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If you're one that keeps your eye on the island country of Japan, you probably already know of the "Can't beat Air Man" audio/video craze that continues to rock the Japanese side of the internet. If not, we'll catch you up with some videos.

While I'm unsure of its beginnings, the craze has brought about a flood of fanmade videos showing just how hard it is to get through Air Man's stage (Mega Man 2). This eventually led to the creation of a doujin song called "Airman ga Taosenai," (or "Can't Beat Air Man") which has been covered many times by many Japanese fan musicians. It's based on the original Air Man theme song from the game.

Now this English version has popped up. The lyrics are a bit hard to understand, but subtitles are included in the video to help you along. I think this is great, and it may open the door to covers from English-speaking musicians. Note that you'll have to have a pretty impressive vocal range to pull it off.

Hit the jump to see some of this video's predecessors. 

 
My absolute favorite is this 3D version.
 

You have to love this animated version, too.

Finally, one similar to the featured video for comparsion's sake.


Continue: More japan stories





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31 comments | showing # 1 to 31

brosef's Avatar
brosef at 12/26/2007 12:06
The song is fucking win. I like the 3D version the best simply because Airman is playing air guitar and Mega Man is angrily stomping through the level in cadence with the beat. That shot is the best one.

I'm off to youtube the actual level. I haven't played Mega Man 2 in a decade.
Andrex's Avatar
Andrex at 12/26/2007 12:08
...Whoa
king3vbo's Avatar
king3vbo at 12/26/2007 12:10
I love the Cant Beat Airman vids, epic lulz
brosef's Avatar
brosef at 12/26/2007 12:12
Found it. Mega Man 2 - Air Man's Stage. The kid playing isn't great but he gets there.
MechaMonkey's Avatar
MechaMonkey at 12/26/2007 12:12
Are we sure that guy was singing in English? I've never heard English sound like that.

In any case, the song is awesome. I can see why it's so popular.
MechaMonkey's Avatar
MechaMonkey at 12/26/2007 12:13
Oh, and Air Man playing air guitar? Classic.
LarkOhiya's Avatar
LarkOhiya at 12/26/2007 12:13
Dale. these are wicked! english lyrics just add the special touch.
KMCC's Avatar
KMCC at 12/26/2007 12:15
Nice T2 reference in Heat Man's level!
Cheeburga's Avatar
Cheeburga at 12/26/2007 12:24
That was pretty awesome.
whackmushrooms's Avatar
whackmushrooms at 12/26/2007 12:42
pussies .. airman was the easiest boss to start off with .. maybe they should make a song about how they suck at megaman 2.
itemforty's Avatar
itemforty at 12/26/2007 12:52
stuck in head = on
BluDesign's Avatar
BluDesign at 12/26/2007 13:04
I agree with whackmushrooms

I never had any problems with Air Man.

Maybe they just suck at Rockman over there. Or the original broke their spirit so much that they couldn't muster the courage to beat Rockman 2.
kobiyashi's Avatar
kobiyashi at 12/26/2007 13:11
Loved the thumbs up from ol' Rock.
balth's Avatar
balth at 12/26/2007 13:14
I can't beat airman Rock Band DLC requested, please.

Also, OneUps Rock Band DLC requested, please.

That is all, and now, please :D

Also, awesomesauce.
Holyetheline's Avatar
Holyetheline at 12/26/2007 13:18
This is some fun stuff. Made me giggle.
Cutie Honey's Avatar
Cutie Honey at 12/26/2007 13:32
Ironically, Airman was the easiest for me. Especially since he's some dick with a fan for a stomach.
Big Z's Avatar
Big Z at 12/26/2007 14:52
Now do a song called Can't Beat Magic Man and I'll be able to agree with you.
spacecadetjoe's Avatar
spacecadetjoe at 12/26/2007 14:53
somebody tell that band about the leaf shield
Dyson's Avatar
Dyson at 12/26/2007 15:52
I love this, but Airman isn't that hard to beat. If you play through the game correctly, he's the first robot you go after. Regardless, the vid is still awesome.

/plans move to Japn
ScottyG's Avatar
ScottyG at 12/26/2007 16:16
Wait a second... Air Man is supposed to be hard? :S

Epic videos none the less, but jeez.
MechaMonkey's Avatar
MechaMonkey at 12/26/2007 18:33
Anyone know where I can find this song? I've Googled my heart out, but to no avail. PM, if you don't mind, as I'll probably forget to check these comments.
Tubatic's Avatar
Tubatic at 12/26/2007 20:59
Word, if anyone finds the MP3, share the wealth.

Air Man and his stage can be a bastard on a bad day. He was always my first stop back in the day though.
BA Chieftain's Avatar
BA Chieftain at 12/26/2007 21:23
Tubatic:
Air Man first? Damn... I always made sure to destroy Metal Man first, you know... him sucking and all, and having an amazing weapon. To this day I'm still trying to figure out how to shoot buzz saws out of my arm
Necros's Avatar
Necros at 12/26/2007 22:11
That song is pretty rocking.
cjpkiller's Avatar
cjpkiller at 12/27/2007 02:03
mmmm... I loves me some megaman...
but the air boss in every game was a synch...
no offense or anything...
Necros's Avatar
Necros at 12/27/2007 03:48
I can't believe you didn't include this one.
Necros's Avatar
Necros at 12/27/2007 03:48
I can't believe you didn't include this one.
CthulhuFtaghn's Avatar
CthulhuFtaghn at 12/27/2007 07:01
Excellent videos, but y'know, Air Man is actually pretty easy.
Axelay 2's Avatar
Axelay 2 at 12/27/2007 12:20
Yeah, WTF, Air Man being hard? I don't get it. Heat Man was the one with the vanishing blocks. Guts Man's level in MM 1 was a real killer.

It's kinda funny anyway, but at the same time kinda lame like someone who gets the Konami code wrong on a shirt or album (Deftones!).
deathbunny's Avatar
deathbunny at 12/27/2007 15:25
http://paulkami.com/?p=105

translated lyrics here.

the only MM game i played was on the ol' Game Boy, never got far though. but yeah, good fan versions of VG soundtrax are always automatic wins !
Fading Star's Avatar
Fading Star at 12/28/2007 17:24
Epic...awesomes!
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