Mega Man Battle Network
{{About|the video game series|the first game in the series|Mega Man Battle Network (video game)}}
{{Infobox VG series
| title = Mega Man Battle Network
| image =Mega Man Battle Network logo.png
| caption =
| genre = Real-time tactical role-playing
| developer = Capcom
Inti Creates
Arika
Tose
| publisher = Capcom
| platforms = Game Boy Advance
WonderSwan Color
GameCube
Arcade
Mobile phones
Nintendo DS
Wii U
PlayStation 4
Nintendo Switch
PC
| parent = Mega Man
| first release version = Mega Man Battle Network
| first release date = March 21, 2001
| latest release version = Mega Man Battle Network Legacy Collection
| latest release date = April 14, 2023
}}
{{Nihongo foot|Mega Man Battle Network|ロックマンエグゼ|Rokkuman Eguze|group=lower-alpha|lead=yes|extra=lit. 'Rockman.EXE'}} is a tactical role-playing video game series created by Masahiro Yasuma and developed and published by Capcom as a spin-off of the Mega Man series; it premiered in 2001 on the Game Boy Advance and takes place in an alternate continuity where computers and networking technology was the main focus on scientific advancement, rather than robotics. There are a total of six mainline games, alongside several spin-offs.
Created amidst the success of Nintendo's and Game Freak's Pokémon series, alongside the rise of collectable card games, Mega Man Battle Network has players control MegaMan.EXE, a NetNavi operated by Lan Hikari as they attempt to stop the schemes of a net-crime organization called WWW (called "World Three"), headed by the universe's interpretation of Dr. Wily. Players battle enemies on a 6x3 grid, selecting "Battle Chips" which allow for more powerful attacks.
The series has been met with positive reviews from critics, although later games, particularly 5 and 6, have been criticized for a perceived lack of innovation; the series was followed-up by a sequel series titled Mega Man Star Force, which is set 200 years after Battle Network and focuses on radio waves. A compilation of all six mainline entries, Mega Man Battle Network Legacy Collection, was released in April 2023 for PlayStation 4, Nintendo Switch and PC.
Plot
{{Main|List of Mega Man Battle Network characters}}
Mega Man Battle Network is set in an ambiguous year in the 21st century ("20XX AD") in an alternate reality to the original Mega Man series.{{cite web |author=Parish, Jeremy |date=October 9, 2011 |title=When Mega Man Ruled the World: An Anniversary Tribute |url=http://www.1up.com/features/mega-man-ruled-world-memorial-tribute |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111026111703/http://www.1up.com/features/mega-man-ruled-world-memorial-tribute |archive-date=2011-10-26 |access-date=October 21, 2011 |work=1UP.com |publisher=Ziff Davis}} Within the world of Battle Network, the Net has become humanity's primary means of communication, commerce, and even crime. Users are able to "jack in" to the Net and other computerized devices, and explore their various aspects using Digital people called "NetNavis (Network Navigators)" as if they were physical locations.{{cite book |title=Mega Man Battle Network Instruction Booklet |date=October 31, 2001 |publisher=Capcom Entertainment, Inc. |editor=Capcom |pages=4–35 |id=AGB-AREE-USA}} The Net and the inner workings of computers are displayed as a virtual world with which computer programs of all varieties, as personified in a humanoid form, can interact. Users often do so by accessing their NetNavis via a "PET (PErsonal information Terminal)" device.
