| Mega Man Anniversary Collection | |
|---|---|
| Developer(s) | Atomic Planet Entertainment |
| Publisher(s) | Capcom |
| Platform(s) | GameCube, PlayStation 2, Xbox |
| Release date(s) | PlayStation 2/GameCube Xbox |
| Genre(s) | Action, platforming |
| Mode(s) | Single-player |
| Rating(s) |
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| Media/distribution | 1 DVD 1 GameCube disc |
Mega Man Anniversary Collection a compilation of video games developed by Atomic Planet Entertainment and published by Capcom. It was released exclusively in North America on June 23, 2004 for the Nintendo GameCube and Sony PlayStation 2 (PS2) and on March 15, 2005 for the Microsoft Xbox. Mega Man Anniversary Collection contains the first eight games in the original Mega Man series, which debuted on the Nintendo Entertainment System (NES) with the first six games, moved to the Super Nintendo Entertainment System (SNES) with the seventh game, and then moved again to the PlayStation and Sega Saturn with the eighth game. The plot follows the robotic protagonist Mega Man in his continuing adventures battling the evil Dr. Wily and his army of Robot Masters.
Each game has a nearly identical gameplay structure in which the player traverses a series of themed stages to face off against boss robots, gain new weapons and abilities, then defeat Dr. Wily in a final confrontation. An extra feature is the "Navi Mode" for the first six titles, which provides hints and pathways for completing each stage. In addition to these eight games, Mega Man Anniversary Collection includes two unlockable fighting games (Mega Man: The Power Battle and Mega Man 2: The Power Fighters), which were both rarely released outside of Japan. These two titles are similar in gameplay but a bit more streamlined. The battles cut straight to the bosses, who get progressively more difficult with each one defeated. Other unlockables in the Mega Man Anniversary Collection include original artwork and remixed music.
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The "Navi Mode" present in the PlayStation (Complete Works) re-releases of the first six Mega Man games is included in the Anniversary Collection versions as well. This mode adds helpers that provide game hints if the player is in need of help, updates the appearance of the health and weapon energy meters and updates the weapon sub-screens for the first three games. The PS2 and Xbox versions include some arranged music for the first six games, also originally present in the Complete Works versions. There are also differences for the extras between each version. The PS2 version features the original Ruby-Spears Mega Man cartoon pilot episode, while the GameCube version has an interview with Mega Man creator Keiji Inafune. The Xbox version, which was released later, includes the same interview, the first episode of the MegaMan NT Warrior anime, the ability to change the control scheme, and the arranged music tracks from the PS2 version.
Mega Man Anniversary Collection shares qualities with Rockman Complete Works, a lineup of remakes of the first six games in the original Mega Man series, released for the PlayStation in Japan in late 1999.[3] The six games were released individually, each disc containing a port of the original Family Computer version as the game's "Original Mode" and several extras. A "Navi Mode" was included, featuring a hint system in which a supporting character in each title gives tips to the player via a communicator, as well an updated HUD, an arranged soundtrack, and other optional game modes.[4]
A Game Boy Advance version of Mega Man Anniversary Collection was also in development and was originally due to be released concurrently with the GameCube, Xbox, and PS2 incarnations. The game, originally announced as Mega Man Mania, was to feature the five original Game Boy Mega Man games, as well as a history section and artwork gallery.[5] The game had its release date pushed back several times, with the delay rumored to be caused by Capcom lacking the games' original source code.[6] In January 2006, gamers contacting Capcom were told that the game had been placed on "indefinite hold". Capcom also began issuing refund checks to those who had ordered the game directly through their online store.[7] Around the same time, several retailers, such as GameStop, declared the game "cancelled" and issued refunds or store credits.
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The collection received mostly positive feedback, with scores of 8's, 9's, and 10's. The collection was slightly criticized for lacking somewhat in the extras department, and the GameCube version was criticized slightly more for not including the remixed audio for Mega Man 1-6. However the exclusive extra in the PS2 and GC versions were both praised, with the GC version's interview being favorited and thus balancing things out. The Xbox version rated slightly better than the other two versions, because of its added exclusive content as well as the exclusive bonuses from the PS2 and GC versions. However, it was given a score of 8.0 (versus 8.5 for the other two versions) from IGN for arriving late.
Mega Man Anniversary Collection was a financial success. The GameCube and PS2 versions of Mega Man Anniversary Collection sold a combined total of over 500,000 copies in less than six months of release.[25] Due to the popularity of Mega Man Anniversary Collection among fans of the series, Capcom followed up with Mega Man X Collection, a similar compilation consisting of games in the Mega Man X series.[26]
Mega Man 1-8
Also, the two Mega Man games that were rarely released outside of Japan
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