009, a colorful display of adorable oversized Servbot replicas greeted visitors to Capcom's Tokyo headquarters. Sometimes, they even pose with celebrities. However, those days have come to an end. The bots have been seemingly replaced by equally adorable, oversized Monster Hunter Felynes.

Left: 2009 | Right: 2011

Now, now... I wouldn't look at this as some sort of conspiracy against Rockman DASH (because that's just ridiculous). People generally like to rearrange things from time to time, you know? Helps living spaces stay fresh and lively! Fortunately, Rockman himself remains diligently in position. That statue (only two in existence) has been a prominent display at Capcom Japan HQ for well over a decade. It's become something of a corporate symbol.

Perhaps there is no contest in declaring that the Felynes are Capcom's most popular characters in recent years, what with their marketability spurning countless toys, merchandise, and even video games. The Servbots found themselves in a similar position in the late 90's/early 2000's -- often appearing on everything from PUDDING to Band-Aids. But those days are behind us. Their marketability has diminished within the last few years, sad to say. Fortunately, Servbots continue to cameo in numerous Capcom games, keeping them in the limelight.

But I digress. The Servbots have likely relocated somewhere else within HQ. Before '09, they frequently popped up at Capcom's Osaka offices and even Plaza Capcom as decorations. And before that? Tokyo Game Shows, promotional photo ops and Rockman's 20th b-day bash. These displays have a legacy; very little doubt in my mind Capcom would simply throw them away.

Source: EC-Current

Closer Look At Ultimate MVC3's "Mega Man X"

2011-11-13T21:45:00.011-06:00

As you've no doubt heard by now, Mega Man X has been relegated to an alternate costume for Zero in Ultimate Marvel Vs. Capcom 3. The news has caused a bit of controversy throughout the community, leaving many fans with a sense of bewilderment. It's unfortunate, but that's how Capcom chose to proceed. Sigh.

Tonight, we have a closer look at Zero wearing the skin of his comrade. Krisan Thyme and Global-Trance, the duo who hacked into the original MVC3, have unearthed victory pose portraits from early copies of Ultimate. Lo and behold, "Xero" was among the assets, pictured right. Click here for the Hi-res version.

Compared to Zero's victory portrait, you can see that it is clearly a skin. Same face; different skin tone and eyes. Unsurprising, all of the DLC costumes -- including Mega Man X -- are on the disc just waiting to be unlocked. No official word yet on the costume's release date or pricing, but that news is likely forthcoming. And for the record, no additional DLC characters have been found on disk. Make of that what you will.

More ripped Ultimate assets, including victory portraits of Tron, Zero, and Frank West in MMX outfit, available at Global-Trance's webspace here.

Source: Shoryuken

Mega Man Perfect Harmony Demo Now Available

2011-11-12T17:26:00.008-06:00

For those not in the know, Mega Man Perfect Harmony is an ambitious fan-made project by Rud of the Rocks Clan. The game not only mashes up the best elements of 8-bit era gameplay (with a few twists), but also includes four-player cooperative multiplayer. Now that the playable demo is out, I simply had to pass this along to you.

Perfect Harmony fills in that multiplayer hole Capcom has yet to rectify. Gameplay is incredibly authentic, dense, and just plain fun. Best of all? It works. By all means, don't take my word for it. Try it out yourself! You can download the playable demo at the Rocks Clan. There you'll also find full instructions on installation.

As per usual, just about everything you see could change before the game's release. But so far, the game's pretty solid as is. We'll keep you posted when the full game hits!

Mega Man X Is In Ultimate Marvel Vs. Capcom 3... Sort Of

2011-11-11T20:14:00.020-06:00

Now, now -- don't get too excited. The scoop: Ultimate Marvel Vs. Capcom 3 isn't due out until November 15th, but some fans are already getting their hands on the official Brady Games guide book. Midst the pages of strategies and tips, was this:

Mega Man X and Frank West in Mega Man X threads. But more importantly, MEGA MAN X! Splendid news, right? Like I said, don't get too excited. Indeed, the guide confirms X as DLC... but ONLY in the form of an alternate costume for Zero. Not exactly what most people had in mind, but that's how the hammer falls, I'm afraid.

