Kotobukiya to Reveal the Third Rockman X Model Kit at Summer Wonder Festival 2019

Today, Kotobukiya's blog updated with some very tantalizing information that they shared during the show Shizuoka Hobby Show earlier this month. It flew under our radar then but, now that it's online, we've got the detail.

Machine Learning Remasters Mega Man X4 and Mega Man 8 Cutscenes in Full 1080p

If you were a little bummed out about the quality of Mega Man X4 and Mega Man 8's animated cutscenes in Mega Man X Legacy Collection and Mega Man Legacy Collection 2, then you really need to see this.

A one VJ Ravenlight has used machine learning AI to "remaster" the opening cutscenes from Mega Man X4 and Mega Man 8 in full 1080p, extracted from their original 320x240 source. You can watch X4's HD intro above (Japanese version here) and Mega Man 8's (Rockman 8 ver. only for now) right here.

Mind you, these aren't *perfect* conversions. It's next to impossible to truly remaster these cutscenes without access to the original film or cels. Nevertheless, it's true: these cutscenes have never looked this good in any official capacity.

VJ Ravenlight has informed me that he's currently working on 1080p versions of every animated cutscene from EVERY PlayStation-era Mega Man game (MM8, X4–X6). These videos will be posted to his YouTube channel in the near future.

All in all, this is some real admirable work. I can't wait to see what comes next!

Charge Your Phone with Replica Rockman X and Rockman 2 Cartridges

Portable phone chargers based on the likeness of Rockman X and Rockman 2 cartridges are on the way, manufacturer Spiderwebs announced. Much like the Rockman 1 replica cartridge charger last year, these two new chargers strive to represent their Super Famicom and Famicom counterparts as close as possible. They even have (non-working) PCB contacts. Spiffy stuff.

For the time being, both chargers will be sold exclusively through Mobile Land. No international shipping is available, but do know that we did eventually see the Rockman 1 charger being sold elsewhere. If you frequent eBay or if you have the resources to bid/purchase from Yahoo! Auctions Japan, you may just find them.

Source: Nico Video

Mega Man 2019 Roadmap (June to October)

Plenty of months have passed since we published the Mega Man roadmap for the first half of 2019. Since then, plenty of things have been announced to be released in the second part of the year. It's time time to give the roadmap an update!

New Images of Kotobukiya "Polarized" Mega Man X Model Kit

Earlier this month we reported that Kotobukiya were planning to release a limited edition "Polarized" variant of their upcoming Mega Man X model kit. Today, Kotobukiya have rolled out a whole bunch of images and additional details. Check it out after the jump!

The Final Four Episodes of Mega Man: Fully Charged Season 1 Are Here

It's time to say good by to Aki and friends – for now. The final four episodes of Mega Man: Fully Charged season 1 are now available to watch on Cartoon Network online, the CN App, and on-demand providers throughout the U.S. You'll find episode titles and descriptions below:

Episode 49: Make The Cut

Mega Man goes on a 24/7 heroing spree around the city, forcing Suna, Bert, Ashley and Rush to deal with the problem at hand, Cut Man

Episode 50: Panic In The Lighthouse

When Chaotique breaks into Dr. Light's lab, Mega Man must shut down his frenemy and the lab's defenses before either of them get destroyed!

Episode 51: The Gauntlet Part 1

Lord Obsidian unites the Robot Masters against Mega Man and his family for an epic showdown at the Lighthouse

Episode 52: The Gauntlet Part 2

As Dr. Light and Suna turn the Robot Masters against each other, Mega Man defeats and unmasks his arch nemeses, Lord Obsidian, who turns out to be Sgt. Night in disguise, and finally learns the identity of Namagem, Mega Man's long lost twin brother!

And that, everyone, is the end of Mega Man: Fully Charged season one. While there's been no news on the prospects of a second season, the final episodes do indeed set up for something larger to come. Be it good news or not-so-good news, I'll be sure to let you know if I hear anything.

