The PSP is home to, arguably, two of the best Mega Man games in recent years: Mega Man Powered Up and Maverick Hunter X. Received well by fans and the gaming press alike, both titles, unfortunately, failed to find a place in the market, selling far below Capcom's expectations on a global scale. It's easy to play the blame game, but the longstanding theory is that the games simply couldn't find an audience on the PSP, a system that, at the time of both games' release, had very little market share. In the coming years, both titles received new life on PlayStation Network, though only Maverick Hunter X would be available outside of Japan; Powered Up suffered compatibility issues.
We don't have the numbers behind the PSN versions, but it couldn't hurt to give the two games another chance at finding the audience they deserve. The prospect of PSP to PS3 High-definition ports gives rise to an idea that's been in the forefront of many minds since the PSP Remaster program was announcement made yesterday: HD ports of MMPU and MHX.
Aside from Monster Hunter, Capcom has been mum on further plans for the PSP Remaster program. We don't know what they have planned long term, but I think we have a good chance, a very good chance, of getting and HD MMPU/MHX to happen. All it's going to take is a little fan support.
The idea is currently being churned amidst the fanbase: A single Blu-Ray disc housing both Maverick Hunter and Powered Up, complete HD visuals (that applies to "Day of Sigma", too) Dual Shock 3 support, optional 3D display, and maybe a few extras. A single package boasting two great games at a steal of a price; fans get a chance to play them on the BIG screen, newcomers get a chance to actually play and enjoy them.
If you're interested in HD version of these games, simply raise your voice! You've got two great outlets to voice your opinion: the Ask Capcom forums, and the Suggestion Box. The demand for a revitalized MMPU and MHX is there, it just needs to be directed at the source.
Certainly, we'd all enjoy some sequels out of these two games instead of more ports, but for that to happen, the originals have to be somewhat successful in a financial sense. So, if this is something relevant to your interest, give Capcom a holler. A little demand can go a long way.
Oh man.
ReplyDeleteSeriously, if this were to happen, it'd be a very strong reason for me to actually buy a PS3. No joke.
I'm not concerned about Powered Up nor Maverick Hunter. Why?
ReplyDeleteFirst off, Archie's got a comic with TIME MAN on the cover. That already gives PU a major boost if the comic sells well, especially the variant with him on the cover.
The other is due to a) Zero getting an MvC3 spot and b) The dlc ranking of X in both Japan and NA as well as Sigma. In addition to a new resurgence of support for a new X game.
Yep definitely not worried at all.
You see we had a chance for a spiritual sequel to Powered Up, Capcom even took in stride the biggest complaint of Powered Up it's cutesy anime art style... it didn't go so well.
ReplyDeleteExpecting Capcom to try again is just absurd.
Third anon:
ReplyDeleteProblem is NO ONE wanted Universe. EVERYONE wants MORE MHX and MMPU.
MHX!!!! MHX!!!! MHX!!!! MHX!!!! MHX!!!! MHX!!!! MHX!!!! MHX!!!! MHX!!!! MHX!!!! MHX!!!! MHX!!!! MHX!!!! MHX!!!! MHX!!!! MHX!!!!
ReplyDeleteDay of Sigma in HD?! Oh, I say hell yeah!!!!
@Tom
ReplyDeleteI know that full well (and agree!) but I'm just saying you should consider things from Capcom's point of view to understand why it's pretty unlikely.
They made Powered Up the reviews main negative complaint was the art style. Capcom blames the poor sales on that instead of you know it being on the PSP which would be the rationale thing to do.
So years later Capcom makes what is basically Powered Up 2 in a new art style and people HATE it. So now Capcom has basically burned both hands on the metaphorical stove, it doesn't take a genius to figure out they're going to be reluctant to try for three.
Actually, Tom. I must disagree with you and the third Anon. There are so many variables involved, saying that "everyone" wants MHX and MPU is just foolish, no offense. I, personally, didn't like either of them; as I didn't think Mega Man was being treated seriously with his chibi style in Powered Up and I his Americanized form in Universe was ridiculous. I grew to like both styles, but the fact remains, that THER WERE people who were excited for Universe and a LOT of people who hated both MMPU and MHX. It's a preference thing. Capcom just can't please "everyone".
ReplyDeleteMe, personally, I'm not the kind of person to complain about graphics. But, my preference would be that they make another MMPU and MHX game (after porting them, of course, so they are more accessible to new players), just as long as they make MMPU2 more like the original games. The zoomed in, slow, bouncy gameplay doesn't work for Mega Man... AT ALL. Again, just my opinion.
I never had any technical difficulties when running a digital copy of MMPU. Someone at Capcom/Sony is lying.
ReplyDeleteOfficial digital, Rockman. They can't get it on PSN.
ReplyDeleteI don't give a care for HD really. I want them to be ported to the 3DS. That would be AWESOME! Because I've played both games and I don't have a PSP, but I do have a 3DS, and it could easily play them.
