Line #87 Franchise/MegaMan


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5	[[quoteright:350:https://static.tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pub/images/megaman30th.png]]
6	[[caption-width-right:350:'''Top:''' [[VideoGame/MegaManZero Zero]]\
7	'''Middle, L-R''': [[VideoGame/RockmanXover OVER-1]], [[VideoGame/MegaManLegends Volnutt]], [[VideoGame/MegaManStarForce Geo/Omega]], [[VideoGame/MegaManZX Model ZX]]\
8	'''Center''': [[VideoGame/MegaManClassic Classic]]\
9	'''Bottom, L-R:''' [[VideoGame/MegaManBattleNetwork MegaMan.EXE]], [[VideoGame/MegaManX X]]]]
10	%%
11	->''FIGHT, MEGA MAN! FOR EVERLASTING PEACE!''
12	-->-- '''''VideoGame/MegaMan1's'' ending'''.
13
14	::''If you were looking for the first game, the one that launched this franchise, see VideoGame/MegaMan1. For the original series, nicknamed the "classic" series, see VideoGame/MegaManClassic.''
15
16	Mega Man is an [[CashCowFranchise insanely popular]] and [[VideoGameLongRunners long-running video game franchise]] created by Creator/{{Capcom}} in the 1980s. [[MarketBasedTitle Known as "Rockman" in Japanese.]]
17
18	There are actually a bunch of different series that share the name (in chronological order):
19
20	[[index]]
21	* The ''[[VideoGame/MegaManClassic Mega Man]]'' series (sometimes called "Original" or "Classic"), which started the franchise, starring Rock, the creation of Dr. Light, fighting against the forces of Dr. Wily in the year [[YearX 200X]] -- 20XX from the third installment on. (1987);
22	* ''VideoGame/MegaManX'', set [[ExactlyExtyYearsAgo 100 years after the original series]],[[note]]Except for ''Command Mission'', which [[ContinuitySnarl somehow]] takes place in 22XX[[/note]] and starring X, the last creation of Dr. Light, and his partner Zero fighting Sigma and the Mavericks (1993);
23	* ''VideoGame/MegaManLegends'' (''Rockman DASH'' in Japanese), set at least 4,400 years after the ZX series with a new, seemingly-human Mega Man, bearing the name "Mega Man Volnutt." (1998)
24	* ''VideoGame/MegaManBattleNetwork'' (aka Rockman.EXE) series, which occupies an AlternateContinuity of 200X where Dr. Light (here known as Dr. Hikari, Japanese for "light")'s network research won out over Dr. Wily's robot research; (2001)
25	* ''VideoGame/MegaManZero'', set 100 years after the "[[WorldSundering Elf Wars]]" which appears to be 100 years after the end of the X series. This stars fan-favorite Zero, now a freedom fighter trying to protect the last remaining Reploids from a tyrannical government; (2002)
26	* ''VideoGame/MegaManZX'', set 200 years after the Zero series, where mankind has been fully merged with Reploids. Mavericks are still a threat, although the cause for the outbreaks is entirely different this time around. Otherwise normal Humanoids use Biometals to take the form and powers of heroes of old; (2006)
27	* ''VideoGame/MegaManStarForce'' (in Japanese, ''Ryuusei no Rockman'' or ''Shooting Star Rockman''), a series that takes place 200 years after the ''Battle Network'' games, where {{Cyberspace}} and the human world are even more intertwined via Wi-Fi radio; (2007)
28	[[/index]]
29
30	All of these series have the same basic style of gameplay (Mega Man moves through a level, defeating a boss at the end and gaining a new weapon), but the first three series are more {{Platformer}}s, ''Legends'' is a cross between a ThirdPersonShooter and an AdventureGame, ''Battle Network'' and ''Star Force'' are {{RPG}}s with a very unique combat system, and ''Online'' would have been a TwoAndAHalfD [[SideView side-scrolling]] action RPG. Each game has its own unique gameplay elements. Additionally, Mega Man characters have a tendency to show up in the ''VideoGame/CapcomVs'' titles which tend to be fighting games with some rare exceptions.
31
32	There are also a number of [[https://megaman.fandom.com/wiki/Category:Mobile_phone_games mobile device spin-offs]], varying in complexity and quality. Many are puzzle games, but there are a few exceptions like ''Rockman GO GO!'' (2015), an EndlessRunningGame featuring the cast of ''Powered Up''. Another one is ''VideoGame/RockmanXover'' (2012, pronounced "Crossover"), a CrisisCrossover RPG game for mobile devices, designed to celebrate Mega Man's 25th anniversary. Capcom pulled the plug after the game's poor performance, however, and the Western release was cancelled before its eventual discontinuation. 2020 brought ''[[VideoGame/MegaManXDive Rockman X DiVE]]'', a 2D action platformer developed by Capcom Taiwan, with a global release as ''[=MegaMan X DiVE=]'' in 2021; it is the first mobile game, not counting ports of main series games, to be released outside of Asia.
33
34	It should be noted that the various series ''could'' be {{Alternate Universe}}s of one another. While there are still numerous hints that they are connected (except for Battle Network, which is definitely an AlternateUniverse), there are also discrepancies.
35
36	On December 17, 2012, Capcom released ''VideoGame/StreetFighterXMegaMan'' as a {{Freeware}} game. [[https://web.archive.org/web/20131218061825/http://www.capcom-unity.com:80/mega_man/ Get it here!]]
37
38	!!Other Media
39	There have been several TV shows based on the games -- Ruby-Spears first created a cartoon based on the Classic series, simply named ''[[WesternAnimation/MegaManRubySpears Mega Man]]'' (1994). Mega Man was also featured as part of the heroic ensemble in ''WesternAnimation/CaptainNTheGameMaster'' (1989), although he was presented as having a VerbalTic, saying random words with the prefix "mega-". Meanwhile, Japan's Ashi Productions made their own animated adaptation, resulting in a limited-release OVA called ''Anime/MegaManUponAStar'' (1994). Despite featuring the cast from the Classic series, this one's presented as [[{{Edutainment}} an edutainment cartoon]] about the Japanese culture.
40
41	''Battle Network'' and ''Star Force'' were planned with merchandising in mind from the beginning, thus they got long-running animated series, along with other supplementary materials. The ''Battle Network'' anime was localized in English as ''Anime/MegaManNTWarrior'' (2002), while the ''Star Force'' one retained its name, though the latter received the English dub only for some of the first season. Most recently, Creator/ManOfActionStudios produced another cartoon inspired by the Classic series named ''WesternAnimation/MegaManFullyCharged'' (2018). Outside of borrowing some features from the series, it establishes its own continuity instead and has its own cast of humans and robots.
