Mega Man has fared well against rivals like his brother Blues and Wily’s creation, Bass. The Mega Man Killers are another set of villains he has beaten before. Mega Man’s weirdest rival lies in his second title. Mega Man II introduced Rock to Quint, a mind-controlled version of him from the future. Quint was only fought in one game and has since gone underground. Despite his obscure role, Quint proves to be an interesting character.
The Basics with Quint
Quint is an enigma from the series’ earlier roots, debuting in 1992’s Mega Man II known in Japan, as ‘Rock Man World 2’. Quint is Mega Man, a future version of him at least. He comes from a peaceful period where Rock has retired as a hero. Wily kidnaps Mega Man from this era and remodels him into Quint. With him as an asset, Wily believes he will defeat the blue bomber once and for all. Quint and Mega Man fight but during the battle, he teleports away.
Quint’s second big appearance is in Mega Man V, known as ‘Rock Man World 5’. This example plays his appearance more ambiguously. He is one of many rehashed bosses from previous games aboard the Wily Star. Unlike his last fight, this ‘copy’ of Quint explodes after you beat him. It is implied that this iteration of the character is not the same person, but a replica. Quint has no confirmed appearances after this, and he disappears from the series.
Rockman Shadow: The Curious Doppelganger
Quint has a copycat of his own, the enigmatic Rockman Shadow. He makes his presence known as a mysterious threat in Rockman & Forte: Mirai Kara No Chosensha. Rockman Shadow is the main antagonist, hailing from the far future. He leads the Dimensions, a time-traveling set of robot masters. The Dimensions also act as substitutes for Wily’s usual robot master structure in the game. Rockman Shadow is obsessed with wreaking havoc and takes great pride in his strength.
Rockman Shadow has an unusual connection to Quint in the game. Rockman & Forte reveals that Rockman Shadow is a failed prototype of Quint. He was created and thrown aside by Wily in favor of his successor. Rockman Shadow upgraded himself and devastated the future. Rockman Shadow escaped to the present so Mega Man and Bass could defeat him. In a way, Rockman Shadow’s overall position as a character is tragic.
Bass: A better-done Rival
Quint functions as an interesting rival to Mega Man, his past self. Bass, however, has him beat in one way: consistency. Before the iconic Zero, Bass was the mad doctor’s best creation and strongest. Bass is driven by his hatred of Mega Man, and his desire to be the strongest robot alive. Despite his evil origins, Bass has some goodness in him.
Since his debut in 1995’s Mega Man 7, Bass has been a rival and occasional ally to the blue bomber. He’s been playable in titles like Mega Man & Bass and Mega Man 10. Bass was also playable in Rockman X Dive, featuring his base and super forms as characters. Bass is the de-facto anti-hero and one of the most consistent pulls the classic continuity can offer. Bass is a common fan favorite and a perfect rival for Rock.
Why Quint Shouldn’t Return
Quint is still a mystery, and we do not know what happens to him. The likeliest choice is he returned to his timeline after you defeated him. Blues and Bass have unfortunately supplanted him as ‘fitting’ rivals for Mega Man. In addition, he is limited to only having two boss fights in the series.
Rock’s future counterpart is the first attempt the series has with time travel and the future. Because of this, he predates elements like the X series, the confirmed ‘future’ of Mega Man’s journey. Despite his obscurity, this time traveler is an interesting character to look at. He has all the potential to be explored, and it’s unlikely Capcom will act on it. If this green bomber has interested you, check out his appearances.
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