The plot of Mega Man Battle Network follows one such pair, Lan Hikari and his NetNavi MegaMan.EXE. Lan is a fifth grader in the town of ACDC. His father, Dr. Yuichiro Hikari, is one of the world's top scientists and NetNavi researchers. Most of the series (barring spin-offs) involve Lan Hikari and MegaMan.EXE stopping an evil crime syndicate from taking over the world; "WWW" (said out loud as "World Three") in the first,{{cite video game|title=Mega Man Battle Network|developer=Capcom|publisher=Capcom|date=October 31, 2001|platform=Game Boy Advance|quote=Dr. Wily: 30 years ago, two famous scientists competed to be the best!... Me, and your grandfather, Dr. Hikari! I made robots, and he specialized in networks. We were both lost in our research. Then, one day... In order to win an inter-national competition, our country had to pick one of our projects to fund. After long debate... They canceled my robot research! I couldn't believe it! My research was vital! Vital! I had no place to turn to, and so I left the lab. That's why I'm mad! If it wasn't for Hikari...! So I made the WWW to get back at him! He made this world what it is, and now I'll destroy it!}} third,{{Cite web |last=Vreeland |first=Michael |date=June 26, 2003 |title=Mega Man Battle Network 3: Blue and White Version |url=http://gba.gamespy.com/gameboy-advance/mega-man-battle-network-3-white-version/5946p1.html |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100219114022/http://gba.gamespy.com/gameboy-advance/mega-man-battle-network-3-white-version/5946p1.html |archive-date=February 19, 2010 |access-date=August 23, 2022 |website=GameSpy |publisher=IGN}} and sixth games, Gospel in the second game,{{cite web |last=IGN Staff |date=June 14, 2002 |title=Mega Man Battle Network 2 - Game Boy Advance Review |url=https://www.ign.com/articles/2002/06/17/mega-man-battle-network-2 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100914225526/http://gameboy.ign.com/articles/362/362514p1.html |archive-date=September 14, 2010 |access-date=July 4, 2010 |website=IGN}}In Battle Network 3, it is revealed that the head of Gospel, Sean Obihiro, was being manipulated behind the scenes by Dr. Wily. and Nebula in the fourth and fifth games.{{Cite web |last=Burner |first=Rice |date=June 28, 2004 |title=Mega Man Battle Network 4 Red Sun Review |url=http://www.gamepro.com/article/reviews/36408/mega-man-battle-network-4-red-sun/ |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20091110142123/http://www.gamepro.com/article/reviews/36408/mega-man-battle-network-4-red-sun/ |archive-date=November 10, 2009 |access-date=February 24, 2022 |publisher=GamePro}}{{Cite web |last=Provo |first=Frank |date=July 7, 2005 |title=Mega Man Battle Network 5: Team Protoman Review |url=https://www.gamespot.com/reviews/mega-man-battle-network-5-team-protoman-review/1900-6128731/ |access-date=August 23, 2022 |website=GameSpot |publisher=Red Ventures}}
Gameplay
File:Mega Man Battle Network 3 - Battlefield.gifMega Man Battle Network is a real-time tactical RPG series. To progress through the games, the player must alternately navigate the outside world as Lan Hikari and the Net as MegaMan.EXE, each containing certain tasks that must be completed to allow advancement in the other.{{cite magazine |author=Nintendo staff |year=2001 |title=Buyer's Guide: Mega Man Battle Network |magazine=Nintendo Power Advance |publisher=Nintendo of America |issue=2 |page=118 |issn=1041-9551}} Controlling Lan, the player may travel around the world map, interact with non-player characters, check email, purchase items, initiate Net missions, or speak with MegaMan.EXE through his PET.{{cite book |title=Mega Man Battle Network Instruction Booklet |date=October 31, 2001 |publisher=Capcom Entertainment, Inc. |editor=Capcom |pages=4–35 |id=AGB-AREE-USA}} In contrast with traditional Mega Man entries in which battle and movement through the levels happen in the same setting, Battle Network
