Tuesday, December 31, 2024

Lego Mega Man Was Almost in Lego Dimensions


Lost Media Busters has released a detailed video uncovering a treasure trove of never-before-seen scrapped content from Lego Dimensions, the 2015 "toys-to-life" video game that continues to enjoy a dedicated fanbase. Among the many unrealized ideas and characters revealed in a series of documents is the surprising revelation that Mega Man was once planned to be both a playable character and the recipient of his very own official Lego minifigure.

According to materials from the canceled expansion called Lego Opus, Mega Man was planned to debut as part of the Wave 3 lineup in March 2017 as a "fun pack," which would include one vehicle (possibly Rush). Scanning the figure through the Lego Gateway would have made Mega Man playable in the game and unlocked an Adventure World hub called "Gaming Icons." While the hub wasn't intended to focus solely on the Blue Bomber, it likely would have featured characters from other video game IPs.

Interestingly, Mega Man’s inclusion in Lego Dimensions would have come just a few years after the Worlds Collide saga—a 12-part crossover with Archie Comics’ Sonic the Hedgehog. It’s easy to imagine these two characters crossing paths once more in the game, perhaps through special cutscenes or events. While the leaked documents offer no evidence that such interactions were planned, the thought is a bittersweet possability.

With so much licensed merchandise under its belt, the Mega Man IP has been practically begging for the Lego treatment—and this discovery proves it came close! Perhaps one day, they'll finally make it happen.

Friday, December 27, 2024

27Abyss Studio X and Ultimate Armor X Figures Revealed


Figure manufacturer 27Abyss Studio has unveiled two new resin figures inspired by X and the Ultimate Armor from Mega Man X4. While the figures are non-posable, they feature a modular design that allows for mix-and-match customization, supported by an internal exoskeleton. The art style blends X’s classic design with elements from his Mega Man X8 appearance, a hybrid that was featured in the 35th anniversary key art.

Thursday, December 26, 2024

Mega Man 10 Online Co-Op Fully Restored

Earlier this year, co-op multiplayer for Mega Man 10's prototype builds was successfully restored, though it initially required both players to be on the same Wi-Fi network. Today, the restoration team has released new tools enabling online play, allowing you and a friend to connect from anywhere.

Teppen Adds Bass.EXE Skin & New Mega Man Cards

Teppen wraps up the year with a new card pack titled "Metal Suit Mafia," shining the spotlight on the Devil May Cry, Resident Evil, and Lost Planet series. But don’t worry—there's plenty of Mega Man-themed cards and a new EX skin: Bass.EXE!

Check out all the details after the break!

Wednesday, December 25, 2024

Shigeto Ikehara's Rockman Manga Now Available Digitally


In recent years, older Rockman manga have been reprinted digitally, but one notable absence was Shigeto Ikehara's work. Fortunately, that wait is over! Today, Fukkan has announced that nearly the entire catalog of Ikehara's works is now available in digital stores across Japan!

Monday, December 23, 2024

Mega Man Secret Level Pre-Production Concept Art by Mauro Belfiore



Here's another batch of concept art from Secret Level's Mega Man: Start. These "exploration" pieces by Mauro Belfiore (Spider-Man: Across the Spiderverse) give us an early look at Mega Man/Rock and Dr. Light, drawn at Nexus Studios before the episode went into full production. The designs are drastically different from the final product, but that’s the point of the exploration phase—trying out different ideas and seeing what works.

Sunday, December 22, 2024

Mega Man Secret Level Concept Art by Hicham Habchi, Sangtaek Woo

Artists Hicham Habchi and Sangtaek Woo have shared a selection of concept art from the Secret Level episode Mega Man: Start. Habchi, known for his work on League of Legends, Marvel Rivals, and Overwatch, contributed designs for Mega Man/Rock. Meanwhile, Woo handled the design of Bomb Man, and brings us a look at an early version that differs slightly from the final design depicted in the episode.

After the break, I've collected some of the images they've shared along with commentary from Woo. You can see additional pieces at their respective socials and portfolios here and here.

Fan-Mod Adds Blade Armor X to Mega Man X DiVE Offline


Even though Capcom won't support Mega Man X DiVE Offline with new content, fans have kept the momentum going. The Derivative Works team, fresh off their additions of Model A Grey and Ashe, is back with a new mod that brings Blade Armor X from Mega Man X6 into the game as a fully playable character.

