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The trials and tribulations of Dr. Wily
We love playing Mega Man games, especially on our DSes (both officially and unofficially). Awesome skits like this just make us yearn even more for a classic Blue Bomber title, though, as the original Rockman is the one we fell in love with.Despite our wishes and wants, we really enjoyed this hilarious take on the Mega Man series by Old Rich People. We couldn't help but laugh at Dr. Wily and all the hoops he has to go through just to kill our favorite robot. Oh, and the ending? Priceless. We expect a DS homebrew version of the game to be made asap. (Not really.)[Via Destructoid]
Capcom's statistical explosion: life-to-date series and games sales
There are so many little factoids to take from this massive amount of data, we just don't know where to begin. Capcom has released what seems to be the life-to-date title and series sales figures on all its properties (via Next-Gen). The best-selling series is Resident Evil, with a reported 50 titles and 34.5 million unit sales. Second and third place go to Mega-Man (120 freakin' titles, 28m sales) and Street Fighter (59 titles, 23m sales), respectively.The best-selling single game for Capcom has been Street Fighter II, released June 1992 for Super Nintendo / Super Famicom, with 6.3 million units sold. Overall, the company has had 46 titles attain platinum status. The biggest blast-from-the-past reminder for us was the Super Nintendo's Aladdin at the No. 14 best-selling title with 1.75 million unit sales.
Street Fighter, Mega Man going mobile
How many times have we been sitting on the city bus, bored and without handheld, only to turn to our cellphone for some bastardized version of Snake or Bejewelled? It's not something we like to think about, being forced to drive down the nail of boredom with the Great Hammer of Meh. However, a new mobile partnership now looks to have us struggling to pull off dragon punches on our keypads as well.According to mobile content provider Handango, the company has partnered with Capcom to bring the Street Fighter and Mega Man franchises to its online store and mobile client on BlackBerry and Windows Mobile phones. Other franchises are promised as well, including miniaturized versions of Are you Smarter Than a 5th Grader? and the deal's underwhelming debut release, Who Wants to be a Millionaire? It will be interesting to see what other Capcom franchises make the jump to mobile phones as part of this agreement, though honestly we're more interested in how in the world we're going to pull off that dragon punch.
Deaths that don't mix with Super Mario Bros.
Oh, the memories we have from our days playing Super Mario Bros. in our PJs, bellies full of sugary cereal. We can't tell you how many times we've watched Mario die, whether it be falling down an endless chasm or getting torched by a runaway fireball while penetrating the darkest corners of Bowser's castle.What would you get if Mario's death animation was swapped out for the death animation of, say, Mega Man? Or Q-Bert? Our personal favorite? The use of Friday the 13th.
Wii Warm Up: Through rose-tinted glasses
The appeal of the Virtual Console is obvious: nostalgia. The VC is jam-packed with memories from yesteryear, spilling over with wonderful software that defined our childhoods. But it isn't all lollipops and puppy dogs. Nostalgia can also be very misleading, and some of those packets of data you download from Nintendo's service can end up souring childhood memories. Personally speaking -- and this will probably sound like heresy in some quarters, so brace yourselves -- I was left disappointed by Mega Man 2, a game I adored as an eleven-year-old, but one that now seems slightly dated, with its repeated leaps of faith and enemies that like to spawn directly beneath you. On the other hand, a game such as Super Mario Bros. 3 still feels like a breath of fresh air, almost two decades after it was released. Thinking about this some more, we have three questions for you. One: which Virtual Console games don't hold the same magic for you as they once did? Two: have any titles aged better than you suspected they would? And three: have you ever held off from downloading a certain game, concerned that it may ruin one of those precious childhood memories?
Mega Man pays homage to Super Mario Bros.
Sure, it's from a PSP game, but we can all admit that, aside from that small flaw, this video is pretty sweet. Apparently, this PSP game lets you create and download custom stages. From the looks of this recreation of 1-1 in Super Mario Bros., we're sure there are plenty of other sweet homages to other iconic gaming levels available for it, as well. Of course, the only problem with this user-created stage is that it lacks the music from the original Super Mario Bros. game. But, that's to be expected.Someone let us know when there's a user-created stage that is modeled after the introductory level in Castlevania.[Via Siliconera]
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?
DS Daily: Mega Overexposed Series?
Recently, Capcom discussed the Guinness world record for "Most Number of Games in a Single Series," currently held -- handily -- by their Mega Man series. We doubt that when Keiji Inafune and his contemporaries decided to make a game around the concept of "Astro Boy, but in a blue suit," they thought even for a minute that their action-platformer would be the most prolific franchise in the history of games -- and yet it is.Do you think that after all the spinoffs, spinoffs of spinoffs, cameo appearances, and new characters, there's still life in the franchise? We're of the opinion that there's definitely more to be done with the original Blue Bomber, if only Capcom would do something.
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]
It's official: Mega Man is the most milked series ever
In the recent "Gamer's Edition" Guinness World Records book, the Mega Man series was certified with the record of "Most Number of Games in a Single Series." That's not too hard to believe -- there were about a million Mega Man games in the main series and various spinoff series before the DS, and the DS games have been coming in multiples.What's most amusing about this record is that, according to Capcom's blog, Guinness arrived at it without even considering all the Mega Man games -- basically, they failed to arrive at a full count, and Mega Man still beat other series. They didn't just forget Japan-only releases like Wily & Right no Rockboard, either -- Mega Man Soccer failed to make the list, and that was a U.S.-released game starring the original Blue Bomber. No doubt it omits Hi-Tech Expressions' Mega Man and Mega Man III as well.
For awesome NES mods, just add legends
Thanks to its largely flat surface, the NES doubles up as an ideal canvas for those wishing to spruce up their consoles with a custom paint job. Of course, you also need artistic ability, which is where we fail hideously, and eBay user hellokitty11111111111 (yes) excels.Well, "excels" most of the time, anyway. The quality of these mods does vary a little -- we're not big fans of the Kid Icarus design -- but we do absolutely love the Earthbound, Super Mario Bros. 3, and (highly topical) River City Ransom examples. Are they worth (up to) $149.99, though? At a stretch, we'd be tempted. There's more past the break, complete with auction links.
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%
The VC Advantage: Irritating Pause Noise Man
This one goes out to all our PALs in Europe and Australia who have the option of downloading Mega Man. It's not like Mega Man is hard to acquire if you don't live in one of the regions on which it's VC-available. If you're in the U.S. and playing along at home, feel free to get out your Mega Man cartridge or Mega Man Anniversary Collection disc.Mega Man is the only game in the series with a pause option other than the menu screen, and it is this pause option that provides the game's best-known exploit. Simply put, if you pause the game while a projectile is connecting with an enemy, and then unpause, you'll score another hit. This works with any weapon, but is most effective with slower shots like the Thunder Beam. Using this method, you can beat any enemy in (effectively) one shot, and also make the game very boring and annoying! For some of us, "boring and annoying" is preferable to "freaking impossible."
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%
