E3 2001 Preshow Report: Capcom announces Mega Man X6

Due to strong consumer demand, Capcom has decided to continue the Mega Man X series. Mega Man X6 takes place three weeks after Hunter Zero gave his life to save planet Earth from the crashing space colony at the end of Mega Man X5. The world is now a wasteland, and humankind has employed reploids to rebuild it. What looks like a smooth transition, however, is disrupted when Alia alerts Mega Man that a gigantic reploid has gone on a rampage, thus beginning his adventure.

The game will utilize a "nightmare system," which, in effect, causes the player's actions in previous stages to impact events in future stages. Alternate paths, for example, could open up, and so could traps, new enemies, and the like. Each of the game's stages will also be randomized in terms of layout and enemy placement, ensuring a relatively unique experience each time the game is played. Scattered throughout the stages will also be friendly reploids, which will grant players power-ups when they are picked-up.

"Capcom's Mega Man products continue to delight video game fans around the world, and this new installment will continue the legacy established for this hit franchise," said Todd Thorson, Capcom's director of marketing. "Mega Man X6 introduces new features while continuing the classic gameplay experience of its predecessors. To date, more than 8 millions of copies of Mega Man have been sold worldwide."

No release date has been set for Mega Man X6. Stay with GameSpot for continuing coverage.