Originally released to commemorate X6's 23rd anniversary, the mod has now been updated for even greater authenticity to its original design. You can download it from Nexusmods—just be sure to follow the instructions carefully and install all the necessary plugins. Once you're all set up, you can unlock Blade Armor X by purchasing the required Memory Fragments from the Custom Tab Store.

Who they’ll tackle next is anyone’s guess, but one thing’s for sure—the X DiVE mod scene is far from slowing down!

Nobuyoshi Habara Talks About Creating the Ruby-Spears Mega Man Opening


With the first season of Ruby-Spears' Mega Man now available in Japan for the first time, Nobuyoshi Habara—who directed the show's opening sequence—shared some history on Twitter about its development. He discussed its connection to the canceled 1993 anime project (although he previously indicated 1992) and the journey to the iconic final product we all know and love.

Friday, December 20, 2024

Ruby-Spears Mega Man Now Available to Stream in Japan for the Very First Time

 

Thirty years after debuting in the U.S, the indelible Ruby-Spears Mega Man cartoon has been released in Japan for the very first time. Rebranded as Rockman USA, all 13 episodes of the show's first season are now available for purchase on Amazon Japan, Video Market, Fuji TV, and other streaming platforms. The second season will probably follow in no time at all.

Although a single episode was previously included in a 2003 promotional DVD set for corporate investors, this marks the first time the entire series has been officially accessible in Japan. Capcom is marketing it as “A Rockman that no one knows about!” The release includes Japanese subtitles, though character names remain consistent with the U.S. version.

While this news might not be particularly groundbreaking for longtime English-speaking fans (although I've got some news for you about the show to share in 2025 that I think you'll like), it’s a pleasant surprise for our friends overseas. No doubt, they'll be joining us in the affectionate ribbing we’ve all come to enjoy about the show.

Thursday, December 19, 2024

Mega Man World 4 DX Colorization Hack Now Available

I’ve been wanting to cover the "DX" series of colorization patches for a while, but due to an agreement with the powers that be, I can’t cover fan-mods for games that are newly released (or re-released) until a certain amount of time has passed. With the Game Boy Mega Man games now available on Nintendo Switch Online, that window has finally closed. I’m happy to report that the Mega Man World 4 DX colorization project is complete and ready for download!

The patch, created by Marc Robledo and Kensu Williams, delivers a full colorization of Game Boy Mega Man 4, aligning its presentation more closely with the NES version. Additionally, it includes some quality-of-life improvements, such as an NES-style pause menu, the elimination of slowdown, and a toggle option for the Charge Shot recoil.

You can download the patch from Marc's site here. While you're at it, be sure to check out the DX patches for Game Boy Mega Man 3 and 5!

Wednesday, December 18, 2024

Proto Man and Dr. Wily Join Mega Man in Funko Fusion

If you've been playing as Mega Man in Funko Fusion and found yourself wishing for more Mega Man content, you're in luck! A brand-new DLC pack is now available, introducing Proto Man and Dr. Wily as playable characters.

Both characters feature designs inspired by their Funko Pops, with a little extra flair—Dr. Wily comes armed with a zappy gun to help him get straight to business. Notably, this marks the fourth time in the franchise's 37-year history that Dr. Wily is fully playable in a game, following his appearance in Mega Man Soccer (and even then, accessing him required codes or mods), RockBoard, and 2017's Puzzle Fighter

You can grab the Mega Man DLC Pack here.

Tuesday, December 17, 2024

Mega Man Development Team Adds Shingo Izumi and Hiroshi Ito

Since Kazuhiro Tsuchiya's departure in 2023, the makeup of Capcom's internal Mega Man development team has been unclear. Masakazu Eguchi, fresh off Mega Man Battle Network Legacy Collection, emerged as a public face for the team back in April, though his exact role remains unknown.

Fast forward to today, and we can add two new names to the mix. In the credits for Secret Level episode Mega Man: Start, we see Shingo Izumi and Hiroshi Ito. Izumi, who joined Capcom in 2018, was the producer behind Monster Hunter: World and the recent Ghost Trick HD remaster. Ito was a producer on Monster Hunter Stories, its sequel, and the Sunbreak expansion for Monster Hunter Rise. The other two names, Makhoul and Abe, oversee Capcom's TV and film operations. While not directly part of the internal Mega Man development team, they are credited on Start by association.

Izumi and Ito have not worked on any known Mega Man game before, so their association with the development team, which oversees the production of Mega Man software at Capcom Japan, signals the arrival of new talent in the post-Tsuchiya era. While we can only speculate on their exact roles, their experience as producers may indicate leadership positions.

