Mega Man

Mega Man

A classic action-platformer series featuring the blue robot hero Mega Man fighting against the evil Dr. Wily and his Robot Masters.

IP Overview & Key Facts

IP Key Facts

Essential information and quick stats.
Full Name
Mega Man (Rockman)
Also Known As
Rockman, Blue Bomber, Rock
Format
Video Game Series
Release Year
1987
Current Status
Ongoing
Country of Origin
Japan
Region
Japan
Creator
Akira Kitamura, Keiji Inafune
Publisher
Capcom
Original Work
Original IP by Capcom
Genre
Action, Platformer, Science Fiction, Adventure

Story, World & Core Themes

Explore the narrative, setting, and ideas that shape Mega Man.
Story
High-level synopsis and narrative focus.
In the year 20XX, the benevolent Dr. Light creates robots to help humanity, but the evil Dr. Wily reprograms them for world domination. Only Mega Man, Dr. Light's assistant robot turned super fighting robot, can stop him.
World
Setting, cultures, and distinctive elements.
Futuristic Earth in the year 20XX with advanced robotics technology


Japanese robot culture, superhero themes, technological optimism
Themes
Core ideas and recurring motifs.
Good vs. evil, technology and humanity, heroism, friendship, responsibility

Cultural Impact Timeline

High-level milestones showing Mega Man's global influence.
1987
Original Mega Man releases on NES, establishing the franchise
1988-1990
Mega Man 2 and 3 release, perfecting the formula and gaining popularity
1991-1995
Classic series continues with Mega Man 4-6, expanding the universe
1993
Mega Man X launches, introducing a darker, more mature storyline
1996-2004
Multiple series expansions including Zero, Battle Network, and Legends
2008
Mega Man 9 returns to 8-bit roots, reviving classic gameplay
2010
Mega Man 10 continues retro revival with classic difficulty
2018
Mega Man 11 modernizes the series with new graphics and mechanics
2020-2024
Continued legacy support, collections, and potential new developments
Sales
Over 36 million copies sold worldwide across all series
Revenue
Hundreds of millions in revenue from games and merchandise
Awards
Multiple gaming awards, recognition for music and design

Key Characters

Meet representative characters from Mega Man.
Mega Man
I'll fight for everlasting peace!
A robot created by Dr.View Profile
Dr. Light
Dr. Wily
Roll
Be careful out there, Mega Man!
Mega Man's sister robot, created by Dr.View Profile
Proto Man
I am more than a robot... I have something that you'll never have!
The first robot created by Dr.View Profile
Bass
I'll show you who's the strongest!
A robot created by Dr.View Profile

Frequently Asked Questions

When was the original Mega Man game released?
The first Mega Man game was released on the Nintendo Entertainment System (NES) in Japan on December 17, 1987.
What is the difference between the Classic and Mega Man X series?
The Classic series features the original Mega Man fighting Dr. Wily in a lighthearted setting. The X series is set 100 years later, featuring a more advanced robot, X, in a darker, more mature story about Maverick robots.
Who created Mega Man?
In the game's lore, he was created by Dr. Thomas Light. In reality, the character was created by Capcom, with Akira Kitamura credited as the original planner and Keiji Inafune as the artist who refined the design.
What genre of game is Mega Man?
Mega Man is a quintessential action-platformer, known for its run-and-gun gameplay, challenging jumping sections, and non-linear stage selection.
Who is Dr. Wily?
Dr. Albert Wily is the main antagonist of the classic series. He is a mad scientist and former colleague of Dr. Light who builds Robot Masters to conquer the world.
How many Mega Man games are there?
There are over 50 Mega Man games across multiple sub-series, including Classic, X, Legends, Battle Network, Zero, ZX, and Star Force.
What is a Robot Master?
A Robot Master is a boss enemy in the classic series. They usually have a specific elemental theme (e.g., Fire Man, Ice Man) and weapon, which Mega Man obtains upon defeating them.
Who is Proto Man in the Mega Man universe?
Proto Man (Blues in Japan) is Mega Man's older brother and the first robot created by Dr. Light. He is a mysterious, independent character who often tests Mega Man's abilities.
What platforms can I play Mega Man on?
Mega Man games are available on almost every major platform including NES, SNES, PlayStation, Xbox, Switch, and PC via the 'Legacy Collection' compilations.
What is the Mega Buster?
The Mega Buster is Mega Man's primary weapon, an arm cannon that fires solar energy pellets. In later games, it can be charged up for a more powerful shot.

Official & Related Links

Find official resources and trusted references to learn more.
Official Website
Twitter
@MegaMan
Facebook
MegaManOfficial
Instagram
@megamanofficial
Youtube
Mega Man Official
Streaming / Watch
Steam, Nintendo eShop, PlayStation Store, Xbox Store
Where to Buy
Digital game stores, retro gaming platforms
Fan Communities
The Mega Man Network, Mega Man Knowledge Base, fan communities

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