The Nintendo Entertainment System (NES) is a legendary gaming console that has been entertaining gamers for decades. One of the most iconic games to be released on this console is Super Mario Bros., but another game that deserves attention is Rockman, also known as Mega Man in North America and Europe. This game was originally released in Japan as "Rockman Kai" and was later modified by a group called Small Apple to include additional features.

In this article, we'll delve into the world of Rockman, its history, and the modifications made by Small Apple. We'll also explore the age rating that is available for this game.

History of Rockman

Rockman was first released in Japan in 1989 as a launch title for the Famicom Disk System, which was Nintendo's answer to the rising popularity of CD-ROM technology at the time. The game was developed by a team led by Masami Ueda, who would later go on to become the director of the Mega Man series.

The game follows the story of Rockman, a robot created by Dr. Light to fight against the evil scientist Dr. Wily and his robotic creations. Players control Rockman as he navigates through eight levels, fighting against Dr. Wily's robots in order to defeat him.

Modification by Small Apple

In 2013, a group called Small Apple released a modification of Rockman that included additional features such as new stages, enemies, and bosses. The modification was created using the original game data, but with some changes made to the code to include the new content.

The modification is notable for its high level of detail and polish, with many fans praising its accuracy and faithfulness to the original game. Small Apple's modification also includes some new graphics and sound effects, which add to the overall gaming experience.

Age Rating

The age rating for Rockman (Japan) [Hack by Small Apple v1.0] (~Rockman Kai) is 12+ according to the Japanese rating board CERO. This means that players under the age of 12 are not allowed to play this game, as it contains some violence and mild suggestive content.

In Europe and North America, the game was originally rated M for Mature by the ESRB (Entertainment Software Rating Board) due to its violent content and themes. However, with Small Apple's modification, the rating has changed to a more general "M" without any explicit age restrictions.

Gameplay

The gameplay of Rockman is similar to that of other platformers from the same era. Players control Rockman as he navigates through eight levels, fighting against Dr. Wily's robots in order to defeat him. The game features a variety of power-ups and abilities that allow players to access new areas and defeat enemies.

Some of the notable features of Rockman include:

• Eight levels with increasing difficulty
• A variety of enemies and bosses to fight against
• Power-ups such as health, shields, and bombs
• New stages and challenges introduced by Small Apple's modification

Conclusion

Rockman is a classic game that has been entertaining gamers for decades. With its challenging gameplay and iconic characters, it's no wonder why this game remains popular today.

The modification made by Small Apple adds new features to the original game, making it even more enjoyable for fans of platformers. While the age rating may be higher than some other games in the series, Rockman is still a great option for gamers who enjoy challenging and classic gameplay.

Overall, Rockman (Japan) [Hack by Small Apple v1.0] (~Rockman Kai) is a must-play for fans of platformers and retro gaming. Its high level of detail and polish make it a standout title in the series, and its age rating reflects its suitability for players of all ages.

History of Development

The development of Rockman began in 1985 at Capcom's Kanazawa branch office in Japan. The game was originally titled "Rock Man" and was designed to be a more complex version of the game released earlier that year called "TwinBee".

In 1986, the game was revised and rewritten several times before it was finally completed. Masami Ueda, who would later become the director of the Mega Man series, worked on the game at this time.

The game was eventually released in Japan in 1989 as a launch title for the Famicom Disk System, which was Nintendo's answer to the rising popularity of CD-ROM technology at the time. The game was developed by a team led by Masami Ueda and was published by Capcom.

Release History

Rockman (Japan) [Hack by Small Apple v1.0] (~Rockman Kai) was released in Japan in 1989 as part of the Famicom Disk System, which was Nintendo's answer to the rising popularity of CD-ROM technology at the time. The game was developed by a team led by Masami Ueda and was published by Capcom.

The game was later modified by Small Apple, who released a hack that included additional features such as new stages, enemies, and bosses. This modification was created using the original game data, but with some changes made to the code to include the new content.

Today, Rockman (Japan) [Hack by Small Apple v1.0] (~Rockman Kai) is considered one of the greatest games of all time, and its modification by Small Apple has only added to its popularity among retro gaming fans.

Comparison to Other Games

Rockman (Japan) [Hack by Small Apple v1.0] (~Rockman Kai) can be compared to other classic platformers from the same era. Some notable titles include:

• Super Mario Bros.: This game is often considered one of the greatest games of all time, and its influence on the platformer genre cannot be overstated.
• Mega Man: This game is often considered a spiritual successor to Rockman, and its gameplay and design are heavily influenced by the original.
• Contra: This game is known for its fast-paced action and challenging gameplay, which makes it a great option for fans of platformers.

Overall, Rockman (Japan) [Hack by Small Apple v1.0] (~Rockman Kai) stands out as one of the most iconic games in the platformer genre, with its high level of detail and polish making it a standout title among other retro gaming classics.

Marketing and Distribution

The release of Rockman (Japan) [Hack by Small Apple v1.0] (~Rockman Kai) was handled by Capcom's marketing team, which included a number of promotional materials such as posters, flyers, and magazines ads.

In Japan, the game was released on the Famicom Disk System, which was Nintendo's answer to the rising popularity of CD-ROM technology at the time. The game was also sold in stores and through mail-order catalogs.

Today, Rockman (Japan) [Hack by Small Apple v1.0] (~Rockman Kai) is considered a classic game that has stood the test of time. Its modification by Small Apple has only added to its popularity among retro gaming fans, who can still experience the thrill of playing this iconic game today.

Impact on Gaming

The release of Rockman (Japan) [Hack by Small Apple v1.0] (~Rockman Kai) had a significant impact on the gaming industry. The game's influence can be seen in many other platformers that followed, including:

• Mega Man: This game was heavily influenced by Rockman and is often considered a spiritual successor to the original.
• Contra: This game is known for its fast-paced action and challenging gameplay, which makes it a great option for fans of platformers.
• Super Mario Bros.: This game is often considered one of the greatest games of all time, and its influence on the platformer genre cannot be overstated.

Overall, Rockman (Japan) [Hack by Small Apple v1.0] (~Rockman Kai) stands out as a classic game that has had a lasting impact on the gaming industry. Its high level of detail and polish make it a standout title among other retro gaming classics.

Conclusion

Rockman (Japan) [Hack by Small Apple v1.0] (~Rockman Kai) is a classic game that has been entertaining gamers for decades. With its challenging gameplay, iconic characters, and modification by Small Apple, this game remains one of the most popular titles in the platformer genre today.

The age rating may be higher than some other games in the series, but Rockman (Japan) [Hack by Small Apple v1.0] (~Rockman Kai) is still a great option for gamers who enjoy classic gameplay and challenging levels.

Overall, this game stands out as one of the most iconic titles in retro gaming history, with its influence on the platformer genre still felt today.