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Wherefore art thou, Mega Man?
When Capcom said that we wouldn't be seeing Bionic Commando on the Wii, that wasn't entirely true. What is true is that the decision is completely up to Nintendo -- but that goes for all Capcom games, not just the retrospectively controversial Hitler-killing ones.According to Capcom's Public Relations Director Chris Kramer, the company licensed the rights to their games to Nintendo. It's therefore completely up to Nintendo whether and when Capcom titles get released on the Virtual Console -- Capcom no longer has any input in the decision.That's all fine and good, but at the same time, it makes us a little uneasy. One question we have -- where is the Mega Man series on North American consoles? Why is it taking so long for Nintendo of America to release even one game of the beloved series? Nintendo obviously has plenty of games on their plate that they'd like to release in a timely fashion, but when that stops us from playing some of our favorite Capcom classics, we can't say we're too happy about it.What about you? Are there any Capcom games that you wish Nintendo would just hurry up with?
Capcom offers mega Mega Man shirt
Even though it's been far too long since we've seen the classic Blue Bomber in action, Capcom knows how much gamers love the little fella. That's why they're selling this simple but delightful Mega Man shirt at their online store.This fabricized ode to the lovable robot will set you back $18 (not including Capcom's usually exorbitant shipping prices), but can you really put a price on nostalgia? Unfortunately, though, the website won't let you buy the shirt at present. Perhaps it's already sold out?[Via Capcom's Blog]
Capcom embraces Mega Man's 'milking,' asks for full Mega Man games list
We have to chuckle when the Capcom blog upon recognizing Mega Man holds the Guiness record for "Most Number of Games In a Single Series," admits that the franchise has been "milked like no other milking in the history of video game milkings!"The Guinness World Record Gamer's Edition recognizes 46 Mega Man games, but the Capcom blog adds several more that were Japan-only or very much off the beaten path (Mega Man Soccer?). Capcom is actually asking for help in figuring out all the Mega Man games (not counting appearances in other titles). Whoever lists them all on the Capcom site first gets a "semi-official Capcom gold star of complementarianism" and "some kinda random prize." Good luck!
Teaser site reveals Mega Man Star Force 3
There may be more Mega Man games than you'll ever get to play (or want to play) in your lifetime, but that hasn't stopped Capcom from milking the franchise even more.The next game planned for the Blue Bomber is another title in the Star Force series. Yes, those of us outside of Japan haven't even gotten Mega Man Star Force 2 yet, but a third game is already on it's way. Capcom has put up a teaser website for it, which is actually pretty nice-looking as far as official sites go. Currently, though, you can only download a wallpaper version of the picture shown above.[Via GoNintendo]
Don't throw a Rock at this glass, Man
You probably won't be seeing this beauty in any churches, but this stained-glass Mega Man is all kinds of awesome. Not only is it completely gorgeous, as stained glass usually is, but it's a creative way of pixelating the Blue Bomber. Without much more gushing, we'll just acknowledge that this was a great idea, with great execution.If you visit Gary in Cleveland's flickr account, you can also get a glimpse into how the stained-glass making process works. [Via GoNintendo]
Classic Mega Man shows up in Star Force 2
While it's true that the original Blue Bomber makes an appearance in Mega Man Star Force 2, it's probably not in the way that you're hoping. In a promotion for the game, Capcom has allowed Japanese players to download a classic Rockman card at DS download stations.It would definitely be cool if Capcom let other regions enjoy this content, too, but we're not getting our hopes up. This wouldn't be the first time Japan has gotten cool downloadables that haven't found their way elsewhere. Gallery: Mega Man Star Force 2
Mega Man scarf is mega sweet
It's been a while since we've seen a Mega Man game akin to the ones of the days of yore, but now, yore comes in scarf form. Beatboxtaun, the same craftster behind the Punch-Out! scarf, has gone and designed some winter gear based on Mega Man 2 (a game which, incidentally, has one of our favorite video game soundtracks). It might be getting a little too warm for scarves, since spring is just around the corner, but we're sure your nostalgia can keep you cold enough to don this beauty.What's nice about this scarf is that it not only features the Blue Bomber himself, but also the villains of the game. Now, all she has to do is make a Mega Man 3 scarf that includes Proto Man, and we'd be super happy.This neck mitten certainly isn't cheap, as it will cost you $150 on Etsy -- but until we get a classic Mega Man game on the DS, this is probably the next best thing. For now, though, we guess we'll have to settle for Mega Man Star Force and the like.Another picture of the scarf is posted after the break, if you want to see the rest of the villains included.
