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.
Dale North is Destructoid's Editor-In-Chief, a founding editor, and specialist in Japanese gaming. An accomplished musician, Dale was reporting from Japan during the earthquakes of 2011. Luckily, he got the fuck out alive and is home in America now with his wife and beloved corgi, Einstein. Dale is also a co-founder of Destructoid's sister anime site Japanator. Likes Corgis, Sega Saturn, PSP, iPhone, Photographic tools.
Meet the rest of the team
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.
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.
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:
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
Destructoid is an open discussion community. You don't need to "audition" to post a comment - just speak your mind. We respect differing opinions on the site, so have at it. Be smart, funny, insightful, clueless, or cute -- but back it up with substance. Keep your cool, keep it fun. We only ask that you act respectfully and above all: don't be a troll and ruin it for everyone else. Don't bring down gamers or we'll, you know, gently shoot you in the face and stuff you into a flaming mailbox. Each comment is your opportuntity to make this community awesomer. Is that even a word?
Avoiding the banhammer only requires common sense: spamming, trolling, racism, NSFW stuff, and other forms of sucking will not be tolerated. If anyone is griefing please report abuse. Be good. Don't suck!
Contest:
11:56 AM on 12.26.2007
| 
I'm off to youtube the actual level. I haven't played Mega Man 2 in a decade.
In any case, the song is awesome. I can see why it's so popular.
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.
Also, OneUps Rock Band DLC requested, please.
That is all, and now, please :D
Also, awesomesauce.
/plans move to Japn
Epic videos none the less, but jeez.
Air Man and his stage can be a bastard on a bad day. He was always my first stop back in the day though.
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
but the air boss in every game was a synch...
no offense or anything...
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!).
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 !