So, I downloaded
Rockman 8 FC and I suddenly remembered why I never played through the damn thing. There's no way to disable controller support, but the way it tries to map my controller (A PS2 controller via Super Dual Box Pro adapter) simply does not work. I have directional buttons that press every button at the same time, for example...
So anyway, I decided to poke around the shop. Here's the entire catalog of items and what they do:
[spoiler]
Spare Body (1-up) - 20 Bolts - Non-usage item, takes effect immediately.
Gives you another chance to complete a stage.
E-Tank - 30 Bolts, One-time use, works immediately.
Instantly refills your Life Energy.
Power Shield - 20 Bolts - One-time use, lasts the entire stage.
Prevent Rockman from being pushed around when taking damage.
Super Recover - 20 Bolts - One-time use, lasts the entire stage.
Increase the amount of Life/Weapon Energy gained from Life/Weapon Energy Capsules.
Shooting Part - 30 Bolts - One-time use, lasts the entire stage.
You can have 5 Rock Buster shots on-screen at the same time instead of just 3.
Hyper Charge - 30 Bolts - One-time use, lasts the entire stage.
Halves the amount of time it takes to charge a Power Shot.
Exit - 50 Bolts - Infinite use, works immediately.
Allows you to immediately exit a stage if you've already beaten it once.
Exchanger - 80 Bolts - Permanent upgrade.
If you have full Life Energy and pick up a Life Energy Capsule, it gets converted into Weapon Energy instead.
Energy Balancer - 100 Bolts - Permanent upgrade.
Weapon Energy Capsules picked up while no weapon is equipped automatically charge the weapon with the lowest energy.
Energy Saver - 150 Bolts - Permanent upgrade.
Decreases the amount of energy needed to use a special weapon by about half.[/spoiler]
So... yeah! I was wrong about a lot of things, apparently.