Mega Man Battle Network 3 Blue

"Battle Network seems to be the best!"

Many people may not like how new and RPG-ish the Battle Network series is, because they're used to the sidescrolling NES/ SNES games. I say, it's about time my favorite Blue Bomber goes RPG.

Story: 8
I give story an 8 only becuase I don't know the full story behind the game. I've only just started playing it at the time I wrote this. But the Battle Network series (not to spoil anything) always has this sort of group you're working to beat, and that's all I'm saying.

Gameplay: 10
I absolutely LOVE the BN gameplay, mostly because I'm a really big RPG fan and that's what this is. I love to be able to do more than shoot your enemy until it dies. I think this game forces you to strategize more, because you don't just have a little blaster, you keep 30 chips with you, and you play sort of like a card game. Not to go too in depth or anything, but this is what it's like if you've NEVER played a BN game: You and your opponent are on a 6 by 3 grid where you can only step on your half, unless you use special chips. At the beginning of battle, you can choose some chips to use, then while in battle, you can use them. You'll learn all about this in the beginning of the game, though. Besides battles, gameplay is also awesome. You're not sidescrolling anymore, you have a big area to explore. You can moves up, down, left, right, and diagonally.

Sound: ?
The reason for the ''?'' is because I usually turn the volume all the way down, because often I'm also listening to CDs or the TV while I'm playing, and I wouldn't hear the sounds anyways.

Graphics: 8
The graphics are good, for what the GBA can handle. I mean, this isn't really a 3D type game, like you could play on the GCN, PS2, or X-Box. You can see everyone and everything clearly. It's also got a cartoony feel, but it's not cel shaded, I probably say that after watching the BN cartoon so much.

Control: 9
Control is very good. You can walk in just about any direction, and the controls for battles and outside battles are very easy to learn.

Replay Value: 9
There's not many sidequests, but there is alot to do and collect. You may get bored with it after a while, but I got bored with BN 2 when I was about 80% done with the game, but I ended up playing it again after a while. What I try to do to make the game seem longer is only play a little each day. That may worsen your boredom, but if you want the game to last long, don't rush through it, do what I do.

Rent or Buy?
That depends. Rent it (or, if you can find a booth at a store to play it for a bit) and see if you like it. If you do, buy it, if not, don't waste your money. I only say that because alot of people seem to complain about it. Personally, I think this is a great game to add to any Mega Man or RPG fan.

Overall: 10
I give this a 10 because I love the BN series, even though I only have 2 and 3 (Blue Version). My only complaint is that if you've played past BN games and are used to all the old places and routes, it's all changed and you have to adjust to find things. That's about it, though. It's a great game and I look forward to beating it.

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