Rockman 9 WiiWare Only? Seems So.

ArsTechnia originally reported RM9 would see a release on XBLA and PSN, but now they have withdrawn that statement:

"Capcom pinged us to let us know that the game is currently slated “for WiiWare only” and that the information data indicating otherwise in the E3 roster was a mistake on its part."

Yikes. Prepare yourselves for fanboy rage across the web.

Was "The Shadow" the Real Deal?-EDITED

Capcom's own Seth Killian (aka "s-kill") made a comment on Capcom USA's forums concerning the existence of "The Shadow" the supposed "beta tester." Was "The Shadow" a legitimate source? S-kill had this to say:

"While I'm pretty certain about the source of a few Mega Man-related leaks (sorry leaker, given where the information goes, it was obvious), I can say absolutely the Shadow is not a beta tester. Someone who saw the game early, yes, but beta tester is a failed attempt to cover his (yes, his) real identity.

As Sven said, we don't have "beta testers" here. "
xo,

Surprised? I'm not, I was fairly certain "The Shadow" had some sort of connection with Capcom, but not a beta tester per se.

Many thanks to "The Shadow" (or whoever you are) for supplying the community with countless RM9 tips. You're efforts will not go unrecognized.

(Article has been edited to correct inaccuracies. My wholehearted apologies to Seth and Capcom.)

Thanks evilshadow for bringing the news to my attention

High Quality RM9 Scans For Your Reading Pleasure

Rockman AMV has gotten their hands on the newest issue of Nintendo Power, scanning some very high quality pics of the Rockman 9 article. Now, you can read the article without straining your eyes!

I thought this was worthy of noting: Before interviewing Keii Inafune, Chirs H. made this brief statement:

"We could go on about how Mega Man 9 features classically influenced game design and thumb-busting challenge, enhanced with features such as online leaderboards and downloadable content, but instead we'll go straight to the source: the game's producer (and Mega Man's creator) Keiji Inafune."

You read right, DLC and leaderboards. Yup, more info "The Shadow" "guessed" right.

Rockman ZX: "Game of Destiny"

2008 has been a sad sad year for the ZX series. Here we are, end of June still eagerly awaiting for the official word on ZX3. It's blantly obvious it's not coming out, but many still hope we'll hear or see something in the future.

In the meantime, we'll have to make due with fan works, such is the case with the incredibly awesome, "Rockman ZX: Game of Destiny."

"Game of Destiny" is a high quality fan game being developed by " Maaike2356" on C++ programming with the aide of Photoshop, aiming to create the ultimate ZX slug fest by pitting it's numerous characters against one another. In other words, it's a fighting game.





GoD is still in production, with no specific release date insight. Keep checking out Maaike2356
YouTube Channel for more news and updates on the project.

RM9 Afterthoughts: Where's the Enthusiasm?

“The moment you've been waiting for is here! We're not just giving you Rockman 9, we're giving you a new Famicom/NES game. This is a game that brings back the fun of the old games, and I hope you all enjoy it!" -Keiji Inafune


There seems to be little no no enthusiasm concerning the graphics of RM9. Why? We've waited a good long eleven years for this, many had hoped RM9 would be a 2.5D outing (ala RR) but this is not the case, as RM9 is in full blown Famicom 8 Bit.

Is Capcom lazy? Or are they actually paying homage to the game play and graphics that made our franchise so great? You've got to applaud Capcom, an 8 bit game is this day and age? With a market that is clogged with HD games, FPS shooters and causal games, it's great to see a developer step up to the plate and introduce something “new.”

Sure, the graphics are a step back from what was established in RM8 and onwards, but this is clearly a game to celebrate the franchise's roots.

Inafune said it best:

“The reason this game as a 8bit style game, is because fans being the most acquainted to that style since the birth of Rockman more than 20 years ago. Since fans has been playing the first games in the series an unlimited amount of time, and portraying his classic style in both fan productions on the internet and T-shirt decorations, it felt just right to bring the revival of our classic Blue Bomber back in a style that's most familiar to everyone. Being able to test the limits of 8bit graphics on a current generation home console seemed like a fun idea to pick up on.”