Mega Man Star Force 2 forces details upon us
When we think of Mega Man Star Force, we tend to wonder, "Is this really what Mega Man has come to?" Since some of you may enjoy the Blue Bomber's battle RPG, though, you might be interested in hearing some details about the sequel.While the last Star Force game came in three different "flavors" (Dragon, Pegasus, and Leo), Mega Man Star Force 2 will only have two versions to choose from (Zerker x Ninja and Zerker x Saurian). Depending on which iteration you choose to buy, Mega Man will have different powers. The Zerker element (which is in both games) will give Mega Man a lightning-powered sword, the Ninja element will increase his speed and let him throw a big Shurikan, and the Saurian element will give him the power of "explosive fiery fists." As for the storyline, the game will take place two months after the ending of its predecessor, and involves a new trouble-making character named "Rogue."Other than that, the characters, graphics, and battle system appear to be the same or similar, meaning that if you enjoyed the first Star Force title, you'll probably like this one too (and vice versa). The online component sounds slightly deeper, though, allowing you to either battle, share cards, share upgrades, or aid in transformation upgrades.The game is scheduled to hit the DS in June, so those of you anticipating it won't have to wait all that long.%Gallery-18378%[Via GamesPress press release]
Mega Man Star Force 2 coming in June
Capcom has announced that Mega Man Star Force 2 will be out for the DS in June for $30. This action-RPG follow-up to last year's game follows in its Pokemon-like style, releasing in two different editions: Zerker X Saurian and Zerker X Ninja. (Huh. Where's the love for Ninja X Saurian?)The local- and WiFi-network-able game relies on collecting new characters and collaborating with friends. With the right connections, players assemble a "portfolio of Battle Cards with distinct attributes," according to a Capcom fact sheet. We've been trying to get the kids -- and our closeted adult gamer friends -- off Pokemon for years. Maybe this is a step in the right direction?%Gallery-18250%
A few things you won't find in Smash Bros. Brawl
While you already know tons of information about the upcoming Smash Bros. game, you should probably know what not to expect. Many of your hopes and dreams have given birth to compelling rumors, but it's time to put those rumors to rest (and never wake them again).Masahiro Sakurai managed to clear up some things in a recent interview with IGN -- things we may have already known, but didn't necessarily want to believe -- so check after the break to see what's not in store for you this March (or June).%Gallery-10206%%Gallery-6869%
Super Mario Fusion makes Mushroom Kingdom Hearts a reality
You may remember last year's April issue of EGM particularly well, as it included the breaking news on a hot new title making its way onto the Nintendo Wii: Mushroom Kingdom Hearts. Then again, you might remember the chorus of angry Nintendo/Disney/Square Enix fanboys screaming when they realized that the announcement was one of EGM's annual April Fools' Day pranks. If you also smacked your head in realization when the initial excitement subsided, we've got great news for you (and this time, it's on the level).JudgeSpear has lovingly crafted his take on the game-that-never-was, titling it Super Mario Fusion: Mushroom Kingdom Hearts. Much like the legit Square Enix franchise, Fusion features a dimension-hopping Mario, and worlds based off of other video game franchises, including Halo, Sonic, Doom, Castlevania, Ghouls and Ghosts, Mega Man, and a handful of other Nintendo titles. Using familiar controls similar to those of Super Mario World, and a new gunplay mechanic using Covenant weaponry, this programmer has created a Frankengame that is definitely worth checking out.A demo for the game is available on his site. Sure, it's still a tad buggy, but it's free, and it's probably the only time you'll see Mario packin' heat. We hope.
Mega Man rocks the pipes
We love a good dose of video game art, especially when it involves Mega Man and some ingenuity. This piece by 8-bit Artist made use of 23 pipes, each of which are painted 360-degrees around. On the opposite side is Mega Man in his red and orange Heat Man suit (though we prefer the Blue Bomber suit, ourselves). The pipes are also just shy of two feet, making this a good size for some wall hanging (or not, as it's two-sided). Unfortunately, if any of you collectors out there were hoping to do so, it won't be happening since the piece already sold. While we love the idea of using the pipes as a canvas, a part of us wonders whether this would be an idea better suited for Mario. Mario is, after all, an Italian plumber who often uses pipes to get where he's going. It's still cool, nonetheless, so check after the break to see some more pictures.