Now, there are a few details that remain obscured for the time being: Will X play slightly differently? Can we expect a new voice? How about all-new cutscenes? And so on. Many questions, little-to-no answers currently.

We'll be keeping an ear out, of course. In the meantime, feel free to voice your opinions in the comments. Satisfied? Disappointed? Sound off!

Thanks to all who submitted the tip!

Mega Man and Friends Set To Cameo In UMvC3 Endings

2011-11-11T17:03:00.022-06:00

For the time being, Mega Man isn't playable in Ultimate Marvel Vs. Capcom 3. Fortunately, the blue bomber hasn't been given the cold shoulder entirely. According to new UMvC3 footage and screens from around the community, Mega Man and pals will guest appear in both Nova and Thor's ending cutscenes:

Nova's ending not only manages to sneak in Mega Man, but also the likes of Roll, Proto Man, Zero, and Beat -- all decked out in traditional Nova Corp. threads. Veteran of vanilla MvC3, Thor's touched up ending now features a nod Mega Man, Ryu, and Morrigan. So far, only footage of Nova's ending has surfaced, viewable here. Thor's should be coming along soon. In the meantime, here's a few comparison shots.

And now, the million dollar question: teasing or trolling? It's times like these I'm reminded of Destructoid's recent Seth Killian interview: "When I questioned Killian if we'd see more DLC past Heroes and Heralds mode he responded 'We'll see.' So Mega Man and more DLC for UMvC3 has neither been confirmed or denied. The dream still lives... at least for now."

All's not entirely lost just yet, it seems. Still, it's best to continue to rally support and raise your voice. Something's gotta turn out right for our blue boy!

Original Mega Man Designer Digs Mega Man Tribute

2011-11-11T12:11:00.011-06:00

Though Keiji Inafune is often credited for fathering the Mega Man series, game designer "A.K" is the one responsible for conceptualizing the character long before Inafune's involvement. Simply put, without A.K, there would be no Mega Man today.

A.K's always been a little bit on the quiet side when it comes to being communicating with the fanbase; but today he has a few words for the artists of UDON's Mega Man Tribute artbook:

"So this is the book you were telling me about. I didn't expect it to have so much volume. I flipped through a few pages just now, but... I don't really know what to say.

Back in the day, I never would have dreamed that a book like this would ever be released. It seems to me that the overseas fans have a different kind of passion for Mega Man. The pieces included in this book are quite mesmerizing...I can't help but be drawn in, and I find myself spending more time than you might think on each page.

Talk about variety. This book has left me speechless. I'm truly in awe. I feel like I am getting a look at the Mega Man that lives inside each and every one of these people. It's almost hard to believe that a game started by a few unknown, almost amateur team members has managed to influence so many people in such a powerful way. I am so delighted by this book!! Thank you for giving it to me.
I'll be going through it very slowly!" ~AK
=========

And thank you, A.K, for inspiring these artists to pump out such magnificent work. Mega Man Tribute is an awe inspiring testament to not only A.K, but every artist whose ever had a hand in designing these timeless characters. I'm sure each and every one of them are very humbled by your work.

If you haven't picked up Tribute, get on it! It's a great book -- now even greater with A.K's blessing!

Thanks for the tip, Matt!

Operate Shooting Star Translation Project Cancelled

2011-11-10T15:26:00.006-06:00

Much to the chagrin of English speaking Battle Network fans, the Rockman EXE Operate Shooting Star translation project has come to a premature end. Project leader LuigiBlood has informed me development of the patch has ceased.

It's unfortunate, but the project proved too strenuous a task for LuigiBlood on top of other obligations. The work required was simply too much for a single person, and LB made the hard call to pull the plug. It's unfortunate, but game translation is a time consuming business. It's important to understand that not everything comes to fruition. These things happen.

LuigiBlood's efforts to take on OSS is something that should be respected regardless the outcome. He was willing to tackle a project Capcom USA opted not to, and for that you owe him your thanks.

In terms of the future of OSS in English, there are no other patches in the works that I know of. I will, however, be keeping an ear out. Battle Network fans are a passionate and devoted bunch -- I'm sure someone will take up the initiative one day.

Merti Garage Kit Nears Completion

2011-11-10T14:04:00.006-06:00

When we last checked in with Yoshihiro Iwamoto's Merti garage kit, she was but a torso. Today, X's lady friend is looking a bit more complete, now capable of standing on her own two feet!