A final thank you and shout out to Team Fully Charged. Thanks for making a fun show!

Mega Man Franchise Now at 35 Million Units Total; +1 Million From Previous Quarter

Capcom have updated their "Game Series Sales" list with the latest sales figures for various franchises. According to the report, the Mega Man franchise has reached a total of 35 million units of software sold as of fiscal year ending March 31st, 2019. That's an additional 1 million units of growth since the previous report back in February, 2019.

Although not explicitly stated by Capcom, this growth can be attributed to Mega Man 11's continued momentum. The title was recently said to have "performed well" through the end of the First Quarter of the Fiscal Year Ending March 31, 2019 (see page 5 of Capcom's Consolidated Results). 

As for Mega Man 11's sales, we unfortunately do not have an updated figure. It does appear, however, that the title did not manage to achieve Platinum status this past quarter after all (i.e sell one million units).  Rest assured, though, Mega Man 11 is close. Very close. When we last checked in, Mega Man 11 moved a solid 870,000 units. On the flipside, Mega Man X Legacy Collection was at 920,000 units. Mega Man X Legacy Collection did not reach Platinum status this past quarter, either. Nevertheless it appears both titles, together, sold enough this previous quarter to push the franchise to 35 million units. Not bad at all.

Do you want to know something really great? The Mega Man franchise stagnated at 32 million units in June 2018. In nearly one year's time, it has grown 3 million units. We haven't seen momentum like that in a very long time. Needless to say, you can fully expect more Mega Man games in the future.

Source: Capcom IR

Mega Man: The Wily Wars Runs at 60Hz on Sega Genesis Mini

You no longer have to worry about which version of Mega Man: The Wily Wars will be bundled with the Sega Genisis Mini. A Sega PR representative has confirmed to The Mega Man Network that it will be the NTSC version, which runs at a smooth 60Hz. Thank goodness.

For the uninitiated, the PAL version of The Wily Wars ran at 50Hz. This version is noticeably slower than its NTSC counterpart in practically every regard: sprite animation, music, speed, etc. Here's what the PAL version looks like and here's the 60Hz NTSC version. It shouldn't too hard to see which one is superior.

The video embedded at the top of this post purportedly features footage of The Wily Wars running on actual Genesis/Mega Drive Mini hardware. Indeed, it's the NTSC version. For me, this just went from an "instant buy" to an "instant instant buy". Can't wait!

Source: The Mega Man Network

Mega Man: The Wily Wars Confirmed for Sega Genesis/Mega Drive Mini

UPDATE: The game has been confirmed to appear on the US edition of the console via the Sega Genesis Mini official website.

Original Story: Rockman Mega World is headed to the Sega Mega Drive Mini, Sega announced. The game was confirmed alongside several other new additions for the Japanese edition of the mini retro console this morning during a Dengeki Online livestream. The other titles announced were Ghouls N Ghosts, Street Fighter 2 SCE, Golden Axe, Revenge of Shinobi, Phantasy Star 4, Beyond Oasis, Puzzle & Action Tant-R, Party Quiz Mega Q, and Yu Yu Hakusho Makyou Touitsusen

Rockman Mega World, better known as Mega Man: The Wily Wars outside of Japan, has become somewhat of a rarity in recent years. So to see that there will be a way to play this title for a fraction of the price is welcoming indeed! I should mention, though, that The Wily Wars was previously re-released for the handheld "Ultimate Portable Game Console" back in 2012. What we're looking at here, however, is the first widely distributed, "home console" re-release of the game in well over twenty years.

At the time of this writing, there's no news yet on whether or not Mega Man: The Wily Wars will be included in the US or UK version of the Genesis/Mega Drive Mini. I remain fairly confident we'll see it on our shores, but only time will tell. Hopefully we won't be waiting too long to find out. 

The Sega Mega Drive Mini launches worldwide on September 19th.