The way I see it, RM9 is being developed as an 8bit title to appeal to gamers who want a “fun and easy pick up and play game.” The older 8 bit Rockman games required no fancy controls to memorize, we simply had two buttons and four directions. It's the perfect type of game aimed at this demographic. Pick up and learn as you go.

Let's say you're still not convinced. You refuse to buy RM9 because the game is based upon a style not seen in fifteen years (Rockman 6). You view it as laziness on Capcom's part. They had eleven years to develop the game and this is what we get? What do you do?

Wait and see about the confirmed XBLA and PSN versions

It's highly possible the XBLA and PSN versions of the game will feature somewhat upgraded graphics to meet the standards of Microsoft and Sony's downloadable games. Neither of the two gaming giants would allow such a game on their services, thus modifications will have to be made.

It's a shame to see long time fans pan RM9 because of its presentation. As for me, I'm fairly excited for the title to come to fruition.

Now, all we need is a release date and I'm good to go.

RM9 Screenshot Slide Show

Can't find the RM9 screens? YouTube user "SuperMega233" has your fix!

RM9 Officially Confirmed, Pics From Nintendo Power *UPDATE*

Yes, it seems RM9 is slated to hit WiiWare, in true 8-bit form.

I don't know what to say. I'm somewhat disappointed in the 8bit look, but this may turn out to be enjoyable! Judging by the interview, it appears Inafune plays a large role in the game's development, thus this will be awesome.

I managed to zoom in on the pics and got some extra info from the interview:

-8-bit sounds and music
-Rush is back (no new forms)
-Horizontal controls
-Inafune is VERY interested in perusing more RM projects on WiiWare.
-IntiCreates is working on it.
-Possible multiple playable characters
-Gameplay is intended to surpass that of RM2
-New Robot Masters:
Magma Man
Galaxy Man
Jewel Man
Concrete Man
Hornet Man
Plug Man
Tornado Man
Splash Woman (!)

The story revolves around a conspiracy. Dr. Wily claims that the 8 Robot Masters are not his doing, and puts the blame on Dr. Right. Thus, Rockman tries to prove his innocence.



UPDATE:

Capcom USA has just confirmed RM9's existence, along with a small tease!
“I will also say, NP only has part of the story. More to be learned later.” - Corporate Officer and Vice-president of Strategic Planning & Business Development Christian Svensson

Update 2:

Oookay, so the MMN has been killed due to traffic. Here's an alternate link to the pics with higher quality scans.


Update 3:

Capcom has ordered the pics to be taken down-for now.

MMSF2 On Shelves, Voice Acting Removed (Surprise?)

For the uninformed, reports are coming in that MMSF2 is now on store shelves nation wide. SF fans, hurry off to your local store and grab yourself a copy! (Along with the Wave Command Kit)

Also, I've received at least two claims that the "voice acting" in the game has been removed from the localized versions. So, they cut out the voice acting but spare the Wave Command System? I'm shocked Capcom.

Buy This Dude's Rockman Collection For $3,000

$3,000? Isn't that a bit harsh for? For what you could get, 3,000 seems about right. Currently on ebay is "mr aoki's" Rockman collection which consists of the following:

-Rockman (Famicom)
-Rockman 2 (Famicom)
-Rockman 3 (Famicom)
-Rockman 4 (Famicom)
-Rockman 5 (Famicom)
-Rockman 6 (Famicom)
-Rockboard (Famicom)

-Megaman in Dr. Wily's Revenge (Gameboy)
-Megaman 3 (Gameboy)
-Megaman 4 (Gameboy)
-Megaman 5 (Gameboy; NOTE: when I acquired this item, it already had writing in the "memo" section of the manual)
-Rockman World 5 (Megaman 5 for Gameboy, only the Japanese version)

-Rockman Soccer (Super Famicom)

-Rockman in Megaworld (a 16-bit remake of Megaman's 1-3 for the Japanese Sega Mega Drive)

-Megaman (US; Sega Game Gear)

-Rockman (PS One - PS One Books Edition)
-Rockman 2 (PS One - Rockman Complete Works)
-Rockman 3 (PS One - Rockman Complete Works)
-Rockman 4 (PS One - Rockman Complete Works)
-Rockman 5 (PS One - Rockman Complete Works)
-Rockman 6 (PS One - Rockman Complete Works)
-The Adventures of Tron Bonne (PS One - Japanese version)