The battlefield itself is made up of 18 tiles divided into two groups of nine, one group being space in which MegaMan.EXE may freely move and the other group being space inhabited by enemies.{{cite web |author=Parish, Jeremy |date=October 9, 2011 |title=When Mega Man Ruled the World: An Anniversary Tribute |url=http://www.1up.com/features/mega-man-ruled-world-memorial-tribute |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111026111703/http://www.1up.com/features/mega-man-ruled-world-memorial-tribute |archive-date=2011-10-26 |access-date=October 21, 2011 |work=1UP.com |publisher=Ziff Davis}}{{cite web |author=Speer, Justin |date=January 7, 2002 |title=Mega Man Battle Network Review for Game Boy Advance |url=http://www.gamespot.com/gba/rpg/megamanbattlenetwork/review.html?om_act=convert&om_clk=gssummary&tag=summary%3Bread-review |access-date=July 4, 2010 |work=GameSpot |publisher=CBS Interactive}} Akin to other Mega Man games, MegaMan.EXE possesses an arm cannon called the "Mega Buster". The player can transition among the nine provided tiles and fire the Mega Buster at enemies from across the screen. The objective of each battle is to delete all the viruses by reducing their hit points (HP) to zero. If MegaMan.EXE's own health depletes, a game over occurs. In order to attack without the Mega Buster, the player must utilize Battle Chips, which are placed into a "folder" before the battle starts, and are drawn at random. Starting with the third game, Battle Chips are organized into three primary categories which limits how many of the same chip can be used in the same folder: Standard (4 of the same, 30 in the folder), Mega (1 of the same, 5 in the folder), and Giga (only 1 per folder). Excluding the asterisk code, which was introduced in 2, the player can only use Battle Chips that have either the same, or share the letter. Selecting a specific combination of Battle Chips results in Program Advances, which give the player either a strong attack, or continual use of the Battle Chip used for several seconds. Each Battle Chip also has an element assigned to it, and hitting an enemy with its weakness will result in them taking double damage.
The series also has multiplayer functionality where two players can either fight, or trade chips with each other using the Game Link Cable;{{cite web |author=Harris, Craig |date=November 9, 2001 |title=Mega Man Battle Network - Game Boy Advance Review |url=http://gameboy.ign.com/articles/165/165252p1.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100903134754/http://gameboy.ign.com/articles/165/165252p1.html |archive-date=September 3, 2010 |access-date=July 4, 2010 |website=IGN}} trading the opposite version's Mega Chips in 4–6 will result in them appearing as "Secret Chips" in the Chip Library, however Giga Chips cannot be traded .{{cite web |author=IGN Staff |date=June 25, 2003 |title=Mega Man Battle Network 3 Blue Version - Game Boy Advance Review |url=http://gameboy.ign.com/articles/426/426014p1.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101205184626/http://gameboy.ign.com/articles/426/426014p1.html |archive-date=December 5, 2010 |website=IGN |accessdate=2010-07-04}}
Development
File:Nintendo-Game-Boy-Advance-Purple-FL.jpg.]]
Resulting from a cancelled horror game,{{Cite web|last=Protodude|date=March 21, 2016|title=Mega Man Battle Network Started Out As A Horror Game|url=https://www.rockman-corner.com/2016/03/mega-man-battle-network-started-out-as.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170626071551/http://www.rockman-corner.com/2016/03/mega-man-battle-network-started-out-as.html|archive-date=June 26, 2017|access-date=February 11, 2022|website=Rockman Corner}} the original Mega Man Battle Network was developed by Capcom Production Studio 2 for the Game Boy Advance handheld video game console.
