In 2008, Capcom shocked the entire game community when it was revealed that after eleven years, the original Mega Man series would be getting a sequel. When Mega Man 9 was released, many gamers, myself included, were transported back to our childhood as we took in the 8-bit graphics, chiptune music, and insane difficulty that we had loved so long ago. A critical and commercial success, the retro revival led to another sequel two years later. Mega Man 10, another trip down memory lane, was released in 2010. It was a truly wonderful couple of years and everyone wondered where the Blue Bomber would show up next.
But the joy was short lived. Over the next three years Capcom hinted, teased, promised, and announced, but ultimately cancelled several more highly anticipated games. First up (that we knew about) was Mega Man Universe. This ambitious project drew some mixed reactions, but was still highly anticipated thanks to the high customization options for player characters and levels themselves. It was to be a Mega Man game built by Mega Man fans. It was cancelled in 2011.
Next up was Mega Man Legends 3, the long awaited sequel to the popular 3D series. While I never played these games myself, I remember the reaction when this game was announced. It was easily one of the most anticipated games of the year. It was cancelled in 2011 to everyone’s disappointment, including Mega Man creator Keiji Inafune who offered to finish the game despite having left the company the previous year. His offer was refused.
Though it was never announced for international release, another Mega Man title called Rockman Online was known to be in development since 2010. This one would be a Mega Man MMO that took place long after the events in the rest of the series. It was being co-developed by Capcom and Neowiz games but was mysteriously cancelled in 2012.
Finally, this year fans learned of another rather shocking Mega Man title that had been cancelled back in 2010. Maverick Hunter was going to be the first of a trilogy. In a strange but exciting twist, it was revealed that the game would be a re-imagining of the X series as a first person shooter that would take on a much darker tone with a completely redesigned Mega Man. Truly, this one would have been a very different beast.
So with blow after blow after blow it’s no surprise that, at least when it comes to Mega Man, Capcom is not exactly the subject of friendly talk among some gamers. But it turns out fans may not need Capcom after all. Mr. Mega Man himself, Keiji Inafune, is set to give fans his very own robot blasting adventure.
On August 31st, 2013, Inafune launched a Kickstarter campaign for Mighty No. 9, an obvious spiritual successor to his beloved franchise. The game stars Beck, the 9th in a line of powerful robots who were meant to be used for industrial purposes but have now gone berserk. Beck, being unaffected, will need to take down the rest of the Mighty Number robots in any order players choose. Players will need to run, jump, blast, and transform their way through the stages using weapons and abilities stolen from Beck’s enemies.
Sound familiar? It should. This is a Mega Man game in everything but name, and the campaign has no problem throwing that name around. That said, Inafune and his team are also doing what they can to present a unique take on the Mega Man concept. Beck won’t just gain his enemy’s weapons, he’ll be taking on full body transformations to traverse the levels.
Some have criticized this move. Personally, I am behind it 100% If Capcom refused to give players what they want, then I will gladly stand behind the man who started it all as he delivers to us the next generation of robot blasting fun. Clearly, I’m not alone. Only two days in, the campaign has surpassed its requested goal of $900,000. From here on out, it’s all about the stretch goals and adding even more to the game. The game’s 2015 release date is a long way off, but given this man’s track record, I’d say it’s a good bet that the wait will be worth it.
We will never forget Mega Man. But the future? It’s all about Beck, Might No. 9!
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