-Rockman Complete OST (Original Soundtrack) : Rockman 1-6

-Megaman and Bass (Gameboy Advance)

-Megaman Battle Network (Gameboy Advance)

-Rockman Perfect Memories (10th Anniversary Book - all text is in Japanese)

-Rockman Plushie
-Blues/Protoman Plushie
-Pharaoh Man Plushie
-Blues.EXE Plushie

-Megaman Retro Roto Figures - Megaman, Protoman, Elecman, Gutsman, and Shadowman

-Megaman Classic Bobblehead

"As a bonus, if someone uses the "Buy It Now" option, I will include US Megaman Battle Network 2 (complete), Megaman X Collection for US Nintendo Gamecube (complete), Megaman Network Transmission for US Gamecube (complete), as well as an additional copy of Megaman in Dr. Wily's Revenge (for Gameboy) and Megaman 2 (for Gameboy). These items are not pictured here because they're still buried somewhere in my closet. I will also look through my game magazine collection for issues of particular interest to a Megaman fan before shipping the lot, should someone "Buy It Now."

Wow, that's quite a load you got thar. But, it get's even better! The auction even has it's own back story:

"I remember, the summer that I was five years old, playing my Nintendo Entertainment System like a madman. My gaming taste had not been refined to the rather,...ecclectic and discerning state you would find it in today. Thus, I would play any game I could get my hands on. I would make frequent trips to the local Movie Gallery (Blockbuster had not yet moved into my neighborhood) and rent whatever caught my eye. My mom said Nintendo Power was too expensive, so I learned of games by word of mouth. Playing a good game was a hit or miss process, and I'm not sure if I'd have even been able to tell you what made a good game to me at the time. It was during this summer, however, that I would make contact with a mascot that would leave an indelible mark on my life.

I remember going to Movie Gallery and renting the first Megaman because of the allure of the box art, which, as most gaming fanatics know, is an eyesore by adult standards. I never really understood the game during that first three day rental, but I did enjoy playing a game that was like Mario that let me select my level and shoot stuff. I re-rented the game a few times that summer, making it to the Robot Masters for the first time. The gameplay mechanic that sold me on this franchise hit me at last: Megaman could use the powers of enemies he had defeated. I never beat all six Robot Masters before returning to school. However, that January, a new video store called Blockbuster had come into town. Its selection of games and movies put Movie Gallery to shame. It was here that I first came in contact with Megaman 2.

This is really where the fascination started to become an obsession. As we all know, Megaman 2 is regarded by most to be the best of the series. Level design was refined, we were given a password system, two more Robot Masters were added to the game, and (in the U.S., at least) we were given a choice of difficulty when starting the game. The following holiday season, I received Megaman 3 as a Christmas gift. This was the first Megaman that I owned. Some older kids from down the street came by to play, and they put in a password that took you to Dr. Wily. Dr. Wily, I should have known! I had no idea that Dr. Wily was going to be the bad guy in this game, as he had "reformed." After the neighbors exhausted all the lives, they cut off the power and refused to share the password.

I remember playing the game every free hour of my 7-year-old life, until one day I made it to Wily. A few days later, I had beaten my first Megaman game. In the following weeks, a rather stout young man appeared in my back yard while I was playing with the neighborhood kids. The conversation turned to the subject of Megaman after learning of a mutual obsession with all things Nintendo.

"Yeah, dude, I have Megaman 3," I bragged.

"Megaman 3?" The boy stepped back with a look of awe on his face. "I didn't even know they had a Megaman 3!"

We ditched the other kids in my back yard, and we went inside to play Megaman 3. My mom made my newfound friend, whose name was Jake, and I go back outside when she saw all the neighborhood kids playing on our swingset with me nowhere in sight. Jake and I agreed to exhange games for a short period of time. My Megaman 3 cart for his Godzilla cart. Godzilla sucked. It took weeks for me to get a hold of Jake and get my game back. However, by then, a friendship for life had been forged. Two of them, to be exact. I had met Jake's younger brother, Joseph, because of mine and Jake's chance encounter. Joseph was my age, and he had become confined to a wheelchair just months prior to our meeting."