Battle Network 3 was intended as the finale of the series, however development on the fourth game started a short while after its release. Writer Masakazu Eguchi wrote that for the last three mainline entries, the developers primarily focused on evolving the battle system from the third game.{{Cite web |title=Dainijūni-kai jidai o sakidori!? Rokkuman Eguze ga kaita jōhō shakai! |script-title=ja:第二十二回 時代を先取り！？ロックマン エグゼが描いた情報社会！ |trans-title=22nd ahead of its time! The information society depicted by Rockman.EXE! |url=http://www.capcom.co.jp/game/content/?p=13215 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190319095601/http://www.capcom.co.jp/game/content/?p=13215 |archive-date=March 19, 2019 |access-date=June 30, 2022 |publisher=Capcom |language=ja}} Later entries in the series also suffered from space limitations, as they still used the same ROM sizes as earlier entries, which lead to the overworld sprites being redrawn to be smaller and more cartoonish.{{Cite web |last=Midnite |date=March 21, 2018 |title=EXE 15th Ann. Special Staff Discussion! (Part 6) |url=https://www.therockmanexezone.com/interviews/2018/03/21/exe-15th-ann-special-staff-discussion-part-6/ |access-date=June 30, 2022 |website=The Rockman.EXE Zone}} The final game in the series, Battle Network 6, redid several of the sprites again and changed the environment due to wanting to make the game feel fresh.{{Cite web |last=Midnite |date=March 19, 2018 |title=EXE 15th Ann. Special Staff Discussion! (Part 2) |url=https://www.therockmanexezone.com/interviews/2018/03/19/exe-15th-ann-special-staff-discussion-part-2/ |access-date=June 30, 2022 |website=The Rockman.EXE Zone}}
File:Mega Man Battle Network 6 - Crossover Battle 2.pngStarting with Battle Network 4, the series began including content from Hideo Kojima's series Boktai, which was developed and published by Konami; the crossover content mainly included battle chips, bosses, and entire areas themed around Boktai and vampires. However, content related to the third Boktai game would be removed in international versions of 5: Double Team DS and 6 since it was not released outside of Japan, as would Lunar Knights content in Star Force.{{Cite web |last=Lemus |first=Jean-Karlo |date=March 27, 2020 |title=Kojima's GBA experiment—and the sunny island childhood it changed forever |url=https://arstechnica.com/gaming/2020/03/kojimas-gba-experiment-and-the-sunny-island-childhood-it-changed-forever/ |access-date=February 11, 2022 |website=Ars Technica |publisher=WIRED}}
=Music=
The music of Mega Man Battle Network was primarily composed by Akari Kaida,{{Cite web|last=Jeriaska|date=December 2, 2008|title=Interview: The Story Of The Mega Man 9 Arrange Soundtrack|url=https://www.gamasutra.com/view/news/21294/Interview_The_Story_Of_The_Mega_Man_9_Arrange_Soundtrack.php|access-date=February 12, 2022|website=Gamasutra}} Yoshino Aoki, and Toshihiko Horiyama. The soundtracks for 1 through 6, alongside Battle Chip Challenge and the Japanese-only 4.5: Real Operation was released in 2021 on Spotify to celebrate the series' 20th anniversary.{{Cite web|last=Stenbuck|first=Kite|date=April 23, 2021|title=Mega Man Battle Network Series OSTs Are Now Online on Spotify|url=https://www.siliconera.com/mega-man-battle-network-series-osts-are-now-online-on-spotify/|access-date=February 11, 2022|website=Siliconera|publisher=Enthusiast Gaming}}
Games
=Mainline games=
{{Timeline of release years
|title=Mega Man Battle Network
Mega Man Star Force
|compressempty = yes
| range1 = 0000 – 2005
| range1_color = #0BDA51 #228B22
| range2 = 2006 - 2008
| range2_color = Red
|2001a =Mega Man Battle Network
|2001b =Mega Man Battle Network 2
|2002 =Mega Man Battle Network 3
|2003a =Mega Man Network Transmission
|2003b =Rockman EXE WS
|2003c =Mega Man Battle Chip Challenge
|2003d =Mega Man Battle Network 4
|2004a =Rockman EXE 4.5 Real Operation
|2004b =Mega Man Battle Network 5
|2005a =Mega Man Battle Network 5: Double Team DS
|2005b =Mega Man Battle Network 6
|2006 =Mega Man Star Force
|2007 =Mega Man Star Force 2
|2008 =Mega Man Star Force 3
==''Mega Man Battle Network''==
{{Main|Mega Man Battle Network (video game){{!}}Mega Man Battle Network}}
A terrorist organization called WWW (World Three) attempted to destroy the world with the use of a super virus known as the Life Virus. Despite interference by Lan and MegaMan, the members stole the four element programs they needed in order to make it and succeeded in its creation. The virus was as strong as predicted, but was destroyed by MegaMan. Its defeat forced WWW to retreat. This game received an averaged score of 80% score on GameRankings and 79% on Metacritic.
