Inafune Would Like to Make Mega Man Game with the Fans, Responds to MM9 Mystery

As promised, Capcom has come through with the second batch of questions for Mega Man mastermind Keiji Inafune, as posed by members of the Capcom Unity.

6) Snppls asks:

What is your stance on fan made material? Like fanart, sprite comics, remixes, fangames or the Rockman movie currently in production in the US. Do you like it that fans are so into your creation or does it bother you that they are using copyrighted material? Do you watch it sometimes or sometimes even get ideas from it?

Inafune: I totally welcome all sorts of Mega Man-inspired-art created by the fans. I really would like to create a game with the fans. I have had the desire since the Robot Master Contest, and the fans’ Mega Man art come from the same inspiration. In reality, there are copyright issues and that puts me on a tough position as a member of a company, but I truly believe that Mega Man has come this far with warm supports from the passionate fans and their creative art work.

7) Samuel asks:

Will there be a new megaman anime series from the Starforce side, Battlenetwork side, or the megaman operate starforce? (Please answer I’ve been waiting for some new megaman animated goodness)

Inafune: I am ready to witness exciting Mega Man action in the animation, too. I would love to try it out when I have a chance, and in fact, I have been thinking about specific ideas on this, too. I will do my best to make this happen and hope to surprise you with the news. We will definitely need your support to make this happen!

ibehv asks:

Why is zero’s appearance in megaman zero different from his appearance in megaman x?

Inafune: Zero is one of the most important characters for me. Initially, Zero was created for the Mega Man X fans as well as for fans new to the series. But rather than making a game with Zero as a main character in the established storyline, we wanted to create a brand new storyline for him with a completely new game design. Thus, Zero you all know now was born. The story of the Mega Man Zero game also tells you the secret behind the Zero’s appearance change. So if you haven’t played the game yet, please try it out!

9) The Blue Badger asks:

What direction would you like to see the Mega Man franchise go in the future?

Inafune: I’ve never stopped thinking about the future of Mega Man series! I want more people to get to know Mega Man and fall in love with it. And I am always thinking about the best way to attract more people to play the game. But instead of us guiding you the direction where we go, I would collaborate with the fans and decide where we go. It would be fantastic if you and we can together create a new direction for Mega Man.

10) Monochrome Twist asks:

What are the chances of us seeing a Mega Man Powered Up 2?

Inafune: Many people have asked us about that. I too feel very passionate about making it happen. But as a reality, there are so many things I want to do and Mega Man Powered Up 2 is one of the projects that is still patiently waiting for its turn…

11) Zepper asks:

It’s been 1 year since the release of Mega Man 9, but until then, we’re inside an endless quest for something “extra”. Even with a lot of recorded gameplays, tricks and so on, it’s said there’s still an undiscovered secret or a little surprise. Could you point us to a certain direction?

Inafune: Well, let me think… I am guessing that most of the tricks and secrets have been discovered by now as there are so many good players out there and they have revealed their great Mega Man 9 skills. So I would rather love to see you try it out and surprise me with your cool techniques and hidden elements! Very looking forward to seeing that!

Hmm, so even Inafune himself doesn’t know. Very curious, indeed.

Mega Man: Upon a Star Now Up on iTunes

For those who have been unable (or too cheap) to get the Mega Man original video animation “Upon a Star,” you’re in luck. That is, if you have iTunes.

And why? Because all three episodes are now available on iTunes (obviously). They are being distributed by The Anime Network on the service for a mere $1.99 a piece. What’s more, if you purchase the first episode, you’ll be privy to some special Mega Man wallpapers and themes.

The app is supposed to be compatible with both the iPhone and iPod Touch, with a WiFi connection required for “additional content,” whatever that may be.

News Credit: Protodude’s Rockman Corner

FUNimation and Mega Man: Together at Last?

It seems that Anime Boston has brought some new and unexpected news to the world of Mega Man. Word has it that FUNimation, most famously (as well as infamously) for their use of the North American Dragon Ball anime license, reportedly announced at the convention that it has acquired the distribution rights for the Ruby Spears Mega Man animated series, which has been held by ADV Films, who has released the series on DVD twice over.