BAWWWW.

For the complete auction, and back story follow the link!

A Walk Through the 'Yasmar Woods'

The Yasmar Woods is one of those great unsolved mysteries of the DASH series. Many assume its an area from prototype versions of the game that failed to make it into the final, while others believe it might just be a test area.

Regardless, it's quite an unusual place.

MMSF2 "Website" Launched, A Look At The Wave Command Card Kit

(Seems this whole week has been about RM9 and RnR news)

Capcom overhauled their official MegaMan portal with a section dedicated solely to MMSF2 (releasing this week). It's not as fancy as its Japanese counterpart, but at least its something.

In related news, YouTube user OmegaSM has put up a guided tour of the Wave Command Card book. Not sure how he got the book early, but worth a watch to those curious how the US version of the system works.

RM9 Screenshot Officially Fake

I hate to burst the bubbles of those who thought the screen was real but we have official confirmation that it is indeed a fake. Rockman Perfect Memories revealed that one of it's own members, Blackbeltdude, created the image for the lulz.

View the fake image in its entirety

Debunking The RM9 Screenshot

It's truly amazing to see how a single picture can stir a community uproar. Countless fan sites, forums and gaming news sites aren't sure what to make of this so called "leaked screenshot."

Thanks to the detective skills of RPM member, UZO, we may have successfully debunked the screenshot and its source:

"I'm a beta tester for Capcom"
-He doesn't use industry terms. Beta tester is a word founded by the gamer community. The correct industry term is QA. However, there are some QA who do only deal with beta phase software. Even then, the term is still QA.

"they check you for cameras every time before you go into the room to play."
-False. You sign a non disclosure of proprietary information agreement. For further proof see the CapcomUnity development blogs.

"I want to just send it to you guys because I don't want it to get too much attention (Which is why I'm not sending it to Kotaku, or 1-Up.)."
-Yeah, don't give it much attention, just send it to one of the biggest Megaman sites on the net. (RPM)

"The graphics are in the 8-bit sprite style, but not the classic Famicom/NES one."
-False. There are console regulations to what you can and cant do for a console otherwise it will never be approved (yes, approval is required) to be sold for the console. Microsoft and Sony (and even Nintendo) have regulations against fully '8bit' games that are not ports.

"The game doesn't support full wide screen YET, but it will."
-The killing shot. In the game industry "beta" has a special and interesting place in the development cycle. Allow me to explain;

Pre-Alpha :: The game has not implemented all features.
Alpha :: All game features have been implemented to some degree.
Beta :: The game is COMPLETED. Further QA and fixes are ONLY to eliminate bugs

He claims the game is in Beta. He claims to be a Beta Tester. However, he also says that wide screen has not been implimented. Thats proof hes a liar and a fake.

If this game was in beta, the widescreen would have been long since implemented. In fact, the way games are made, it would have had to be implemented in pre-alpha.


Convincing, no? The debunking doesn't end there, with a little common sense, we can conclude that it's practically impossible to take this shot while playing the game. We know this picture was taken by a cellphone (proof is in the EXIF data). The image depicts Rockman juming and releasing a charged shot. It's impossible to perform this maneuver with one free hand (the other is taking the shot). Thus, this image is a hoax as it is a still picture displayed on a screen, photographed by a cellphone.


Ageman said it best:

"That screenshot looks like bull. I refuse to believe Capcom would be so lazy with their tiling - most of the ground looks like the same tile flipped, stretched, and rotated. That, and the "enemy" looks like a bunch of older MegaMan enemies cut-and-paste into one. The MegaMan sprite looks okay, but again, it doesn't fit for some reason. OH! And no background, seriously? Of course I also refuse to believe the poster above - fans of the MegaMan series have waited over 10 years for MegaMan 9. 10 YEARS. Do you really think Capcom would shaft it's fans by using NES sprites? Even if Capcom didn't care about its fans - you know how much bad media they'd get? Doesn't make sense from any way you look at it. Obviously no one right now is really reliable - too much BS and everyone wanting their 5 minutes of fame. Almost sad. That being said, if, through some divine abomination, Capcom does use NES sprites in a 2008 game and does what you people are saying they're gonna do...well... it will be a sad day for MegaMan."