No Mega Man in Brawl, it seems
If you're anything like us, you might be hoping that one of the daily dojo updates will drop the bomb that Mega Man will be a playable character in Super Smash Bros. Brawl. Unfortunately, it looks like that isn't happening. Bionic Commando recently interviewed Keiji Inafune, the creator of Mega Man, who had this to say regarding Brawl: "Well, I really do love Super Smash Brothers. It's a great series...but, Nintendo hasn't asked me yet if they can use Mega Man in their game. I'm still waiting...we have a little bit of time left, it's not coming out for another few months."Somebody, call the man! But in reality, it seems too late to add the lovable blue robot if they haven't already (the game comes out next month in Japan). Is anybody as bummed as this blogger, or are you glad that Mega Man won't be involved in Brawl?[Via GoNintendo]
Anniversary CDs rock, man
Which game series that is celebrating its 20th anniversary this year has the best music? Sorry, about half of our readers, it's not Final Fantasy. But, like, Final Fantasy, it is a near-infinite vortex of remakes and spinoffs: Mega Man. As part of the 20th anniversary festivities for the original Japanese release of Rockman, Capcom is releasing two CDs of new arrangements of classic Rockman music, done by] musicians from the Mega Man Battle Network series, as well as Konami's Beatmania IIDX series.The Rockman 1-6 Rock Arrange Ver. 2007 came out on the 5th, and the Rockman 1-6 Techno Arrange Ver. 2007 CD is out today. Both focus on the 8-bit Mega Man games, which is fine with us. The discs retail for 3,150 yen each ($28), which is somewhat less fine.The original soundtracks for Mega Mans (Mega Men?) 7 and 8 will be reissued as well. Samples of all four of these discs are available at the official site, including, yes, both Rock and Techno arrangements of "Dr. Wily's Castle 1" from Mega Man 2.[Via Dengeki]
Virtually Overlooked: Wily & Right no Rockboard: That's Paradise
Welcome to our weekly feature, Virtually Overlooked, wherein we talk about games that aren't on the Virtual Console yet, but should be. Call it a retro-speculative.We were driven into a melancholy by the news that Australia (and probably Europe) was getting a Virtual Console version of Mega Man 2 while we have yet to see a download of the first game. Many of you correctly noted that it was stupid to wait for a VC version with the Mega Man Anniversary Collection disc available so cheaply and plentifully. But we actually have the disc and the cartridge. It's a simple matter of wanting every game we like to be available through as many conduits as possible, to get into the most hands as possible. A Virtual Console release, as well, allows a game to come back to the attention of the gaming community, sparking discussion once again. We want that for Mega Man 2 forever. Our memories of Mega Man 2 are 110 million, after all.The existence of the Mega Man Anniversary Collection still makes any included game too easy to play on the Wii to be Virtually Overlooked material, even if, by doing so, it limits discussion. There's no real reason to wish for a game that you can just go buy for less money. That renders Mega Man 1-8 off limits (good luck playing 8 on a Nintendo system any other way!) as well as The Power Battle and The Power Fighters. But we still want to talk Mega Man, so we went scrambling for an appropriate game. Mega Man X? No, it is also available on a compilation. Rockman Battle & Chase? No, it's on the same compilation! Rockboard will have to do, then. It's got the benefit of being the weirdest Mega Man game yet, and we can keep Mega Man Soccer saved up for a bit.
Game art, built from Lego pieces
When not playing games, we often like to listen to gaming music and look at game art. Heck, we just wish there was a way for us to play games in our sleep. We like playing games that much. Don't you?Enter these pieces of gaming memorabilia created from Lego blocks. There's all kinds of Nintendo salutes, including Samus, several different kinds of Link and, of course, the pictured Mario. There's even a sweet piece of of Mega Man art.
Mega Man said punch (card) you out
All of you Megamaniacs (we so totally just made that up) out there will likely enjoy the update Dengeki has presented for the sequel to Mega Man Star Force. Not only is Capcom including a fan-made character into the title, but they've also acted the part of the little league football coach, playing a bench-riding child in the last seconds of the big game in the form of including punch cards into the mix. You know, those same things that Spectrobes used.So, if you want to catch a glimpse at some of the punch cards, then head on over. There's also some concept art, if that's your kind of thing.
MIDI + art + game songs = <3
Some awesome soul has taken it about himself to make visually enhanced game tunes, and the result is nothing short of spectacular. Using a program called Music Animation Machine MIDI Player, which converts the musical notes of MIDI songs into art, the creator of these videos has managed to blow our minds. Sure, we always enjoy it when musical sounds are synthesized with visual imagery, but when some of our favorite songs are involved, it just makes it that much better.We decided to put the Mega Man 2 "Dr. Wily Stage 1" song up top to celebrate Rock Man's 20th anniversary, and well, because it's our favorite. If you don't look after the break to check out the equally awesome Final Fantasy IV, Kirby, Mario, and other tunes, though, you officially fail at the internet.
Celebrating Rock Man's 20th birthday
Siliconera had the opportunity to attend a party celebrating Rock Man's (Mega Man outside of Japan) 20th birthday bash recently. While the little robotic boy isn't quite yet old enough to drink, he comments that he "likes the taste of virgin motor oil." Besides, with his rampant kleptomania, we're sure he'll have to celebrate his 21st behind bars.In attending the party at Sunshine City, Siliconera snapped up a bunch of choice photos, which we've snuggly placed past the break
Contest has Capcom putting fan-made character into game
We couldn't make this up if we tried. And, believe you me, we try to make up things all the time. Like, having money in our bank account or being respected by anyone. This, however, is reality.During a contest held by Capcom in Japan, one lucky fan could send in their own drawing for a character. The winner would have their character redrawn by the artists at Capcom and included in Mega Man Star Force 2. Word is a winner has been chosen and their character is nothing short of awesome. Dubbed Goat Kung-Fu, the character is unique in the way that it can karate chop boards of wood in half, then clean up its own mess by eating the leftover garbage.