ReplyDeleteI really don't see why Zero couldn't be playable in MHX. That game would have sold more had he been playable. Sure, he would have played differently because GASP NO SWORD but hey, he can pick up shit right?
ReplyDeleteThey were probably saving him for X3.
ReplyDeleteYeah! That's what I was thinking too! They SHOULD make a Zero mode! We had enough Vile/Vava ( and I dunno WHY in MHX a VIle mode was there and not Zero mode, Vile's NOT a hero even! ), why couldn't there be a Zero mode story?! Didn't he have his own separate missions different from X's that we've never seen footage of... yet?
ReplyDeleteBring THAT to the PSN, and I'll consider it. Otherwise, I'm not gonna give up ONE CENT! If it's gonna be brought back, make it worth it.
Give us Zero mode.
@Omi: I don't see how making Zero playable would have actually sold more copies, and even if it did, I doubt it would have been enough to make them reconsider a sequel
ReplyDeleteI would love to play MMPU, but since Capcom refuses to release it on anything I OWN, I cannot. I think a lot of Megaman fans are in the same boat.
ReplyDeleteIt's probably safe to say that there's a strong cross section of Megaman fans and Nintendo console/portable owners.
YES YES YES!!! Finally! Capcom!!! If you release both of these games on the PS3, you'll be doing something SMART for once!!
ReplyDeleteIt would be great if they were more than just ports with updated graphics. Like maybe a level editor for MHX, or a set of Co-op levels for MMPU
ReplyDeleteI find it kinda funny how the blog post basically made it sound like MPU and MHX are the only good Megaman games to come out in recent time. XD
ReplyDelete@anon2
ReplyDeleteJust like SEGA listened to fans of their Archie comic and Sally is in the games ?
Maverick Hunter X in HD would be HOT. I would love to play that on my 50-inch plasma. :D Mega Man: Powered Up too, of course, but Maverick Hunter X even more.
ReplyDelete@Anonymous #4:
ReplyDelete"THER[E] WERE people who were excited for Universe and a LOT of people who hated both MMPU and MHX."
It was the other way around for me. I loved both Powered Up and Maverick Hunter X, but thought that Universe was garbage.
I'd be more happier if they were considering ports for the 3DS or something. (Since the original DS's wouldn't have been possible because of the gradients and stuff) But if it means more people get to enjoy it, except me since I don't have a PS3 and will probably never get one, then I'd still be up to it.
ReplyDeleteI'd be more happier if they were considering ports for the 3DS or something. (Since the original DS's wouldn't have been possible because of the gradients and stuff) But if it means more people get to enjoy it, except me since I don't have a PS3 and will probably never get one, then I'd still be up to it.
ReplyDelete"I don't see how making Zero playable would have actually sold more copies"
ReplyDeleteReally? He's Zero. He's the guy who "took over" the series and even got his own series and had heavy influence on a following series.
Fans like Zero.
Nice try, Capcom whores.
ReplyDeleteI bought a used Playstation in 1998 for MegaMan 8 alone.
I won't be conned into another Sony brand paperweight just for two games that I already have.
Here's an idea, instead of re-re-re-releasing existing games, try making some new ones to compensate for all the MegaMan games you're sabotaging.
PLEASE! LET IT HAPPEN!
ReplyDeleteDon't kill me, but...
ReplyDeleteI never really liked Zero.
Not trolling. Just not a fan.
@ Rockman
ReplyDelete"Really? He's Zero. He's the guy who 'took over' the series and even got his own series and had heavy influence on a following series.
Fans like Zero. "
THANK YOU! You are someone who understands!
I much rather play on the PSP, because it's portable! :D
ReplyDelete@Tom: I wanted Universe... and I definitely don't consider myself "no one".
ReplyDeleteGranted, I would prefer MMPU2, instead, but as crazy as this sounds, there were PLENTY of people (myself included) that were anticipating Universe. It's just that, for whatever reason, the haters were pretty much all anyone ever saw on Mega Man sites, while, ironically, everywhere else there seemed to be more people looking forward to the game. At least from what I saw.
I'd say the quality of the PSP MegaMan games is a *VERY* debatable point. I found them underwhelming. Not that they're bad games; they're not by any means (though PU has a few kinks in terms of difficulty balancing). But they're bad remakes. They largely fail to capture the essence of their predecessors, PU especially. MHX did a bit better, but one doesn't appreciate nerfing the game's primary weapon to half strength (referring to the fact that EITHER buster upgrade, Spiral or Z-Buster, does not compare to the SNES original in terms of stage enemy damage).
ReplyDeleteI'm honestly hoping we get a new X game announced at E3 this year. I Hope so.
ReplyDeleteOtherwise? If we're getting HD versions of MHX and PU, I officially REQUIRE a PS3 to exist now.