With Capcom's recent push to revive dormant IPs—seen in the unexpected reveals of an Okami sequel and the long-delayed Onimusha—a path forward for the 37-year-old Blue Bomber may be taking shape. At the very least, rest assured that the Mega Man dev team not only remains intact but continues to evolve.

Mega Man's Secret Level Episode is Now Available on Prime Video


The next batch of Secret Level episodes has arrived, including the much-awaited Mega Man entry, Mega Man: Start. This standalone episode reimagines the Blue Bomber's classic series origin—familiar yet sprinkled with some twists to make it its own. 

At eight minutes, Start is the shortest episode in the animated anthology series (closer to five minutes minus the intro/credits). As expected, it ends just as things are about to kick off, leaving room for hope that, if Secret Level gets a second season, it could see a follow-up. In fact, Tim Miller, the show's executive producer, recently mentioned that if any episode were to get a continuation, it would be Mega Man.

You can stream Mega Man: Start on Amazon Prime Video. Be sure to share your thoughts in the comments after watching!

Thursday, December 12, 2024

NebulaJoy Changes Alia's Design for Rockman: Time Rift


Rockman: Time Rift, the Chinese localization of Mega Man X DiVE by NebulaJoy, began public testing today in preparation for its official launch. However, players were surprised to encounter a title screen noticeably different from every other version of the game.

Tuesday, December 10, 2024

Mr. Mega Man, Little Mega Man Volume 1 Delayed to January 2025

The latest English-translated Mega Man manga have been hit with a slight last-minute delay. Mr. Mega Man and Little Mega Man are now scheduled to ship on January 28, 2025. Originally, Mr. Mega Man Volume 1 was set to release today, but for better or worse, both books will now arrive on the same day.

Here’s a quick refresher on what these stories are about: 

Mr. Mega Man: "When Mega Man grows up, he must face his greatest challenge of all... life as an adult! The days of battle against Dr. Wily are long since gone. The world no longer needs Mega Man, and a grown-up Rock now leads a peaceful life working as a dentist. The Robots Masters have new careers as well... Cut Man is a barber, Flame Man is a chef, and Top Man is an online influencer. Yet as these dreamlike days pass by, a shadow of turmoil lurks on the horizon..."

Little Mega Man: "The endless battle between Dr. Wily and Mega Man begins! In this wacky new take on the Blue Bomber’s early days, our hero encounters “classic” robots such as... Platform Man! Nostra-Man-damus! Comfy Chair Man! Wait... why is Rush a real dog!? And is that... “Bad Box Art” Mega Man!? It’s all-out zany adventures in LITTLE MEGA MAN!"

You can pre-order both volumes from the links above.

Rare Ryuusei no Rockman TV Game Has Been Preserved

After years of anticipation, Ryuusei no Rockman: Denpa Henkan! On Air!, a rare, Japan-only TV plug-and-play game from 2007, has finally been preserved.

Thanks to the efforts of MAME community member David Haywood, the game’s data has been successfully dumped from its original hardware. While it’s not yet ready for MAME emulation, this marks a major step forward in the preservation process. As with many XaviX-based devices, extracting and reverse engineering Denpa Henkan! On Air! has been a complex challenge. Now, with its data safely archived, the game is no longer confined to obscure, aging hardware. The next hurdle is making it fully emulatable and playable—updates will follow as progress continues.

For those unfamiliar, Denpa Henkan! On Air! is a collection of mini-games based on the characters and world of the first Star Force title. It featured a Rock Buster-shaped motion-sensing controller, allowing players to interact with the game through simple gestures. Curious how it plays? Check out some direct feed gameplay here.

Monday, December 9, 2024

ThreeZero MDLX Mega Man Metal Blade Version Revealed

Over the weekend at Singapore Comic Con, Threezero unveiled a prototype for their latest MDLX Mega Man variant: Metal Blade! This figure showcases a new battle-ready face design and the iconic Metal Blade itself. Although not officially confirmed, it appears the Metal Blade is attached to the Mega Man's hand as an accessory, similar to the standard figure’s interchangeable hand parts and Mega Buster.  

Details on price, release date, and availability were not revealed at the event, but updates are likely coming soon.

Source: Threezero

Thursday, December 5, 2024

Amid Poor Reviews, Secret Level's Mega Man Episode Emerges as a Bright Spot

With less than a week until Secret Level debuts on Prime Video, early reviews are rolling in—and they're not great. While the visuals are earning praise, many episodes are being criticized for shallow storytelling, flat characters, and an overly brooding tone. However, the Mega Man-focused episode, Mega Man: Start, is receiving notably positive impressions.