Pachislot Rockman Ability Story Cutscenes

It's been a little while since our last look into the world of Pachislot Rockman Ability – the Japanese-only Pachislot game that launched in 2018. As alluded to in our previous article, we have much more to share on this game! Today we bring you the story cutscenes in full! More after the jump.

Keisuke Mizuno is Doing the Box Art for Kotobukiya's X Model Kit (Update)

UPDATE: Hi-res version added!

From the figures, posters and albums to his work on Mega Man X Legacy Collection 1+2, artist Keisuke Mizuno is quickly becoming synonymous with the Mega Man X series. His latest handiwork will be featured on the package for Kotobukiya's upcoming 1/12 scale X model kit, seen above. Spiffy stuff, no? 

This won't be the last time you'll see Mizuno take on the X series. No, sir. There's something else brewing right now that he has a major hand in. It's not going to be what you think it is, though...

Source: Rockman Unity

Kotobukiya Rockman X "Max Armor" Model Kit Revealed (Update)

First announced back in February, the Shizuoka Hobby Show brings us our first-ever look at Kotobukiya's Max Armor model kit. Just like the upcoming unarmored X model kit, the Max Armor is 1/12 scale. It's anticipated to release later this year.

Kotobukiya Want to Make Model Kits Based on Obscure Mega Man Characters

If there's one infallible truth in this world it's this: we need more official figures based on Mega Man characters that aren't the titular Blue Bomber, X and Zero. The folks at Kotobukiya are hoping to change that.

In a recent blog post, Kotobukiya say that there are keenly listening to fan requests for future model kits for lesser-known characters. They specifically noted the following characters they'd like to turn into kits: Iris, Alia, Axl, and  Command Mission X, Vile, and Sigma.

“We see your opinions! We’d like to do as many as possible!" Kotobukiya writes. "If X and the Max Armor do well... we can make one after another!”

You heard 'em. If there's a specific character or two that you'd like to see, let Kotobukiya know via:

• https://twitter.com/Kotobukiya_EN
• https://twitter.com/kotobukiyas
• https://www.facebook.com/kotoinc

Source: Kotobukiya

Kotobukiya Teasing "Polarized" Mega Man X Model Kit Variant

A limited edition variant of Kotobukiya's 1/12 scale Mega Man X model kit is in the works, the manufacturer teased.

The kit will be a "polarized" plated version that changes from purple to blue to green in the light. It's intended to look like the effect X's body undergoes when he charges his X-Buster. It will even include a uniquely colored Buster Shot effect part. Neat!

Kotobukiya also report that they're working on a so-called "undergate" to protect this kit's shiny armor from unsightly marks. Although they didn't specify how it will work, Kotobukiya say that the "undergate" will help hobbyists to cleanly remove parts from the grid. They assure even the most amateur builders will be satisfied with the result.

No word yet when we can expect to see the polarized variant, though more details are reportedly coming soon. For now, you can investigate the above test shot images the kit and the undergate. Thanks for the tip, Hayden!

Source: Kotobukiya

Kotobukiya Mega Man X Now Available to Pre-Order

Although Kotobukiya's brand-new, 1/12 scale Mega Man X model kit isn't due until August-September, it couldn't hurt to place a pre-order now. Here's a few places you should check out:

• Big Bad ToyStore
• Hobby Link Japan 
• Koto US (official Kotobukiya US store)
• Ami Ami (Regular Edition | Ami Ami-Exclusive w/acrylic stand)
• Play Asia
• USA Gundam Store
• Toywiz
• eKnight Media

So that's where we're at right now. More retailers will carry X as time marches on, naturally. But if you ask me, you can't go wrong with Big Bad ToyStore and Ami Ami. Both are great.

Also, it does indeed look like international retailers won't be offering Kotobukiya Japan's exclusive background. I was hopeful that at least Koto US would offer it... but alas. We're out of luck for now. Worse comes to worse, you could always make your own?