Proto:Mega Man Legends/August 5, 1997 (Biohazard 2 Trial Edition)

This page details one or more prototype versions of Mega Man Legends.

To do: Gather and verify findings from here, compare to final version.

Rockman NEO is a pre-release demo of Mega Man Legends (Rockman DASH) that was included in the second disc of the Japanese version of Resident Evil: Director's Cut. A stand-alone disc of the same demo with the updated DASH name was later released, also exclusive to Japan.

With a build date of August 5, 1997, the demo predates the final Japanese version by approximately four months and contains several significant graphical, audio and gameplay differences compared to the final release.

The video at right demonstrates the game's content and gameplay, as well as its controls.

Game Controls

• The Lock-On functionality works the same. However, when homing, the camera zooms over to Mega Man's head. In the final, the camera just zooms over to his shoulders.
• In this build, the player can do a 90° turn with L2 while simultaneously pressing Right or Left on the D-Pad. This can allow for quick turns but only while standing still. In the final version, the player must press the Circle button while moving to have the camera turn to the direction Mega Man's facing.
• While performing a dodge roll, the player can hold L1 or R1 button to have the camera turn to the direction Mega Man's rolling to. This is not in the final release.
• Mega Man cannot jump as high as he does in the final.
• The X-button escape roll, a maneuver that is used to escape enemy fire after getting hit, does not work in this demo.

Alternate Audio

Paprika's Barks

The scene where Paprika chases Tron Bonne across the downtown area in the final does not occur in this demo. However, there are voice samples for the dog in the game's XA directory, which sound quite different from the final version.

Unused Dialogue

To do: But wait, there's more?

There are several unused pieces of dialogue for Tron Bonne and the KTOX TV Reporter. Interestingly, not only are these Japanese pieces missing in the final version of DASH, but these lines were apparently translated and dubbed into English and can be found also unused inside Mega Man Legends as well (!).

Context for dialogue above. Translation at the bottom.

Tron Shooing Paprika

"H-hey! Don't come any closer! Go away!"

TV Reporter Praises Mega Man

"Yes, he did it! In the end, the boy protected City Hall from the mysterious group! Amazing! He's truly a hero!"

KTOX TV Reporter Comments About the Battle's End and Mayor Amelia

"One way or another, it's finished. The enemy's attack seems to have cooled down. I hope Mayor Amelia is alright..."

(Source: OKeijiDragon, Heat Man (translation))

Unused Graphics

To do: Investigate the build for more textures that remain uncovered as seen in this video: [[1]]

Unused Dynamo Vending Machine

An alternate vending machine design not seen in the final game.

(Source: Protodude)

Unused Ruined House Texture

Found within both the Rockman NEO and Capcom Friendly Club builds are these textures of ruined houses in their early designs in the Downtown area. Also embedded in the textures are two characters from Star Gladiator. The dialog exchanged can change based on context. June Lin Milliam is saying in a cutesy voice "Nukki, are you alright~?" and Franco Gerelt is saying "I feel a nosebleed coming on..."

(Source: PixelButts, GlitterBerri (translation))

Pecos Poster

"Pecos" map found in the Apple Market Bookstore. The final version of the game has "KTOX" instead of "Pecos".

(Source: Protodude)

Unused North Door

Presumably a leftover from the E3 1997 demo of Rockman Neo. It is a large shutter with a card reader and a small doorway to the right.

(Source: Protodude)

Unused Clothesline

Another leftover from the E3 1997 demo of Rockman Neo. This was found within the Downtown textures.

(Source: Protodude)

Mega Man Neo Title

This graphic was found within the game's files. Back when the game was originally announced, it was known as Mega Man Neo outside of Japan. It can actually be seen in certain E3 1997 videos.

(Source: Metalman of Sprites INC)

Leftover Nighttime Textures

Found within both the Rockman NEO build and Capcom Friendly Club build is an unused mode for nighttime. These can be found in ST51_DATA.BIN on the discs.

To do: Describe these in detail. Translate any that need translation. Add two more textures once they've been identified.

(Source: PixelButts)