About this game
Mega Man (Rockman, 1987) is Capcom's first game designed exclusively for a home console — a deliberate break from the company's arcade-first strategy. Developed by a team of six people directed by Akira Kitamura, with character design by Keiji Inafune, it placed an android hero against six Robot Masters, each with a distinct weapon that could be stolen and used against others. That weapon-inheritance mechanic — choose your order, exploit weaknesses — became the foundation of the entire series. The six-person team shipped a game that would run for thirty years.
Key Features
Six Robot Masters selectable in any order — Cut Man, Guts Man, Ice Man, Bomb Man, Fire Man, Elec Man. Defeating a Robot Master grants his weapon for use in subsequent stages. Weapon weaknesses create a recommended order, but players choose freely. Precise jumping and shooting mechanics with demanding platforming sections. Dr. Wily's fortress as the final multi-stage gauntlet. The Magnet Beam item — a platform projector that opens otherwise impossible passages.
Gallery
The Story Behind
Mega Man was designed by a team of six at Capcom — this was Capcom's first game created exclusively for a home console, departing from the company's arcade-first development model. Keiji Inafune, credited as "Inafking," designed and illustrated nearly all characters and enemies. The Japanese version shipped December 17, 1987; North America followed twelve days later on December 29. The game sold modestly at launch — initial reception was quiet. It was the sequels, Mega Man 2 (1988) and Mega Man 3 (1990), that turned the franchise into one of Capcom's defining properties. But the first game established the complete mechanical vocabulary: stage selection, weapon acquisition, weakness chains.
Tricks & Tales
The infamous North American box art — Mega Man in blue pajamas with a handgun — became one of gaming's most discussed cover designs. The original Japanese box art is entirely different, showing the robot in action pose. Keiji Inafune has stated he was not responsible for the NA cover. The game's composer, Manami Matsumae, was composing for a major release for the first time — her Elec Man stage theme is considered one of the finest tracks in 8-bit music history. The game was one of the first to popularise non-linear stage selection on the Famicom, though it was not the absolute first.
Collector's Guide
Region & Compatibility
The Japanese Famicom version (Rockman) and the North American NES version (Mega Man) are functionally identical in gameplay. The name, box art, and manual are entirely different between regions. The NES version is notably rarer in complete condition (CIB) due to lower production numbers than the Japanese Famicom version. Famicom cartridge requires a 60-to-72-pin adapter for NES play.
Maintenance Tips
Standard Famicom cartridge edge connector cleaning: isopropyl alcohol (90%+) on a cotton swab, allow to fully dry. The game has no battery save — test by completing a stage and verifying the password system works correctly. Complete-in-box (CIB) Famicom Rockman cartridges with original manual are increasingly collectible. The NES CIB version is rarer and commands a premium.
Available in our shop
Hand-cleaned and tested units shipped worldwide from Toyohashi, Japan. HP direct purchase exclusive: we include a printed shop owner's note card with every order.
Direct purchase supports this museum directly. eBay Top Rated Seller · 1,750+ reviews · 100% positive feedback.
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