One of the reasons that 2D-X was created was due to my ever-escalating frustration in finding a console game that I could just pick up and play without dedicating a significant portion of my life to learning the control scheme. As much as I love UFC Undisputed 2009, I have to admit that remembering the reverse, grapple, escape, and the myriad moves made me, initially, want to smash my TV and have adventure.

As such, when I first got around to playing Mega Man 9 earlier this year (yes, I was late to the party), it was a revelation. I suppose that revelation is a bit overstated as the game was actually a throwback to all that was right and pure in the series before it mutated into a shadow of its previous self. In a world of high gloss polygons it was unapologetically 8-bit in terms of visuals, audio, and difficulty. And it rocked. HARD.

Capcom builds off of that stellar foundation with Mega Man 10, which was revealed in the latest Nintendo Power. Created to celebrate the Blue Bomber’s 22 birthday, Mega Man 10 sees our plucky protagonist, Proto Man, and a third mystery character on a hunt to find a cure for a disease that is driving mechanical beings bonkers. The game features a quirky new boss (Sheep Man!) and an easy mode for those that can do without 2D, 8-bit frustration.

Currently, the game’s release date is up in the air, but for now at least, it’s a WiiWare exclusive (we’re sure that PSN and XBLA are sure to come). It remains to be seen if Mega Man 10 will be as successful as Mega Man 9, which was a much-talked about title due to its retro clothing. A second dip in into the neo-retro batter may turn off those that scream “regression” or “rehash”, but in all honesty, I’m ready to lick that spoon.