Mega Man Battle Network

"The Blue Bomber is back, but this time in a new action-packed RPG game for Gameboy Advance."

MegaMan Battle Network is the newest masterpiece from Capcom. They combined both Action and RPG element to create a unique game. The action elements are from MMBN’s unique battle system. The RPG elements are mostly the rest of the game.

Gameplay-10
Great! MegaMan Battle Network’s battle system places you in a real-time battle environment. You are placed in a 3x6 and you can move freely and shoot your weapons at will! Also your weapons can very from the over 170 battle chips the game has to offer. There are fire ones, water ones, etc. MMBN has a vast world to explore, most of your journeys will come from exploring the Internet and jacking in jack-in ports. Jack-In ports are ports in most electronic device in the game. With MegaMan you can jack-in and explore a little world that is in the device. Also the Internet lets you explore over 10 different areas in the game.

Story-8
Interesting. Most of the story should unravel as you play along, but basically you have to fight virus in order to save the world from being taken over (never heard that one before…). Anyway the story does what it’s supposed to, which is get the game going.

Graphics-8
Not bad. Nothing breathtaking, but good overall. There is lots of detail in the rooms and outside. In one of the house you even see a Gamecube! The camera is stuck in a sorta three-fourths view.

Sound-7
Average. Nothing great compared to some RPGs. MMBN has music that goes great with your location. The place where MegaMan stands out in sound is the Sound Effect, with all the different weapons fired, and enemies getting hit. There are a lot of sound effects ranging from a phone ringing to a few beeps.

Replay-8
Good. MMBN has more replayability than some RPGs, it has lots of side quests. You can try to get all 175 battle chips, or try to find new area by searching for Jack-In ports and on the Internet. Also you can battle and trade chips with your friends!

Overall-9
Very Good! MMBN is a very unique RPG. It combines the elements of an Action game and a RPG Game, two very different categories.

The Bottom Line
This is a must buy for every MegaMan fan. It also adds an interesting twist to the average RPG gamer, because if you’re not strong enough to beat them you might be able to beat them with pure skill. Mega Man Battle Network is an excellent addition to any Gameboy Advance game library.

Reviewer's Score: 9/10, Originally Posted: 11/17/01, Updated 11/17/01