42
43	Various artists collaborated with Capcom to create a number of mangas and manhuas for the series, but the most famous one is ''Manga/MegaManMegamix'' by Hitoshi Ariga. ''Megamix'' made its way into the US courtesy of Udon Entertainment. An American comic book series by Creator/ArchieComics, named simply ''{{ComicBook/Mega Man\|ArchieComics}}'', was released in spring 2011, which eventually lead to a crossover with their ''[[ComicBook/SonictheHedgehogArchieComics Sonic the Hedgehog]]'' [[ComicBook/SonictheHedgehogArchieComics comics]] in ''ComicBook/SonicTheHedgehogMegaManWorldsCollide'', followed by another, larger crossover in ''ComicBook/SonicTheHedgehogMegaManWorldsUnite'' that sadly [[FranchiseKiller killed off both comics]]. An [[ComicBook/MegaManDreamwave earlier American comic by Dreamwave]] was short-lived. Brazil had its own [[ComicBook/NovasAventurasDeMegaMan grim yet off-beat take on the character]]. And ''Fully Charged'' had its own [[ComicBook/MegaManFullyCharged comic adaption]] after its conclusion.
44
45	''TabletopGame/MegaManTheBoardGame'' [[https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/1821440755/mega-mantm-the-board-game?ref=discovery_category was funded]] through Website/{{Kickstarter}} by Jasco Games.
46
47	On September 2, 2015, The Tracking Board [[http://www.tracking-board.com/tb-exclusive-a-mega-man-movie-is-a-go-at-fox/ announced]] that Creator/TwentiethCenturyFox had secured the rights to do a ''Mega Man'' feature film, reports that Capcom subsequently confirmed several years later in October 2018. Henry Joost and Ariel Schulman of ''Film/{{Catfish}}'' are in talks to write and direct this one. However the project has been indefinitely shelved due to the Fox merger with Disney.
48
49	On April 28, 2021, two online gag manga series were released simultaneously. ''Manga/RockmanChan'' is a DenserAndWackier series featuring an "innocent" Mega Man trying to keep up with Dr. Light's ridiculous demands. ''Manga/RockmanSan'' is instead a DarkerAndEdgier series that takes place after the retirement of Dr. Light following Dr. Wily's abandonment of his evil ways, leaving Rock and Roll to grow as adults running a dentistry together while the other Robot Masters begin to take up their intended jobs or other avenues. However, robotkind starts to clash against the humans following conflicts over the industry and workforce, and a new threat begins to crack the new age of peace...
50
51	----
52	[[index]]
53	[[AC:Anime and Manga]]
54	* ''Anime/MegaManUponAStar'' (1994): Based on ''VideoGame/MegaManClassic'', but has an original plot of educating young audience about Japanese culture. Has three episodes.
55	* ''Manga/MegaManMegamix'' (1997): Hitoshi Ariga's manga adaptation of ''VideoGame/MegaManClassic'', which originally started as a serial one-shot on Comic [=BomBom=] around 1995 before they're collected into volumes a couple years later. The original run consists of 2 volumes, and later reprints add unpublished or newly drawn chapters by the author and other contents.
56	* ''Anime/{{MegaMan NT Warrior\|2002}}'' (2002): Based on the ''VideoGame/MegaManBattleNetwork'' series, adapting the six mainline games. Continued until 2006.
57	* ''Manga/RockmanSan'' (2021): A manga serialized in Young Ace. Takes place in the further future of ''VideoGame/MegaManClassic'', featuring the grown up characters.
58
59	[[AC:Comic Book]]
60	* ''ComicBook/NovasAventurasDeMegaMan'' (1996): Brazilian comic series that adapts ''VideoGame/MegaManClassic'' and ''VideoGame/MegaManX''. Known for its strangeness due to its amateur production.
61	* ''ComicBook/MegaManDreamwave'' (2005): A short-lived series published by Dreamwave Productions, interpreting ''VideoGame/MegaManClassic'' into HighSchoolAU. Dropped afte four issues.
62	* ''ComicBook/MegaManArchieComics'' (2011): A comic series published by Creator/ArchieComics based on ''VideoGame/MegaManClassic''. Shares many creators with ''ComicBook/SonicTheHedgehogArchieComics'', having similar feels in writing and art. Went into indefinite hiatus in 2015 after Archie losing the license.
63	** ''ComicBook/SonicTheHedgehogMegaManWorldsCollide'' (2013): A 12-chapter CrisisCrossover with Archie's ''Sonic the Hedgehog'' and ''Sonic Universe''.
64	** ''ComicBook/SonicTheHedgehogMegaManWorldsUnite'' (2015): A sequel to above, featuring more properties from Capcom and Sega.
65	* ''ComicBook/MegaManFullyCharged'' (2020): A mini-series by Creator/BoomStudios and the continuation of the animated series of the same name.
66
67	[[AC:Western Animation]]
68	* ''WesternAnimation/MegaManRubySpears'' (1994): American animated series based on ''VideoGame/MegaManClassic'', produced by Ruby-Spears Productions and Ashi Productions. Consists of 27 episodes.
69	* ''WesternAnimation/MegaManFullyCharged'' (2018): An animated series produced by Man of Action Studios. Has a mostly original cast and setting loosely inspired by ''VideoGame/MegaManClassic''. Stopped after airing one season with only the comic sequel following.
70	[[/index]]
71	----
72	Given that the series is among the most popular of Capcom's stable, several ''Mega Man'' characters have [[VideoGame/CapcomVs crossed over with other Capcom properties]].
73
74	[[folder:Crossover Games Include:]]
75	* ''VideoGame/MarvelVsCapcom'':
76	** ''VideoGame/MarvelVsCapcomClashOfSuperHeroes'': Mega Man appears as a playable character. Roll is also available as a secret character.
77	** ''VideoGame/MarvelVsCapcom2'': Mega Man and Roll as playable characters, and they are joined by Tron Bonne and a Servbot.
78	** ''VideoGame/MarvelVsCapcom3'': Tron returns from [=MvC2=], while Zero makes the jump from [=TvC=].
79	** ''VideoGame/MarvelVsCapcomInfinite'': Zero returns as a playable character, and is joined by X and Sigma.
80	* ''VideoGame/OnimushaBladeWarriors'': Zero (in his ''VideoGame/MegaManZero'' incarnation) and [=MegaMan.EXE=] are {{Guest Fighter}}s.
81	* ''VideoGame/SNKVsCapcomSVCChaos'': Zero (once again from ''Mega Man Zero'') appears as a MiniBoss.
82	* ''VideoGame/NamcoXCapcom'': [=MegaMan=] Volnutt, Roll Caskett, Tron Bonne, and the Servbots appear as playable characters. The Horokkos, Gorobesshus, and [=MegaMan=] Juno appear as enemies.
83	* ''VideoGame/TatsunokoVsCapcom'': Roll and [=MegaMan=] Volnutt are playable characters. Zero (this time the ''VideoGame/MegaManX'' incarnation) was added to the international release.
84	* ''VideoGame/ProjectXZone'': X and Zero are playable characters. They return in the sequel. Vile appears as an enemy in both games, and Sigma appears as an enemy in the second game.
85	* ''VideoGame/DeadRising3'': Sigma is a costume for Chuck Greene in the game's ''Super Ultra Dead Rising 3' Arcade Remix Hyper Edition EX + Alpha'' arcade mode.
86	* ''VideoGame/SuperSmashBros'': Mega Man appears as a GuestFighter as of the fourth game. X, Volnutt, [=MegaMan=].EXE, Star Force Mega Man, and as of ''Ultimate'', Proto Man and Bass make cameos in his [[LimitBreak Final Smash]]. Elec Man appears as an assist trophy in ''Smash 4'', while Zero and Dr. Wily appear as assist trophies in ''Ultimate''. Zero, X, and Proto Man are also available as Mii Costumes for both games, while [=MegaMan.EXE=] is a Mii Costume for ''Ultimate'' only.
