For a game that won't actually ever appear in a physical box on retail shelves, the Megaman 9 box art looks freakin' amazing.  Obviously a throwback to the original NES Megaman American box art, this latest illustration strikes a nostalgic chord.  I didn't think that those painfully lame pictures from my childhood would improve with age.  But I stand corrected. The newest iteration is both ironic and inspired.

I mean, look at this thing!  We have Tron grids, a post-apocalyptic skyline, and a geriatric Vaderesque Dr. Wily looming in the distance.  And no, you aren't mistaken, Mega Man has both his Mega Buster AND a gun.....pewpewpew. 

Capcom proves they have both a good sense of humor and at least one artist on staff who is a total badass.  Who knew?

Now, granted, I can't prove this is real or that Capcom has anything to do with it.  I just stumbled across a link to it and before I registered what I was seeing, this article was written.  So if it's an elaborate photoshop by some talented fan, then I apologize for misleading you.  But regardless of its origins, I thank the individual who labored over this.  For you have given not only a box to a game who will never have one, but also, hope....to us all....that the world, or at least the internet can still appreciate sweet-ass 1980's video game art. 

[via 1up]