Protodude's Rockman Corner

'Beast+' Returns To TV

noreply@blogger.com (Protodude) — Mon, 23 Nov 2009 23:13:00 +0000

Hot on the heels of Rockman.EXE Beast, Rockman.EXE Beast Plus, the series' successor, looks to be returning to Japan airwaves too.

According to the Japanese variation of TV Guide magazine, 'Beast+' re-runs will debut in January as part of a seasonal marathon on Kids-Station. The original ten minute episodes will be reformatted into twenty minutes in order to accommodate the early morning time slot. Once B+ finishes its run, episodes will circle through again starting with regular Beast.

Credit: McBain

Just In Time For Winter: Mega Man Caps

noreply@blogger.com (Protodude) — Mon, 23 Nov 2009 18:01:00 +0000

Remember those awesome handmade Mega Man hats from not too long ago? Well, they're back, and they're for sale! Crafter Ginrei is offering a new line of crochet Mega Man headwear for purchase at her Etsy store. Now, you too can look stylish and keep your head cozy warm this season with Mega Man, Proto Man and Hardhat:

Pricing varies by design, so head on over to Ginrei's shop and see if anything fits your budget. BTW: Also available, E-Tank drink cozies.

Mega Man OVA Hits iTunes

noreply@blogger.com (Protodude) — Sun, 22 Nov 2009 19:00:00 +0000

The North American anime distributor Anime Network, are offering all three episodes of the Mega Man: Upon A Star OVA on Apple's iTunes store. Episodes cost a $1.99 each, and the first episode comes with Mega Man wallpapers and themes.

"A power-mad genius and his gang of evil robots are trying to take over the world, and no one can stop them but Megaman. He’s a young action hero with nerves of steel, a robot body,the power to mimic any weapon he sees and use it for the forces of good. Together with his robot sister Roll, and their faithful cyber-pooch Rush, Megaman jets into battle with fists and plasma-bolts flying."

The app. is compatible with both the iPhone and iPod Touch. Wi-Fi connection is required for "additional content."

Super Fighting Realtor

noreply@blogger.com (Protodude) — Sat, 21 Nov 2009 21:21:00 +0000

What's Ruth Shiraishi, the voice actress of Mega Man in MM8 and MMX4, been up to these days? Selling real estate in Tokyo, so it seems. Below, a video of Ms. Shiraishi hard at work, providing a tour of various office across Tokyo. Listen carefully and you'll hear the Blue Bomber!

For comparision's sake, Ruth as Mega Man in Mega Man 8:

Say what you will about her performance, but I always felt she fit the demeanor perfectly.
To see more of Ruth and her guided tours, check out her official YouTube channel.

Thanks to Keiji Dragon for the discovery.

Mega Man Rush Marine Now Available

noreply@blogger.com (Protodude) — Sat, 21 Nov 2009 03:55:00 +0000

Following yesterday's vanishing act, AT&T has re-listed Mega Man Rush Marine on their MEdia Mall website, and is now available for download .

The official press release:

" Take the plunge with Mega Man® and his shape-shifting robot dog, Rush in this original side scrolling shooter set in the deep blue sea. In the year 20XX Dr. Wily sends his robot minions to the seabed in order to drill for oil causing earthquakes and destruction to the surrounding islands. Only Mega Man and the newly submersible Rush Marine have any hope of stopping Wily’s nefarious plan.

Exciting side-scrolling aquatic shooter.
Explore three aquatic environments including Shallow Water, Volcanic Reef and Deep Water.
Battle through ten levels and defeat as many robot masters, each with a unique weapon that you can capture and use for good.
Fight your way through expansive levels teeming with 14 enemies and numerous hazards. "

The full game will run you $6.99, while a subscription version costs $2.99 a month. Snag your copy here!
If you do download it, anyone care to share a few impressions? I'm sure those of us who aren't AT&T customers (such as myself), would appreciate to know what we're missing out on.

