Mega Man Battle Network

"The Best RPG on Gameboy Advance"

MegaMan Battle Network

Background Story 10/10
MegaMan... A hero in the eyes of many. But before the creation of the hero, he existed as a mere program of computer science. An experiment with technology known as NetNavi, to create a battling friend used to combat the waves of viruses in the internet. The cause of these viruses is World Three (WWW) who are beginning a plan to control the internet. Can Megaman.Exe defeat the WWW forces?

Gameplay 10/10
Wow. This RPG is the first of it's kind on Gameboy where you move in battles. There are 3 modes in the game, these are DenCity, Net and Battle Routine. DenCity is where most of the story takes place. You control Lan, a little boy in a futuristic world. Everyone has a NetNavi, a computer pet with real emotions. MegaMan.Exe is Lan's. Now, when you upload your Navi into the Net, you can begin the real game. The viruses in the area grow faster each day, and Megaman combats them with his Battle Routine. This takes place on a battle grid, where Lan uploads special 'battle chips' which give MegaMan new attacks to use. Of course, everyone has to use that trusty MegaBuster at some point!!!

Graphics 10/10
Wow. Do you remember when you saw that world map in 3D on a chocobo in Final Fantasy VI? Now imagine that shock growing from a seed, into an apple, into a very large tree. This is MegaMan Battle Network. Capcom have done so much with so little, and it looks amazing. It is a work of sheer brilliance. One so great, that even the high and mighty CJayC decided to write an FAQ. Worship it.

Sound 9/10
It's very good. Each chip subtype (for there are 1-3 chips in each) has it's own sound, as does each monster, as does each step Lan takes. The sound is brilliant. I don't play with it on that much, because my parents hate it, but it is great sound.

Longevity / Replay Value 8/10
This is the one point which isn't perfect. It is possible to complete this game in around 10 hours of play. Then again, it depends on your definition of complete. Every game has what is called an 'Omega Weapon' and this is no exception. The Omega Weapon is known as Forte... can you find it? There are 174 battle chips, plus the mysterious DreamAura to find, and then there is the brilliant Challenge Arena where you can battle as much as you like. And can you reach level 100? Yes? Lord Forte awaits you...

Reviewer's Score: 10/10, Originally Posted: 03/05/02, Updated 07/25/03