87	* ''VideoGame/DragaliaLost'': Mega Man appears as a recruitable guest character and Dr. Wily appears as a boss in a limited event.
88	[[/folder]]
89
90	----
91	!!This franchise provides examples of:
92
93	* AlternateCompanyEquivalent: ''[[VideoGame/MagicalDoropie The Krion Conquest]]'' for the NES, made by Vic Tokai, goes '''so''' far in copying ''Mega Man'' as to use the same run cycle, similar power meter and ''highly'' similar death animation for [[CaptainErsatz heroine Francesca]]; copy several of the enemy and level appearances; and give her equivalent powers such as a ChargedAttack and a Rush/Item-2 replacement in her broomstick. However, unlike Mega Man, she can duck and fire upwards. Still, it flirted dangerously close with UsefulNotes/{{Plagiarism}}.
94	** Capcom DID use the "Alert" sequence from that game during later ''Mega Man'' games when you are entering a boss battle (see ''Krion Conquest''[='=]s trope page). You know that "Warning" sequence that takes place that started with ''Mega Man X4'' on (and even appeared in ''VideoGame/MegaManPoweredUp'', the first time it appeared in a "classic" ''Mega Man'' game)? ''Krion Conquest'' actually did that first.
95	** ''VideoGame/{{RosenkreuzStilette}}'' is basically a ''Mega Man'' homage with magic instead of robots ([[SchizoTech for the most part]]).
96	** Also counts as a SpiritualSuccessor, ''VideoGame/MightyNo9''.
97	** Creator/EdmundMcMillen's upcoming sequel to ''VideoGame/TimeFcuk'' is very blatantly one of these, as Edmund always wanted to make a ''Mega Man'' game.
98	* AlternateUniverse: The ''Battle Network'' series was originally positioned as an AlternateHistory where Dr. Light won a grant for network technology that changed the course of that universe, but developments in the years that followed have weakened that connection.
99	** ''Battle Network 3'' introduced an alternate version of Dr. Cossack with a slightly different design than his classic counterpart, and then ''Battle Network 4'' introduced a character from space with a radically different design, which makes no sense because the only changes [[NonSequiturCausality should have occured on Earth]].
100	** ''Mega Man 11'' has introduced new designs for young Doctors Light and Wily that differ from the designs used in the ''Battle Network'' series, the latter of which were also used in the ''NT Warrior'' anime and the well-known ''Manga/MegaManMegamix'' series.
101	* ApatheticCitizens: In games where humans actually appear, expect them to either believe the BigBad or not do much to help. This eventually reaches it's breaking point in ''VideoGame/MegaManZero4'' when Zero calls out the rest of the Human Caravan who hate reploids for turning their backs on their leader Neige when she was abducted and didn't care just because she had a past relationship with the reploid Craft.
102	* ArcNumber: Almost all of the main series games have eight main bosses, sometimes supplemented by something in a group of four.[[note]]''[[VideoGame/MegaManClassic Mega Man 3-6]]'' has eight Robot Masters, and in those games there are also two fortresses with four levels each (''VideoGame/MegaMan3'' has only one fortress, but there are four Doc Robot stages after the first eight). ''VideoGame/MegaManZero 1'' has eight main bosses and the Four Guardians, while ''3'' has the Eight Gentle Judges and four bosses returning from ''1''. ''VideoGame/MegaManZX'' has eight Pseudoroid bosses, from which you obtain four Biometals, while ''Advent'' also has eight Pseudoroids and four other Mega Men to fight in the Game of Destiny.[[/note]]
103	* ArmCannon: Maybe its most famous users.
104	* ArtifactMook: The infamous Metools. In the original ''Mega Man'' game the little hard hat guys appeared only on Guts Man's stage, which had the look of a quarry/construction site (Guts Man himself appears to wear a hard hat). However, they have since appeared in every ''Mega Man'' game on multiple non-construction-themed levels, in [[UndergroundMonkey multiple variations]] like snorkel-wearing or giant versions, and in massive numbers to the point that Metool variants are the most common enemy encountered.
105	* AsskickingPose: Can't have a BossBattle without one (the Robot Masters from ''VideoGame/MegaMan6'' avert this, as they descend from the ceiling in place while DramaticThunder covers the room).
106	* AstralFinale: Most of the UsefulNotes/GameBoy series have their final levels take place in space (the fifth game does not count due to half the boss roster residing in space levels, and the only game to completely avert the space setting is the third one). As for the main games, ''VideoGame/MegaMan2'' has the [[spoiler:alien]] FinalBoss take places against a backdrop of stars [[spoiler:although the whole set-up including both the boss and the arena are revealed as just a hologram created by Dr. Wily]], ''VideoGame/MegaMan10'' saves its very last stage for this trope, right after the usual four stages of a traditional endgame castle. ''VideoGame/MegaManX8'' uses this for a fight on the moon, ''VideoGame/{{Mega Man Zero}} 4''[='=]s final level is on a space station, and ''VideoGame/MegaManStarForce'' uses this in its first and third games. ''VideoGame/MegaManLegends'' second game has the final battle take place in Elysium all the way in space [[spoiler:where the last true humans lived for centuries until they went extinct with the death of "The Master" and Sera, Yuna and Mega Man Volnutt remain trapped due to the death of Gats.]]
107	* AstroClone: As ''Mega Man'' was originally going to be a LicensedGame of ''Manga/AstroBoy'' before [[DivorcedInstallment Capcom lost the license to use Tezuka's characters]], the eponymous hero's [[VideoGame/MegaManClassic original design]] and powers are [[CaptainErsatz deliberately based off of Astro]], with the only differences being his mostly-blue color scheme, his ArmCannon, and his iconic blue helmet. His creator Dr. Light is also inspired by the kindly Professor Ochanomizu in both design and personality, while his "sister" Roll is based on Uran. BigBad Dr. Wily in turn resembles Dr. Tenma, but only in terms of the latter's antagonistic role.
108	* BellBottomLimbedBots: This is more notable in artwork than in games but it's there in both. In some cases his lower legs and forearms might be ''twice'' as thick as the arms attached, which usually look like blue tights.
109	* BewareTheSkullBase: Following ''Videogame/MegaMan2'' Dr. Wily's fortress tends to feature a large skull as part of the design.
110	* BlueMeansCold: Zigzagged. Some icy bosses use blue as part of their outfits, but not all. Additionally, many bosses use blue but don't use ice.
111	* BootsOfToughness: A recurring element in character designs. Designs from ''[[VideoGame/MegaManClassic Classic]]'' and ''[[VideoGame/MegaManX X]]'' tend to have round and clunky boots, while ''[[VideoGame/MegaManZero Zero]]'' and ''[[VideoGame/MegaManZX ZX]]'' had sleeker and streamlined boots (reflecting the shift in artstyle).
112	* BossRush: A franchise staple and tradition. With the exception of ''Legends 1'', possibly ''[=XOver=]'', and a few spin-offs, every Mega Man has to face down all of the already conquered bosses during the ''finale''. In the Robot timeline, they even go so far as to collect the bosses into single rooms all at once for you to clear.