First Screenshot of RM9? *UPDATE*

Vixy of RPM received an e-mail from an authentic "anonymous" Capcom beta tester claiming to have visual proof of RM9's existence.

The beta tester's message:

"'Im a beta tester for Capcom, and it's been a lot of fun reading all these posts about Rockman 9!

I'm one of the people who gets to test it!

Ever since I started playing it, I've wanted to take pictures and post them online, but they check you for cameras every time before you go into the room to play. Well I thought I'd try something tricky after a few months of beta testing, so I borrowed my girl friend's phone. The guys there trust me enough not to pat me down anymore and they'll let me hand them my phone. So, I took a quick picture of the screen with my girl friend's phone! Sorry it's so blurry and dark, but she's got a really old phone.

I want to just send it to you guys because I don't want it to get too much attention (Which is why I'm not sending it to Kotaku, or 1-Up.). But I'll confirm a few things about the game:

- You can play as Blues.
- The graphics are in the 8-bit sprite style, but not the classic Famicom/NES one.
- It doesn't have anything to do with the X series.
- Tango is in it, and works just like the Rockman World Game Boy version.
- The game doesn't support full wide screen YET, but it will.
- It does support 480p.

Also, PLEASE don't reveal my alias, e-mail name, or e-mail address! I don't want anyone to know I'm the one who sent this in!"


*UPDATE*
Numerous people are looking into this, so check back often for the verdict.

High Quality RnR3 Concept Art, A Look At The Hunter VG

Dengeki Online has posted up some spiffy concept art from RnR3. Nothing we haven't seen before other than a close up shots of the Hunter-VG (which bares a resemblance to EXE 5's Progress PET) and two Wizard Adapters. (WarRock and Ox) More pics at Dengeki.

I'm liking this concept art, but I've got one question: When are we going to see the actually game? Why so secretive? We'll just have to wait and find out.

Wavemaster's 2008 Spring Footage

It's almost as if you were there!






Many more from 4423imago

RM9's Development Outsourced?

A little something new from "The Shadow."

Apparently, RM9/MM9 is being developed by Capcom with the aid of an unknown third party company. "The Shadow" wouldn't identify who the third party company was, but compared the "partnership" to Capcom's former involvement with the Zelda GameBoy games.

This assumption is based upon RM9/MM9's title screen which depicts two developers next to the copyright date.

This news may lead to the assumption that RM9/MM9 is being developed by Capcom USA (which would explain why it's being beta tested in the US) with the aide of a third party developer that might have had a hand in the development of the other "Capcom Digital" titles. (Bionic Commando Rearmed, SFTIITHDR, Commando 3, 1942) To note, all recent Capcom Digital titles have been developed within the US alongside a third party developer.

How does this make you feel? Would you still purchase RM9/MM9 knowing that it wasn't developed by the fine folks at CoJ?

As with all of "The Shadow" rumors, take them with a grain of salt.

New MMSF2 Wave Command Card Kit Details, Cover

To coincide with MMSF2's June 24th release date, Prima Games plans to ship the "Wave Command Card Kit" to stores as well as distribute an "eGuide" version at their website. (Both with a retail MSRP of $14.99)

Details:
• Over 270 collectible cards to enhance Mega Man's various skills, experience and gameplay tactics.
• Exclusive removable Touch Command Overlays for your Nintendo DS.
• Touch Command System explained in detail.
• Every card stat broken down from attribute to rare features to help take down the newest UMAs.

"Robots Have Expiring Dates" -The Shadow *UPDATE*

Once again, I attempted to get some more RM9 info out of "The Shadow," who is still very hush hush about game play specifics. However, I was given a "clue" concerning the plot of the game:

"Robots have expiring dates."

That's a pretty deep concept for a supposed "traditional" plot. Regardless, I expect more 'leaks' to appear soon enough, hopefully some clarification.

On a completely different note: I did some more research about the OFLC, even contacted them for some clarification. Apparently, the OFLC has never in its history listed a "rumored" game, implying that the RM9/MM9 listing is no mistake, it is real.


