I might be fresh out of college, but I am old enough to remember the days when Mega Man was a staple of the videogame industry. Mega Man 2 and 3 for the NES rank among my favorite games of all time. I personally favor number three, but I can’t argue against the second installment.
To this day, I still pull out my NES to play the first five Mega Man games. Each title holds a special place in my heart, even if the latter installments are inferior to their predecessors.
So why all of this talk about Mega Man? The answer lies beyond the jump.
Reportedly, the new issue of Nintendo Power has a story that details a new game starring the Blue Bomber. Fear not Mega Man purists, it’s not another Battle Network game.
Mega Man 9 will be an 8-bit adventure in the vein of the six original titles for the NES. The game will also mark the return of franchise regulars Rush, Dr. Wily and Dr. Light. As you would expect, Wily looks to return to his nefarious ways. His plan, which lacks any originality, is to blame Dr. Light for a new batch of troublesome robots. I see past your dirty tricks Wily. You won’t fool me again.
The game, like the NES titles, will task players with hunting down eight robot masters. This time, Mega Man has his sights set on: Galaxy Man, Magma Man, Tornado Man, Jewel Man, Concrete Man, Hornet Man, Plug Man and Splash Woman.
My big concern surrounding this game is that it will fall victim to the same problems that plagued the fourth, fifth and sixth installments. The gameplay itself was fine, but the ideas presented were simply recycled from previous titles (mainly the themes for the robot masters). Any ideas that weren’t recycled were really dumb (Toad Man, Pharaoh Man and Dive Man). You could tell Capcom had run out of ideas toward the end.
The aforementioned hit list, based on names alone, seems to be hit or miss. Magma Man (another heat-based master) sounds cool, but Concrete Man and Plug Man arouse as much excitement as Dust Man from Mega Man 4 (very little).
The new group of robot masters also seems to be guilty of recycling ideas. For instance, Tornado Man sounds a lot like Air Man (who shot tornadoes from his chest). Then there is Hornet Man, who seems to share the same theme as Blast Hornet from Mega Man X3.
Also of interest is the inclusion of Splash Woman. To my knowledge, this is the first female robot master in a Mega Man game. Though she is not the first water-based master (Bubble Man, Wave Man, etc.), I am interested to see how she turns out.
According to an article on wii.kombo.com, “The reason for the return to the NES-style graphics is due to the desire to please longtime fans who wanted to play a new game that was like the originals.”
As one of those longtime fans, I would like to express my gratitude to Capcom and series creator Keiji Inafune.
In even better news, the upcoming title will be completely devoid of waggle. Simply turn the Wiimote on its side and you are ready for some robot-blasting action.
The title is set for a release on WiiWare, though no specific date has been given. I have yet to purchase a game from the service, but Mega Man 9 is looking to be a must-buy for this Mega Man fanatic.
Source: wii.kombo
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10 responses so far ↓
1 Keith K // Jun 27, 2008 at 8:12 am
I had seen this game listed as a WiiWare title? Is that fact? Cause it makes no sense what so ever. It’s clearly a VC release. As a VC release, its $3-5. As a WiiWare release, its $5-15
It’s gotta be a mistake. It’d better be.
For the record.. Capcom: Megaman 9? Are you high? Megaman 1-3 on VC.. where are they?
2 Havok Saunders // Jun 27, 2008 at 8:36 am
It’s the real thing Keith. The game is a brand new 8-bit adventure. Therefore, its not a retro game and can’t be released through the VC.
I wish VC games were $3-5.
Oh, and I would like to add Mega Man X to your VC wishlist. Though, it seems Nintendo of America isn’t in any rush to get the games out.
3 Animathias // Jun 27, 2008 at 9:44 am
Umm.. Why wait for the original MegaMan games for the VC when you can buy the Anniversary collection for the Gamecube for like $10 now. Megaman 1-6 plus two fighting games. That’s why they’re not on the VC right now, because they’re available in a compilation.
In any case, I hope this finds its way to the Live Arcade. I’m currently Wii-less.
4 Keith K // Jun 27, 2008 at 11:07 am
I suppose thats a fair enough assessment. Although I don’t and will never own a GameCube controller for my Wii, as my Wii is about 13 feet from my couch and a GC cord is what, 6 feet?
Cordless GC controllers for the Wii Nintendo! Do it! I wanna play Windwaker and Twin Snakes!
Is that compilation available anywhere else? PS2 perhaps?
5 Havok Saunders // Jun 27, 2008 at 11:09 am
@ Animathias
Wii-less huh? My apologies.
I didn’t know the Anniversary collection for the ‘Cube was so cheap. I usually see it for $20. Though, that is still a great deal.
Personally, I think they should have left the fighting games off the compilation. They were absolutely atrocious.
6 Havok Saunders // Jun 27, 2008 at 11:16 am
@ Keith K
You can purchase the PS2 version of the Anniversary Collection from the Amazon marketplace. The online retailer doesn’t sell brand new copies of the game anymore, but they do have a list of merchants that sell the game new and used. The cheapest new copy of the game was around $31 (shipping included).
7 Live4Him // Jun 27, 2008 at 12:07 pm
@ Keith K
There have been wireless GC controllers for a very long time. I’ve had two for my GC just to play games like Smash Bros. Melee…
8 Keith K // Jun 27, 2008 at 12:19 pm
Wavebirds dont count as they have not been in production since the last supper. I’ve never seen one in a store here in Canada and Im not likely to anytime soon. I’m certainly not going to pick up USED controllers. Even if they were available, I’m not keen on dongles sticking out the top of my Wii like a toomah.
They need a GC controller that plugs into the Wiimote as the Classic Controller does. Bluetooth or bust. (Xbox = bust)
9 lwelyk // Jun 27, 2008 at 9:26 pm
“They need a GC controller that plugs into the Wiimote as the Classic Controller does. Bluetooth or bust. (Xbox = bust)”
… That would never, ever work. When the Wii is under emulation mode it could not do that at all. and USED controllers aren’t going to kill you. Look at them before you buy them. And, if you’re that finicky about things sticking out of your wii, just give up.
10 Pablos102030 // Jun 27, 2008 at 11:22 pm
Plug Man? More like BUTT Plug Man! AMIRITE?
I’m sorry people, but it had to be done.
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