Auction - Custom US Wily Wars

noreply@blogger.com (Protodude) — Sat, 21 Nov 2009 02:55:00 +0000

As you may recall, Mega Man: The Wily Wars only saw a retail release in Europe and Japan, while North America got the game in digital form via Sega Channel. A peculiar release for back in the day, but somebody saw fit to right that wrong with this homebrewed Wily Wars Sega Genesis cartridge:

What we have here is the English Wily Wars EPROM embedded on a US Genesis cartridge, complete with handsomely-made custom packaging and instruction manual. Designed to play on US Genesis consoles, this custom creation is a dream come true for anyone who's longed for a physical Wily Wars copy without the hassle of region hacking your system.

The whole kit and caboodle are currently up for grabs on Ebay for a $100, free shipping.

More shots of the packaging/cartridge, and items details here.

TMMN's Operate Shooting Star Review

noreply@blogger.com (Protodude) — Thu, 19 Nov 2009 23:25:00 +0000

The Mega Man Network is featuring a nicely detailed review over Rockman EXE Operate Shooting Star, which covers everything you could possibly ever want to know about the game -- and more. A portion of the review below:

"Now, there’s something I want to make clear right away about my impression of Operate Shooting Star. It is not a remake of MegaMan Battle Network. It IS MegaMan Battle Network, with some additional features thrown in. If you have played MegaMan Battle Network before, you have essentially played this game already. “Plus alpha” is a Japanese expression that roughly means “a little something extra,” and in Operate Shooting Star’s case the emphasis is on “a little.” I can’t say this is a bad game though, because I do like the original MegaMan Battle Network. But I cannot understand why this game needed to be made. It is truly disappointing just how little new content was put in this game when you consider the whole package....

"...In the end I can only recommend Operate Shooting Star to people who have never played the original MegaMan Battle Network, or to fans who are just really excited over Geo and other Star Force characters entering the game, however briefly it may be. And again, it’s not like Operate Shooting Star is a BAD game. It’s just hardly a new game, and I don’t think it lives up to the hype Capcom of Japan drove up for it."

Click here for the full review.

Capcom Touts New Mega Man Merchandise

noreply@blogger.com (Protodude) — Wed, 18 Nov 2009 23:13:00 +0000

Brand spankin' new Mega Man merchandise from FAB Starpoint are heading our way; journals, wallets, memos and baggies. What more could you ask for?

The details according to Capcom's Chris Kramer:

"Dunno about you, but as a Mega Fan, I'm constantly jealous of all the killer Blue Bomber goods produced in Japan that are near-impossible to find in North America. That's why I'm very happy to bring you a preview of some Mega Merch currently in production by new Capcom licensee FAB Starpoint. FAB Starpoint are in the process of signing distribution deals with retailers across the continent (hopefully including our own Capcom eStore), with an eye towards the products reaching your hot little hands in the beginning of the year."

FAB Starpoint will also be keeping an eye on the comments section of the Capcom Unity blog for feedback, and might just take into consideration ideas of your very own.

Full details at Kramez's blog.

Mega Man X Official Complete Works Has 3D Cover Art

noreply@blogger.com (Protodude) — Wed, 18 Nov 2009 22:16:00 +0000

The Mega Man Network is showing off some sample shots of the upcoming MMXOCW cover art, which touts special embossed 3D art:

The source of the images, Udon's own managing editor Matt Moylan, dropped the community the following hint regarding future Mega Man artbooks:

"Also, not ready to announce future art book dates yet, but if fans like the STARs on their favorite television NETWORKs to speak English then, they’d be advised to wait a bit before buying certain Japanese versions of art books."

Mega Man Star For and Mega Man Battle Network Official Complete Works confirmed?

Credit: The Mega Man Network

Behold, The Gold Rockman 4 Cartridge

noreply@blogger.com (Protodude) — Wed, 18 Nov 2009 06:04:00 +0000

In an episode of Game Center CX, host Shinya Arino (and guest host Sarina Suzuki) paid a visit to famed Japanese retro gaming retailer Super Potato, the retailer for anything and everything retro gaming. While scoping out the goods, one item in particular caught Arino's attention: the gold Rockman 4 cartridge...

