Mighty No. 9 Update - Crowdfunded DLC Announced

Keiji Inafune and crew are putting the call out for more crowdfunding, according to today's newest Mighty No. 9 update. His studio, Comcept, are asking slacker backers to help reach a $190,000 goal by the end of 2014. If successful, all backers will receive a code to download an additional stage and boss for Mighty No. 9 by summer 2015. The new boss is none other than Beck's fierce rival, Ray (name not final).

As Beck's opposite, Ray is intended to be a tragic character with a huge defect: he is deteriorating. Ray needs to absorb and consume other robots to survive, much like a vampire. Designer Kimokimo deliberately designed the character to appear incomplete -- parts of his body are literally breaking down into Xel, the fundamental building blocks of robotic matter.

Ray and his accompanying stage are being billed as "potential DLC." Comcept says, "We want to stress that none of the developers have or would begin working in earnest on this DLC until their work is done on the Mighty No. 9 retail release."

To help ease inevitable tension, they've laid out their entire cost table, a breakdown of everything $190K will cover. You'll find that and additional details right here.

Shigeto Ikehara's Rockman Manga Making a Comeback

Re:BomBom is a comics label in Japan known for their high quality reprints of out-of-print Comic BomBom manga. According to a Rakuten listing, Shigeto Ikehara's beloved Rockman manga series is next in line to be dusted off for redistribution.

Tentatively titled Rockman Rockman 1&2, the book is speculated to compile Ikehara's Rockman 1 and Rockman 2 adaptations, originally serialized between 1992 and 1994. It's due out on December 22nd for 1,598 Yen (roughly $14.66 US). No cover art at the moment, but I'm hopeful Ikehara will deliver something new.

And who knows, this could definitely become more fodder for UDON to release later. We're well overdue for Ikehara's works!

Credit: CapKobun

Let's Look at S.H Figuarts Rockman Zero

Bandai's S.H Figuarts Rockman Zero figure is now available in Japan, and those who picked it up are proudly showing off their posing prowess. After the jump, you'll find some excellent shots of the red crusader in action courtesy of our friends in East.

Two New Rockman Albums Dated for 2015

Capcom will be kicking off the new year in Japan with two new Rockman soundtracks, Gamer reports. Rockman Utopia and Rockman Disopia are due out on January 14th and February 11th, respectively.

Spearheaded by Basiscape, the same group behind the 25th anniversary techno and rock soundtracks, the albums will feature concept arrangements. Rockman Utopia spotlights music from the classic series, described as "light, techno pop" arrangements. Rockman Dystopia, meanwhile, has X series music with a "tragic hardcore techno" style.

Each album is a single disc and retails for 3,300 Yen (roughly $31 US). First prints will ship with a special paper craft graphic -- classic Rockman for Utopia, X for Dystopia.

Source: Gamer (via Heat Man)

Rockman Unity Gives Us a Tour of the Rockman x Hanayashiki Event

Back in September, Capcom partnered with popular Japanese theme park Hanayashiki for a month-long Rockman celebration. For everyone who couldn't make it out, Ucchy and the Rockman Unity crew filmed a little tour of the festival grounds.

The first few minutes cover the stamp rally followed by a nice look at the exclusive merchandise corner. Then, it's a hop and a skip over to "Wily's" -- a Rockman-themed restaurant.You can see more of those munchies and beverages here.

Today's the final day of the promotion, so check if out if you're in the neighborhood!

Mega Man Stuff From the Live Smash Bros. Event

Nintendo unleashed a bevvy of new details for Super Smash Bros. Wii U on today's livestream event. Sprinkled throughout, a few fun Mega Man bits...

Rockman Xover is Coming to an End

After nearly two years of service, social RPG Rockman Xover is shutting down. According to a hidden message posted to the game's servers (uncovered by Nigoli), Xover will officially cease operations on March 31st, 2015. This will seemingly affect both iOS and Android versions.

Prior to termination, Capcom also plans on shutting down the sale of "Crests", the game's form of currency, on December 25th, 2014. Refunds for unused Crest balance will be distributed between April 1st ~ September 30th, 2015.

It remains to be seen when Capcom will officially announce the game's termination, but be aware that it is coming. Right now we don't know why they're pulling the plug; it could be a matter of declining revenue, or things may have run their course. It's all speculation at this point.

We'll update you when we learn more. Thanks, Nigoli!

Witness the Pure Joy of Unwrapping Mega Man 2 in the '90s

This video is so charming (not to mention downright funny), that I just had to share it. It's August 24th, 1990 and Tyler is about to receive his favorite game of all time: Mega Man 2.