Mega Man Battle Network was later re-released for the Nintendo DS as Rockman.EXE: Operate Shooting Star, which serves both as an enhanced port of the original, as well as a crossover with the Star Force series.{{Cite web|last=Sounders|first=Mike|date=June 17, 2019|title=Capcom was working on a Mega Man Star Force 4 at one point|url=https://www.destructoid.com/capcom-was-working-on-a-mega-man-star-force-4-at-one-point/|access-date=February 23, 2022|website=Destructoid|publisher=Enthusiast Gaming}} The NetNavi exclusive to Operate Shooting Star, ClockMan.EXE, was a winner from a CoroCoro Comics contest.{{Cite web|last=LanceHeart|date=December 17, 2010|title=Happy 23rd, Mega Man!|url=http://www.themmnetwork.com/2010/12/17/happy-23rd-mega-man/|access-date=February 12, 2022|website=The Mega Man Network}} Despite initial strong sales,{{cite web|author=Graft|first=Kris|date=November 19, 2009|title=Japanese Software: J-League Pro Soccer Club Replaces Winning Eleven At Top|url=http://www.gamasutra.com/view/news/26154/Japanese_Software_JLeague_Pro_Soccer_Club_Replaces_Winning_Eleven_At_Top.php|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101110221834/http://www.gamasutra.com/view/news/26154/Japanese_Software_JLeague_Pro_Soccer_Club_Replaces_Winning_Eleven_At_Top.php|archive-date=November 10, 2010|access-date=February 23, 2022|website=Gamasutra|publisher=Informa}} it would only sell 60000 copies by the end of 2009, which contributed to the cancellation of Star Force 4. Capcom's then Vice President of Strategic Planning & Business Development, Christian Svennson, stated the company had no plans to release the game for Western territories, however an English fan translation released in 2018.{{cite web |author=Spencer |date=July 2, 2010 |title=Capcom Has "No Plans" To Localize Rockman EXE: Operate Shooting Star |url=http://www.siliconera.com/2010/07/02/capcom-has-no-plans-to-localize-rockman-exe-operate-shooting-star/ |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100704210114/http://www.siliconera.com/2010/07/02/capcom-has-no-plans-to-localize-rockman-exe-operate-shooting-star/ |archive-date=July 4, 2010 |access-date=February 23, 2022 |website=Siliconera |publisher=Enthusiast Gaming}}{{Cite web |last=Greiga Master |date=February 22, 2018 |title=Translations - Rockman.EXE: Operate Shooting Star |url=https://www.romhacking.net/translations/3667/ |access-date=March 4, 2022 |website=ROMhacking.net}}
==''Mega Man Battle Network 2''==
{{Main|Mega Man Battle Network 2}}
The following summer after WWW's defeat, a new terrorist group called Gospel emerges. Their tactics differed considerably compared to WWW, as they appeared to have no set goal. Gospel's plan had seemingly consisted of only causing random destruction with their navis. Lan and MegaMan battled every member and prevented the worst possible situations. However, Gospel's hidden plan was to re-create the ultimate net navi, Bass. Using bug fragments, they planned to make a large army of Bass navis to take over the world. Unknown to Gospel, their method of creating Bass was imperfect, and his abilities were vastly below predictions. In an attempt to make copies of Bass to create an army, the leader of Gospel overloaded energy to the bug fragments; but something went wrong and the concoction transformed into a giant wolf-like multi-bug organism. Although the bug beast was stronger than before, Lan and MegaMan managed to eliminate it. This game received an averaged score of 82% score on GameRankings and 81% on MetaCritic.
