Another Look At Panic Shot! Rockman

A little while back, we learned of the existence of an official Rockman arcade machine by the name of Panic Shot! Rockman. Details were pretty scarce then, but recently uncovered fliers and advertisements for the machine offer a better idea of what the game was all about, and even reveals an interesting series milestone. 
 

"Everyone's favorite hero, Rockman, has taken a big role in prize machines!" screams the flier(s). "The super popular characters from the Famicon and GameBoy, Rockman and the army of Dr. Wily have arrive in a flipper-type ball game. If you manage to hit through the card in the moving Wily figure, you win. When you hit the ball, the figure will perform a surprising action! The background and the vehicle lamps will also flash brightly! The first great achievement of the Rock Man series: Hear Dr. Wily's voice!"

The machine appeared in arcades in 1992, and was successful enough to warrant a followup version the following year -- the one we covered previously. This particular version of the game tasks players with knocking over Robot Master cards while avoiding a mechanical Wily figure that moves back and forth on a fixed path, blocking your shots. Version 2 swaps out Robot Masters for series trademark Mettools (right). Successfully knock them all down within the set time limit and you win prizes and such.

As mentioned in the fliers, the machine marks the first time in series history where Dr. Wily was voiced; predating his vocalization in 1993's Rockman: Wishing Upon A Star animated series. Wily here likely he taunts the player in you typical mad scientist mannerisms throughout gameplay and maybe even explains how to play the game. The identity of the voice actor remains unknown, but considering the game came out a year or so before Wishing Upon A Star, Ken'ichi Ogata likely assumed the role.

Regardless of its simplicity, Panic! Shot seems like a pretty fun game and definitely quite the collectors item if you're into obscure Rockman products.  Scoping out Japanese auctions is probably your best bet at securing a machine, though they're extremely difficult to come by. If you do happen to spot one, it's best to make sure everything is functioning properly or else it really isn't worth the time and money to import. If you've got Panic Shot! at home, we'd love to see more of it, so pictures and videos would be greatly appreciated!

Credits: Images (The Arcade Flyer Archive), translation (Belie)

Update On Megamix, MMZX Volume 2

I bet you're wondering what happened to the second volumes in the Mega Man Megamix and Mega Man ZX manga series. It's the end of July and neither book made their target release dates -- May and early July, respectively. Where are they? Well, I've got a couple updates on just what's going down.

According to Udon's managing editor Matt Moylan, both books were recently approved by Capcom as of July 13, and are off to the printer for production. Matt wasn't able to provide a specific release date for either book; however, just recently Udon's own release schedule was updated showing both books with a mid-August release window.

Moylan will be revealing firmer release dates shortly. Until then, it's a matter of patience. The good news is these books are still on, so it's not like either series was canceled, if that's what you were worried about. In fact, Megamix volume 1 is one of Udon's better selling mangas to date!

More updates as they come in.

Rockman Online Headed To Japan?

Last month, Japanese site Nikkei Trendy posted an interview with Capcom of Japan’s COO, Haruhiro Tsujimoto, where he discussed the release strategy for Rockman Online, the upcoming online RPG from Capcom and NeoWiz.  In a nutshell, Tsujimoto revealed the game would remain exclusive to South Korea, passing up a Japanese (and Western) release in order to focus on branching the game's appeal to Asian markets. However, despite this statement, it would appear that Capcom is indeed looking at releasing Rockman Online in Japan, too.

According to My Game News Flash and NeoGaf, Capcom Japan recently registered the Rockman Online title at the Japanese Patent & Trademark Offices -- a surefire sign the game is making the jump to the Blue Bomber's native country. Taking into consideration the game wasn't initially set to release in Japan, I'd say this is a good chance we'll be seeing the game registered abroad, further fueling the chances of RMO hitting other regions.

A Western release is still up in the air, mind you. Capcom of America showed some interest in the title last month, when they asked fans via Capcom Unity, if this is something they'd like to see released stateside. The news was met with mostly positive reception; but there's been no indication if it'll sway the possibilities. Until we hear otherwise, keep rallying support.

Auction - EXE 3 Black Tokyo Game Show Edition

Now this is definitely one of those items for completists or the super hardcore collector. Currently up for grabs on eBay is the uncommon Tokyo Game Show edition of Rockman EXE 3 Black, a pre-release variant of the game that was limited to only 1000 copies, distributed a month ahead of Black's retail release on March 28, 2003 in Japan. 

Three things separate the TGS edition from the standard March retail version: one, the cartridge came preloaded with special data; secret Battle Chips already unlocked. Two, a holographic Shadow Style Rockman trading card was bundled with the game, and three, to distinguish the TGS version from the retail version, the packaging lacks the gold CESA Game Award emblem present on all copies of the retail version.

While it is a rather interesting item, I don't recommend it to the casual collector. Nevertheless, you can purchase it here for $169 USD. The seller is willing to make an offer, so perhaps you can get him to knock it a bit.

Rockman Invades Wonder Festival

Over the weekend, garage kit convention Wonder Festival kicked off in Japan. Aside from the Kotobukiya figures, the show also played host to an impressive assortment of fan-made Rockman models and figures. From Classic and X to ZX and DASH, there were models of characters from practically every series on display.

