Dr. Wily: Misunderstood?

An intriguing, thought provoking article recently surfaced over at Destructoid. It begs the question if Dr. Wily, arch-nemesis to Mega Man, is really as bad as he seems. In actuality, is Wily trying to save the world? His actions simply misinterpreted?

As the story goes, Wily and Dr. Light, the greatest minds in the field of robotics, had two very distinct philosophies towards the future of machine. Wily saw robots as mere tools with specific directives and purposes, while Light believe they had the capacity to be equal to man -- they could be our friends and family.

This, as Tony Ponce points out, is Dr. Light's big mistake....

Yet Another Look At Panic Shot Shot! Rockman

I've spent a good year researching all their is to know about Panic Shot! Rockman, an obscure arcade cabinet released only in Japan in 1993. Unfortunately, because the machine is so rare, there's only so much info one can dig up on the net.

Much to my joy, I came in contact with a fellow by the name of Undamned who actually owns the physical machine. Undamned managed to purchase the machine when it went up for sale at Yahoo Auctions Japan some time ago, and it now sits comfortably at his home amidst a sea of video game memorabilia.

Having played the game first-hand, Undamned wrote up his experience and history with the machine over at his blog, Undamned's Musings. 

"The ultimate goal of the game is simple enough: get as many points as possible in order to win a prize. Points are made by hitting either the target hanging below Dr. Wily's UFO or the cards behind him. The rear cards are worth 100 points each, while Wily's UFO target is worth 1000 points. The UFO moves back and forth across the play field, so you can't just keep hitting the same angled shot over and over to rack up those 1000 pointers."

The post pretty much details everything there is to know about Panic Shot!; the mystery of the machine is no more.

Seriously, do check out that post. It's highly informative and guaranteed to make you long for your own Panic Shot unit.

Source: Undamned's Musings

Sneak Peek At Kotobukiya Zero

Bandai had their turn, now it's time for Kotobukiya to shine! The manufacturer rolled out the world's first look at their forthcoming Zero model kit at an in-store event this weekend in Japan. The model is in its early stages of development, as evident by its grey prototype mold, but things are certainly coming along nicely.

Also on display, a series on accessories including alternate hands and faces, Buster gun, and Z-Saber sheaths. More photos of the model are presently being featured at Moeyo, but take caution -- Not Safe For Work content is plentiful.

Kotobukiya's 1/10 scale Zero is currently slated for an autumn release.

Credit: The Mega Man Network

Alyson Court Talks Mega Man X5 Guns N' Roses References

When Mega Man X5 was localized, its eight Maverick bosses were given alternate names based on the titles of members of rock band Guns N' Roses. This curious change has since gone down in history as one of the more famous alterations in game localizations, ensuing years worth of debate and speculation. Were the GnR names really necessary? Who, really, was responsible for the swap?

MMX5 translator Alyson Court, perhaps best known for her role as Resident Evil's Claire Redfield and star of The Big Comfy Couch, spent some time this evening reminiscing over her work on Mega Man X5 via Twitter, subsequently revealing the history and truth behind the game's infamous localization.

"Apparently the localization (text editing) I did for a Capcom game is *famous*. Er, make that infamous. Who knew?" [link]

"My then husband was responsible 4 text localization. He asked me 2 do it &, since he was a GnR fan, I changed the names 2b GnR references. " [link]

"I didn't know the game nor did I know how mad fans wld be that Id changed the characters' names. But yrs later ppl now like it!" [link]

"My ex-husband had his own company, GenAzea, which did localization for many Capcom games. I did a lot of that work." [link]

"...At first my hubby laughed & liked it [the GnR names]. Then when fans started complaining he got mad at me. I meant well." [link]

(do keep in mind that there's a 140 word limit on Twitter, so Alyson had to condense certain words)

 Alyson, however, defends the references. Her philosophy towards localization is to make the content palatable -- going so far as to reveal that the GnR references were all but fitting for a franchise with so many musical homages and tributes.

Capcom has had every chance to switch names back to their original "canonical" titles in future X5 ports.  However, to perhaps preserve the game's historic status, Mega Man X Collection and the PC version of X5 have retained Alyson's handiwork. Hey, that's OK in my book. I, for one, thought the nods were a nice little touch -- brought some life to the bosses.

You can read Alyson's complete recollection over at her official twitter account here. She's been responding to fans, too, so if you have any questions or comments, don't hesitate to shoot her a line!

Source: acourtroom

Up Close And Personal With D-Arts Rockman X

Reader Joseph Collins linked me up to this page, which has a nice, in-depth look at the Rockman X figure due out in May in the U.S, and later this weekend in Japan. AmiAmi's blog has taken the liberty of snapping several photos of the figure in action from every possible angle. There's quite a few of them, too, so check out the preceding link for the full set and below for a small morsel.

 

Check out the full set here!

To answer a few questions I've received recently, yes, X is headed Stateside. Adam Newman of Bandai's Collector's Toy Department has personally confirmed with me the figure is US-bound, and already a handful of retailers have begun offering pre-orders, such as Big Bad Toystore and Entertainment Earth.

Of course, if you're too impatient, you could always import!

Archie's Mega Man Promo Trailer

Pretty spiffy stuff here: Archie Comics has released a trailer to get you pumped and ready for the May 11th debut of their Mega Man comic series. No, it's not movie trailer quality, but it gets the job done and the point across: the comic is going to be awesome.

Mega Man Issue #1 will hit North American newsstands on May 11th (May 4 for subscribers). Get equipped with a subscription at Archie Online.

