The Reploid Research Lavatory

Finally a new post, but it isn’t Mega Man that’s dragging me out of my blogging funk.

I’m writing today because Mighty No. 9 achieved its Kickstarter funding this morning. If you’re here reading this, I’m sure you already know what that is. I watched as it reached over $900,000 and keep right on rolling towards those extra goals.

I’m having trouble articulating exactly what it is I feel about this, perhaps in part because I’m hesitant to admit it. I can tell you I’m excited about this concept of a Mega Man inspired game by this experienced creative team (sans corporate suits), and moreover, it feels good that a devroom-styled system will get a second chance. I want games to be passion projects. I like the dialog between creators and fans, and I want it to get a fair shake from a company that actually believes in it.

And… okay, fine. I really enjoy that it is a jab directly at Capcom for breaking our little fan hearts. Up until now there has been a lot of talk and a lot of reactions about the cancellations, the state of Mega Man, the decisions of Capcom. People have made several attempts to make a positive difference, express their voices, enact change, but if I’m honest they mostly felt reaching, powerless. More about making tribute, about easing the pain. Unlikely to make a huge impact, and well aware of it.

There is something different about this. I’ve seen enough “Take that, Capcom!” style of comments all over to know I am not alone in this, so I feel okay about admitting it. I have not forgiven Capcom for cancelling Legends 3, for not following through with the Prototype, for not living up to the ideals of the Devroom, for crushing our dreams and telling us to move on, for expecting us to accept that we should have known, that Rocket was never going to fly. I’m tired of hearing how Capcom Japan thinks Mega Man games aren’t popular or successful in the West. I like that they’re finally being publicly called out on all of it. To put some of these sentiments to a real test.

I know for as much of a “spiritual successor” as Mighty No. 9 is, it is not quite the Mega Man I know and love. I still want Mega Man to make a comeback. I still want Legends 3 to happen. But I also want this game to be a success and for Inafune to rub this in Capcom’s faces and tell them, “This is how it should be done: with inspiration, with passion, with honesty and integrity. By believing in what you are doing. This is what your lack of vision cost you.”

Now, it’s not that I haven’t felt anything hopeful and positive come along in regards to Mega Man. Many fan games and Get Me Off the Moon projects I have found inspiring. Archie’s Mega Man titles are great Western comic adaptations of the Blue Bomber and the next story arc is one I’ve really been looking forward to. Mega Man’s Smash Bros announcement blew me away (and reminded me of a certain section from the Answer). It has not been all bad news. But for the first time in the two years since it all came crashing down, my anger and resentment at Capcom finally has an outlet. Maybe now I can actually let some of it go.

Beck, give ’em hell.