113	* BottomlessPits: A staple of the platformers, even ''Mega Man Network Transmission''.
114	* BroadStrokes: While the various games in the original continuity (from ''Classic'' to ''Legends'') take place in the same universe, there are numerous differences between tone and aesthetic, along with certain plot details that don't really gel with events later in the chronology, leaving this trope in effect.
115	* ContinuitySnarl: Taken from the BroadStrokes above, though an attempt was made to place all series in a fine timeline that on the surface makes sense, closer detail examination ''creates problems'', to put it gently.[[note]]The only references to the ''X'' series within the ''Classic'' series are the arcade titles that have their own dubious canonicity and snarls (like Wily showing blueprints of Zero's upgraded body rather than his original form); ''X5's'' BadEnding is included to lead to the ''Legends'' series as X declares his intent to create Elysium by name despite the fact that the nation he leads in the ''Zero'' series is called Neo Arcadia with explicit mention there are no other major technological human settlements around, let alone space colonies, and his condition by the end of the ''Zero'' series leaves him in no position to build anything himself; the ''Zero'' and ''ZX'' series refuse to directly acknowledge any events or elements of the ''X'' series that occurred after ''X6''; and while the Humanoid race in the ''ZX'' series seems to be a logical predecessor to the [[SuspiciouslySimilarSubstitute Carbons]] of the ''Legends'' titles it creates the issue of natural humans no longer existing when that was a large element of the ''Legends'' backstory.[[/note]] The current team in charge of the franchise has gone on record stating that they view the various chronologically-succeeding series as "possible" futures, rather than strictly-occurring ones, freeing up individual entries from ''needing'' to necessarily tie into the one to come after.
116	* DancingMookCredits: The franchise generally had the bosses of the game come on screen, do a pose, and disappear, as part of the credits sequence.
117	* DefeatEqualsExplosion: Due to the enemies are all robots, they tend to explode after being defeated, even if the weapon used against them will logically not causing any explosion. As for the heroic main characters with some exceptions, when their LifeMeter got depleted (or [[OneHitKill touching]] SpikesOfDoom) they will explode into energy orbs rather than ball of flames.
118	* DistantSequel: The franchise loves this trope.
119	** In the main timeline, the ''VideoGame/MegaManX'' series takes place a century after the events of the [[VideoGame/MegaManClassic original series]]. The events of the ''VideoGame/MegaManZero'' series takes place a century after that, by which time Zero and X have become downright legendary figures. ''VideoGame/MegaManZX'' takes place two hundred more years after the previous series, while ''VideoGame/MegaManLegends'' is thought to take place several ''thousand'' years after ''ZX''.
120	** On a smaller scale, the events of ''VideoGame/MegaManStarForce'' take place two hundred years after the events of ''VideoGame/MegaManBattleNetwork''.
121	* DownerEnding:
122	** Downplayed. No matter what the outlook at the end of an individual series or game is, almost every series in the robotics timeline is DarkerAndEdgier than the last. The classic series takes place in a generally peaceful time interrupted by Wily's periodic attacks, but the ''X'' series is constantly on the brink of warfare against either willing or Brainwashed terrorists, and the ''Zero'' series takes place during a Dystopian age. ''ZX'' shows some more hope than these last two, but ''Legends'', despite being even cheerier than ''ZX'', takes place AfterTheEnd -- way, ''way'' After the End.
123	** Averted with both ''Battle Network'' and ''Star Force'', which both end on peaceful notes with more than a little technological optimism.
124	* DubNameChange: For whatever reason, Capcom's English divisions seem to have trouble grasping the use of "Rock" for both the Classic and Legends protagonists as not being short for "Rockman", but being the character's preexisting given name. This is especially egregious in the latter, as it required a complete story rewrite to force in the use of "Mega Man".[[note]]Barrel Casket hit on the same idea as Dr. Light, naming the baby he found "Rock" to accompany his granddaughter Roll for the music pun and his past name being Rockman Trigger was purely incidental, but in the localization this was changed to naming him after her favorite childhood superhero-- which in itself is an issue as, again, she was practically a newborn.[[/note]] Oddly enough, all major adaptations of the Classic series into other media have understood the difference perfectly fine, as the Ruby-Spears cartoon and both comics all use the given name of Rock with the alias of Mega Man, as well as even the ''Fully Charged'' cartoon which even used a ''different'' given name.
125	* EasyLevelsHardBosses: Generally, the bosses are harder than the stages. Sometimes they're about the same difficulty as the stages themselves, though.
126	* ExactlyExtyYearsAgo: The games really seem to like the one-century timespan. Classic and ''Battle Network'' both take place in 20XX, ''X'' in 21XX, and ''Zero'' and ''Star Force'' in 22XX, and refer to one another in single century units.
127	* {{Expy}}: How many Mega Men and Rolls do we need?! (There are technically ''three'' Mega Man-Roll pairs, in the Classic series, the [[AlternateUniverse Battle Network series]], and Legends series; past that, however, there's a number of blondes running around in red or pink outfits, like [[VideoGame/MegaManX Alia]] and [[VideoGame/MegaManStarForce Harp Note]]).
128	** One of the submitted designs for Aile from the developmental stages of ''Mega Man Legends 3'' (by Keiji Inafune himself, no less) was of yet ''another'' Roll Expy, though admittedly one far more masculine than any other version.
129	* ExtinctInTheFuture: Implied. In the future world where robots are aplenty, many of the bosses are robots themed after animals, which may imply that many animals have gone extinct. This eventually happens to [[spoiler:humans by the time of the ''Legends'' series as they're replaced by the SuspiciouslySimilarSubstitute known as Carbons, though this point is downplayed for most of the game.]]
130	* FacelessGoons: A recurring enemy type in the franchise consists of low-grade, mass-produced humanoids, usually {{Evil Knockoff}}s of a major series character, distinguished by having loads of {{Underground Monkey}}s adapted for various jobs. Most are so robotic that their only facial features are GlowingMechanicalEyes--often [[CyberCyclops only one]]. Examples include:
131	** The Sniper Joe and its various Joe brethren from ''VideoGame/MegaManClassic'', {{Evil Knockoff}}s of Proto Man. These boys set the template for the franchise, so almost everything in this list is a SuspiciouslySimilarSubstitute for them.
132	** The Armor Soldiers of ''VideoGame/MegaManX'' pick up the Sniper Joes' slack by piloting heavy-duty Ride Armor.
133	** The Hoganmar series, also of ''Mega Man X'', are the most obvious heirs of the Sniper Joes, sharing both their green armor and their alternating shield-and-attack strategy, albeit it with maces rather than {{Arm Cannon}}s.
134	** Disk Boy 08 models from ''X2'' are {{Suspiciously Similar Substitute}}s for the Hoganmars, also using shields and attacking with spiked weapons at a distance.
135	** The Knot Beret in ''VideoGame/MegaManX4'' are run-of-the-mill Repliforce soldiers that appear as rather rotund humanoids, coming in three varieties -- the brown ones throw grenades, the green ones fire guns, and a stage-exclusive variant skis on vanishing ice platforms. Unlike most of these examples, they have two eyes. There are also other Repliforce soldiers on Hornet Ride Chasers that more closely resemble Sniper Joes.