The Washington PostCollider, The GamerKakuchopureiLooper, and Paste Magazine are a few outlets that praised the episode, noting its respect for the source material, along with its charm and wholesomeness—qualities that sharply contrast with Secret Level's darker tone. Some have even described it as an ideal watch for kids and families. But one recurring criticism is the episode's short runtime.

“Start is the perfect title for the episode because it feels like the start of a Mega Man series I’d love to see," writes The Gamer. "Is it its own series? Is it a Sonic the Hedgehog-style movie? I’d love to see this episode grow into something more someday because it nails the Mega Man vibe." Similarly, Paste Magazine notes, “Both 'The Queen’s Cradle' and the Blue Bomber-centric episode, 'Mega Man: Start,' play things exceedingly straight and end on a cut to black that makes them come across like the opening cinematic of a video game rather than a self-contained journey."

Indeed, Mega Man: Start is very short—I can confirm the story itself runs just 5:20 minutes, excluding the intro and credits. The ending leaves viewers wanting more, but whether it will lead to a follow-up in a potential second season remains uncertain. 

Mega Man: Start will be available to stream on Tuesday, December 17th (same day as the series' 37th anniversary) as part of the second batch of Secret Levels episodes. 

Wednesday, December 4, 2024

Development Disks for Game Gear Mega Man Soundtrack Discovered

Video game archivist MrTalida recently uncovered a trove of disks from the archives of veteran game musician and programmer Dave Lowe. Known for his prolific work during the 1980s and 1990s, Lowe's collection includes materials from a variety of projects, including two disks tied to his work on Game Gear Mega Man.

Tuesday, December 3, 2024

Mega Man Battle Network Legacy Collection Steam Update Breaks Online Play (Update)

Capcom has released an update for the Steam versions of both volumes of Mega Man Battle Network Legacy Collection, primarily addressing behind-the-scenes adjustments. Unfortunately, the update has unintentionally taken the game's online functionality offline. Multiplayer battles, online trades, and other online features—including the ability to earn a specific completion star in BN2— have been down since yesterday, with no word from Capcom on the issue so far.

Fortunately, there are a couple of things you can do while waiting for an official fix. First, if you haven’t updated the game yet, head to your Steam settings and turn off auto-updates. Second, if your copy has already been updated, you can use a quick workaround. Prof9 has shared the following tip:

  • Open the Steam Console by pressing Win+R and entering steam://open/console.
  • Run these commands:
    • Volume 1: download_depot 1798010 1798011 6583874429443952093

    • Volume 2: download_depot 1798020 1798021 7279312862268001028
  • Once the files are downloaded, copy them over the game’s local files.

This should get the online functionality back up and running. We’ll keep you posted as soon as Capcom provides an official fix.

UPDATE: Capcom has rolled back the online-breaking update. Allowing Steam to update the game will restore it to the previous working version.

Friday, November 29, 2024

First Secret Level Mega Man Episode Clip Released


Amazon has released a 39-second trailer from the Mega Man episode of Secret Level. While brief, it offers our best look yet at what to expect from the upcoming episode of the animated anthology series.

The clip includes a few details to watch for:

  • Rock's shirt reads "L.N 001," referencing his Light Number serial code.
  • Before becoming "Mega Man," Rock's left arm transforms into a coolant-type buster, likely a tool for his role as Light's assistant.
  • A small spider-like robot attempts to corrupt Rock. It can also briefly be seen on top of Bomb Man's head.
  • The Mega Buster design features elements inspired by Mega Man: Fully Charged.
  • Mega Man steps into a capsule resembling a Light Capsule from Mega Man X.

Also, for those interested, by entering the code "M394-M4N" on the show's website, you can join a contest for a chance to win a Mega Man statue from First 4 Figures.

Secret Level premieres on Prime Video on December 10th.

Wednesday, November 27, 2024

Review: Kotobukiya Mega Man X MAX Armor Triad Thunder Ver.

Of all the Special Weapons in Mega Man X3, Triad Thunder is the last one I’d have expected to see as a model kit. The effect piece would be just too big compared to something like Tornado Fang or Frost Shield. But hey, never say never with Kotobukiya! Released in October 2024, the MAX Armor Triad Thunder Ver. is another go at Mega Man X3's MAX Armor (AKA the Third Armor), this time with a brand new coloring and a massive effect piece! 

Is the MAX Armor Triad Thunder Ver. worth a buy? Join me after the break, and we will break down everything there is to know about this kit!

