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Resident Evil and Street Fighter join the Capcom music store

by Justin McElroy { Oct 21st 2009 at 5:00AM }

For the longest time, we didn't understand game soundtracks. "Hey, just turn the game on and walk away," we said. But after our 17th red ring and 10th Cell chip to commit melty, plasticy suicide, we quickly began to see the value.

Capcom's feeding our new habit with three new additions to the Music section of the Capcom Store: Ten Years Of Resident Evil: The Official Soundtrack, Resident Evil 5: Original Soundtrack and Street Fighter IV: Original Soundtrack. If you too are hesitant about leaping into game soundtracks, Capcom's sweetening the offer with 25 percent off the Mega Man 9 score for anyone who purchases one of the new offerings.

MTV teams up with Mega Man to compare console download speeds

by JC Fletcher { Feb 3rd 2009 at 5:00AM }

Since the beginning of this console generation, one question has been on the minds of ... probably a few people, at some point: which home console is the fastest downloader? To answer that question, the staff of MTV Multiplayer engaged in an informal experiment using the one game shared by PSN, XBLA, and WiiWare: Mega Man 9.

The winner? It's kind of complicated! For one thing, it turns out that the Wii version of the game is much smaller: just 8.3 MB versus 63 MB on PSN and 88.7 on XBLA, necessitating a MB/sec measurement. In addition, the download speeds varied for the three members of the Multiplayer team, preventing a definitive answer. They tested the download speeds of various other (non-shared) games and got the same all-over-the-place results.

In the end, they were able to come to a useful conclusion: the PlayStation 3 downloaded games more quickly over a wireless connection, and the Xbox 360 downloaded games more quickly overall (because of its use of a wired connection). You guys can probably get some kind of fanboy boast out of that if you really want to.

Gallery: Mega Man 9 (WiiWare, PSN, XBLA)

Wii Warm Up: The new retro

by JC Fletcher { Jan 24th 2009 at 10:30AM }

Mega Man 9 brought authentic 8-bit style to WiiWare. It was totally great, and totally a unique presentation for a modern game. Since then, two more faux-retro games have been announced for WiiWare: the currently Japan-only Eventful Journey! Pole's Big Adventure, which combines Famicom parody with Japanese TV-style comedy; and Bit.Trip: Beat, which takes its visual inspiration from even older games.

Now that it's a genuine trend, how do you feel about the fake-retro thing? Do you like seeing direct references to the history of gaming like this? Do you like it more or less now that it's not just Mega Man (and Retro Game Challenge) doing it?

Gallery: Mega Man 9

Capcom management wanted 3D Mega Man 9

by JC Fletcher { Jan 1st 2009 at 12:00PM }

1up's interview with Mega Man 9 producer Hironobu Takeshita offers a look back at the brilliant downloadable sequel and its development. The 8-bit style, which is one of the game's most distinctive and eye-catching features, almost didn't happen! While Capcom's management liked the digital distribution idea (it's cheap!), they didn't go for the retro look at first. "We heard lots of negative responses; they thought it would be better to make it 3D and that the 8-bit style would only appeal to the Mega Man fans, which would limit the sales potential." Presumably, they eventually figured out that 8-bit graphics were also cheap.

Takeshita also describes the idea behind the item shop, which is wonderful and hilarious. "Even if MM9's 8-bit design interested them, the difficulty level would turn them off. With that in mind, we tried to create a system that encourages casual gamers who might not be so experienced with action games." That's right, the item shop is in there to offer assistance to casual players. We love the idea that someone at Capcom thought that all people needed to be able to finish Mega Man 9 was a few E-tanks and a new dress for Roll.

Gallery: Mega Man 9

Guess what? We're all about Mega Man 9. Check out our review of the game right here, as well as our top 5 favorite things about the game. Heck, while you're at it, check out our column on Mega Man Legends, as well as our top 5 favorite Mega Man games. Oh, and be sure to read our Point/Counterpoint feature, where Mega Man is in the spotlight.

Inafune says more Mega Man sequels could happen

by David Hinkle { Dec 22nd 2008 at 4:31PM }

If there's one thing that Mega Man 9 proved to us, it's that we desperately need a Mega Man 10. Seriously, Mega Man 9 might have done more harm than good, because at least before we never held out hope for such a retro-revival. Now, having tasted the greatness, we need more.

That's where Mega Man character designer and Capcom bigwig Keiji Inafune comes into the picture. During a recent interview with 1UP, he commented on the possibility of another downloadable Mega Man title, stating that Mega Man 9 came based on "our users' feedback." He went on to elaborate by saying the users "indicated that they wanted to see it again, so if we can continue to find ways to involve users and use their feedback to evolve the game, I think we can go on to continue to make MM10, MM11, and so on. The main point is how and if we can continue to incorporate user feedback into the creation of the game."