136	** The mass-produced, general-purpose Guardroids of ''VideoGame/MegaManX8'' are also duplicates of the Sniper Joe series with similar heavy green coloration. Most guardroid variations come with different weapons and assignments depending on the stage, but there are also other "-roid" series robots like the Sphereroids and Skyroids.
137	** The Gorubesshu of ''VideoGame/MegaManLegends'' weighs in with its single red eye, its ArmCannon on one hand, and its shield on the other, but in keeping with the aesthetic of the other ruin guardians it looks much less human than its forebears.
138	** The ''VideoGame/MegaManBattleNetwork'' series doesn't have a true Sniper Joe clone, but it does have some faceless goons--the Catack, Gunner, and Fighter Plane viruses are all military craft piloted by the same little black humanoids with distinctive helmets and goggles.
139	** Nearly all generic, uncustomized Netnavis are mouthless, robotic, and have glowing eyes, but the only true Faceless Goons among the Normal Navis and {{Heel}} Navis usually tend to be among the latter--''Mega Man Battle Network 4'' is the first and only installment in the ''Battle Network'' series to let you fight them; ''Battle Network 4'' also features Navi Black and Navi Shadow viruses in the BonusDungeon, which are Normal Navis and Heel Navis that have fully succumbed to TheCorruption.
140	** The Pantheon series of ''VideoGame/MegaManZero'', {{Evil Knockoff}}s of X, which come in over a dozen variations, some of which even get to have their own {{Boss Battle}}s.
141	** The Variants, {{Evil Knockoff}}s of the Evil Knockoff Pantheon series in ''VideoGame/MegaManZero4'', used by aspiring conqueror Dr. Weil as his shock-troops. Notably, while many of the Faceless Goons with variants are implied to do various jobs in addition to combat, the Variants are all explicitly combat robots distinguished by their weapon or fighting style--there's also much less variety among them than among their predecessors, the Pantheon.
142	** The Galleon of ''VideoGame/MegaManZX'' are mass-produced mavericks of unknown origin that serve other, higher-ranking mavericks. Their single eye and wide variety make them {{Suspiciously Similar Substitute}}s for the Pantheon series, but they also have some traits of the Variants.
143	** The first ''VideoGame/MegaManStarForce'' game features the Jammers, {{Elite Mook}}s more dangerous than normal viruses. Unlike most Joe clones, these nasties have no shield--they'll shoot you with one arm and punch you with the other.
144	** ''Mega Man Star Force 2'' has the Murians, living statues that take the place of the Jammers as the {{Elite Mook}}s d'jour; they have the shield of the Sniper Joes, but attack with swords instead.
145	** The Noise Wizards of ''Mega Man Star Force 3'' have more of an actual face than most of these examples--they have a mouth at least. They appear when normal Wizards are mutated by excessive quantities of Noise. They use both the cannon and the swords of their predecessors.
146	** The Mal Wizards, also of ''Mega Man Star Force 3'', are the heirs of the ''Battle Network'' Heel Navis, with the same mouthless heads and fierce eyes. Uniquely, they attack with {{Lightning Lash}}es.
147	** The Mad Joey series of ''VideoGame/MegaManXDive'', which resurrects the CyberCyclops single-eye look from the O.G. Sniper Joes (admittedly the first one to appear was the unnamed pilot of the REX-2000 in ''VideoGame/MegaManX3'').
148	* FlashOfPain: Enemies tend to do that when damaged.
149	%%* FlawedPrototype
150	%%* FlipScreenScrolling
151	* FrozenFoePlatform:
152	** ''VideoGame/MegaManPoweredUp'': Ice Man can use the Ice Slasher to hold enemies in place momentarily, and unlike Mega Man, he can stand on them while they're frozen.
153	** ''VideoGame/MegaManX2'': Crystal Snail's weapon, Crystal Hunter, allows X to freeze enemies in crystal blocks and use them as platforms.
154	* TheGimmick: Nearly every boss in the franchise has their own, especially the classic Robot Masters and Battle Network's [=NetNavi=]s, who are all just [[AstonishinglyAppropriateAppearance oozing their own schtick]]. The sequel series complexify this with AnimalThemedSuperBeing.
155	* GrayingMorality: In the main timeline of the franchise, each sequel series gradually gives us less and less obviously "good" protagonists and many villains who aren't the BigBad turn out to be WellIntentionedExtremist types. Even the Classic series itself started doing this in later games such as 9 and 11.
156	* HammyVillainSeriousHero: The protagonist is a robot with the mindset of a young boy devoted to protecting others and promoting everlasting peace. While off the clock, he's polite, task-oriented, and kind. His ArchEnemy is Dr. Wily, a bombastic CardCarryingVillain who loves to create giant fortresses and loudly proclaim himself the greatest roboticist in the world while constantly trying to one-up Mega Man's creator, Dr. Light.
157	* HighSchoolAU: Dreamwave Comics, ''Battle Network'', ''Star Force'' & ''Fully Charged'' all take the franchise in this direction with all their own unique takes on the subject, from HenshinHero (''Star Force'') to making Mega Man not the lead protagonist (''Battle Network'').
158	* IconicOutfit: A distinctive blue helmet paired with a blue-on-light-blue outfit makes each Mega Man very recognizable. The red armor, long hair, and sword combination modeled by Zero is almost as famous.
159	%%Sorry, but Hub's identity is technically a spoiler.
160	%%* LedgeBats
161	* LeftHanging: Only 3 series have ever been given a proper conclusion[[note]]''VideoGame/MegaManBattleNetwork'', ''VideoGame/MegaManZero'', and ''VideoGame/MegaManStarForce''[[/note]] (with the third only because of bad reception). The rest? Not counting the {{Gaiden Game}}s, two[[note]]''VideoGame/MegaManX'' and ''VideoGame/MegaManZX''[[/note]] currently have very blatant {{Sequel Hook}}s that have yet to be followed up, while the third[[note]]''VideoGame/MegaManLegends''[[/note]] sits on a depressing {{Cliffhanger}}, and it's already been a long-OrphanedSeries! With the subsequent releases of the most recent ''Classic'' games, fans are hoping that it won't be long 'til Capcom remembers the rest of the series mythology.
162	** The Dreamwave comic set the stage for a ''Mega Man''/''Mega Man X'' crossover story, but Dreamwave shut down.
163	* MissionPackSequel: Most sequels within any given series, especially platforming sequels, rely on the same basic engine with only variations in available weapons and stages, so this is closely related to its CapcomSequelStagnation. Downplayed with ''Battle Network'', which experimented pretty liberally with its combat mechanics between installments.
164	* TheMovie: Creator/TwentiethCenturyFox had secured the rights to do a ''Mega Man'' feature film, though time will tell if they actually do.
165	* NintendoHard: The whole franchise has a reputation for putting out very difficult games. The classic and ''Zero'' series especially stand out.