More images here!

Spiffy, no? The completed garage kit is roughly to scale with your standard D-Arts figure, so the two complement each other perfectly. Though the kit may look complete, Iwamoto notes there are a few extra details he'd like to flesh out before release such as brushing up Merti's hair and backside. I only hope the additions are minor because things look great so far!

The final garage kit will go on sale in February 2012 at Wonder Festival in Japan. Come January 27th, however, Iwamoto will hold a special launch event in Tokyo where attendees can pick up Merti a bit earlier. The event will mark the unveiling of the finalized kit, and play host to a few other surprises, too. Specific details are forthcoming.

All in all, it's pretty cool to see such an obscure character get the garage kit treatment -- officially endorsed by Iwamoto, no less. Hopefully this won't be too hard to track down and import!

Credit: The Mega Man Network

Your iPhone Has Been Megafied

2011-11-09T13:56:00.001-06:00

The folks behind the super cool "paint explosion" Mega Man shirts have whipped up twelve super cool Mega Man iPhone cases, targeted specifically at the more fashion-conscious fan...

The cases will fit the iPhone 4 and 4S models and run you $37 a pop over at RedBubble. You'll find a dozen vector designs to choose from, themed primarily around Mega Man 2. Proto Man, Bass and Mega Man Volnutt are the exception, and just so happen to be my favorite designs of the lot.

For those of you who are iPhone-less, you can order the vector designs as shirts or as large posters and mini-prints at Etsy. All very very slick and stylish. Now if you'll excuse me, I'm going to get equipped with that Proto Man case!

Source: The Daily Robot

Great Adventure On the Five Islands Episode 1-3

2011-11-08T23:11:00.002-06:00

Teisel's up to no good in this week's episode of the on-going Rockman DASH: Great Adventure On the 5 Islands fan dub. The Servbots are back, too, in a battle that leads up to quite the climax. Enjoy!

Gotta love your typical Servbot antics. What shenanigans will the get into next? Stay tuned for future episodes!

Archie Mega Man Editor Talks Comic's Future

2011-11-07T23:07:00.008-06:00

Over at MTV Geeks, a new interview has popped up with Archie's Paul Kaminski, Editor of the Mega Man comic books. Many topics are discussed, but among the more interesting bits is mention of a possible comic tie-in with a new Mega Man game down the line:

GEEK: Have there ever been talks of doing any in-game tie-ins? 

Kaminski: We do them with Sonic whenever a new game comes out, for instance there's a Sonic Generations tie-in coming up in Sonic #230 that'll act as a primer for the game. With Mega Man, the series hasn't been around long enough to coincide with a new Mega Man game for it to tie in to, but expect to see it down the road! We do adaptations of previously established games too, like the "Sonic Genesis" storyline that ran in Sonic #226-229 (hardcover collection available early next year) which was an adaptation of Sonic 1 and 2 for the Sega Genesis, or the Mega Man 2 adaptation story we've got coming up in Mega Man #9-12.  

=================
Archie's Mega Man is deeply rooted in reinterpreting the events of games past. However, having a story arc directly related to a new game would certainly be a welcome change of pace. And, you know, having a new game in the first place is nice, too.

Kaminski goes on to highlight some future ambitions, once again recognizing the demand for a Sonic the Hedgehog/Mega Man crossover. No mention of the prospect of a Mega Man X adaption, but Kaminski does tease some surprises for next year. Hey, we can hope!

Head on down to MTV Geeks for the full interview! Thanks for the tip, Jason!

Mega Man Series Reaches 29 Million Units Sold

2011-11-07T19:50:00.010-06:00

Look up the Mega Man franchise on any Wiki or press release and you'll find the series' lifetimes sales has been resting comfortably at 28 million units since 2008. However, that number has seen a *slight* bump in the last month or so.

Capcom's revised earnings indicate the franchise has sold roughly 29 million units worldwide as of September 30th, 2011, spanning across 129 games. Though not officially stated, we can assume the likes of Mega Man 9, MM10, Zero Collection, and even Operate Shooting Star contributed to this tiny bump -- all titles released within the 2008~2011 window.

