It is always worth checking out ratings websites such as the UK PEGI site, Germany’s USK and America’s ESRB sites, since they more often than not give away tips to what games consumers can expect to see in the near future. Of course, it does not always been a release is coming, but there is definitely a strong chance. Australia’s rating website has unveiled news of Mega Man 9 coming from Capcom. But to which platform?

If you head over to the Office of Film and Literature Classification, it can be seen that on 13th June, 2008 Red Ant Enterprises had a classification granted on behalf of Capcom for a Mega Man 9 and that it will be multi-platform. Below is the full classification given:

Classification G (General)
Consumer Advice

Category: Computer Games
Version: ORIGINAL
Duration: Variable
Date of Classification: 13th June 2008

Author: CAPCOM
Publisher: CAPCOM
Production Company: CAPCOM
Country of Origin: NOT SHOWN

Applicant: RED ANT ENTERPRISES
File Number: T08/2442
Classification Number: 674B2654

The question now has to be just what platforms will be getting the game? Well, there are already rumours floating around from people stating they have insider information on the project. Whilst many presumed this was just an update of an old game in the long running platform action series, it was quickly pointed out that the main numbered entries ceased with Mega Man 8 and from then on there have been constant spin-offs. This new main entry will, according to the ‘internal sources’ have a retro 8-bit style, playing in the same style as Mega Man 3 through to 6, but with a storyline that is not leading into the ‘X’ series. It has also been stated that both Mega Man and Protoman will be playable, each with separate storylines. In addition, there will be slew of new characters, robot masters, and possibly even supporting cast. And if that was not enough, Capcom is apparently going to be including both online leader boards, as well as some other unknown online elements.

Finally, despite the OFLC regularly making mistakes and claiming titles are multi-format when they are in fact not, the ‘informant’ has confirmed that Mega Man 8 will indeed be launched across all formats, but for the Microsoft and Sony systems it will be an Xbox L!ve Arcade and PlayStation Network title, leaving Wii as the only system with a retail release. He or she ends with “Robots have [expiration] dates” - so could this be the final ever main entry into the series?

Whatever the case, details are likely to be revealed at E3, which is only a month away. Stick around for further updates on this and much more!