Sunday, March 9, 2025

Mega Man / Rockman 1-6 Japanese Packaging / Box Art Trtanslations

 Mega Man / Rockman (Famicom) (12.17.87)

The original cover is extremely fun and lighthearted, a far cry from all the directions various Mega Man sub-series would later take. Back in the 80s and early 90s, there was a general apprehension among companies about marketing with the "anime style". Nowadays, almost everyone would agree this is far superior to what we got in the states.

(Images taken from Gamefaqs)

Go! Go! Rockman!!

The year is 200X AD. With the advancements of science, people have invented humanoid robots for industrial use. Dr. Light, the Number 1 robot inventor, has had six of his robots go mad, one after another! The one who seems to have taken control of the robots is the evil genius, Dr. Wily.


Dr. Light sends out his household robot "Rock," whom he's always cherished like his own son. In order to put a stop to Dr Wily's diabolical plans, “Rock” has undergone renovations to become the battle robot known as "Rockman"...


Mega Man 2 / Rockman 2: The Mystery of Dr. Wily (Famicom) (12.24.88)

More beautiful manga style artwork to contrast the less offensive than the first, but odd coverart for the American version. Excellent choice in showcasing Anko on the back screenshot. I remember first discovering Mega Man 2 in Nintendo Power and being suprised the system could generate such a large sprite.

Rockman has come back! 

Dr. Light's creation, the Super Robot 'Rockman' has put blocked the plan of the mysterious genius scientist Dr. Wilys to take over the world, restoring peace.

However, even though that was a big blow to Dr. Wily, he's again giving "Rockman" a new challenge. 8 powerful robots have been sent...


Mega Man 3 / Rockman 3: The End of Dr. Wily!? (Famicom) (9.28.90)

Claimed to be unfinished and rushed to market by the game's very staff, nevertheless Mega Man 3 is still considered among the great games in the series by many. Lots of cool characters debut such as Mega Man's dog companion Rush, arch rival Blues/Proto Man, and my personal favorite Robot Master: Snake Man. 

Rockman 3: The End of Dr. Wily!? 

The year is 20XX. Thanks to the efforts of the Super Robot 'Rockman,' peace has been brought back to Earth. A reformed Dr. Wily has cooperated in the research of the giant robot 'Ganma,' an instrument to maintain world peace...

All of the sudden, the planet's robots have initiated a revolt. Could this once again be a conspiracy of Wily? Or is this part of an invasion by the aliens? Accompanied by his pet dog Rush, Rockman is even more depended upon. Alright, we're on to the decisive battle!


Mega Man 4 / Rockman 4: A New Ambition (Famicom) (12.6.91)

Did Mega Man help bring down the Iron Curtain? Released in December 1991 with an unmistakably Russian antagonist and setting, the real life Union of Soviet Socialist Republics collapsed just weeks later.

(Images taken from MobyGames. Contributed by Rik Hideto)


A new enemy!? Rockman Power explodes!!

Rockman, having driven away the giant robot 'Ganma' over at the unknown planet, has returned to his research facility and reported the results of the battle. At that time, the research facility's monitors suddenly began acting on their own. A person not previously seen displays 8 cities...and declares that they've already been conquered! Is this once again the work of Dr. Wily, or could it be a fierce new enemy? Dr. Light equips Rockman with the secret new weapon he has developed, the "New Rock Buster," and sends him to take back the 8 cities. Well, let's hurry, Rockman! Bring this current period of evil to an end!


Mega Man 5 / Rockman 5: Blues' Trap!? (Nintendo NES / Famicom) (12.4.92)

While not at all a bad game, Mega Man 5 lacked the fervor and curiosity associated with previous releases. According to the development information on Wikipedia, even the staff themselves were at a loss of what to do for the fifth Mega Man game in 5 years.

       

(Images taken from MobyGames. Contributed by Rik Hideto)


Foe or ally!? The decisive battle with Blues!!

The year is AD 20XX. Two months have passed since the battle with Wily. [Who the hell is Blues?"] Rockman worries about this mysterious robot, whose allegiance he doesn't understand. At the same time, he received information that Blues is leading a group of robots to attack the city. As if  mocking Rockman, Blues captures Dr. Light. 


Finally, Rockman becomes determined to settle things with Blues, heading off on his own to fight! Defeat the boss characters guarding each of the 8 stages, and rescue Dr. Light! You mustn't lose, Rockman!


Mega Man 6 / Rockman 6: History's Greatest Battle!! (Nintendo NES / Famicom) (11.5.93)

Featured on the American cover-art, Rockman takes flight with his new Jet Adaptor. Despite remaining a popular franchise, Capcom handed over North America publishing to Nintendo in 1994.

(Images taken from MobyGames. Contributed by Rik Hideto.)


The strongest enemies from all over the world have gathered!! 

Rockman has completely put a stop to all of Dr. Wily's ambitions. A World Robot Federation has been established in order to return peace to the world, once again. It was thought that peace would continue for all eternity.

However, a new dictator has appeared before Rockman! His name is Mr. X. After he chose from and snatched 8 robots from across the world, Rockman has been challenged to battle! This game features a line-up of boss character designs solicited from across the world. In the latest game, Rockman 6, a new story unfolds!

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