With 29 million units under its belt, Mega Man remains one of Capcom's key tent-pole franchises, fleshing out the "Capcom three" alongside Street Fighter (31 million units) and Resident Evil (46 million units). Monster Hunter, however, is catching up fast (19 million). In another few years, there could be some competition for big blue's spot.

What the franchise could really use right now is a big seller. After all, we haven't had a platinum title since 2003's million selling Battle Network 4. It's certainly a long term goal I'd like to see come to fruition eventually. And you know, the series has the potential. Mega Man is an appealing character with a legacy to boot. All it's going to take is a top quality game that can thrive in today's market. It's a challenge, but if done right, we can achieve it.

Source: Capcom Investor Relations (thanks, Tom)

The Many Expressions of D-Arts Rockman X "Comic Version"

2011-11-06T23:36:00.006-06:00

Many as in three. Tamashii Web has a new page up giving some in depth detail on the D-Arts Rockman X "Comic Version." What's noteworthy here is a better look at the figure's various face plates used to change X's expression:

You can really see that Iwamoto Yoshihiro influence now! Compared to the face plates of original figure, "Comic Version" is certainly a lot more expressive. I wonder, are these plates interchangeable with each other? That'd be mighty sweet if we could use the original face plates on the "Comic Version" body, and vice versa.

"Comic Version" X will go on sale on November 25th exclusively at Tamashii Nation 2011 for 3,500 Yen ($44.79 USD). Importers, keep your eyes peeled on the usual stomping grounds.

First Batch of Rockman Online Questions Answered

2011-11-06T12:01:00.006-06:00

The first round of Rockman Online questions are up for consumption, with a translation provided by Amunshen and The Mega Man Network's Heat Man. Mind you this batch does not include your questions, but questions submitted by fans in Asia. Your questions should appear in the next round, should NeoWiz choose to answer.

Q&A below and more after the jump:

"Good morning hunters, this is Alia (the blog manager). As per our announcement last week, we prepared a place where we could answer questions submitted by users. Mr.M, the chief of the Rockman Online development team has written his answers while going through every question. Development is still ongoing, so in cases where we’re unable to answer questions concering elements we couldn’t made public, we respectfully apologize. We will be continuing to takes questions until November 13th, so by all means, if there’s something on your mind please leave a comment and ask us!"

Question 1 from 신디루비
Q: As Rockman Online is an online game based on the original games, have the developers played any of the previous Rockman games before…!? Of course I think you’ve played many to completion, but I’m curious if there are any truly passionate fans on board. Also, the “version development”… Is that related to the development of Online?

A: There are indeed passionate fans among the development staff. (Though exactly who is a secret… ^^) And yes, the “version development” at the top of the Rockman Online blog is certainly a Rockman Online development thing.

02. (from 페릴로드)

Q: Does the scope of the characters appearing in Rockman Online include every series? If not, what series is the game limited to?

Please state your answer exactly in form of like "from the classic to Command mission". it seemed to appear to be references to Rockman Zero characters, so I have my hopes... hehehe.

A: The basis of Rockman Online is to contain every Rockman series.
(However, since there are certainly far too many elements in all, we are planning the appearance of characters to balance the story. So, it's difficult to say what series we'll definitely use.)

03. (from 하뉴)

Q: It seems like Capcom is abandoning Rockman, so will you continue Rockman Online on your own?

A: Rockman Online differs from the console Rockman series in that it's a game concentrated on being developed together with Capcom and NeoWizGames.
So, even if Capcom cancels their console Rockman series, Rockman Online is in a state where work will continue to progress.

04. (from 열정의버너맨)

Q: When I watched someone's G-Star video of play footage, the characters' functions and the bosses' characteristics seemed totally different from the source material. Why are they so different?

A:In the case of Online, we thought we should especially emphasize the multiplayer with various users. So, while considering this kind of multiplayer, we thought of bringing characteristics that are a little different from those of the earlier series when adding up each character's characteristics. (The characters and the bosses ^^;)

This is the very first Rockman game made in the online genre, so to some extent we will feel saved if the existing can understand these circumstances.

05. (from tlsdnr07)

Q: Question heeere! Naturally I expect this to be a subscription game, but just how much are you thinking of charging? (And please tell me about a virtual currency in the game too. ^^)

A: That's yet to be settled so we can't say with any certainty. ^^;;

06. (from 스카이)

Q: Will Axl be joining the appearing characters? Also, I'd like to hear about the multiplayer fearures with the shop and such.