Head below and find out why this one gift is so special.

Rockman Sound Box Vol. 2 Cover Art is Glorious

Courtesy of Gamer, we now have our first look at Rockman Sound Box Vol. 2's cover art. This masterpiece sums up the product quite nicely: music from various Classic series side-games collected in one place. Battle & Chase, Rockboard, Soccer, and more!

Sound Box Vol. 2 boasts over 600 tracks across 10 discs (see the complete track list here). It will retail for 12,000 yen (roughly $110 USD), due out on December 17th, 2014.

UPDATE: 4Gamer has a more detailed tracklist. Symbols are used to denotate what's what...

Star = New as a first release on CD
Square = Extracted audio source
Circle = If it's been used from past CD release
Triangle = Digitally mastered from sound source

Thanks for the heads up, Nigoli!

Source: Gamer (via Heat Man)

A Look at the Rockman Garage Kits Coming to Wonder Fest '15

For fans of sweet Rockman garage kits you'll probably never be able to buy, you'll be pleased to know Hobby Rock is organizing again for 2015. The event, which showcases amazing homemade figures and creations, will coincide with the Winter Wonder Festival in February.

After the break, we've rounded up some preliminary images of the show's newest kits. Undoubtedly, there's a little something for everyone...

Mega Man Universe Patent Details Cancelled Game's Stage Editor

Though Mega Man Universe was cancelled three years ago, traces of its development still linger on the net. Gameplay, images, music, and now there's this: a patent for the game's stage editor and its subsequent sharing features.

According to the patent, Tobuto Dezaki -- known for his work on Haunting Ground, Breath of Fire IV and Tech Romancer -- designed Mega Man Universe's stage editor. This was intended to be a core component to the game, expanding on the tools previously introduced in Mega Man Powered Up. For example, Universe would have allowed creators to adjust enemy behavior, their movement patterns and how much damage they dealt to the player.

Further, the patent sheds new light on a quality assurance system, once designed to deter impossible to beat stages. Mega Man Universe required players to actually beat their homemade stage before sharing it online. If the stage cannot be cleared by the creator, the game would prevent it from being distributed to other players. "Insta-death" stages, like those that flooded Powered Up's network, would no longer be an issue.

To further deter the distribution of impossible stages, in-game currency would have been rewarded to creators that abide by good stage design ethics. This would have nabbed you a batch of items and abilities to be used in-game. The document is mum on specifics, though, leaving us to read between the lines.

There's a whole bunch of other features detailed in the patent, which you can find right here. It's an interesting, albeit lengthy read. For a simpler outline of the how all this stuff works, hit the jump below for official diagrams and images.

Rockman Zero Hits Japan Virtual Console Next Week

Wii U owners in Japan will be able to download the first Rockman Zero next week on the 22nd. Naturally the game will run for 702 Yen.

Of course, whether or not North America or Europe will see it that soon remains undetermined. But hey, I figured you might appreciate the heads-up.

Source: daikai6

Mighty No. 9 Update: New Beta Stage, DLC Teaser, English Voices

Triple dose of Mighty No. 9 news today. First off, the third beta stage is now available to backers. PR calls this one -- Mighty No. 3's power plant -- the "toughest stage yet." The key to success, though, is your ability to down dash. Do it correctly and things should be a breeze!

Second, Comcept has uploaded a teaser trailer for "potential bonus DLC." The near-minute long video introduces a new Mighty Number, Zero. From what little we see of him, Zero looks to be a twisted amalgamation of various parts. Check it out here.

Lastly, after calculating 20,000 votes, Comcept confirmed the game will be presented with English voice acting only. No Japanese audio this time around!

New Mega Man Trophies Confirmed for Smash Bros. Wii U

By way of the Director's Room Miiverse, Super Smash Bros. director Masahiro Sakurai confirmed not one, but four Mega Man trophies for the Wii U version: Bass (with Treble), Zero, Roll and Proto Man. He writes:

"Pic of the day. Here's Bass, a trophy for the Wii U version!! When I first saw this, I was really surprised by the quality of this trophy and Treble's presence. Even though this will only appear as a trophy, this was made from the ground up. Designers really are amazing."

Sakurai adds, "Zero's here too!! There are also trophies of Roll and Proto Man." He didn't specify which version of Roll/Proto Man, though. My bet's classic series... but, hey, you never know!

Source: Director's Room

Cuddle Up With New Mega Man Plush Toys

For the Mega Man fan wanting a softer approach to robot friends, manufacturer Sanei Boeki are readying a set of classic-style plushies. Play-Asia has opened up pre-orders for Mega Man, Rush and Proto Man plush toys due out in December.

