Yeah, this is the problem. AAA aren't just about the budget, but creating for a particular mass audience with specific tastes. AAA titles have specific characteristics, design philosophies. They need to be like this in order to draw in a ton of money. The lack of a need to make back a bloated AAA game budget allows more flexibility: in game design, in acceptance of loss, in pricing (eh...not very often, I'll admit), etc.
Yeah...this.
I mean, a game series like Capcom's own Sengoku BASARA doesn't bring home the AAA bacon, and even "worse", is largely exclusive to Japan. But that's alright because the series is made with a reasonable set of expectations. (Plus the franchise makes plenty of bank through other means, like extensive merchandising and franchising opportunities.)
A new Rockman game developed with a similar, reasonable mindset would likely do fine, as well. Especially since Capcom already has the whole "merchandising" thing down-pat for Rockman on a global scale, which I think could do plenty to offset development costs in their own way if utilized correctly.
If we don't see Mega Man at this E3, I think it's safe to assume that MM is truly dead... If Capcom can't give us 1 single solitary Mega Man game for his 25th anniversary it's time to move on.
I'd actually say that TGS would be our last hope, considering Capcom was last quoted on how they think that "
Megaman isn't popular outside of Japan" (which only further showcases the kind of GROSS disconnect that exists in that company).
Of course, I would love it if they at least gave us a teaser at E3, with the basic thing being that we'd have to wait for TGS for more information, and then finally something in time for Rockman's "Birthday" in December.
If it came down to it? I would rather Capcom only showcase something Rockman-related when they really think it's ready to be shown (and perhaps too far along for them to cancel it).
EDIT:
I totally disagree with this definition of AAA.
For example, Metroid Prime is, without a doubt, a AAA title, but it was totally experimental, broke all sorts of so-called AAA rules (no voice acting, minimal cutscenes, open ended, more thinking less action.)
AAA is about quality and quantity of game content, not a particular expensive type of production design, and not cookie cutter design philosophies.
I personally don't want a megaman title that isn't AAA. I want the absolute best people available working on it, making the absolute best/most extensive game they can with all the time and resources they need to churn out a great, and totally satisfying product.
There are more than enough "good" and "solid" megaman games. I want another great one.
Well, then I guess the question is...
What can they do to Rockman that really would warrant the "AAA" treatment?
In other words, what could they honestly do to the formula, without either alienating longtime fans and (ideally) bringing in more fans to the table?
The DASH/Legends series tried to bring the series into 3D and make into an adventure-platformer. The X/Zero/ZX series has tried various other things to try and "add-on" compelling things to the typical MM formula, from RPG-lite "growing" aspects, to collectathon filler, to even Metroid-like exploration. X even has a more typical JRPG to its credit.
But did any of these really pan out the way that Capcom likely desired? ...Not so much.
At this point, I think Capcom might be more prone to marrying Rockman to the MonHun formula in some compelling way, add multiplayer and some semblance of story, and call it a day. Considering that MonHun usually involves missions that consist of small levels, pattern-based boss fights and earning stuff from killing those bosses, this may not be at all an outlandish idea...