A: For the time being, Rockman Online is basically being planned as a multiplayer system with many players playing at the same time.
Also, of course we plan to expand the systems for things like the shop while we add to the growth of characters...
As for whether or not Axl is appearing...Anyway, please look into the characters after we have a structured service. ^^ (I know it's boring to answer this way...)

07. (from Crisopraz)

Q: Will more illustrations of the bosses with their new features be publicized?

A: This is still undetermined, so we'll decide whether or not to publicize those considering the progress of development.

08. (from 김찬스)

Q: Rockman isn't a game that puts heavy emphasis on just its action, but its story as well. Although it's an online game, I think Rockman Online should have a deeply fascinating story. How is this being handled?

A: We plan on pieces of the world view being published on the blog from now on one after another. Keep an eye out for them!

09.(from 천영)

Q: I would like to hear about what extent of influence Rockman Online will have with existing Rockman players' game skills. I'm also curious about boss weapons and dash jumping being added.

A: When we have a structured service you'll be able to experience these things immediately by playing... Please. ^^;;;

10. (from 쿄우렌)

Q: Will I be able to do group play like in other online games?

A: Rockman Online is in development with the foundations of group play and multiplayer.

11. (from 유령님)

Q: The final attack in boss fight actially wasn't seemed cool, and...In a way, it felt a bit like God of War. Why was a system like this put in on purpose...?

A: We're considering various ways to have more fun in the game. The one that you pointed out is one of those ways, so things like this will be reconsidered in various ways during development... We're working hard to make things more cool for when we have a structured service. ^^

12. (from 로제)

Q: Are you planning on putting animations in the game? Like the teaser movie animation!

A: We plan to consider using various production elements like animation if it's necessary to tell the game's story.

13. (from Leeyeezhy)

Q: I'm really interested in who the voice actors are who perform Rockman Online's characters. Please tell me.Also, what's the story to the prologue and ending?
(Note: Do online games have endings in the first place?)

A: There is a chance will will talk about the voice performers in future updates~.
Also I think we ought to be able to inrtroduce story elements as well... ^^;

14. (from 시이아스)

Q: It's been said the open beta test is next year...
Do you plan to continue telling the stories of incomplete series such as X and DASH in Rockman Online?

A: We plan to only tell the story of Rockman Online, rather than further the story of any existing series. (Of course it's not as though we're completely removing the contents of the existing series, but... hmmmn, that's all I can say for now. ^^;)

15. (from 로엔)

Q: Will DASH and EXE be referenced too?

A: Rockman Online is being developed with the intend to include contents and scenarios from all existing console Rockman series.

Since it's difficult to discuss what series have and haven't been used right now, please look forward to the upcoming updates concerning the story and system. (This probably sounds like a way of driving hype... hehehe.)

16. (from 로엔)

Q: Following the posted materials up until now I think things are progressing as a single story, but I'd like to know whether you're using the classic and X series stories, or making a completely original story. With nolstalgic characters being used it seems existing story like may also appear...

A: Rockman Online is progressing as its own story.
To some extent, because existing characters and bosses do appear, I think there is intention to preserve particular stories regarding them.

17. (from 이정규씨)

Q: Can I play as Roll in the game? Please let me use her. >_<

A: As of now the only characters are those which we've announced. We are preparing new characters, but we can't announce them yet.

18. (from Zero멜로)

Q: Will characters' armor and parts be sold as fee items? Or can they be bought in the game with Game money? Also, I'm curious how much the characters' functions (their movements and balance) have changed since G-Star2010...

A: The movements, balance and various other aspects have evolved a great deal since the G-star version. We continue to toil in this regard. T_T As for billing and paid contents, we have not determined these things so please wait for further information.

19. (from 풍천낭아)

Q: I want that helmet~~~. Will Axl be appearing with the original X and Zero?

A: The helmet... is expensive... It's probably difficult to get... hmhm. Anyway, please keep an eye out on the opening of the service concerning the appearing characters.

20. (from Ryun)

Q: Will you be able to look for things like hidden parts in special stages, like in the original games?

