Mega Man Battle Network 5: Team Protoman

"While not beating the expectations, a good game overall"

Well before you start flaming/commenting on my posting a review on a game not yet released in the US, let me explain my rating of an 8 out of 10. Please not that my rating is a combination of a rate for a standalone game and one as a sequel to BN 3 and 4.

Story / Gameplay - The plot continues with the same villain as Red Sun/Blue Moon, Dr. Regal, and confirms bits of his identity which I appreciate from Capcom. The game acts as a bridge from BN 3, yet also adds its elements from 4. The soul unisons return, along with chaos unisons achieved with dark chips. The poorly though out system of dark chips from Red Sun/Blue Moon has been revamped for the chaos unisons. The Liberate missions were a great addition, along with the use of other navis in and out of battle. I would have liked to see a different set of styles other than the souls system, but that doesn't mean I don't enjoy it. I particularly like the replay value as you can quest to complete your library along with hunting down Forte and getting Forte Soul. The touching moment of the game was when Lan (Netto) and Hub (Saito) spoke to each other. Unfortunately, the looming threat of a new technology has been done before, which I think is evidence that Capcom is running out of ideas. The last boss, Nebula Gray seems too much like Dou, the final boss in Red Sun/Blue Moon

Graphics – (You may begin flaming) The graphics for Team of Blues were a disappointment. The battle scenes have remained unchanged for the past couple of games and the overworld movements have been given only slight tweaks. The PA graphics look like they were imported directly from BN 3. The only changes Capcom seemed to make were new navi sprites. If you pay close attention, you'll notice the Order Point sprite was reused for a bit of Data later found in the game. About the only sprite I did like was the final boss'. He looks like some type of Japanese shogun. I implore Capcom to seriously look at its commitment level when making a sequel since each one should have a dramatic change to encourage gamers to return the franchise.

Audio - The theme songs are excellent, along with the audio for battle scenes. I have absolutely NO complaints in this department.

All in All, this is a great game only if you are already immersed in the Megaman Battle Network series. I highly recommend that we urge Capcom (w/ letters, phone calls, or bombs) to stop making EXE games since they are not imaginative enough to make enough improvements to lure more gamers in.

Reviewer's Score: 8/10, Originally Posted: 12/20/04