UPDATE (6/18/08)

Small addition from The Shadow: The practice of "recycling" robots is another major story factor.

Ryuusei no Rockman 3 To Be The Last-Maybe

A small blurb on Dengeki indicates that RnR3 could potentially be the last game in the series. This should be no surprise based upon the way Capcom is promoting the game. However, one has to wonder what Capcom will do next after Ryuusei 3. Yet another new series? Or is Capcom returning to Rockman's traditional roots via Rockman 9?

Rockman 9: 'The Shadow' Speaks

Before the leaked OFLC rating and Destructoid's time traveling cat, Rockman Corner has been teased with news of a Rockman 9 from "The Shadow," a self proclaimed "beta" tester at Capcom USA.

For about a month or so, The Shadow has subjected PRC to rumors of a Rockman 9, the most notable rumor concerned Rockman 9's presence on XBLA and PSN. Myself along with other readers swept his remarks under the rug. However, the fact that The Shadow's rumors have popped up before all others leads us to now assume he is indeed a reliable source.

Thus, I am honored to announce that The Shadow has agreed to spill some specifics about Rockman 9 exclusively through PRC. Without further adieu:

-Rockman 9 will feature a retro 8-bit art style, a homage to the earlier games.

-Two playable characters: Rockman and Blues (ProtoMan). Each has their own unique storylines.

- A popular belief is that RM9 will act as the 'link' to the events of the X Series. This is not so, The storyline DOES NOT lead into the X Series, rather it's a 'traditional' plot.

-Many new characters, new Robot Masters and maybe some new supporting characters.

-Gameplay is reminiscent of Rockman 3-6.

-Online components: Leader boards and some unknown form of online play

-RM9 will be on all major home consoles: Wii, X360 and PS3. X360 and PS3 users will be able to purchase the game from their respective download services. It's unknown how the Wii version will work, whether it will be a downloaded game or not.

Who Is Red Ant Enterpises? RM9 On Wii?

Numerous gamers have spotted that MegaMan 9's OFLC rating was registered by "Red Ant Enterpises." So, who exactly are they?

Apparently, Red Ant Enterprises Is Capcom's "digital" distributor in Australia. Meaning they are responsible for allowing Australian gamers to access Capcom content on popular download services such as Xbox Live Arcade and PLAYSTATION Network.

Going by this info, we can conclude that RM9/MM9 is indeed be a downloadable title. But, what about the Wii? Can we expect RM9/MM9 to appear on WiiWare?

Some have speculated that Capcom has passed on the Wii's download service due to its file size limitations. However, that does not rule out a Wii version. Tonight, I received a tip from PRC reader "JibJab" that Wii owners will not miss out on RM9/MM9. Wii owners will be able to purchase a retail version of the game that is said to be nearly identical to both the XBLA and PSN versions.

Could RM9/MM9 be the long rumored Wii title? We'll have to wait and see. E3 2008 isn't too far off , I'm pretty positive we'll hear some more RM9/MM9 details there.

Rockman 9 Is Coming!

We've received numerous rumors concerning a RM9 coming to PSN and XBLA from PRC's own "The Shadow" and guess what?... He was right!

Rockman 9 is slated to release on multiple platforms.

Rumors have indicated it will appear on both the Xbox Live Arcade and PLAYSTATION Network. Rumors have also indicated that RM9 will contain a form of online play including leader boards as well as introducing new characters.

Holy crap gentlemen, the Classic series is back.

Hopefully, "The Shadow" shall offer us some more inside info in the coming days.

Sources:
Destructoid
GoNintendo

Pirated RM8 Attempts To Be Awesome, Fails

A while back, an unnamed Taiwan game company ported Rockman 8 to the GameBoy. Although it's 100% unofficial, the effort put into this pirate makes it look official. But don't be fooled. Check out vids of the god awful music and choppy gameplay.





Good effort guys. I'll stick with the real thing.

Periodically, this pirate shows up on numerous auction sites, so steer clear

Newest RnR3 Details From Coro Coro (Return of Navis?) *UPDATED*

Courtesy of the MegaMan Network:

-The game will feature new EM beings called Wizards, which are in same way a carry over from the Battle Network era. They are Navi-like beings that can materialize and be touched and seen. Some Wizards are Battle Wizards and fight EM viruses, so it's implied they have broader applications.