Retailing at 590,000 yen (approx. $6,000), this very shiny cartridge is one of only eight in existence. The carts were issued as prizes for those who won the RM4 boss design contest back in 1991. Word has it that this particular cartridge in Super Potato's possession has been on display for the past four years, and has yet to be sold.

The whereabouts of the remaining gold carts have remained largely undisclosed, but it's safe to assume their respective winners either held onto them, or sold them at one point or another. Actually, in the case of the former, Yoshitaka Enomoto, creator of the Bright Man design, once told former MM fansite Atomic-Fire that he still treasures his gold cart, and has no plans to sell it. Well, that was nearly five years ago, so...

Rock Coliseum In Action

noreply@blogger.com (Protodude) — Tue, 17 Nov 2009 23:18:00 +0000

An overlooked addition to Rockman EXE: Operate Shooting Star is the all new multiplayer mode, Rock Coliseum. Here, up to six plays can join in wirelessly (only one game cart. required) and duke it out head-to-head or engage in cooperative play. For those who've yet to experience this neat mode for themselves, check out the video below to see it in action:

The goal in this particular mode is to defeat Forte in the allotted time. Forte chases you throughout the field, and you must avoid him using a barrage of items such as bombs and traps. When two or more players play, things become a lot more hectic as you scurry to not be the player targeted by Forte's attacks. If you're hit, you have to wait it out until another player revivse you before you can get back in the fight. In single player, however, once you're down, you're down for good. Game over.

It's a lot of fun, and I truly hope that this mode is expanded upon in the future; would have been great to have Wifi play or a better variety of items.

Gigamix Makes The Charts

noreply@blogger.com (Protodude) — Tue, 17 Nov 2009 05:30:00 +0000

According to Oricon charts, Rockman Gigamix, the newest comic anthology from Hitoshi Ariga, is performing quite well since its release in early October. The book has sold a total of 35,000 copies, and continues to find itself among the top 50 comics in Japan.

Rockman Gigamix contains two new stories in Ariga's Rockman canon that focus on the happenings of Rockman 3 and Rockman 7/Battle & Chase respectively. Rockman Gigamix 2 and 3 are currently in production, the second volume will release in early 2010.

Credit: TribeKing

'Rockman Vs' At A Glance

noreply@blogger.com (Protodude) — Mon, 16 Nov 2009 19:11:00 +0000

Earlier this month, a brand new Rockman EXE comic debuted in Coro Coro Special, sister magazine of Coro Coro Comics. Info was a bit on the scarce side, but fortunately, we now have ourselves a fairly detailed summary courtesy of Tarbosan.

Rockman EXE Vs. Operate Shooting Star, depicts a heated battle between Rockman.EXE and Shooting Star Rockman. RockEXE's operator, Raito Amino, is determined to become a strong Net Battler after having lost a battle with his friend.

On his quest to become a stronger, Raito comes across an elder Net Battler who criticizes Raito's fighting style, noting his lack of strategy as his one true weakness. Challenging him to a duel, Raito finds himself pitted against Shooting Star Rockman. The bout comes to an end when SSR is defeated. The end.

It's a simple story, one that may or may not continue in the following issue due to it being touted as a "one-shot." Still, there's definitely room for more stories.

A few more scans of the issue available at Tarbosan's blog.

OSS Event Chips Revealed

noreply@blogger.com (Protodude) — Sun, 15 Nov 2009 21:37:00 +0000

According to Mui Mui's findings, Operate Shooting Star will continue the tradition of offering promotional in-game items through Capcom sponsored events. Two secret battle chips, Forte F and Burai B, were recently uncovered via hacking:

Details on how to obtain the chips for yourself available here, and video of the cards in action here.

Grab Your E-Tanks Now!

noreply@blogger.com (Protodude) — Sat, 14 Nov 2009 23:06:00 +0000

According to Amazon.com, Toy Wiz is offering the Mega Man E-tank sports drink a bit ahead of schedule. Individual cans are now on sale for $3.99 a pop (gulp!). Shipping fee varies based on location.

It's pricey, and will likely be a bit cheaper at retail when it hits stores, so let your wallet determine your time frame.

