Not from any known Mega Man game
As gamers across the globe dig into the just-released Mega Man Legacy Collection 2, they are beginning to discover a mystery within. In the museum for Mega Man 8, a new piece of artwork was discovered and pointed out by Protodude. It has never been seen before, and it is most certainly not from Mega Man 8 as far as anyone can tell.
So what exactly is the artwork, and where did it come from?
This art is in Mega Man 8’s museum in Legacy Collection 2.
It’s not from MM8, tho. It’s not from any known Mega Man game.
It’s new. 🤔 pic.twitter.com/ZATueSEoxe
— Brian (@Protodude) August 8, 2017
For starters, compared to other artwork for the game, it’s too new, and appears to be recent. In addition, fans believe the style belongs to Yuji Ishihara. The problem is, Yuji didn’t work on 8, and has only worked on character designs for the Battle Network, Legends, and Star Force series.
To add a further wrinkle to the mix, keen-eyed fans noticed design elements from his updated design in Super Smash Bros. were present. At the time of Mega Man 8, and even in 9 and 10, the design for the Blue Bomber still had his feet and lower legs, along with his hands and part of his arms, portrayed as a single entity, rather than multiple parts. Meaning the clash of art styles and elements in the design further proves this isn’t something from 8.
Some feel that it might be something else, and I’m leaning towards this theory myself. Whenever Mega Man gained an ability from a boss in the Classic series, his appearance changed colors and that was it. The mystery artwork clearly shows a change in physical appearance along with the color change. It is possible that it was a pitch by Yuji to do something new for the various abilities.
It also may be early Battle Network artwork; hell, this could’ve been part of the pitch for that spinoff. That would explain the art style, and that iteration of Mega Man did change appearance based on certain abilities — in particular the Double Soul and Cross System mechanics, which took on the appearance of specific enemies. The style of the bricks and the large arm are very reminiscent of StoneMan.EXE. However, nothing like those abilities existed in the first Battle Network game, which was the only one StoneMan.EXE was in. Given that older bosses were recycled in later Battle Network games, it’s possible however that he was planned to return as well.
There is the slim possibility of it being from a possible new game, but don’t get your hopes up. For all we know that game was cancelled already, or it was just a pitch at one point that was turned down. Until then, the speculation will continue, until someone at Capcom or with insider knowledge reveals what this art exactly is. Unless it’s like that Mega Man 9 secret that they absolutely refuse to reveal, in which case it’s hopeless.
