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Mega Man meets Pedobear in an ASCII duel to the death
The original Mega Man series is well regarded as one of the most challenging sets of 2-D action titles around. What kept them outside the realm of hair pulling madness is the logic found within the design. Spikes are bad and should be avoided. Falling in a pit is worse and running endlessly to the right is the path to victory. Jinsei Owatta No Daibouken ("My Life Is Over's" Big Adventure) is what happens when you throw all known Mega Man conventions out the window and design a game built for sheer masochistic pleasure. With ASCII graphics and 2Channel flavor, it was one of our favorite gaming fixes this weekend.We'd like to extend this delightful challenge to you, the Joystiq readers, as it provides just the type of brain training your gaming mind needs on this Monday morning. Only instead of doing multiplication tables, you'll be trying to figure out just how to get over that first jump and how to keep Zangief from crushing your tiny ASCII frame. Keep in mind that the game has yet to be completed, so once you finally make your way to those iconic "boss" gates, the game is over.After you're done beating yourself up, be sure to check out our video play through after the break.
Proudest PSP gaming achievement [Update 1]
I was playing Killzone: Liberation today and it's quite a challenging game. I began to fantasize about how proud I would be once I beat the game. That thought made me think back on all my prior gaming victories and wonder which one was the biggest accomplishment. I think for me it was probably beating Mega Man: Maverick Hunter X. When I was a kid I was as good at Mega Man games as I now am at remembering other people's birthdays, so it made me especially proud to beat it. So what PSP game did you find the most challenging? Also, what PSP gaming achievement (winning a game or doing something amazing) are you most proud of? [Update 1: Fixed formatting error.]
Wave Scanner: bulky DS attachment ups the fun
There's probably no small overlap among folks who play fantasy video games and those who while away the hours engrossed in Magic-style card battles, so we're thinking that a new attachment for the Nintendo DS has a real shot at succeeding. Capcom and TakaraTomy will jointly be launching the so-called Wave Scanner in Japan next month, finally bringing the fun of collectible playing cards to the Megaman series of games. The rather bulky scanner works with a number of different Rockman Star Force titles (Rockman is Megaman's original Japanese name), and allows players to swipe special cards for influencing gameplay. We're not really sure why this ¥4,200 ($35) add-on needs to be so big and thus hinder the whole portability thing that the DS has going for it, but who knows, maybe it takes a Cell processor and some serious RAM to process those complicated bar codes.
Megaman Star Force gets equipped
Fans of the Barcode Battler and Megaman/Rockman, rejoice! TakaraTomy and Capcom have teamed up to bring Rockman Star Force players this odd contraption. Launching in Japan next month at ¥4,200 (US$35 in Earth Money), the Wave Scanner connects to the DS and interacts with Rockman Star Force Pegasus, Leo and Dragon by scanning collectible Rockman cards, which can then be used in any of Star Force's three constellations. It knackers the DS' portability, of course, but we have a nostalgic yearning for tabletop gameplay opportunities. This could be our first big chance since Game & Watch died.
Hold it! Phoenix Man
Is our abject lust for all things Phoenix Wright so terribly transparent? It must be, because you guys are forever sending us lawyerly tips, and we love you for it. Not that we're complaining. Please don't stop. Never stop.Today's edition of All Random Phoenix Wright Stuff comes by way of a regular feature from webcomic Dueling Analogs, wherein they envision possible rejected Mega Man villains. Gotta love this one! He would own us every time. How could we fight Phoenix Man? He has a attorney's badge and wings! That's an unstoppable combination right there.[Thanks, Jesse!]
Nintendo holds key to franchise longevity, profitability
As noted earlier, a list published by UK newspaper The Independent reveals what many already assume; Nintendo's Mario is the best-selling franchise of all time. Coupled with the second best-selling franchise Pokémon (also a Nintendo property), the two series, which have sold a combined 348 million games worldwide, account for nearly 34% of the total sales of the top-twenty best-selling franchises; which include two additional Nintendo IPs ranked in the top ten, Donkey Kong and Zelda. So what's Nintendo's secret?Cross-culture appeal, spin-offs (e.g., racers, sports titles, puzzlers), brand saturation (e.g., apparel, card games, TV shows), and E-ratings all appear part of a profitable formula built for the long haul.