Grab yours here.

Guest Post: The Operate Shooting Star/Ace Attorney Connection

noreply@blogger.com (Protodude) — Sat, 14 Nov 2009 04:51:00 +0000

Guess the game I'm describing:

It's a DS "port plus alpha" of a GBA Capcom hit which spawned a successful franchise, marketed as a 'revival' of the series. In it, a blue-suited hero proudly wearing the symbol of his profession on his chest does battle in an unusual environment to protect the innocent. This DS update adds a new scenario near the end of the game where the main character comes in contact with a new villain. However, the graphics and music are much the same as the GBA version. Budget-priced, the game is clearly meant to appeal to the fans, and sells about 50,000 copies its first week.

If you guessed Operate Shooting Star, you're right. Or maybe I should say "wright".

Because everything above I mentioned describes one of Capcom's other DS series, the Ace Attorney (Gyakuten Saiban) series. The first game, originally for the GBA, received a DS update in 2005 under the headline "Yomigaeru Gyakuten" (Turnabout Revived), eventually released stateside as Phoenix Wright: Ace Attorney. The game's pretty much the same as its GBA incarnation (though, to be fair, PW:AA has much better remixed music on the DS) besides its new content.

Granted, the new content in OSS probably won't take the average player as long to get through as the extra scenario in PW:AA, but that's not important. What this comparison reveals is simple: Capcom's going for OSS the same they were going for PW:AA. Yes, PW:AA became a cult hit in the US, but this was far from expected - indeed, early sales were quite low, with only a few thousand units sold per week, and it's doubtful they would have updated/translated AA2 and 3 if not for such surprising sales figures.

Capcom's aiming to do with OSS what they wanted to do with PW:AA; hold the fans over and revive interest a bit at minimal cost. Busting out an entirely new BN or SF game is too risky given SF's low sales, but with OSS Capcom can revive the BN fanbase and set the stage for future releases, with only minimal sales needed to recoup costs. PW:AA was essentially a holdover game while the series was on hiatus; AA4 wasn't released until 2007 in Japan, a year and a half after PW:AA's NDS update - but in the meantime, they translated and ported AA2 as well. Had the series been left languishing between AA3's original GBA release in 2004 and AA4's 2007 release, it's likely interest in the series would have significantly declined. PW:AA neatly sidestepped the problem by renewing interest at low development cost, and even if AA2 hadn't been translated and re-released Japan would still have more interest in the series than if it had vanished off the face of the earth until TGS 2006.

So while OSS likely won't make huge sales, it doesn't need to - all it needs to do is remind people EXE is still around. Remember all the talk of doing more with EXE down the road if OSS does decent and of the many plans for Rockman's 25th anniversary? One way or the other, I have a feeling we'll be seeing the electronic incarnation of the Blue Bomber again sometime in the not-too-distant future.
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Post author: GSR

Mega Man Accessories Hit Solia Online

noreply@blogger.com (Protodude) — Sat, 14 Nov 2009 01:41:00 +0000

PRC reader linkfreak131 informs us that Solia Online, an avatar based web community, recently released a "Eastern Hero Costume" pack that allows users to wear some very familiar accessories...

Your eyes aren't deceiving you; those are Mega Man accessories. From left to right: Zero's hair (or Proto Man's scarf?), Z-Sabre, X's helmet, Zero's helmet (Zero series) and Model ZX's helmet. I'm not entirely sure where the white helmet is from, but it does look a bit like Ken's from Gatchaman.

I wonder if these are officially licensed...

Click here for more pictures of each accessory!

OSS Off To A Good Start

noreply@blogger.com (Protodude) — Fri, 13 Nov 2009 19:45:00 +0000

According to early reports, Rockman EXE Operate Shooting Star racked up 25,000 units on its first day on sale - a 41% sell through of the initial shipment. Among Nov. 12th game releases, OSS charted fourth, just behind Final Fantasy Crystal Chronicles: The Crystal Bearers and DragonBall Raging Blast.

2channel estimates the title could top at least 70,000 in sales by its first week if things remain steady. Just have to wait and see, but so far so good.