A: That's a secret... hmhm. (Actually since the game is still in development those things are... a bit hard to answer...)

21. (from 펑포)

Q: Question here... will you be able to play as the bad guys? For example Vile, Red, etc...

A: Enemies are just enemies... We want the players of Rockman Online to be heroes, not villains.

22. (from g_ga_a)

Q: Will it be possible to gain skills from beating bosses, like in the existing Rockman games? If not, will we learn them from the skill masters by leveling up like in any other RPG?
Who among the characters are those that players can play as?

A: Since the game is still in development, we can't explain this in great detail...(When characters outside of X, Zero and Duo, who were shown at G-Star are determined, we will announce them on our blog post haste.)

23. (from 마츠모토미츠키)

Q: Will instance dungeons appear?

A: Currently Rockman Online is being developed in the way of entering to battle fields from the Town.
(Note: Both the question and answer given were very vague, so I'm not certain of the meaning.)

24. (from 골숭이)

Q. How's the criteria for voice actors?

A: The voices match the characters... plus very cool...*cough*! Please check future updates pertaining to the voice actors.

25.

Q: Looking both objectively and subjectively, compared to other famous online games, do you think that this game will give value that appeals to gamers more than other games? Can the player be considered from the standpoint of a game company?

A: For now, the focus is the players. The core of development is always "What are the players thinking of." Certainly we can't expect to account for every single player's opinions... But it's reasonable to do everything we can, and we promise to take this into account as much as we can.

26.

Q: To put it simply, can you make a better Rockman game than Capcom presently can?

A: Personally, all of us think that the series Capcom has put our previously are amazing. The goal now is to make games that are much better than the games that came before, even if there are only a few, because they are games made in the present day.

27.

Q: If the game still seems incomplete as the release date draws near, are you prepared to postpone the release date so you can make it more complete?

A: We're already in the processing of stretching our open schedule to make the game complete as we're working. Ahahaha.... T_T

28. It appears, to a certain degree, Rockman Online is using a managerial strategy when you look at the practice of marketing via a blog. In this case I'm concerned about the most important element: the needs (desires) of the customers (players), that is, how much their desires are being grasped.
Moreover, today's gamers are not the gamers of old. Especially because in the Korean game market, if desired elements are not delivered, these products will be weeded out. Countless games that were extremely trendy
simply ended because they couldn't satisfy desires.

The truth is, while I'm looking forward to this game myself, I'm worried whether or not it will fall under the radar when it starts. Personally, I don't think it would be bad if this game were developed in cooperation with Keiji Inafune.
Well anyhow, I even would like to send the development team a box of nourishing drinks to cheer them, so I'll quietly pray that a good quality game is made. I pray for that result above all else.

A: Generally speaking, we plan to continue gathering data by any means available in regards to the needs of the players, and we think we ought to accomplish making a good quality game from this sort of research.

(from 콜드커스텀)

Q: When's the closed beta test gonna staaaaarrt.... I'm gonna die if I keep waiting... When when when.

A: The service schedule will be decided soon... Right now we're concentrating with all our might, so it's difficult to answer on the open agenda and such.
=========================

More questions and answers coming soon. Stay tuned!

Rockman Online: No-Show For G-Star 2011?

2011-11-05T20:07:00.016-05:00

Rockman Online's quest to achieve vaporware status continues. First announced in the fall of 2010, RMO has remained in an intangible state with little-to-no information and footage since. We had hoped to catch up with the game at G-Star 2011, the largest gaming trade show in South Korea on November 10th -- but, well, the outlook isn't good.

NeoWiz has revealed their G-Star 2011 lineup, and Rockman Online is MIA. Bless, EIN: Epicus Incognitus and an online shooter, Dizzel are all confirmed to appear at the show, respectively. The Korean blogosphere has little doubt NeoWiz will announce any more games, leaving Rockman Online perpetually in limbo.

NeoWiz have previously gone on record to state development continues, assuring fans that in spite of the news drought, the game survives. But words can only do so little for a fanbase currently disturbed by the cancellation of two games, Mega Man Universe and Mega Man Legends 3. With any luck, this is nothing more than a slight bump in the road. After all, we're still waiting on NeoWiz to answer your questions. That update might enlighten us in terms of where development stands currently.