==''Mega Man Battle Network 3''==
{{Main|Mega Man Battle Network 3}}
Mega Man Battle Network 3 was released in late-2002 in Japan, and mid-2003 internationally; the game follows a revived WWW seeking to release Alpha, the original prototype of the internet.{{Citation needed|date=February 2022}} New to the game is the ability to customize Mega Man by placing blocks in a grid, however placing blocks incorrectly will cause a bug to occur.{{Cite web|last=Speer|first=Justin|date=August 4, 2003|title=Mega Man Battle Network 3 Review|url=https://www.gamespot.com/reviews/mega-man-battle-network-3-review/1900-6072945/|access-date=February 24, 2022|website=GameSpot|publisher=Red Ventures}} Battle Network 3 was the first game to get two distinct versions,{{Cite web|last=IGN Staff|date=June 25, 2003|title=Mega Man Battle Network 3 Blue Version|url=https://www.ign.com/articles/2003/06/26/mega-man-battle-network-3-blue-version|access-date=February 24, 2022|website=IGN}} although this wasn't the case in Japan initially, which didn't get Blue until a few months after White
Like with the previous two games, reception to Battle Network 3 was positive,{{Cite web|title=Mega Man Battle Network 3 White for Game Boy Advance Reviews|url=https://www.metacritic.com/game/mega-man-battle-network-3-white/critic-reviews/?platform=game-boy-advance|access-date=February 24, 2022|website=Metacritic|publisher=Red Ventures}} although some thought the game had innovated too little. The game also topped sales charts, with both versions selling a total of 768,000 units in Japan at the end of 2003.{{cite web|title=2003年テレビゲームソフト売り上げTOP300|trans-title=2003 Top 300 Video Game Software Sales|url=http://geimin.net/da/db/2003_ne_fa/index.php|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150627132904/http://geimin.net/da/db/2003_ne_fa/index.php|archive-date=June 27, 2015|access-date=February 24, 2022|website=Geimin|language=Japanese}}
==''Mega Man Battle Network 4''==
{{Main|Mega Man Battle Network 4}}
Released in December 2003 in Japan, and June 2004 in North America, Mega Man Battle Network 4 involves a meteor on trajectory towards Earth, and a new crime syndicate "Nebula" corrupting Navis with Dark Chips.{{Cite web|last=Vassar|first=Darryl|date=July 7, 2004|title=Mega Man Battle Network 4: Red Sun / Blue Moon|url=http://gba.gamespy.com/gameboy-advance/mega-man-battle-network-4-blue-moon/528846p1.html|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101207074155/http://gba.gamespy.com/gameboy-advance/mega-man-battle-network-4-blue-moon/528846p1.html|archive-date=December 7, 2010|access-date=February 24, 2022|website=GameSpy}} Style Changes are removed in this installment, instead being replaced with Double Souls (Soul Unisons), which can be activated by sacrificing a certain chip. During the game, players will have several scenarios they encounter which are different depending on the version.{{Cite web|last=Provo|first=Frank|date=July 12, 2004|title=Mega Man Battle Network 4 Red Sun Review|url=https://www.gamespot.com/reviews/mega-man-battle-network-4-red-sun-review/1900-6102503/|access-date=February 24, 2022|website=GameSpot|publisher=Red Ventures}}
Reception to Battle Network 4 was mixed-to-positive, although it too received lower review scores than the first three, which much criticism going to the lack of any real story outside of tournament scenarios. In addition, Blue Moon received criticism due to a bug on the Nintendo DS that would cause the game to slow down significantly when exiting from battle during the WoodMan scenario, which was acknowledged by Nintendo and fixed in time for the DS Lite.{{cite web|title=Customer Service — Specific GamePak Troubleshooting|url=https://www.nintendo.com/consumer/systems/gameboy/trouble_specificgame.jsp#missingno|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080127200258/http://www.nintendo.com/consumer/systems/gameboy/trouble_specificgame.jsp|archive-date=January 27, 2008|access-date=February 24, 2022|publisher=Nintendo}} Despite this, Battle Network 4 is the best-selling entry in the series, selling 1.35 million copies worldwide as of 2009.{{cite web|author=Roper|first=Chris|date=May 23, 2008|title=Capcom Releases Lifetime Sales Numbers|url=https://www.ign.com/articles/2008/05/23/capcom-releases-lifetime-sales-numbers|access-date=February 24, 2022|website=IGN}}
==''Mega Man Battle Network 5''==
{{Main|Mega Man Battle Network 5}}
Nebula attacks again, this time with an all-out invasion. They kidnap Lan's father and use SciLab's computers to take over the internet. In response, either Chaud or Baryl (depending on the version) create a team of elite net navis and operators. Lan and MegaMan are the first members. As the story progresses, more team members are gained, and more areas of the net are liberated. When all of the net is won back, the team locates Nebula's headquarters and attempt to defeat the organization. The GBA versions received an average score of 68% on GameRankings and 67% on MetaCritic, whereas the NDS version received 70% on GameRankings and 68% on MetaCritic.
