Capcom reveals that the first six games in the Mega Man franchise will be released for iOS and Android devices, with a release date set for January 2017.

When it comes to Capcom franchises that should be revived, Mega Man sits near the top of the list. One of the classic platformers of the NES era, the Blue Bomber has certainly seen better days, with new releases for the character not in sight. This has disappointed plenty of the franchise's fans, but at least the original games are due to see another release - this time in the form of mobile ports.

Capcom has confirmed that Mega Man 1-6 will be released for iOS and Android devices, with a launch date currently set for January 2017. This continues Capcom's strategy of "aggressively" integrating its franchises on mobile, after the publisher revealed its initial plans to release mobile games based on Mega Man and Monster Hunter earlier this year. Exactly when in January these releases are due to take place has yet to be confirmed, but Capcom has given fans of Mega Man a form to fill in to be notified once the games are available.

It's not the only time that these classic Mega Man games have seen a revival of late, either. Last year, Capcom released the Mega Man Legacy Collection, a compilation of the first six games in the series that came complete with additional bonus features. These mobile releases will not be a straight port of the Legacy Collection however, but will consist of the same six games.

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Depending on how Capcom builds and frames these mobile ports, it could mean that 2017 will be a better year for Mega Man fans than 2016 was. In the end, the year has been a frustrating one for those after some old-school platforming, particularly after the failure of Mighty No. 9. Hopefully, these early Mega Man games are able to transfer over to mobile gaming easily.

There are, however, some concerns. After all, the Mega Man games have always been about precision gameplay, with the first few titles notorious as being some of the most challenging platformers on the NES. Some fans, therefore, have been left wondering whether a touch-screen device will give the player enough control when it really matters, or whether a peripheral will be needed to be able to play the games.

Of course, this is but a minor quibble - particularly given that these games are available across a wide variety of devices now. However, it does still raise questions about the publisher's larger strategy as a whole, and whether Capcom's over-emphasis on remakes and re-releases could lead to stagnation. Perhaps with Resident Evil 7 taking the series in a new direction, though, other franchises will be able to get their own updates in time.

Mega Man 1-6 will be released for iOS and Android devices in January 2017.