Artistic NES up for sale
The NES, billed as the savior of the video game industry after the 1980s crash, has a special place in the hearts of many long-time gamers. Now, an artist is offering up a piece of that with an NES. Not just any original NES, but one lovingly painted. Depicting The Legend of Zelda, one of the NES's landmark titles, the NES is not only a functioning piece of gaming history, but an incredibly well done piece of art. The NES looks like a screen shot were taped to the top of it and is protected by 3 or 4 layers of acrylic coating. The seller also has other custom painted systems featuring Kid Icarus and Mega Man 2. Worth taking a look at if you're under the mindset that games are art, as these systems are quite artistic.
Dead Rising/ Mega Man creator working on Wii
None other than Keiji Inafune, well-known in the gaming world for his excellent contributions whilst at Capcom, has confirmed to Japanese magazine Dorimaga that he has started work on a title for the Wii. He did not provide any other details regarding the exact nature of the title and how it is to utilize the Wii's control scheme, but word that the man who's past titles have been just so excellent is working on one for the Wii is enough for this blogger. Color us jazzed!
Shining a spotlight on Mega Man Star Force
Originally, we were under the impression that the game would be titled Mega Man: Rebirth, but apparently that is not the case any longer. In his second game on Nintendo's dual-screen beauty, Mega Man will be battling foes during the time period immediately following the latest Battle Network game on the GBA. Unlike its predecessor, we are given a new protagonist in Subaru as the devs have decided to toss old favorite Lan and his Netnavi to the curb.This time around, there is no Netnavi and instead Subaru must rely on his FM called Warlock. The FM is a sort of sentient lifeform living in radio waves, and upon fusing with Subaru, they combined create Mega Man. Simple enough, right?The meeting of these two is a rather tragic one, as three years following the passing of his father, Subaru has become a recluse. He never leaves his house, despite the repeated attempts of friends, and has chosen a life of anti-socialism. One night, while quietly gazing at the stars with one of his father's inventions, he stumbles upon Warlock. Of course the two chat, later decide to have dinner, and well ... little Timmy, that's how you were born!OK, we're kidding about that last part (Timmy, you're actually a clone!), but the rest is true, we swear!See also: Another Mega Man game coming to the DS New Mega Man scans A handful of new Mega Man: Rebirth scans
New XBLA franchise in the next two weeks
XBLArcade managed to notice a snippet from yesterday's press release that completely slipped our Sauron-like gaze. From the release:"In total, more than 100 pieces of new downloadable content will be available during the nine day period, including a never before announced major franchise on Xbox Live Arcade."Major franchise, would we? The possibilities addle our brains, but we can't help but speculate. Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles? Mega Man? Bomberman? It could be anything, and your guess is as good as ours. We can only hope that this is a real arcade classic, or, better yet, an entirely original franchise for XBLA (something episodic perhaps?). Anyone care to make a guess? If anyone gets it right, we'll be sure to drop his/her name when the game is officially announced.
A handful of new Mega Man: Rebirth scans
Over at DS-x2, a trio of scans for the upcoming Mega Man: Rebirth show the game is going through some minor changes. Most predominant of these changes is how the boy in blue's suit looks as if it can morph or augment itself to provide him with different battle capabilities. Also, the camera perspective during battle looks like it has shifted some as well.The scans are huge, so we could not embed them into the post. You're just going to have to put in the work and go check them out. Yes, yes, we know, we're horrible.
Mega Man ZX videos blast your eye sockets
For those of you looking to get your bot-blasting on with the blue bomber himself (we assume that is everyone, naturally), set your gaze to two new videos over at Game Trailers. One is the intro to the game, the second being a longer, more mouth-watering look at the title's gameplay. As is the norm, continue on to check out the two trailers embedded into the post.