-The new portable device Geo and everyone uses is the Hunter VG. They are capable of materializing Wizards for various work for people. It has a Wizard Slot that different adapters can be inserted into. The War Rock (Omega-Xis) and Ox (Taurus) adapters are mentioned.

-The new character featured in the first SF3 wallpaper is Shidou (his last name I can't translate at this time). He is an ace member of the Satellite Police who developed the Hunter VG. He is accompanied by a Wizard named Acid.

-Omega-Xis and Taurus will seemingly become Wizard-like beings thanks to the Hunter VG. Rogue from the previous game is also accompanied by a Wizard named Laplace.


Scans from the Coro Coro will be up in the very near future, hang tight.


UPDATE: And we have a scan! Scan depicts the partial cast's Wizards along with a "fresh" Ryuusei logo. More scans are still to come.

MMPU and MHX Get a Second Chance On PSN-Maybe

According to Capcom's VP of strategic planning (Sven), Capcom plans on releasing several of their "better" PSP titles on the Playstation Network, which may include both MHX and MMPU.

"As I've mentioned previously, Sony has recently approached us about getting more of our legacy content up on the PSN store, and again, it's all separate by territory (so while we're working on the US side, Europe, unfortunately will probably have to wait for us to finish that process before our group here can locate the PAL masters and resubmit to SCEE. I know you don't care about the process, but internally, we have to get masters sent to us from Japan, work a little mojo on them and gather some digital marketing materials to resubmit. It's not a "done in 10 minutes" excercise by any stretch. The first titles you see appearing from us will be some of our better PSP titles that are difficult to find at retail. We'll speak to Sony in more detail regarding PS1 titles we'll get to after we've gotten a few or our more recent PSP titles up and available. At the same time, Sony has indicated to us that they don't want 20 titles hitting in any given week so it's going to be a measured, deliberate release of titles over time. This allows each release a little time in the sun... In the mean time, you know Wolf of the Battlefield: Commando3 is now available on PSN... and 1942: Joint Strike should be available in the not-so-distant-future as well, so keep an eye out for that too."

Although Sven does not specifically mention MHX and MMPU coming to PSN, it's pretty much a given both titles will be up for grabs considering how hard it is to find "new" copies of either game.

"Design Magazine?" Right...

WARNING! Article isn't for those easily offended!

The DASH series is infamous for its kinky sense of humor. A good amount of the the “adult themes" from the Japanese version were miraculously left intact in localized versions.

Tron Ni Kobun's release is the only exception as anything remotely obscene was either removed or altered. One such instance of censorship is the “design magazine'' item from the Bank Mission containing facts and tidbits about home decour.

Now I ask you, does this look like a "design magazine" to you?

No sir.

The “design magazine” was formally called “adult magazine” in the Japanese version but changed out of censorship. Interestingly, Capcom took no time to modifying the erotic magazine sprite into something a little more kid friendly.

Funny, right? It gets better! Once you give the design magazine to Servbot #40, a short dialogue sequence occurs in which #40 tells Tron how he'd like to alter the drapes of the Gesellschaft. This sequence was altered as well: In the original version, #40 is known as the kooky pervert of the Kobun numbers, obsessed with Tron's bed. Upon giving him the erotic magazine, his "stats" increase dramatically, ensuring a very awkward conversation with Tron.

Insane Auction for Insane Fans

For just 15,000 Yen ($150 USD) you can own 127 sheets of Ryuusei no Rockman sketches.

The sketches were once used as reference materials when animating the show, thus you could own a piece of Rockman history.

Interested? Head over to Rinkya and bid away!

The YouTube Batch

I've been meaning to share these with you guys for a while, so here they are: a collection of Rockman related YouTube video sent in by various PRC readers. You know who you are, thanks!

Revival of Rockman: Have Faith, It's Coming

Regardless of what Capcom says, many are still worried about the Rockman franchise.