All in all, I'd hate to see a third game bite the dust prematurely. I like to believe everything will turn out alright, but even my optimism has its limits. As they say: hope for the best, expect the worst

Thanks for the tip, Amunshen.

Mega Man Goes To Elementary School

2011-11-04T18:03:00.005-05:00

You may not be aware of this, but by day, I am an assistant elementary school teacher. Though most of my hours are spent within the confines of the classroom, I frequent our library to stock up on books for the kiddos from time to time. There's your run-of-the-mill Dr. Seuss tale and Harry Potter lying about, but sometimes there's stuff that piques my interest... like Mega Man.

A big initiate going on in the country right now is the push to integrate comics books and graphic novels in the classroom. Studies and statistics show comics are a fantastic way to promote reading in reluctant readers as well as help teach writing, critical thinking, and creativity. And it really works. Quick to capitalize on this, my location has been ordering comics by the boatload -- and we've received plenty of Mega Man.

Megamix, Gigamix, ZX, NT Warrior AND even Archie's omnibus, my school library has a near-complete collection of the Blue Bomber's graphic novel adventures. Kids that have never even heard of the character before are now finding themselves engrossed in stories weaved by Hitoshi Ariga and Ryo Takamisaki. For this longtime fan, it's an awesome sight -- true reassurance that interest in Mega Man proceeds onward to the next generation. But this is only the beginning.

I came to discover the Mega Man IP, itself, is being highly recommended by school districts throughout the nation. Panels of teachers and administrators have spent many hours evaluating elementary school-eligible comics for library use, and Mega Man ranked high across the board. And that's not just because the comics are generally kid friendly: the books specifically promote the criteria teachers are looking for in comics: stories and text that captivate, inspire and teach. In time, there may be a Mega Man comic in every elementary school library. That's an incredible honor.

The roots of future fans may not be tied to gaming; rather, Mega Man comics. Certainly an ominous realization, but given Mega's uncertain video game future, it's a reality that isn't too far-fetched. And, hey, that's okay with me. When a new game eventually comes around, there'll be fresh young fans ready to fight for everlasting peace.

Great Adventure On Five Islands Episode 1-2

2011-11-04T16:16:00.000-05:00

Hot on the heels of last week's episode, the folks at Get Me Off the Moon have released Part 1-2 of the Rockman DASH: Great Adventure on the Five Islands fan dub. This episode marks the first appearance of the Servbots, who've got curry on the brain. Enjoy!

More episodes to come soon. Stay tuned!

Lost 3D Battle Network 5DS Revisited

2011-11-03T18:30:00.012-05:00

Some years ago, the ever-talented Mega Rock made a profound discovery withing the guts of Mega Man Star Force. Picking apart the contents of the code, Mega Rock succeeded in decrypting and opening the 3D model files used by the game. He was shocked to discover remnants of a lost polygonal version of Battle Network 5: Double Team DS.

Mega Rock has since revisited his discovery; perfecting and fine-tuning the tools necessary to view the files. Today, he brings us our best look at the lost project yet.

Speculations aside, we still don't know exactly what purpose these assets served Capcom. The general consensus indicates the models belonged to an early version of Battle Network 5DS, one intended to be rendered entirely with 3D polygons. Still, what were these assets doing inside Mega Man Star Force to begin with? Just one of those unsolved mysteries, I guess. Oh, and speaking of 3D models, MegaRock has successfully assembled the project's unused overworld character models. Check 'em out below (click for animation):

The final game uses very little 3D models, most of which relegated to fleshing out touch screen menus. Interestingly, those models have a number of unused animations, seen here. A possible correlation to the contents in the above footage? Who knows.

So yeah, neat stuff. If the theory holds true, MMBN5 DS could've turned out to be something completely different. One day, maybe, a true 3D Battle Network will be realized. The demand for another Battle Network entry is certainly there -- just a matter of Capcom wanting to budge. Ball's in there court.

Rockman At the Osaka Science Museum?

