Against flimsy sales of the second entry in the “Legends”, Capcom has finally started production on Megaman Legends 3 for the 3DS. Known as “DASH 3 PROJECT” in Japan, creator Keiji Inafune has been talking up the sequel nearly ten years in the making all over the internet. Sadly, his departure from Capcom has fans of the series worried, especially since it has come to light that the game has not yet been green-lit.

I’ll be the first to admit, I was a sucker for its cel-shaded, anime plotline, exploration heavy gameplay. I loved finding that one piece I needed for my next gun, or a large cache of zenny, the in game currency, deep underground. However, recent statements from Inafune are causing some distress on my part. The creator has gone on record stating that fans will be co-developers on the title. Now, hear that? It’s the shrieks of every depraved fanfic writer combining in pure excitement, and I’m not sure a game, unless it exists as a creation tool, should have any fan input. There is a reason why everyone on earth is not working in the game industry.

The above picture is an actual contest, involving choosing the game’s main heroine in ML 3. This move all together feels pretty cheap and objectifying. It’s like a Miss America Pageant, choosing one out of a group of girls who is prettiest. Again, not something fans should have any say over. A subsequent contest let fans design one of the game distinctive reaverbots, which is reminiscent of the fan design robot masters in the original Mega Man series.

Will Megaman Legends 3 be worth our time? At this point, it’s hard to tell. No screenshots or plotline has been leaked, but it’s assumed it will follow up the cliffhanger ending on Legends 2. A progress link on the Japanese website has a countdown timer reading “13%”. So settle in, and wait for more news right here as they are announced. If you want to find out more (in English), be sure to check the Legends 3 Devroom Blog!