Mega Man 10’s Unused Assist Co-Op Mode (Prototype Xbox 360 PartnerNET Builds)

Footage from Mega Man 10’s unused co-op mutliplayer mode, sourced from several prototype builds from PartnerNET. Each prototype build includes demonstration videos featuring the “Assist Co-Op Mode“ and a set of “How to Play“ instruction screens. From the footage and instructions, it appears that players had the option to assume the role of either Mega Man or Proto Man to tackle stages together and face obstacles not seen in the final game. For example, in Commando Man and Pump Man’s stage, as well as the first screen following the Weapons Archive fight in Wily Stage 1, players encounter a blockade that impedes their progress. To dismantle it, both players must “Sync Up“ to unleash a powerful Buster Shot. Players enter a “sync“ state when they are in close proximity to each other, marked by a sparkling effect. Assist Co-Op also featured a mechanic known as “Pick Up Standby,“ which allowed players to stop falling objects using Mega Man or Proto Man’s raised hands. This provided an opportunity to rescue a teammate or collaborate in navigating through confined spaces (heck, you could even pick up and throw each other!). Notably, “Pick Up Standby“ is functional in single-player mode, and proves useful in carrying the Keeper’s Fists in Strike Man’s stage and the Crushers in Dr. Wily Stage 2. Prototype builds are downloadable via Hidden Palace: (Oct_16,_2009_prototype) Credit to Colgate and Roxanne Royer for the capture footage!