Tuesday, November 26, 2024

Original Rough Draft for Mega Man 10th Anniversary Art Discovered


The Mega Man 10th anniversary collage has been a fan favorite for over 25 years. Packed with nearly every classic series character up to Mega Man 8, it’s fun to take in—but the original version looked a little bit different.

Friday, November 22, 2024

Secret Level Mega Man - First Look at Bomb Man, New Trailer on 11/29

Amazon's official Secret Level website has been gradually releasing new content ahead of the show's December 10 premiere. The Mega Man page now includes a very brief clip featuring our first detailed look at Bomb Man, who briefly appeared in a screenshot last week. 

Thursday, November 21, 2024

Udon's Mega Man Will Celebrate Free Comic Book Day 2025

Udon Entertainment is kicking off their new line of Mega Man comic books with a special issue for Free Comic Book Day 2025. Mega Man #0, a silver-tier FCBD book, will be available at participating comic book retailers on May 3, 2025. (You can view the full list of FCBD titles here)

The art for this issue is by Jeffrey Cruz (a familiar name from Mega Man Legacy Collection 1, Mega Man Mastermix, and several Udon projects), Kenny Ruiz, Edwin Huang and Andrew Dickman, with the story written by Tavis Maiden.

Details about the story are coming soon, but I can share that this issue is a one-shot with a "silly" vibe that won't be fully reflective of the series' overall tone. Mega Man #1 proper, launching shortly after, promises to bring the "cool."

More updates on Udon's Mega Man soon!

Wednesday, November 20, 2024

"The Great Capcom Exhibition" Detailed


Capcom held a press conference today at the Nakanoshima Museum of Art in Osaka to provide details about "The Great Capcom Exhibition." The exhibition will be held in Osaka from March 20 to June 22, 2025, and aims to showcase Capcom's history and game creation process.

Find more details after the break!

Tuesday, November 19, 2024

Rockman X DiVE Will Be Renamed as Rockman: Time Rift in China

The mystery surrounding the resurfaced Time Rift classification appears to have been solved. NebulaJoy has quietly announced that Rockman X DiVE will finally debut in Mainland China, but under a different name. A pre-launch website for the game has just gone live, and while some assets on the site still reference the X DiVE name, the game is officially being marketed as Rockman: Time Rift (or æ´›å…‹äºº: 時間裂縫 in Chinese).

A Rockman Corner reader, choosing to remain anonymous, explains that for a game to be approved for publication in China, it must adhere to localization requirements, including minimizing the use of English text. This rule extends to the game's title, meaning a name like 'DiVE' would likely not meet approval. As a result, NebulaJoy repurposed the name 'Time Rift'/'時間裂縫'—still under their ownership—from their unrelated, cancelled Rockman project from 2021–2022.

In other words, the version of Time Rift we saw before is still dead. Even with a new name, it’s clear the X DiVE train isn’t slowing down anytime soon.

Source: NebulaJoy

Saturday, November 16, 2024

Mega Man X DiVE Official Complete Works Special Edition Available to Pre-Order

Udon has announced a special edition of Mega Man X DIVE Official Complete Works set to release in March 2025. It comes packaged with alternate cover art featuring a blue foil treatment and an exclusive RiCO metal card.

The book is priced at $49.99 and can be pre-ordered here. For the same price as the standard edition available elsewhere, this special edition offers some extra goodies—it's not a bad deal!

After the break, you can check out the first preview pages in English! 

Thursday, November 14, 2024

Kotobukiya Temporarily Suspends Orders for MM11 Scramble Thunder & Pile Drive Kits


Kotobukiya announced today that it has suspended orders for the Mega Man 11 Scramble Thunder and Pile Drive model kits. Initially set for release in April and May 2025, the company attributed the suspension to "unforeseen circumstances."

Most Japanese online retailers have paused or removed orders for both model kits until further notice. Kotobukiya, however, assures that it will announce the reopening of pre-orders as soon as possible. Nothing is cancelled-- don't worry!

Were you planning to add these model kits to your collection? Share your thoughts in the comments!

Wednesday, November 13, 2024

New Secret Level Trailer Features Mega Man and Dr. Light

A new trailer for Secret Level, Amazon's animated anthology series of video game-inspired stories, has been released, giving us another glimpse of Mega Man and Dr. Light.

The trailer shows a quick glimpse of Mega Man blown back by a fiery explosion, likely following an attack on the lab. Soon after, Dr. Light shares some encouraging words before suiting him up for battle, in a scene visually reminiscent of a moment from a certain movie. The trailer wraps up with a shot on Mega Man holding his helmet, smiling at the viewer.

