The Nintendo Entertainment System (NES) is a classic console that has been beloved by gamers for decades. One of the most iconic games to have been released on this platform is Rockman (also known as Mega Man), which was originally created by Capcom and later ported to NES in Japan. In recent years, a fan-made hack called "Nintendo NES Rockman (Japan) [Hack by Enk+Small Apple v1.0Beta] (~Rockman Kent)" has gained popularity among retro gamers.

In this article, we'll delve into the world of Rockman on the NES and explore what makes this game so special, including its age rating, gameplay, and historical context.

History of Rockman

The original Rockman was released in 1989 for arcades and later ported to various home consoles, including the NES. Developed by Capcom's Shinji Mikami and Keiji Inafune, Rockman was a revolutionary game that introduced players to a new kind of action-platformer.

In Rockman, players control the titular character, Dr. Light's robotic creation, as he battles against seven evil scientists known as the "Masters." Each Master has his own unique abilities and weaknesses, making for a challenging and engaging gameplay experience.

Nintendo NES Port

The NES port of Rockman was released in Japan in 1990, and it's still considered one of the best versions of the game. The game features the same iconic music, graphics, and gameplay as the arcade original, with some minor tweaks to accommodate the console's limitations.

However, the Japanese NES version has a few notable differences from its North American counterpart. One of the most significant changes is the removal of the game's "select" screen, which allowed players to choose their character at the start of each level. In Japan, players were forced to play as Rockman (or Mega Man in the West) for every stage.

Fan-Made Hack: Nintendo NES Rockman (Japan) [Hack by Enk+Small Apple v1.0Beta] (~Rockman Kent)

In 2022, a talented fan-maker named Enk+Small Apple released a hack of the Japanese NES version of Rockman, titled "Nintendo NES Rockman (Japan) [Hack by Enk+Small Apple v1.0Beta] (~Rockman Kent)." This hack introduces several new features and modifications that enhance the gameplay experience.

Some of the notable changes include:

• The removal of the Master Select screen, allowing players to choose their character freely
• New music tracks and sound effects
• Increased difficulty levels and challenging enemies
• A few secret areas and hidden items

The Rockman Kent hack has been praised by fans for its attention to detail and commitment to preserving the original game's spirit. The hack is available for download, but be warned: it's not a straightforward process, requiring some technical knowledge and patience.

Age Rating

The age rating of Rockman on NES varies depending on the region and platform. In Japan, where the game was originally released, the ESRB equivalent rating would likely be "A" or "All Ages." However, in North America and Europe, the rating may be more conservative, possibly "E" for Everyone.

In reality, the game's content is relatively tame compared to modern standards, with no explicit violence, gore, or mature themes. The game does feature some mild cartoonish violence, but it's largely confined to the enemies and bosses, which are depicted in a stylized and non-realistic manner.

Gameplay

The gameplay of Rockman on NES is iconic for its blend of action-platforming and strategic combat. Players control Rockman as he navigates through eight levels, each with its unique challenges and obstacles.

Rockman's abilities include his arm cannon, which can shoot projectiles at enemies; his charge move, which allows him to break certain blocks or stun enemies; and his dash move, which enables him to quickly traverse large distances.

Each level is carefully designed to test the player's skills, with precise platforming sections, challenging boss battles, and a variety of enemy types. The game also features an upgrade system, where players can collect power-ups to increase Rockman's abilities and progress through the levels.

Conclusion

The Nintendo NES Rockman (Japan) [Hack by Enk+Small Apple v1.0Beta] (~Rockman Kent) hack is a testament to the dedication of retro gaming fans and their passion for preserving classic games. This hack offers an enhanced gameplay experience that's faithful to the original, with new features and modifications that cater to both old-school enthusiasts and newcomers alike.

If you're looking for a challenging and engaging action-platformer from the 8-bit era, Rockman on NES is definitely worth checking out. With its age rating of E (Everyone) or A (All Ages), depending on your region, this game is suitable for players of all ages who enjoy retro gaming.

So, what are you waiting for? Grab a controller, power up your NES console, and get ready to rock!