Most if not all the models were for sale in limited quantities, and for those of us who couldn't attend, Tomopop has assembled a gallery's worth of photos of each individual figure from all sorts of angles.

Click the above link to check them out or view a few select photos after the break. Like what you see? Obtaining these custom figures is by no means an easy feat, yet they do pop up on eBay occasional. I suggest snooping around there, or better yet, check out Tokyo Hunter's import services.

Mega Man, Servbot Cameo In Street Fighter X Tekken

Capcom's big surprise yesterday was the unveiling of Street Fighter X Tekken (and Tekken X Street Fighter), a brand new collaborative project between Capcom and Namco Bandai that pits characters from both the Street Fighter and Tekken universes against each other.  What's noteworthy about this announcement are a couple Mega Man nods featured in both the game's announcment trailer and subsequent gameplay footage...

Blues Getting Kotobukiya Treatment Too

At this weekend's Wonder Festival in Japan, Kotobukiya exhibited a poster teasing a new, third figure in their Rockman line: Blues (aka Proto Man).

Blues will be joining the ranks of the Rockman and Roll Kotobukiya figures some time later this year; Rockman in September, Roll in December.

Thanks, Steve [via Moeyeo and GA Graphic]

Mega Man Universe Has A Release Window

While Keiji Inafune wasn't too forthcoming about a release date for Mega Man Universe at last night's panel, the actual Mega Man Universe kiosk on display at Comic-Con says the game is dropping some time in "Winter." Capcom's jgonzo confirmed the release window during a video tour of Capcom's booth, which you can view below. Jump to the 5:00 point for the reveal.

No indication if this refers to a Winter 2010 release, or early 2011. I'm currently seeking out an official comment, so hang tight.

Capcom Opens Official Mega Man Universe Website

Hot on the heels of tonight's Mega Man Universe press conference, Capcom Japan has opened up an official Mega Man Universe website.

Nothing too spectacular going on right now, the site is limited to a mere two pages: the Unity page contains links to Capcom Unity's various posts and Tweets, and the movie page where you can watch the trailer for the game. Yup, that's about it.

Curiously, the site makes constant reference to the "Mega Man Universe" name and not "Rockman Universe." Perhaps the game will simply be called Mega man Universe in Japan? Makes sense, especially when you recall that the MMU title was even registered in the Japanese Trademark Offices.

Hopefully we'll be seeing some significant updates in the future.

Credit: 2ch

Minor Mega Man Universe Details From SDCC; "Oft-Requested" Mega Man Game Teased

Capcom's San Diego Comic-Con panel literally just came to an end, and as expected, Keiji Inafune was there to talk a little about the mysterious Mega Man Universe. Unfortunately, details were very, very slim as Capcom looks to continue keeping the game shrouded in mystery for the time being, but nevertheless, here's what we got:

• According to Inafune, Mega Man Universe will be a game where players can play as their favorite Mega Man characters (including the macho, middle-aged Mega Man from the original game's NES boxart) or other Capcom characters. A primary goal for the title is to offer an experience where Mega Man fans can "unite", a possible implication that online multiplayer will play a key aspect.

• Inafune then went on to say more details on the game are expected to arrive in the future. There was no gameplay shown, but Inafune assured the crowd he's determined to show us something soon. Concerning a release date, the game "won't be out for a while."

• In closing, Inafune let loose that many more Mega Man announcements are coming this year, and confirmed that an "oft-requested thing that we all want" is coming to fruition. The crowd immediately began to shout for "Mega Man Legends 3",  to which Inafune replied with a swift "Thank You."

So, tonight's event kind of turned out to be a bust for big MMU news. However, Inafune's tease about forthcoming announcements has certainly piqued the interests of many, especially that "oft-requested" game tease. Could it finally be the much demanded Mega Man Legends 3? I certainly hope so!

Capcom will be holding another panel Saturday where another game is expected to be announced; perhaps we'll learn more about MMU there.

Capcom's Comic-Con Panel Is Live (Ended)

Unfortunately, I'm not at Comic-Con this year, but my buddies from Eye Lazor Beams and the folks over at 1Up are. The 1Up crew are currently live blogging Capcom's press conference, which you can follow right here.

Mega Man Universe details will likely be revealed at the show, so expect to hear news about the title throughout the night. I'll be posting the relevant details from both 1Up's live blog and ELB after the break for your convenience. Should screen shots, videos, etc. come out, I'll be posting those in a separate post. Check back often!

Kotobukiya Roll Figure On The Way

Looks as if Roll is getting the Kotobukiya model treatment. The Mega Man Network reports the manufacturer plans on releasing a Roll model later this Fall, likely after Rockman's late September release.

The 1/10 scale figure is slated to come with swappable parts that can be arranged to resemble Roll's classic look (right) or her Mega Man 8 look (left). Three different face plates and three different types of hands will also be included.

Pricing has yet to be announced, but considering the fact the model will contain more pieces than its predecessor, it'll probably be a bit pricey. More details as they come!