For the uninitiated, the Mega Man episode has previously been described as an origin story, so don’t expect an immediate follow-up. However, if the show does well, Tim Miller and his team are eager to develop a second season.

Secret Level, along with the Mega Man episode itself, will premiere on Prime Video on December 10th.

Monday, November 11, 2024

A New Look at Mega Man and Dr. Light in Amazon's Secret Level

Here's a new screenshot from the upcoming Mega Man episode of Secret Level, courtesy of Rolling Stone. The scene shows Dr. Light handing Mega Man (or "Rock"? We’re still not sure what Secret Level will call his pre-Mega Man form) a device. We also have a clear look at Mega Man’s casual outfit—a loose, blue shirt with gold trim. If you look closely, you’ll notice the construction of his arm, suggesting they’re leaning toward a more “doll-like” design for the human parts.

In the background, there’s a towering robot with yellow legs and orange feet. Given that this episode will serve as something of an origin story, could it be hinting at a larger-than-life version of the Robot Masters? Bomb Man, perhaps? Cut Man?

We'll have more to share on the Mega Man episode soon. Secret Level premieres exclusively on Amazon Prime Video on December 10th.

Source: Rolling Stone

Updated Version of Mega Man Soccer Restoration Patch Now Available

In 2018, "Q" developed a patch that restored Mega Man Soccer's cut endings for Championship and Tournament Mode, added the option to play as Dr. Wily from the player select menu, and introduced other features. However, one of the patch’s enhancements—the ability to set the number of Special Shots and timer up to 99—unintentionally increased Mega Man's speed stats, throwing off the game’s balance beyond Capcom's original design.

Since new patches can no longer be uploaded to ROMHacking, where the original file was hosted, "Q" has provided us with a brand-new, updated version. This latest patch removes the Special Shots and timer settings, restoring the game’s balance as Capcom intended, while retaining the restored endings and playable Dr. Wily. It’s now the most definitive version of Mega Man Soccer to date. You can download the patch here.

Notably, a prototype build of Mega Man Soccer with four-player multitap functionality was recently dumped. Although "Q" isn’t equipped to implement this feature into the final game, he hopes someone may one day incorporate it into his patch. 

Friday, November 8, 2024

Mega Man X Legacy Collection 2 Sales Top 1 Million Units

Capcom has updated its Platinum Titles chart for the fiscal year, listing software that has sold one million or more units worldwide. As of September 2024, Mega Man X Legacy Collection 2 has reached one million cumulative sales across PlayStation 4, Xbox, Nintendo Switch, and PC.

Mega Man X Legacy Collection 2, originally released in 2018, has become the 5th Mega Man game to surpass one million units sold since 2015 and the 9th million+ selling Mega Man title overall. Though not as popular as Legacy Collection 1, this milestone was likely reached through Capcom’s steady push via discounts, deals, and bundles of evergreen software from previous fiscal years.

Overall sales for the franchise remain at 42 million units, unchanged from the previous report in September. This figure had risen by one million in the previous fiscal year, suggesting that Legacy Collection 2 was likely the driving factor.

Source: Capcom Investor Relations

Mega Man Legends Apparel Up for Pre-Order at The Yetee

It's not every day we see new, officially licensed Mega Man Legends merchandise—especially with a deep-cut item like a Staple Electric Goods shirt! This cool pink tee, along with a few other pieces, is now available for pre-order from The Yetee, including:

Notably, the Servbot hat is ready to ship immediately, while the shirts are expected to arrive in mid-December. 

Some of these goods are reasonably priced, though the DASH long-sleeve shirt might raise a few eyebrows. The Yetee also offers other non-Legends series merch, which, in my opinion, is more appealing at a friendlier price point.

Sunday, October 27, 2024

Official Mega Man X Trading Cards Coming in 2025


Pre-order listings for officially-licensed Mega Man X trading cards have begun to appear online. Produced by Cardsmiths, the Mega Man X Series One Collector's Pack includes two five-card packs featuring artwork from across the entire X series. Some packs, however, may come with a caveat: cryptocurrency.

Friday, October 25, 2024

Rockman XZ: Time Rift Approved for Release in China—Has the Game Been Revived?

Alright, bear with us on this one. In 2021, we learned about Rockman XZ: Time Rift, an official mobile action RPG in development at NebulaJoy—the team behind Rockman X DiVE—which was set to cross over the X and Zero series. Shortly after these initial reports, a source indicated the game was cancelled. But, in a surprising twist, it appears not only that the game might have been revived, but it could even be nearing release.