Mr. Inafune, just do it already. Mega Man 9 had to have sold truckloads, and you all got more from us on the DLC, so what's the deal? Personally, we're not willing to settle for any less than a new 8-bit Mega Man each year. So can you get on it? Please?

Gallery: Mega Man Boxarts

Guess what? We're all about Mega Man 9. Check out our review of the game right here, as well as our top 5 favorite things about the game. Heck, while you're at it, check out our column on Mega Man Legends, as well as our top 5 favorite Mega Man games. Oh, and be sure to read our latest Point/Counterpoint feature, where Mega Man is in the spotlight.

Eddie Lebron's Mega Man movie is something we'd like to see

by David Hinkle { Nov 24th 2008 at 9:05PM }

We love Mega Man. In fact, when Mega Man 9 was announced, we ran around picking up random telephones looking for a way out of what we thought was surely The Matrix. Seriously, how could something so good happen to us? It seemed like a dream. And now, this trailer for a fan-made Mega Man movie by Eddie Lebron is along those lines. It's like the guy broke into our ~~office~~ windowless prison cell and picked the small lock we have on our diary. Then, he read that diary.

But, in all seriousness, what is the deal with Dr. Wily's 'stache? That thing looks rabid and might need to be put down.

[Via Joystiq]

Guess what? We're all about Mega Man 9. Check out our review of the game right here, as well as our top 5 favorite things about the game. Heck, while you're at it, check out our column on Mega Man Legends, as well as our top 5 favorite Mega Man games. Oh, and be sure to read our latest Point/Counterpoint feature, where Mega Man is in the spotlight.

Capcom: Mega Man 9 still holds one secret

by David Hinkle { Oct 29th 2008 at 7:09PM }

For those of you who've already tackled the new robot bosses, been through Wily's castle, and even taken down Fake Man, it may seem that Mega Man 9 still has something new to offer. According Seth Killian, community manager with Capcom, there's still one thing that folks haven't found yet.

"There's only one undiscovered Mega Man 9 secret that I know about ... I don't predict anyone will discover this one for quite a while yet," Killian said over at the Capcom boards. Of course, with this, many have launched themselves into the thread, anxious to be the one who finds this last hidden gem in what is, indeed, itself a gem.

Gallery: Mega Man 9

[Via Siliconera]

Gawk at Mega Man 9's Hard Mode, other DLC

by JC Fletcher { Oct 20th 2008 at 1:42PM }

Capcom has sent out screens of this week's available Mega Man 9 DLC, including the new Special Stage and the two Hard Modes. We don't know if these screens originate from Hard or Expert Mode, but whatever version of the game this is, it is ridiculous. It's making us nervous just to look at it.

There are also new screens from the super-cool Endless Mode included with the last round of DLC, as well as a character portrait for Fake Man, which seems to confirm that it is the police robot and not ... who we thought it might be. Who knows? Capcom could still be misleading us.

Gallery: Mega Man 9 DLC

[Via press release]

Mega Man 9 DLC adds special stage, harder difficulty levels

by Ludwig Kietzmann { Oct 20th 2008 at 11:25AM }

click to enlarge

We're not sure which in-game parameters have been tweaked or how enemies have been modified, but Capcom has somehow managed to make its retro-vitalized platformer, Mega Man 9, even more challenging. If you're the sort who enjoys having your confidence smashed to a squirming pulp and would gladly pay for the privilege, the second round of Mega Man 9 DLC is sure to be right up your trap-laden alley.

Three downloadable $1 packs arrive on the WiiWare Channel today (XBLA and PSN versions following on October 21st and October 23rd, respectively), adding a Special Time Attack Stage, Hard Mode and Expert Mode, which "triples the level of difficulty from the default Mega Man 9 game." Need more? Rumor has it that next week will see the release of Ultra Expert Mode, which issues crippling electric shocks via the controller every time you plummet down a bottomless pit.

Full descriptions of the DLC can be found after the break.

Gallery: Mega Man 9 (Special Stage)

Continued →

Capcom to release Mega Man 9 DLC this Thursday

by Andrew Yoon { Oct 20th 2008 at 10:15AM }

We feel bad for our old friend Mega Man. It looks like, in spite of being both a boy and a robot, he has somehow started to lactate. Why do we say that? Because Capcom is milking him for all he's worth. This Thursday, three new pieces of DLC will be available for this ever-growing retro-styled game. Will fans continue to shell out their dough?

Hard Mode – Dubbed Hero Mode in Japan, this mode enables you to play the entire game on an increased difficulty level with alternate enemy distribution and spawning points. Hard Mode is not compatible with Rankings or Challenges Modes.
Expert Mode – Dubbed Super Hero Mode Japan, this mode represents the apex of Mega Man 9 difficulty settings and is not for the novice Mega Man 9 player. This mode triples the level of difficulty from the default Mega Man 9 game. Expert Mode is not compatible with Rankings or Challenges Modes.
Special Time Attack Stage – This DLC gives you an additional stage for Time Attack Mode, complete with an all new level and Robot Master Boss, "Fake Man." Similar in difficulty to the Willy Stages, players will have a fun time tackling this time sensitive competitive stage. Special Time Attack Stage is not compatible with Challenge Mode.