“The license entitles Funimation to release the show online and possibly on DVD,” says Protodude.

In addition, it seems that FUNimation may also be taking the reigns of the other ADV-held Mega Man license, which is for the OVA Upon a Star. “According to Sylar, a Funimation representative implied the acquisition at Anime Boston,” Protodude reports.

“Both the RS cartoon and Upon a Star were said to re-release in late 2010.”

From the sound of things, FUNimation has been gathering a number of different properties, around 30, from the company. It should be interesting to see if FUNimation might do anything more with the cartoons, or if we might simply see the same releases we’ve been treated to for the past several years.

Anime Insider Closes with MegaMan Cover

Earlier today, I discovered some sad news as I made my usual daily round to Topless Robot (no, there isn’t any hardcore Roll or Alia action… under normal circumstances, anyway). It seems that the longtime Wizard publication, Anime Insider magazine, has unceremoniously seen its last issue published, with the editorial staff laid off. It is the end of an era, albeit a modest one, lasting about eight years. You can read more about it here, and leave your own thoughts as well as read those of others.

So, why am I mentioning this here? As it happens, the final issue has a slightly ironic twist: To the best of my knowledge, Mega Man has never graced the cover of Anime Insider, not even with MegaMan NT Warrior. And yet, on the final issue’s cover is none other than Geo Stelar’s MegaMan from Ryuusei no Rockman 3. The blurb for the accompanying story is as follows:

GAME FACE
2009 is gonna be a busy year for anime gamers, so here’s a cheat sheet to get you safely through it and to the hottest games on the horizon. By Matt Hawkins

We had seen previous rumors of an online resurgence for the NT Warrior and Star Force anime series earlier this month. With any luck, this may shed a little more light on the subject.

We’ll keep an eye out for the issue, and report any findings. In the meantime, how often does Mega Man grace a magazine cover any more? You might want to grab this one for collectability’s sake. You can learn more about the issue at Wizard’s website.

Rumor: Return of MegaMan NT Warrior & Star Force Anime Online

Recently, I lamented my inability to see the MegaMan Star Force anime, as a result of it being confined to the US-only and now-defunct Toonami Jetstream website, with the DVDs only being available in Europe’s Region 2.

However, it seems that there may still be hope for people like me, who would love the opportunity to see this and more of NT Warrior, as the following news comes in from Viz Media’s appearance at Wondercon:

“Just got back from Wondercon, my last stop was at Viz’s booth were they talked adding an assortment of licensed anime to Cartoon Network video such as Naruto, MAR, and suprise…Megaman Nt Warrior/ Star force! An official annoucnement is suppose to be coming soon, they didnt specify a date when the video service would launch.” — 102b, to Protodude’s Rockman Corner

Of course, whether or not this only means the episodes that have already aired previously, such as MegaMan NT Warrior, MegaMan NT Warrior Axess, and MegaMan Star Force’s first season, or further episodes from Rockman.EXE Stream and Beast, or later seasons of Ryuusei no Rockman will be aired remains unknown.

At the very least, this seems to indicate that Viz has not forgotten the property, and will hopefully capitalize on it with some new DVD releases. Combination subbed/dubbed DVDs might be a bit much to hope for, but who knows? At least hope is alive.

Amazon.co.uk Discounts MegaMan Star Force DVDs

If you’re a fan of the MegaMan Star Force series, don’t mind Viz’s dubbing jobs, and either have a region-free DVD player or live in the UK, then you’re in luck.

Because if you fit all of that criteria, Amazon.co.uk has the MegaMan Star Force DVD set for £11.08, marked down to almost half of its regular £19.99 price. Not a bad deal at all, especially if you were holding out for a price drop.

Now, if they’d just release the blasted things here in North America– not all of us were able to watch it on the now-defunct Toonami Jetstream, so a reasonably-priced DVD set would be just the thing. But I suppose we’ll just have to put that down on the wishlist next to box sets of NT Warrior with subbed versions of the original episodes, as well as anything from the Axess season and beyond.

News credit: Protodude’s Rockman Corner