Thursday, October 24, 2024

Mega Man X8 16-Bit Demake Gets Playable Axl Mod (Update)

UPDATE: Backup link to the patch

AlyssonDaPaz's 16-bit Mega Man X8 demake recently launched to positive reception, though many fans expressed a strong desire for more playable characters beyond X. In response, a user named Zashiko is developing a mod to add Axl to the game.

Although still a work-in-progress, a version of the patch is available on the X8 Demake Mod Discord server. Once installed, players can enjoy a fully playable 16-bit Axl, complete with all his abilities from the original game, including multi-directional shots and the Copy Shot, which works on Mechaniloids as well as Reploids. You can see him in action in the video above!

For updates and future releases, you can follow the mod’s progress on the Discord server.

Thursday, October 17, 2024

Another Look at Mega Man in Amazon's Secret Level Animated Series

Promotion for Amazon Prime Video’s animated anthology series Secret Level is ramping up. A new poster featuring the show's main cast from various video game franchises has been revealed online. Chief among them is Mega Man, giving us our first and possibly best look at the show's interpretation of the Blue Bomber yet. While primarily inspired by the classic series, the design incorporates elements from the X series, Legends, and possibly even Star Force (the visor?).

We'll be learning more about the Mega Man episode of Secret Level in the coming days and weeks. Expect a new trailer, some clips, and announcements about the voice cast as early as this weekend.

Secret Level premieres on December 10th, exclusively on Amazon Prime Video.

Kotobukiya MM11 Mega Man "Premium Charge Shot" Now Available to Pre-Order (Updated)

Kotobukiya gave us a sneak peek during the All Japan Model & Hobby Show, and now they've officially revealed the price and release date for the Premium Charge Shot edition of MM11 Mega Man.

As always, this model kit is sold exclusively on Kotobukiya's online store in Japan, but eventually, stores like Big Bad Toy Store will offer it to the rest of the world. (UPDATE: Now available on BBTS)

After the break, you can check out some images and the model kit specifications!

Saturday, October 12, 2024

Kotobukiya Shows off MM11 Mega Man "Premium Charge Shot" Edition

You thought the Premium Charge Shot redeco of MegaMan.EXE was random? Well, check this out. At Kotobukiya's All Japan Model & Hobby Show booth, they've unveiled a Premium Charge Shot version of the Mega Man 11 Mega Man kit.

Like their previous premium releases, this Mega Man is covered in shiny, polarized plating to mimic the Charge Shot effect. The kit is expected to come with all the accessories and effect parts from the original, though the Buster Shot effect will likely be recolored to match the new finish.

That's all the info for now—no details on price or availability yet. We'll keep you posted as we learn more.

Source: x_ledur

Thursday, October 10, 2024

First Color Images of Kotobukiya Bass.EXE, Axl White Version Revealed

Via the official Kotobukiya website, we now have a first look at the color prototypes for the new Bass.EXE and Axl White Version model kits. Along with several new images, the designers shared insights on the development of each kit. Here are a few select comments:

Bass.EXE:

"In order to make it enjoyable even for those who are new to plastic models, the patterns on the whole body and the scar on the chest will be color-coded and painted by hand, so that simply by assembling it you can recreate Forte just like in the games and anime!

Extra effort has been made to recreate the body patterns and scar on the chest with color-separated parts. Also, the painting has been done carefully to create a kit that is fun and easy for plastic model beginners. With this model, users will be able to recreate the scenes from the anime and games, just by assembling it!"

Axl White Version:

"There were no design drawings or illustrations, so I had a hard time deciding on the color scheme from the game's polygons. In particular, I had to adjust the reddish blue on the forehead many times until I was satisfied with it.

As no concept art or reference drawings exist of White Axl, it was difficult to figure out the correct coloring from the polygons in the game. In particular, the reddish-blue part on the forehead took quite a few tries to get right."

 

It's worth noting that while Axl's model features his alternate X8 color scheme, the design itself is based on his original X7 appearance. Kotobukiya might not be ready to take on the X8 designs with their different proportions just yet, but this is a promising step in that direction.

No details on pre-orders or release dates for either kit have been announced yet. Stay tuned!

Kotobukiya Mega Man 11 Scramble Thunder and Pile Drive Up For Pre-Order

The newest model kits from Kotobukiya are now available for pre-order from HobbyLinkJapanMega Man Scramble Thunder Ver and Mega Man Pile Drive Ver. The Mega Man 11 Special Weapon-inspired kits are expected to ship in April 2025 and May 2025, respectively. 