With the death of the traditional style games (going by ZXA's dismal sales) all that's left is Ryuusei and its army of multi media tie ins. Is this Rockman's future? Hobby styled games? Unfortunately, it seems so—for now at least.

Today I'd like to remind everyone of a few statements Inafune has recently made that might put you at ease.

The first statement is his “promise” to create a “new Rockman” in the near future: At the dawn of the 20th Anniversary bash in November, Inafune announced he plans on creating a new series that has no ties to EXE or Ryuusei. Thus, it can be assumed Rockman might be entering a new genre or returning to his action/platformer roots.

The second statement isn't as widely known as the first. In the commentary section of “R20”, Inafune mentions that the handheld hobby style Rockman games are the current rage, (by Japanese fan's standards) and he hopes R20 and future 20th Anniversary merchandise will keep old school fans busy until he can create a new “epic” Rockman game.

This isn't the first time we heard plans for an “epic” Rockman game, the enigmatic Surfer Girl brought this subject to light a few months back. SG briefly mentioned that Capcom was currently in the process of “breathing new life” into the franchise via a new, “epic” series that will disregard everything from the past.

Interesting. Can we trust Inafune and SG's statements of a “revival?” I believe so. I have no doubt in my mind Capcom is currently conjuring up some big revival game, Nique and Itou san's remarks hinted at this.

It is also quite evident that Capcom is in the mood for “revivals.” Look at Bionic Commando, the series has been hibernating for twenty something years and here it is, good as new. Same goes for the Street Fighter franchise, finally SFIV is coming.

Who's next in line to receive a revival? Rockman. (Maybe)

Fret not, the Rockman we love will be back. All it's going to take is some patience and a little faith in Capcom.

If my words don't ease your anxieties, then maybe someone at Capcom will. Feel free to shoot Nique an email (niquef@capcom.com) to express your concerns, but be polite! No hate mail and no flaming. We don't want to give ourselves a bad name.

If you do get a reply, you're more than free to share them via comments.

CAPTIVATE: Nothing! *UPDATED*

Contrary to yesterdays rumors, there was little to no Rockman presence at all with the exception of more Star Force 2.

Glancing at the list of games shown at CAPTIVATE, it appears this event was solely based around games being made by Capcom USA or being distributed by them, so we pretty much had our hopes up for nothing.

Alas, all is not lost for new Rockman titles, E3 is just around the corner.

Many thanks to all who've sent in the tips!


*UPDATE*

Capcom Unity members who attended CAPTIVATE were fortunate enough to ask Capcom several Rockman related questions, the most notable questions related to the existence of ZX3 and the rumored home console game.

Capcom could neither confirm nor deny the existence of the two, but the lack of a straight answer gives hope to both titles.

CAPTIVATE '08 Rumors *UPDATE 2*

CAPTIVATE ended as quickly as it began. The two day event is said to have revealed several new titles for the remainder of the year. So, what can we expect from the 'ol Blue Bomber?

Officially, CAPTIVATE news doesn't begin until tomorrow, but there are a few rumors out and about already:

-Three Wii titles were shown: "NeoPets Puzzle Adventure" and "Spyborgs." The third Wii title is from an already established franchise that won't be unveiled until next week. Scramble Battle? Or something else?

-Inafune was present for a few announcements

-MegaMan Star Force 2 was out to play. Capcom confirmed Wave Command Cards coming to the US. Supposedly, players can purchase Wave Command Cards from the Capcom online store.

-Within the next year, Capcom will be remaking several "classic" titles for PSN and XBLA. No specifics of what titles are getting remade, but RM titles are given.

Again, CAPTIVATE news doesn't come out officially until tomorrow, so hang tight and we'll see what happens.


UPDATE:

-Discussion of Star Force's return to Toonami Jetstream. Apparently, Viz Media is currently looking into several options to broadcast the show to a "larger audience." Televised episodes perhaps?

-Originally, it was rumored that ZX3 was going to be present at CAPTIVATE. This was not so apparently. However, that does not rule out the possibility of ZX3. During a press meeting, Inafune breifly talked about ZX3. No specifics at this time.

UPDATE 2

-IGN is reporting Capcom revealed a third person, "sci-fi action game for Wii." Rockman related? Your guess is as good as mine.