2011-11-02T20:38:00.010-05:00

As they say, imitation is the sincerest form of flattery. Sighted at the OSTEC Exhibition Hall in Osaka, here's a Rockman look-a-like showing visitors the basics of energy, matter and electricity:

Fancy that; an interesting mix of your run-of-the-mill Rockman X armor, a bit of a Shooting Star Rockman motif (i.e the helmet), and a pinch of Zero series elements. The character is apparently plastered throughout the children's wing, acting as a mascot for the energy-based exhibits. Interestingly, the nod to the Blue Bomber goes beyond aesthetics: a video presentation depicts the character using solar energy to power a Rock Buster-ish weapon... the very same source of energy consumed by Rock's own Buster. No footage of that, but I imagine it must've been pretty nifty.

We've seen plenty of Rockman doppelgangers here at Rockman Corner, but none so... cool. Usually they're a mess; a conglomeration of random iconic assets hastily put together. But this? This guy's actually pretty slick. Whoever designed this fellow was clearly a fan.

Thanks for the tip, RonJon! (via Tepid Water)

Mega Man Gigamix Vol. 3 Preview

2011-11-02T11:38:00.002-05:00

Mega Man Gigamix Vol. 3 is coming to comic book stores next week, the 9th (though remember, arriving at other shops like Amazon within the following couple weeks), and UDON has sent over some preview pages to keep your appetites whet. Enjoy!

More sample pages available here!

"The original blue bomber is back for more action-packed adventures! In Volume 3, the remaining robots of Earth make their last stand against the destructive Stardroids! But an even greater threat looms literally on the horizon… what is the secret of Dark Moon? The most epic Mega Man story ever told comes to it’s thrilling conclusion!"

...and that press release is not exaggerating. Gigamix 3 is an absolute brawl -- quite possibly Ariga's finest. You'd be mistaken to pass this one up!

Even More Internal Documents Surface

2011-11-01T10:21:00.003-05:00

Following up on our previous report, Buyatari has shared some additional internal Mega Man documents from the early 90's. The latest batch is rooted in conceptual package art, character sketches and some lost "bad box art" Mega Man designs.

More stuff here!

These pieces really show just how adamant Capcom was at redesigning the character for global "appeal." The push for a Mega MAN design was something that required a lot of conceptualization, as you can see. Thankfully, most of these designs didn't get off the drawing board.

Additional images can be seen at the source link. Do enjoy!

This Fire Man Pumpkin Is On Fire!

2011-11-01T10:15:00.003-05:00

Some people think that if you've seen one flaming pumpkin, you've seen them all. Not so. What better way to honor one of the most iconic Robot Masters, Fire Man, than giving him his own fiery Jack-o'-lantern?

I find the fiery eyes all the more menacing. Gosh, don't you just love the whole concept of Fire Man? His head is an eternal torch! Such a simple, memorable design. Love it.

Props to reader Nancy for carving this. Excellent work!

Custom Command Mission D-Arts Makes Me Yearn For the Real Thing

2011-10-31T15:32:00.009-05:00

It was only a matter of time before someone did this. One crafty fan at FC has took the standard Bandai D-Arts Mega Man X, and modified it to resemble the character's Command Mission appearance. The end result is quite the spectacle.

The demand for a *decent* Command Mission X figure is unwavering. Jazwares tried to deliver a couple years back, but I don't think anyone was particularly happy to discover the toy had fingernails (seriously). Bandai/Tamashii would be wise to consider producing the real thing.

You can check out some additional pictures of the figure at FC. Chances of the creator selling this are slim to none, so you're either left with the option of making your own or wait it out until an official one comes out.

'Great Adventure on the Five Islands' Translation Project Debuts

2011-10-29T22:39:00.008-05:00

The folks at Get Me Off the Moon have been hard at work translating and dubbing "Rockman DASH: Great Adventure on the Five Islands!", a side story released exclusively for Japanese mobile phones in 2008. Tonight, we can finally bare witness to the fruit of their labor. The first episode in the video anthology is up and running, allowing fans worldwide a chance to experience this little gem. Have a watch:

The project is planned to span across five episodes, distributed on a weekly basis:

Episode 2: 7PM EST November 5th, 2011
Episode 3: 7PM EST November 12th, 2011
Episode 4: 7PM EST November 19th, 2011
Episode 5: 7PM EST November 26th, 2011

Future episodes will be uploaded directly to Get Me Off the Moon's official YouTube page. I do plan on embedding forthcoming episodes too, so do pop in and drop off your comments and feedback when those go live. That said, do enjoy episode one!