Happy video game piano medley day
Some days here at Joystiq, we just can't decide what we want. We'll feel like a little Mega Man, only to stop and go searching for Chrono Trigger, then Tetris, then Zelda, Final Fantasy, Mario ... nothing seems to satisfy.Luckily, we're always in the mood for the piano, and YouTube is happy to oblige our digital wanderlust with a variety of video game medleys on the ebony and ivory. Continue reading for some exquisite piano interpretations from the above series and more.Previously: Happy Castlevania rock out day, Happy retro-techno music day, Happy Zelda music day... again, Happy Zelda music day
Mega Man X & X2 ... at the same time
TASvideos has posted a clip of Mega Man X and Mega Man X2 being played simultaneously (using one controller). But there's a catch...The TAS community -- that's "Tool-Assisted Speedruns" -- is not about showing off, but rather, creating "movies that are beautiful to watch." Know that this clip was recorded using a controller wired into two SNES emulators and that the player used features like slow-motion and savestates to cast the illusion of a seamless playthrough in real time. So while it's not proof that an 'unassisted' gamer could play two different games with one controller, by exploiting emulation tools, the creator does show that two games can be played successfully using one set of button inputs, and without modifying the games.Do you find these sorts of projects fascinating? Is this games avant-garde movement? Or just a "silly idea"?[Via Digg]
Mega Man Rebirth site
Why is it that all the good stuff is in Japanese first? Oh wait, cause they get it first. For instance, there are tons of Rockman fans here just as there are in Japan but they get a site first. Call this our jealousy and envy talking. Anyway, just to let you know, the Mega Man Rebirth site is up and, yet again, if you don't read Japanese you might have a hard time figuring out whats going on. But, if you have five or so minutes to spare might as well poke around the site. [Via Go Nintendo]
Dead Head Fred not dead: new screenshots
Dead Head Fred is a game you should keep your eyes on: not only because the title rhymes, but because it is one of the few truly original PSP-exclusive action games in development for our system. You play Fred, who was recently killed by decapitation. Now that you're undead, you're on a mission to get revenge. But, being beheaded has a few benefits. One, for example, is the ability to rip off enemy heads and use them as your own for special powers! It's like Mega Man, only a bit more morbid...The game combines platforming, fighting, puzzle solving and a whole lot of dark humor. It's scheduled for a January 2007 release, so keep your eyes peeled for more coverage on this unique game. Until then, check out the new screenshots posted by Gamespot.
New Mega Man title on the way
According to a Japanese magazine, the Mega Man EXE team is working on a new Megaman title for the Nintendo DS. The premise is as follows: set a hundred years after the EXE series, wireless communications are ubiquitous. The signals themselves travel on a special path called the "Wave Road" which stretches across the globe. But, of course, someone had to go and mess with the status quo; not surprisingly, Mega Man is called upon to solve the problem.We'll have more information is it becomes available.
Capcom reveals playable E3 lineup
Capcom announced its lineup of titles that will be playable at E3: GBA Mega Man Battle Network 6 Cybeast Gregar, Cybeast Falzar Nintendo DS Mega Man ZX PS2 God Hand Okami Street Fighter Alpha Anthology PSP Ultimate Ghosts 'n Goblins Monster Hunter Freedom Xbox 360 Dead Rising Lost Planet In addition, Capcom will unmask several new games for as of yet announced platforms. PlayStation 3? Nintendo Revolution? C'mon, Capcom has to have at least one ace up its sleeve...
Give Windows a touch of Mega Man class
Sure, Windows users (used to) get all the games but until now there was one major advantage to Apple's Mac OS X operating system: Mike Zornek's Mega Man Effect. The legion of Windows users have waited long enough; Levi Wolfe has done the grunt work and ported the handy* little app over to the Windows platform for the rest of the computer-using world to enjoy. *By "handy" we of course mean "of no discernible value." The program duplicates the music, parallax stars, and name banner shown before every boss battle in Mega Man by showing the same effect every time you launch an application. To be fair, sometimes those Excel spreadsheets are worse than Dr. Wily and company. [Thanks, Sense]
Gallery of Photoshopped Mega Man powers
Something Awful's Photoshop Phriday makes for some really good Sunday browsing. Last Friday's feature was "Mega Man Gets Equipped," wherein they "decided to give Megaman a few abilities and traits not depicted in any of the games. Abilities that, unfortunately, are not very likely to help him in any way, shape, or form." Entries reference everything from the Toxic Avenger (New Jersey's only superhero) to Monty Python's Black Knight to that song from the Transformers movie and Boogie Nights (lending Mega Man abilities like "The Touch" and "The Power").