Gallery: Mega Man 9

Wii Warm Up: An excuse to talk about Mega Man 9 again

by JC Fletcher { Oct 20th 2008 at 8:00AM }

We'd mostly like to check in: How is your progress in Mega Man 9? If you never bought it, are you thinking about it? If you have purchased it, how far have you gotten? To be a bit more timely with our discussion topic, have you picked up any of the downloadable content? The Special Stage available today sounds especially interesting -- and it happens to cost a mere 100 points, or 1/5 of the cost of Urban Champion.

Basically, we just want to know: are you still enjoying the return of Mega Man?

Gallery: Mega Man 9

Mega Man 9 players may have a shot at Fake Man next week

by JC Fletcher { Oct 17th 2008 at 2:38PM }

Mega Man 9 producer Hironobu Takeshita may have revealed the new Robot Master at the end of next week's downloadable Special Stage, or ... he may not have. "His name is Fake Man. He appears on the special stage available in downloadable content." Takeshita offers a vague hint about his identity, but the need for hinting is seemingly obviated by the picture of what might be Fake Man, posted right under this statement in his GameSpot interview. It's the robot cop (not RoboCop) who Wily used to capture Dr. Light.

However, something about the name "Fake Man" -- not to mention one or two hints given in-game -- makes us think that picture is leading us away from the true identity of the boss. We're willing to drop 100 points next week to find out.

Gallery: Mega Man 9

Guess what? We're all about Mega Man 9. Check out our review of the game right here, as well as our top 5 favorite things about the game. Heck, while you're at it, check out our column on Mega Man Legends, as well as our top 5 favorite Mega Man games. Oh, and be sure to read our latest Point/Counterpoint feature, where Mega Man is in the spotlight.

Bury the Shovelware: Mega Man Star Force 2 - Zerker X Saurian

by Kaes Delgrego { Oct 8th 2008 at 2:00PM }

Thanks for the feedback from last week! Reactions to the new format seem to be somewhere in the middle, so perhaps we'll alternate between the two styles, or possibly merge them. Continued feedback is always appreciated. With that said, here's another stab in the new format. This time, with Mega Man 9 fever still running rampant (made all the more frantic with this past Monday's release of Proto Man), we've decided to take a look at the blue bomber's non-ZX series on the DS: Mega Man Star Force.

Pedigree

Mega Man Star Force 2: Zerker X Saurian is -- hang on, I've gotta catch my breath after that title ... whew ... okay, I'm good -- a sequel to the Mega Man Star Force titles. I say "titles" because Capcom decided to split the title up into three "versions," similar to Nintendogs and most Pokemon games. When done right, this can be awesome. But as is the case with most things Capcom touches, it's a money-maker. That's the rub with Capcom: they produce some of the finest titles ever, but they certainly aren't shy about squeezing every penny from a game or franchise possible. Back to Star Force, once again Capcom has released multiple editions of the title. This time, only two were created: Ninja and Saurian, the latter of which we'll be using. The game is an indirect successor to the Mega Man Battle Network series. Like its predecessors, it involves light-action incorporated into RPG-styled battles. The root gameplay is enjoyable, but doesn't seem to have the lasting power to be re-packaged perpetually until the end of the time as does the primary franchise.

Continued →

Readers pick best webcomic: A Trick of Retrospective

by Ross Miller { Oct 7th 2008 at 6:30AM }

For quite a while, it was a virtual tie between it and xkcd's Flash Games, but in the end Penny Arcade's homage to Mega Man 9 A Trick of Retrospective took top honors in this week's webcomic wrapup. As one commenter quipped, the fourth panel -- the one with all the screaming and angry swearing at the TV -- is conspicuously absent.

Second place went to xkcd, while third went to the other homage to Mega Man 9, Digital Unrest's Return to Form. Thanks to everyone who voted and be sure to let us know of any game-related webcomics you stumble upon this week.

Mega Man 9 "DLC" arrives this week

by Richard Mitchell { Oct 6th 2008 at 6:00PM }

Capcom has announced that the first wave of downloadable content for Mega Man 9 will land on XBLA this Tuesday, not even a week since the game debuted on the service. The content available will include a playable Proto Man and a new gameplay mode called Endless Attack (you can probably guess how that one works). Official prices haven't been announced, though Proto Man and Endless Attack cost $2.00 and $3.00, respectively, on Nintendo's WiiWare service. Of course, we can't properly gauge what it costs to convince yourself that Capcom isn't screwing you by charging for modes that should have been included with the game in the first place.

The remaining bits of DLC are expected to arrive the week of October 20.