The three are about 6 inches in height, going for $26.99 a pop. What's more, there is a medium-sized 10-inch Mega Man variant (far right) for $40.99. I gotta say, Rush looks the best of the three. Just look at that majesty. That right there is a dog.

Source: Play-Asia

Mega Man Coming to Monster Hunter 4 Ultimate

Outed at Capcom's New York Comic Con panel, Mega Man is headed to Monster Hunter 4 Ultimate.

Players can outfit their Palico in classic Mega Man armor. When equipped, the helper cat uses a Rush Hammer to aid you in battle. As a nice touch, he makes various 8-bit noises, such as Mega Man's "death sound" when he retreats.

Check out more images after the jump.

More Images of TruForce's Mega Man X Figure

Straight from the New York Comic Con showroom floor...

Exclusive First Look: "Mizuno Mega Man X" Figure

April 1st, 2014. Ucchy of Rockman Unity teased fans with a unique Mega Man X figure designed by Keisuke Mizuno (of Maverick Hunter and Powered Up fame), which presented a unique take on X's iconic design. It was considered to be an April Fools day joke at the time, but certain parties took note of your enthusiasm - a vocal desire to see this thing realized.

You may recall at the beginning of the summer I asked if you were interested in a certain Mega Man X figure. Well I've got good news: Mizuno's Mega Man X is happening. This is going to be an actual thing and you helped green-light it. Pat yourself on the back because the prototype looks magnificent.

Read on for our exclusive first look after the break!

Archie Comics Announces Sonic/Mega Man: Worlds Unite

Archie Comics' Mega Man and Sonic the Hedgehog lines are crossing over again. The company announced "Worlds Unite", a sequel to 2013-2014's "Worlds Collide" crossover story arc. Plot details are reserved until this week's New York Comic Con, but in the meantime, here's what writers Ian Flynn with Patrick “SPAZ” Spaziante had to say:

"When the worlds of Sonic the Hedgehog and Mega Man collided in the pages of Archie Action comics, readers, fans and retailers made it the biggest crossover event in Archie Action history,” he said in a prepared statement. “That historic crossover storyline changed the comic book worlds of Sega and Capcom’s iconic video game characters forever, but now an even bigger event is on the horizon. You saw what happened when worlds collided, now see what happens when Words Unite! And this time, no universe will be safe…”

"No universe will be safe" makes me think more than one Mega Man series will be represented! Mega Man X, anyone? In any case, we'll have more news on Thursday, October 9th. The Archie Action Hour: Sonic the Hedgehog and Mega Man panel will be held at 1PM.

Source: TSS

PSA: Mega Man The Complete Series Now Available

Just like the headline says, the complete Ruby Spears Mega Man cartoon series has officially arrived (once more) on DVD courtesy of Discotek Media.

The 4-disc set comes in an exclusive NES-inspired slipcase complete with totally radical stuff on the back. The discs are designed to look like NES cartridges, and the menus are straight out of Mega Man 2. As for the episodes themselves, quality is on par with the previous ADV Films sets. They're encoded at NTSC 480i so you won't notice a significance difference. I'm sad to say there are no extras this time around.

If you don't already own the ADV collections, this set should be right up your alley. Hardcore collectors, too, probably. Those interested can pick it up for $44.95 from Amazon.

Mega Man: The Board Game Update - All Sculpts Approved

It's been a while since we last checked in with Jasco Games' Mega Man: The Board Game, but rest assured that time has not been spent idly -- development is indeed underway and the final miniature sculpts recieved the Capcom stamp of approval.

After the break, you can check out final renders and molds. It was a scrutinizing approval process, Jasco says, and now they're setting their sights on getting these guys colored.

Super Smash Bros. for 3DS: We Have Lift Off

October 3rd is upon us and Super Smash Bros. for 3DS has officially launched in North America. You can grab the game in-store or directly from the Nintendo eShop right now! Well, maybe not right at this very moment -- the servers will probably be jam packed most of the night -- but you get the idea.

As a friendly heads up, you need to download a day one update from the eShop to enable online matchmaking. Update 1.0.2 is required for online play. It's a very small patch that contains the final server configurations for the North American game. Once you get through all that downloadin', you're all set.

I gotta say, after nearly four years of wading through cancelled projects and disappointing news, it'll be an absolute joy to finally savor something good. It may not be a new Mega Man game, but Smash Bros. is the first time in years Mega Man has been shown some decent treatment.

I don't want to set any expectations for myself, but Mega Man's representation could go a long way...