You can hit up the links above to pre-order or check out some additional images after the break!

Wednesday, October 9, 2024

MDLX Mega Man Fire Storm Revealed (Big Bad Toy Store Exclusive)


ThreeZero has revealed a new variant of their MDLX Mega Man figure, inspired by the Fire Storm special weapon. This version features an orange-red and yellow color scheme and includes the same interchangeable face and hand parts as the original, along with an exclusive translucent Fire Storm buster effect piece.

In North America, it will be available exclusively through Big Bad Toy Store, while in Japan, it can be ordered directly from ThreeZero. Pre-orders start on October 18th, with the figure expected to ship in the second quarter of 2025.

We'll update with pre-order links as they become available. In the meantime, check out more images on ThreeZero's page!

Wednesday, October 2, 2024

Mega Man X DiVE Official Complete Works Now Available to Pre-Order


Udon Entertainment's English translation of Mega Man X DiVE Official Complete Works, first announced in July, is now available for pre-order on Amazon. The 256-page hardcover artbook is set to ship on March 25, 2025, though this date may be tentative pending confirmation from Udon.

Here's the official solicitation:

"Collecting the artwork behind the fan-favorite game -- Mega Man X DiVE! This action-platforming adventure has written a new chapter in the era of Mega Man X. Classic characters X, Zero, and Axl are joined by newcomers like RiCO, iCO, and ViA, plus guest characters from across the Mega Man franchise. Included in this collection are character designs, rough concepts, key art, and plenty of creator commentary. Plus, enjoy an exclusive interview with the game’s developers!"

The English cover art has not been revealed yet, but if previous Udon-published Official Complete Works are any indication, it will likely match the original Japanese edition shown above.

With pre-orders now open for X DiVE Official Complete Works, along with Mr. Mega Man and Little Mega Man, Udon’s 2025 Mega Man lineup is shaping up. Stay tuned for more updates on the upcoming Legacies art book, as well as new comic book releases.

Little Mega Man Volume 1 Available to Pre-Order


Amazon has begun accepting pre-orders for Little Mega Man Volume 1, the English localization of Rockman-chan. The first of three volumes is expected to ship on January 21, 2025. While the English cover art wasn't available at the time of writing, it will likely resemble the Japanese edition shown above.

Here's the official solicitation:

"The endless battle between Dr. Wily and Mega Man begins!

In this wacky new take on the Blue Bomber’s early days, our hero encounters “classic” robots such as... Platform Man! Nostra-Man-damus! Comfy Chair Man! Wait... why is Rush a real dog!? And is that... “Bad Box Art” Mega Man!? It’s all-out zany adventures in LITTLE MEGA MAN!"

Little Mega Man serves as the companion manga to Mr. Mega Man, whose first English volume is scheduled for release this December. You can also pre-order Mr. Mega Man on Amazon

Tuesday, October 1, 2024

Mega Man X's RT-55J Takes the Spotlight in Teppen's Newest Card Pack


The latest card pack for Teppen has been released, but it features only a few Mega Man X-themed cards. Instead, the spotlight is on the Street Fighter and Dead Rising series with the pack titled "Metro City of the Dead."

Still, you can take a look at the few Mega Man X-themed cards after the break!

Monday, September 30, 2024

Rockman X i-Mode Port Preserved, Online Leaderboards Revived

Hey, Mega Man fans! This is RockmanCosmo, the leader of SciLab Secrets – the team working to preserve lost Rockman games released on Japanese feature phones (keitai). I’m happy to announce that Yuvi, a member of the SciLab Secrets team, has preserved the Japanese-exclusive i-mode port of Rockman X! More than just a mobile port, it has online leaderboards, which are now revived thanks to Yuvi. Read on for more details and how you can play it right now!

Thursday, September 26, 2024

Rockman EXE The Movie: Program of Light and Darkness Coming to Amazon Video (Japan)

In 2023, an HD remastered version of Rockman EXE The Movie: Program of Light and Darkness was streamed on YouTube for a limited time to celebrate the release of the Rockman EXE Advanced Collection. Although the movie was removed shortly after, it now appears to have a permanent home on Amazon Japan, marking the first time the film will be available for indefinite streaming.

Digital pre-orders are open on Amazon Japan for 330 yen. Anime Times subscribers can watch it for free, but this perk is only available to Amazon Prime Japan members. An Amazon Japan account is required to purchase and download the movie.

There's no word yet on supported subtitle languages, but based on the previous stream, it's unlikely that English or other languages will be available.