166	* NotMeThisTime: Meta-example. After ''Mega Man Universe'' and ''Legends 3'' were cancelled, the iOS port of ''[[PortingDisaster Mega Man X]]'', and ''Rockman [=XOver=]'', when ''Rockman Online'' was cancelled, fans jumped to the conclusion that Capcom was continuing their anti-Blue Bomber antics. It turns out that the troubles likely were on the part of [[https://twitter.com/themmnetwork/status/245040488854466560 NeoWiz]], behind ''Rockman Online''. (The game ''had'' been in DevelopmentHell really since it was announced).
167	* NoOntologicalInertia: Generally speaking, if you fire a Robot Master's/Maverick's special weapon and then quickly attempt to switch to a different weapon by entering the in-game menu, the projectile/beam you previously fired off will have disappeared when you return.
168	* OneBulletAtATime: The side-scrolling games typically limit you to three uncharged bullets onscreen at a time. Later games sometimes include ways around this, and extra characters typically have different limits.
169	* OrangeBlueContrast: Considering the main character is very blue, this is pretty much a given. More obvious in the series' artwork than the games themselves.
170	* OutOfFocus: With Keiji Inafune having left Capcom, the entire ''Mega Man'' franchise has become borderline non-existent. ''Franchise/StreetFighter'' and ''Franchise/ResidentEvil'' have been pushed as the new "crown jewels" of the company, with Ryu supplanting Mega Man as the new Capcom Mascot. Capcom has been giving the series much more attention recently, however, releasing the ''Mega Man Legacy Collection'' and ''Mega Man Legacy Collection 2'' in 2015 and 2017, respectively, and the classic series received its first game in 8 years with ''VideoGame/MegaMan11''.
171	** In the games themselves there's several examples of the protagonist that are not the Rock/Mega man of their era or if they are their era's Rock/Mega man, it's not the main identity of the character. These include the Zero, XZ, EXE/Battle Network & Shooting Star/Star Force game series.
172	* PerfectPlayAI: {{Downplayed}} in the ''Mega Man [[VideoGame/MegaManZero Zero]]/[[VideoGame/MegaManZX ZX]] [[CompilationRerelease Collection]]''. The [[RankInflation ZZ-rank]] ghosts are very nearly perfect runs through the stage, blazing through levels as fast as possible, but they still make incredibly minor mistakes so that dedicated players can still outrun their opponents.
173	* PowerCopying: A staple of the series, to the point where the trope [[Administrivia/RenamedTropes used to be called "Mega Manning"]].
174	** In ''VideoGame/MegaManClassic'' and ''[[VideoGame/MegaManX X]]'', alternate weapons are unlocked by beating bosses.
175	** ''VideoGame/MegaManZero'' brings over Zero's style of Power Copying from ''X'' where he can copy Z-Saber techniques from defeated bosses by defeating them in specific conditions. Instead of switching between weapons, specific button inputs let him do different moves. The fourth game also has the inclusion of the Z-Knuckle, which allows Zero to steal limited use weapons from basic enemies. Curiously however, the first ''Zero'' game is also the only [=2D=] main series game that doesn't feature power copying at all.
176	** In the first ''[[VideoGame/MegaManZX ZX]]'' game, the eight Pseudoroid bosses give you half of a Biometal each. Having one allows the player character to take the form of previous characters from ''Zero'', while collecting the second half allows for a stronger Overdrive mode. In the second, Model A has the capability of taking the forms of almost every defeated boss and a good chunk of their moveset.
177	** In the ''[[VideoGame/MegaManBattleNetwork Battle Network]]'' games, virus battles give battlechip data to [=MegaMan.EXE=] to use, while boss Navis drop much stronger Mega chips that feature them being summoned for the duration of the attack. The latter half of the series also has Double Soul and Cross Fusion, which work like more traditional Power Copying (defeat bosses, get alternate form based off of boss).
178	* PowerCrystal: On several robots and later Reploids, got especially common after ''X''.
179	* {{Precursors}}: Usually of the {{Abusive\|Precursors}} sort. Amusingly, the fact that the series' timeline branches split only a few decades before 200X means that both the Robots timeline and the Network timeline should have all the ''same Precursors''.
180	** The ancient alien super computer Ra Moon from ''VideoGame/SuperAdventureRockman'', which crashed to Earth 20,000 years before the events of the game.
181	** The Stardroids from the ''Mega Man'' UsefulNotes/GameBoy series were found in some ancient ruins, though they're technically aliens.
182	** In the ''ComicBook/MegaManArchieComics'' series, Duo is part of a group called the Star Marshals who battled Ra Moon and the Star Droids 20,000 years ago.
183	** The Atlampean Civilization (which is only 3000 years old, by comparison) of ''VideoGame/MegaManBattleNetwork''[='=]s ''[[GaidenGame Legend of Network]]'' title and the more well-known Murian civilization from ''VideoGame/MegaManStarForce 2''.
184	** In the ''Anime/MegaManNTWarrior'' manga, a specific corner of the Undernet actually houses [[ItMakesSenseInContext the ruins of an ancient civilization]] watched over by [=PharaohMan=], who claims it's been 20,537 years since he's had company. (In this telling, the Undernet is implied to be AnotherDimension, rather than part of the Internet proper).
185	* RandomPowerRanking: In several of the games.
186	** In the ''VideoGame/MegaManX'' series, X is a B-class hunter, while Zero is S (or Special A). Over the course of the series, X, who is just as powerful as Zero, loses his hesitation and gains the willpower necessary to match the latter's rank.
187	** ''VideoGame/MegaManLegends'' uses these for Digger licenses (higher license means you can access better dungeons). The S-Class license doesn't actually give you any special access, which is good, since the test to get it is a pain in the butt.
188	** ''VideoGame/MegaManBattleNetwork 2'' also has City Netbattler licenses that authorize civilians to access restricted parts of the web. Lan is technically capable of achieving [[RankInflation Rank SSS]], even though the plot doesn't care after he reaches Rank A.
189	%%* RecurringElement: Quite a few; see the trope page for details.
190	* RidiculouslyHumanRobot: Robots become more and more like this as the series goes on. [[VideoGame/MegaManX X and the Reploids based on him]] are made without [[ThreeLawsCompliant Three Laws Compliance]], giving them unfettered free will (and all the moral quandaries that come with it,) Reploids are given limited lifespans by the time of ''VideoGame/MegaManZX'' and their bodies have less obvious mechanical bits, and by ''VideoGame/MegaManLegends'' [[spoiler:humans have been extinct for a long, long time and the Earth is now populated by {{Artificial Human}}s that are almost indistinguishable from actual humans.]]
191	* RobotHair: Most humanoid robots from the series (although Mega Man and X hide their under their helmets most of the time). ''VideoGame/MegaManZX'' justifies the trope by explicitly saying it was an attempt to "making humans and reploids closer to each other to make better peace":
192	** Classic Mega has some standard black hat hair, but [[VideoGame/MegaManClassic Roll]] sports golden locks neatly tied up with a ribbon, whereas Plum (from ''Rockman Battle & Chase'') has pink hair. Blues has a positively ''theatric'' pompadour-thing.
193	** Most famously, Zero's long blonde ponytail from ''VideoGame/MegaManX''. X and even Vile have hair in manga adaptations, but haven't been depicted without them in the games.