Retro Roto Figures Seeing Re-release

noreply@blogger.com (Protodude) — Thu, 12 Nov 2009 22:48:00 +0000

Speaking with a Jazwares rep. early today, I learned the company has a few interesting Mega Man products coming down the pike. In addition to the urban vinyl figures (due in early 2010), the company plans on re-releasing their popular 6'' Retro Roto series in a four-pack box set. BigBadToyStore has already begun accepting pre-orders:

According to Jazwares, the set is exclusive to online retailers, and won't be sold in-stores.

Estimated arrival is in December, with a follow up box set consisting of "wave 2 figures" in the Spring of 2010. Jazwares did not specify on what will make up the "wave 2" line, however I can't help but think that this would be a grand opportunity to finally release the much delayed Heat Man, Wood Man and Ice Man roto figures.

More details soon.

Operate Shooting Star Releases

noreply@blogger.com (Protodude) — Thu, 12 Nov 2009 13:47:00 +0000

Reports are coming in from Japan that Rockman EXE: Operate Shooting Star has been released and is officially on sale. Copies will be going in the mail sometime now for those who pre-ordered online via Play Asia or elsewhere.

To commemorate the release, Capcom updated practically every section on the game's official web site, the most noteworthy being the addition of a new "download area". There, you'll find a plethora of Rockman EXE related assets to download such as official artwork, movies, sprite icons, and a flash based clock/timer.

ENC Operate Shooting Star Trailer

noreply@blogger.com (Protodude) — Thu, 12 Nov 2009 04:21:00 +0000

What's perhaps the final trailer before the game's release, here's the exclusive Everyone's Nintendo Channel preview for Operate Shooting Star:

Credit: The Mega Man Network

Online Listing Reveals 'Rockman EXE: Official Complete Works' (Update)

noreply@blogger.com (Protodude) — Wed, 11 Nov 2009 19:31:00 +0000

Gaming retailer Play Asia are currently taking preorders for a "Rockman EXE Official Complete Works" art book, due to release on December 21st, 2009. The suggested price is $36.99 with 176 pages in A4 format.

If previous OCW art books are any indication, expect the book to be chock full of illustrations, game info and interviews with Capcom staff.

Hope to hear more details soon!

UPDATE: It's official now. Click the link to check out a tiny preview of the book's contents. Thanks, Huffy!

OSS Invades Sofmap

noreply@blogger.com (Protodude) — Wed, 11 Nov 2009 03:41:00 +0000

In anticipation for OSS' official release tomorrow, Japanese retail store Sofmap gave their DS section a bit of a Rockman makeover:

Directly adjacent to the display, a single kiosk for demoing the game:

Play the demo, walk away with a pretty sweet mini-poster:

EDIT: Sorry, Sofmap -- not BicCamera :)

[via RockMega]

Operate Shooting Star Releases Ahead Of Schedule?

noreply@blogger.com (Protodude) — Tue, 10 Nov 2009 16:10:00 +0000

So says YouTube user Namazutei, who recently uploaded this unboxing video:

Online retailers such as Amazon.jp and BicCamera have yet to ship the game, but according to a few reliable Japanese sources, some stores have already stocked the game as early as this morning.

BA Responds To E-Tank Sports Drink Inquery

noreply@blogger.com (Protodude) — Tue, 10 Nov 2009 02:16:00 +0000

Boston America, you're so missing the novelty of the E-Tank sports drink. It's supposed to look like an E-Tank. That's why everyone wanted them in the first place! Why the change to something a bit more generic? Read their response to the issue and find out:

" I understand why that Japanese version had such a tremendous appeal to the hard core Megaman fan but when we showed this to the buyers here in the US they didn’t know if the majority of their customers would understand the product. They felt that if we created a branded drink that this would have a broader appeal.

That being said, our strategy with this drink is to create a demand for the brand with the attached design and then follow this up in 2010 with a design similar to the one you suggested below." -- Boston America Rep.

Well, it's something to be hopeful for. I'll keep you posted if anything new comes up!

Thanks, Flame.