Sometimes games are covered that just have so much stuff to discuss, that it's not possible
to fit it all into a single video.
This was definitely the case for such a big and long running series as Mega Man, and so
welcome to yet another look at all of the censorship changes made to the games, for
different regions around the world.
Last time saw such changes as the toning down of inappropriate language, as well as things
like Mega Man Legends' various forms of violence towards animals, and how this and other provocative
content, such as PORNO MAGAZINES, were removed in the Western versions.
However, did you know that this hasn't been the only time for adult magazines to be censored
outside of Japan?
To begin we'll be taking a look at the PS1's The Misadventures of Tron Bonne, a spin off
in the Legends series featuring series anti-hero Tron Bonne.
A big part of the game involves you building a loyal army of Servbots, raising their stats
and having them learn new skills.
One of these robotic allies though are a sort of black sheep, well, at least in the Japanese
version anyway.
Servbot #40 is the final member of the group and this particular robot's special skill
isn't exactly very helpful.
Taught by giving them the item Design Magazine, they then acquire an ability called "Design".
Whilst other skills give you extra attacks or unlock new features, this one simply results
in the suspicious little drone bouncing up and down on Tron's bed, and commenting on
how bland the place looks and how some new colours might help brighten the place up.
Over in Japan, on the other hand, things are extremely different, although he still isn't
any more helpful.
First, let's take a look at the 'Design Magazine' that sends the robot on a hyperactive bed
bouncing, fashion spree.
The item is acquired during Mission 1-2 and you can briefly see its sprite pop up, following
destroying the house it's contained in.
Now, let's zoom in and take a closer look at the magazine.
Notice how it appears to show what looks like a naked women on its cover?
Well, that's because, in the original, Japanese version, the item isn't a "Design Magazine"
at all, and is instead a, yes, Adult Magazine.
Whilst the naughty sprite was kept, the name was changed when localised outside of Japan.
Alongside this, the skill that Servbot #40 learns when given the magazine was original
NOT titled "Design", but instead the letter "H", representing the word hentai, or pervert
in Japanese.
To further add to all of this, matching the 'very different' skill is completely different
dialogue when the Servbot bounces on Tron's bed.
Over in Japan, the robot, rather than talking about redecorating the place, is perversely
sniffing the feminine scent on her bed.
Important to bring up is the fact that, in the US, the title was given an E For Everyone
ESRB rating, which, of course, could have had something to do with THESE alterations,
as well a change made to another part of the title that could be seen as inappropriate
for younger audiences.
One of the game's sidequests involves searching for the "Elixir of Youth".
When you find the mysterious liquid, it is discovered that it is actually only root beer
all along.
The drink is sampled by one of Tron's Servbots and makes them turn red and feel all tingly
inside.
In the Japanese version, there's a much more appropriate explanation for the extreme effect
that drinking the Root Beer has on their body.
You see, in Japan the substance is actually sake, a popular Japanese alcohol.
To now move away from The Misadventures of Tron Bonne and to the Game Boy Advance's Mega
Man Zero 3.
A curious change was made to one of the game's villains for the North American version, but
actually NOT over in Europe.
Whilst elsewhere in the world, including Japan, the Weapons Repair Factory's boss goes by
the name "Hellbat Schilt", in the US they are instead called "Devilbat Schilt", with
it being suggested that this was due to Nintendo's infamous censorship policies, during this
time, to words such as "hell" and other terms that could be seen as questionable.
Next up is Mega Man Powered Up, a remake of the very first Mega Man, for the PSP.
This updated release saw the addition of two new Robot Masters, one of these being Oil
Man, a robot equipped with a cannon on its left arm that, you guessed it, shoots out
oil.
One aspect of their character design was met with the controversy in the West though, this
being their big lipped, dark faced appearance.
Comparable to such characters as Pokemon's Jynx and Mr Popo from the Dragon Ball franchise,
Oil Man was accused of resembling racist, blackface iconography.
Due to this, their skin was changed to dark blue and they were given yellow lips outside
of Japan.
Interesting to point out is that, in Archie's Mega Man comic book series, the potentially
problematic design was instead covered up by a scarf, and you are unable to ever see
the character's big lips.
But to finish with yet another alteration that was made to the first Mega Man Legends
title.
There's a very memorable moment in the game where Mega Man 'accidently' walks into Roll's
bedroom whilst she's naked and getting dressed.
Naturally Roll gets pretty mad and tells Mega Man to knock first next time.
He says sorry but then does something much, much less apologetic.
The obviously hormonal Mega Man ends his apology with a victorious fist pump in the air and
this can be found in even the English N64 releases, as well as the Japanese one.
However, for the PlayStation version, the whole scene remains exactly the same except
the arm in the air celebration is strangely missing.
To just clarify though, whilst still an alteration, this time it's the other way around, with
the PlayStation release coming 3 years prior to the N64 port.
To add to this further, a very similar scene can be found in the sequel, but now Mega Man
walks in on Roll taking a bath.
The second game was also released for the PlayStation and, unlike in the original, Mega
Man this time DOES do his fist pump in the air, after his perhaps not so sincere apology.
Thank you for watching.