194	** ''VideoGame/MegaManZero'' with its perfectly humanoid Reploids has not only robot hair but robot mustaches and beards. Notable examples include Elpizo (blond), Omega (a pinkish/fuchsia ponytail sprouting out from the top of his helmet), and Kraft (dark spiky hair which appears to also form GoNagaiSideburns), among others. Seeing as [[spoiler:Omega's body is a shell[=/=]PowerLimiter for Zero's original body, this means that Omega also shares Zero's infamous long hair.]]
195	** ''VideoGame/MegaManZX'': Promotheus and Pandora, the former of whom [[PrehensileHair actually utilizes it in battle]]. This is more easily noticeable when the player sees a glimpse of the siblings in the past (as detailed by [[spoiler:Master Albert]]'s Cipher report) [[spoiler:until [[ShapeshifterModeLock they were permanently fused to a piece Model W and stuck in their Megamerged states.]]]] Reploids Girouette, Prairie (heavily implied to be Alouette from ''VideoGame/MegaManZero''), Serpent, Grey, Thetis, and Siarnaq also sport human-like hair.
196	** Splash Woman (from ''Mega Man 9'') and [[VideoGame/MegaManZero Fairy Leviathan]] fall into the "Mechanical Facsimile" category: their helmets frame their faces in a manner that resembles hair (specifically, a SciFiBobHaircut, with a few extra bangs in front in Leviathan's case). A few other robots, such as Bomb Man (a synthetic punk mohawk) and General (a stainless steel mustache) also have this facsimile going on.
197	* RoboticUndead:
198	** ''VideoGame/MegaMan7'': Shade Man's stage is a kind of tribute to ''VideoGame/GhostsNGoblins'', so the {{Mecha Mook}}s appearing in the stage are basically robot zombies that conveniently come from the ground to attack Mega Man. Shade Man himself is modeled after a ClassicalMovieVampire.
199	** ''VideoGame/MegaManX'': Sigma is the BigBad of the franchise who dies at the end of each game only to come back again, becoming more and more deformed with each revival until he looks like [[VideoGame/MegaManX8 a skeletal demon]]. Not only that, but it's established that Sigma came to be this way because of the Maverick virus infecting him when he first met Zero, resulting in the original Commander Sigma being overwritten into the monster that he became.
200	** ''VideoGame/MegaManZero'': In the first and third games, the boss Anubis Necromances can summon reanimated broken robots from the desert to harass Zero. In the [[VideoGame/MegaManZero4 fourth game]], in Fenri Lunaedge's stage, there are broken robots lying around that can be reanimated if special enemies called "Scrap Elves" inhabit their bodies.
201	** ''VideoGame/MegaManZX'': ''Advent'' has Vulturon the Condoroid, a robotic vulture rock guitarist that can resurrect nearby robots from nearby junk with his guitar.
202	* SeriesFauxnale:
203	** Classic was supposed to end with ''6'', hence the ending having Mega Man arresting Wily, but ''7'' was released anyway and opened with Wily breaking out of prison. For a while, ''8'' became the new fauxnale due to being the last Classic series game and having a direct CallForward to the next series in the form of the Evil Energy being likened to the Maverick Virus, but ''9'' still came out. ''10'' was also a fauxnale for the same reasons as ''8'', but it didn't stop ''11'' from being released.
204	** Inafune intended for ''X'' to end with ''X5'', but after he left the series got three more games and a GaidenGame, the former taking Sigma's JokerImmunity to ridiculous lengths.
205	** ''Battle Network'' was intended to end with ''3'', and the game certainly has all the marks of a finale, but Capcom insisted on continuing to ride the series' popularity, resulting in ''Battle Network 4'' (generally considered to be the worst of the series); after the series officially ended with ''Battle Network 6'', Capcom decided to spawn the SequelSeries ''Star Force''.
206	* ShoutOut: There have tended to be a few to HumongousMecha series, especially where Classic Mega Man is concerned. In ''Marvel vs. Capcom'', a LimitBreak Mega Man can use is to transform into Hyper Mega Man, a direct shout out to ''Anime/MazingerZ''. Proto Man has a special move called Big Bang Blast, which is a direct shout out to ''Manga/GetterRobo''.
207	* SingleUseShield: the Spike-Barrier/Shock-Step/whatever-it's-called, which protects you once from the instant-death spikes. But you have to jump to safety before the MercyInvincibility wears off, or....
208	* TheSingularity: The main timeline chronicles the advancement of robotics from [[VideoGame/MegaManClassic advanced but still mentally limited robots]], to [[VideoGame/MegaManX even more advanced Reploids with unfettered free will]], to [[VideoGame/MegaManZX synthetic life-forms and cybernetically enhanced humans blurring the line between man and machine]], to [[spoiler:AmbiguousRobots [[VideoGame/MegaManLegends replacing humans entirely.]]]]
209	* SlidingScaleOfRobotIntelligence: The pecking order from top to bottom goes thusly:
210	## Reploid: Identical to humans in ability to make decisions.
211	## [[VideoGame/MegaManBattleNetwork SoloNetNavi]]: Able to make their own decisions much like Reploids, but are confined to the Cyber World and thus reliant on machines to effect the Real World.
212	## Robot Master: Mostly able to make their own decisions, but are bound by [[ThreeLawsCompliant Asimov's Three Laws of Robotics]] and thus need a human supervisor.
213	## [[VideoGame/MegaManBattleNetwork NetNavi]]: Reploid-level intelligence, but partnered with specific humans in their role as servants along with the same limitations as their Solo counterparts.
214	## Mechaniloid: Always takes orders from a more intelligent unit or human.
215	* SoundOfNoDamage: If an attack can't hurt an enemy, you hear a metallic "ping", and in most cases the projectile ricochets off.
216	* SpellMyNameWithAnS: "Mega Man" vs. "[=MegaMan=]" vs. "Megaman" (and much the same applies for the original "Rock Man").
217	** The yellow-helmeted WaddlingHead robots had their names translated various ways throughout the series: simply "Met" in the first ''Mega Man'' manual, "Metall" in the Game Boy games, "Mettool" in the first ''Mega Man X'' and ''Mega Man Battle Network'', and then standardized as "Mettaur" from 2002 to 2014. What is it supposed to be? Turns out "Metall" is the intended translation, as it comes from the phrase "all (hel)met", and was reinstated in the series as of ''Mega Man Legacy Collection''.
218	* SpikesOfDoom: A staple of the series; in some levels, they carpet the ceiling and floor. Some bosses may even try throwing you against them as well.
219	* TankTreadMecha: Tank tread mechas and robots have shown up in several installment of the franchise:
220	** Guts Tank, aka Guts-Dozer, is a boss in ''[[VideoGame/MegaManClassic Mega Man 2]]''[='=]s Wily Castle. He is essentially a giant version of Guts Man from the first ''Mega Man'' with his legs replaced with tank treads. A comparatively smaller version appears in later games.
221	** The first Dark Man-type boss of Proto Man's Castle stage is similarly a torso on treads. This version of the Dark Man shows up in the background of the ''Mega Man''-themed ''VideoGame/MarvelVsCapcom'' stages.
222	* TemporaryPlatform: The platforming games have quite a lot of them. The Classic series' disappearing blocks are ''renowned''.