Source: CBR

Have Some New Legends 3 Screens

Japanese gaming site 4Gamer has obtained a handful of Legends 3 screenshots earlier today. While most are new, there's a few in there that hail from the Japanese Rockman DASH 3 website, albeit in higher quality. I've posted a few of the more noteworthy screens:

Barret seems to be capable of using Special Weapons, if this gatling gun screen is to go by. The middle shot depicts a biker-dude, whose appearance and dialog suggest that he's a more "involved" character rather than your run-of-the-mill NPC. Finally, our first look at Tron! Contrary to what her character profile over at the DASH 3 site suggests, Tron is rocking her classic MML1 and MML2 look.

For more screenshots, head on down to 4Gamer!

Thanks to everyone who sent this one in!

Bandai's D-Arts Zero Revealed

Having been teased by Bandai for a few months, the D-Arts Zero action has finally be revealed. Big Bad Toystore has scored an exclusive look at the upcoming figure, which is slated to release this September:

D-Arts Zero is modeled after his X1 incarnation, which features rounded shoulders and an emphasis on his Z-Buster. Official product description reveals a few more tidbits of interest:

"Following the popular D-Arts launch of Megaman X will be the popular Megaman Zero! Potraying Zero as he first appeared in the MegamanX game , fighting alongside X, this figure features superiour D-Arts articulation- even Zero's flowing hair is articulated! This high-tech figure set also includes a full array of accessories, including interchangeable facial expression, right-arm and hand parts, as well as blast effect parts! "

He's a little ways away from release, but X's impending May release should tide you over till then.

Preorder a Zero of your very own at BBTS!

Blast From The Past: Official Mega Man Costumes

2003 to '04 marked a time when the Mega Man brand was everywhere. The franchise's fifteenth anniversary induced the release of a slew of officially licensed Mega Man products.  Capcom partner with the likes of Jazwares and Artbox, to Dreamwave and Disguise Costumes to ensure the franchise was branching outwards to as many markets as possible.

One of the more interesting products released in that period were the Mega Man costumes. In the summer of 2004, Disguise was awarded the rights to produce official Mega Man halloween costumes and party favors (which never surfaced).

Later that fall, two child-sized costumes shipped out: Zero (X series) and Mega Man.EXE (Battle Network/NT Warrior). Helping to raise awareness for the costumes, a series of advertisements were inserted in the backs of a number of Mega Man game manuals from the era. Seriously; check out the back flaps of your X7 or Command Mission's manuals.

The costumes were, to my knowledge, not a huge success, but remained mostly sold out during the season. Nowadays, they're collector's items.

A quick Ebay search reveals both costumes are up for grabs, each priced at a "buy it now" at around $29.99. I doubt you'll be wearing 'em, but if you're looking to add a little more obscurity to your collection, you can't go wrong with these guys. Check them out if you're interested: Zero here; Mega Man here.

Unconfirmed: Mega Man Legends 3 At E3 2011

Members of the gaming press are reportedly recieving a Mega Man Legends 3: Prototype Version poster in the mail directly from Capcom -- a possible indication that Legends 3 will, in some shape or form, be present at this year's Electronic Entertainment Expo (E3).

A PRC reader (who wishes to remain anonymous), received the 12x18 poster (pictured) alongside his lanyard and paperwork upon registering as an attendee a week ago. The poster came with a plethora of other gaming goodies as part of a press kit. Due to an NDA, our tipster could not disclose those contents.

The poster's art spotlight's Legends 3: Prototype Version. However, it's doubtful Prototype Version itself will be exhibited; PV would already be available before June 6 for download by the masses. With any luck, E3 may provide first details on Legends 3 itself.

Capcom has yet to reveal what titles they intend to show off at this year's event, but those details should trickle out closer to June.

Thanks, Anonymous!

Rockman Maniax Finally Releasing? (Updated)

It's been a long time coming, but it looks like Rockman Maniax -- a compilation of Hitoshi Ariga's fan-art from before he penned Rockman Megamix -- looks to finally be releasing this summer.

A recent update to Brain-Navi's release schedule (publisher of numerous Rockman manga in Japan) shows Rockman Maniax listed for an unspecified June 2011 release. Given Brain-Navi's recent history of listing upcoming titles before they're officially announced, count this one as a legitimate leak.

Maniax, actually, was announced way back in 2008 in celebration of Rockman 9. According to Ariga, the book would collect a number of Rockman-based art he drew before he wrote and illustrated Rockman Megamix and Rockman Remix. Bits and pieces of this art has been shared on his personal blog and other publications in the past, but never in a single volume. Time went by, and we never heard of Maniax since.

Since three years has gone by since the original announcement, the content of Maniax could have changed greatly. For all we know, it might not be a collection at all anymore; maybe Maniax is an all new story-based manga?

We'll have to wait this one out until more details arise. I'll keep you posted.

UPDATE: Maniax is now said to contain the original Maniax gag-strips from 1997 and “Destruction Order” and “Rockman X Megamissions” comics from Rockman Remix. Source.

Credit: CapKobun

Udon Reveals Mega Man Tribute Limited Edition; Winners Announced

Lost in the flurry of last week's Mega Man Legends 3 news extravaganza, Udon Entertainment had two announcements of their very own.

On Thursday, Udon revealed Mega Man Tribute Limited Edition, a special hardcover version of the book featuring exclusive art by Megamix, Gigamix illustrator Hitoshi Ariga. Limited Edition will be sold exclusively through Udon's very own online store, and is currently up for pre-order (ships July 27). The book will also premeiere at the San Diego 2011 Comic Con.

Furthermore, Udon also revealed the complete list of artists who will be featured in the book. Over 100 talented fans have been chosen! See if you made the cut right here. If your piece is in, you should have received a congratulatory e-mail from Udon a short while ago. If you've yet to receive the message, shoot Udon a email artwork@megamantribute DOT com.

Congrats to all the winners! I look forward to checking out all your work in this amazing compilation!