223	* ThemeNaming:
224	** The classic series uses [Motif]-Man for the name of most of its robots, with very few exceptions. The ''Battle Network'' series inherits this.
225	** Starting with ''VideoGame/MegaManX'', the bosses usually involve some combination of theme and animal names; its successor series, ''VideoGame/MegaManZero'' and ''VideoGame/MegaManZX'' exagerrate this by creating portmanteaus of mythological and technological names.
226	** In ''Zero'', almost every heroic ally carries a French name. ''ZX'' inherits this.
227	** ''VideoGame/MegaManStarForce'' employs a scheme similar to the ''X'' series, placing the character's source name before its motif (i.e. Taurus Fire).
228	** The classic series used a musical theme in naming the protagonist robots: Rock and Roll, Blues ([[GeniusBonus Rock's predecessor]]), and Bass and Treble (Forte and Gospel in Japanese). A few of these names were inherited by successor series.
229	* {{Transhuman}}: Most obvious in the robotics timeline, where the method of resolving [[VideoGame/MegaManX centuries]] [[VideoGame/MegaManZero of war]] was to [[VideoGame/MegaManZX reduce the difference between human and robot]]. Downplayed in the network timeline, though the premise of TheMovie from ''Anime/MegaManNTWarrior'' is a result of Tadashi Hikari's noodling around with the concept.
230	* UnderwearOfPower: Of the "underwear on the outside" variety. Averted with the streamlined bodysuits of [[VideoGame/MegaManBattleNetwork MegaMan.EXE]] and [[VideoGame/MegaManStarForce Mega Man Geo-Omega]].
231	* UnstableEquilibrium: In Classic and X series, defeating one Robot Master can make the rest of the game substantially easier if you [[TacticalRockPaperScissors know the weaknesses]] of the other Robot Masters.
232	** Dying during a boss fight can lead to this if you were fighting it with its weakness. Since dying does not refill your Weapon Energy, you have less ammunition for the boss' weakness on the second attempt.
233	* VictorGainsLosersPowers: For the most part, classic ''Mega Man'' gameplay involves obtaining a boss' SignatureMove after defeating him in battle. In ''Mega Man Battle Network'' (and ''Star Force'' by extension), the [[PowersAsPrograms Battle Chip and Card]] mechanics allow Mega Man (or his allies) to use a copy of almost any enemy's attack or technique, not just the bosses. In ''Mega Man Zero'', the EX skills mechanic allows Zero to use the techniques of the bosses if he defeats them [[GameplayGrading with enough style]]; ''Zero 4'' took the concept to its [[HoistByHisOwnPetard logical conclusion]] by introducing the Z-Knuckle weapon, which allowed Zero to use an enemy's weapon by simply ''ripping it out while the Mook is still standing there''. And ''Advent'' took it the full way by letting Grey/Ashe [[VoluntaryShapeshifting turn into bosses with their movesets after copying their DNA]]. ''Legends'', however, mostly avoids this, though your weaponry can be built from components found from defeating enemies and bosses.
234	* VideoGameLives: In every series platformer, including the ''VideoGame/MegaManBattleNetwork'' {{Gaiden Game}}s, which ignore the main games' rule that [=MegaMan.EXE=] [[GameOver can't die, ever]].
235	* VideoGameLongRunners: As of 2018, the series ran for over 30 years, and there are ''7'' series, each of which have numerous installments on their own. The description section at the top of the page tells it all.
236	** It actually holds a ''world record'' for this.
237	* VillainousLegacy: This comes up a lot, as Dr. Wily rivals the TropeNamer as a master of HijackedByGanon.
238	** In the ''X'' series, it is discovered that TheVirus that turns Reploids into Mavericks originated from Zero, and both were Wily's final creations before he died long before the ''X'' series. The BigBad of the ''X'' series, Sigma, merges with the Maverick Virus and transforms it into the Sigma Virus.
239	** In the ''Zero'' series that comes after the ''X'' series, Dr. Weil (no connection to Dr. Wily) creates Omega as a DarkMessiah to exterminate all Reploids. Omega's consciousness inhabits Zero's original body since Zero's mind was extracted after the ''X'' series. The Mother Elf, who becomes the Dark Elf, another major antagonist, was created by Ciel's ancestor by studying the Maverick Virus and trying to create an antibody.
240	** In the ''ZX'' series, all the [[TransformationTrinket Biometals]] [[spoiler:with the exception of [[BraggingRightsReward Model O]]]] are created from studying the original Biometal [[ArtifactOfDoom Model W]], created from the ruins of the [[KillSat Ragnarok satellite]] that Weil fused with at the end of ''Zero 4''. Said Biometals also all contain the [[SoulJar souls]] of past characters from the ''X'' and ''Zero'' series [[spoiler:with the exception of [[BaitAndSwitch Model A]]]].
241	** Averted in ''Battle Network''; though he has quite a lot to do in the franchise itself, Wily has no influence on the ''Star Force'' sequel series.
242	* VirtualSidekick:
243	** In ''VideoGame/MegaManBattleNetwork'', [=NetNavis=] are sentient virtual assistants who have become ubiquitous and essential to everyday life. In addition to being walking antivirus programs, they are often responsible for helping Mr. Progs run everything from [[EverythingIsOnline TVs to cars to life support equipment]]. Almost everyone carries a PET to house their personal [=NetNavi=] and jack them into appliances for when they need to access the internet. [=NetNavis=] and their Operators also pit themselves against each other for sport in [=NetBattles=].
244	** In ''VideoGame/MegaManStarForce'', [=NetNavis=] are replaced in the third game by Wizards, EM beings who do many of the same things their predecessors did in the new EM Wave-technology centered world. Unlike them, they can spontaneously manifest themselves in the real world, and EM Wave Beings can be converted into Wizards via program update.
245	* WaterIsWomanly:
246	** Splash Woman, the only female Robot Master, in ''VideoGame/MegaManClassic'' is a robotic mermaid associated with water.
247	** Downplayed in ''VideoGame/MegaManBattleNetwork'', which has a pair of recurring female Operators with Aqua element Navis--HotScoop Ribitta (the Operator of [=ToadMan=]) and CuteClumsyGirl Shuko Kido (the Operator of [=AquaMan=]).
248	** ''VideoGame/MegaManZero'' has Fairy Leviathan, the only female among the Four Guardians. She is known as the "Ocean Goddess of the Blue Sea" and has a water theme.
249	** Lurerre the Abysroid in ''VideoGame/MegaManZX'' can form a whirlpool and looks like a mermaid when her real body is actually a giant anglerfish robot. She acts like an innocent girl but is in truth violent and aggressive.
250	** Queen Tia in ''VideoGame/MegaManStarForce''. She's cold and aloof, and as the partner of Virgo she has water powers to contrast with her brother Jack's fire powers. She can become Queen Virgo, wielding water attacks in an [[BattleBallgown armored dress]].
251	* WhatMeasureIsANonHuman: A recurring theme of the entire franchise.
252	%%* WhenAllElseFailsGoRight
253	%%* WhenItRainsItPours: Present throughout the franchise.
254	* AWinnerIsYou: In the earlier games.

Context Franchise / MegaMan