==''Mega Man Battle Network 6''==
{{Main|Mega Man Battle Network 6}}
Mega Man Battle Network 6 is the final game in the series, in which Lan's father gets a new job and the family moves to Cyber City, leaving behind Netto Hikari's classmates and friends from ACDC Town. WWW destroy once again, aiming to revive the legendary Cybeasts, Gregar and Falzar.{{cite web |last=Bozon |first=Mark |title=IGN: Mega Man Battle Network 6: Cybeast Falzar Review |url=http://gameboy.ign.com/articles/712/712597p1.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080720072527/http://gameboy.ign.com/articles/712/712597p1.html |archive-date=July 20, 2008 |access-date=July 2, 2008 |website=IGN|date=14 June 2006 }} The Double Soul system is replaced with the similar Cross System, this time allowing the player to activate at any time, although it will be disabled if hit by its elemental weakness; players are also able to "Beast Out" MegaMan for a limited time, allowing him to tap into the power of the Cybeasts. Like the previous games, the Crosses and Beast Out differs depending on the version.{{cite web |last=Provo |first=Frank |title=Mega Man Battle Network 6 Cybeast Falzar for Game Boy Advance Review |url=http://www.gamespot.com/gba/rpg/megamanbattlenetwork6faltzerversion/review.html?om_act=convert&om_clk=tabs&tag=tabs;reviews |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://archive.today/20130124133431/http://www.gamespot.com/gba/rpg/megamanbattlenetwork6faltzerversion/review.html?om_act=convert&om_clk=tabs&tag=tabs;reviews |archive-date=January 24, 2013 |access-date=July 2, 2008 |website=GameSpot}}
The developers have stated the decision to end the series with the sixth game was only made part-way through due to wanting a new Mega Man series for the Nintendo DS; the English version also removed a significant amount of content, mainly the removal of the Boktai crossover. Reviewers generally showed little enthusiasm for Battle Network 6, with it being near-universally highlighted for its lack of changes from previous installments in terms of graphics and gameplay, although some praised its story.{{cite magazine |date=August 2006 |title=Reviews: Mega Man Battle Network 6 |magazine=Game Informer |publisher=Sunrise Publications |issue=160 |page=93}}
=Spin-offs=
==''Mega Man Network Transmission''==
{{Main|Mega Man Network Transmission}}
Released as part of Mega Man
Reception to Network Transmission was divisive; a major point of contempt was the game's high difficulty, while the overall presentation drew mixed reactions. On Metacritic, the game averaged a 65/100 indicating "mixed or average" reviews.{{Cite web|title=Mega Man Network Transmission for GameCube Reviews|url=https://www.metacritic.com/game/mega-man-network-transmission/critic-reviews/?platform=gamecube|access-date=February 23, 2022|website=Metacritic|publisher=Red Ventures}}
==''Rockman.EXE WS''==
{{Main|Rockman EXE WS}}
Lan Hikari and MegaMan.EXE face off against the WWW. The story adapts aspects of both the first Mega Man Battle Network game as well as the anime series, MegaMan NT Warrior. The gameplay is similar to that of Mega Man Network Transmission.
==''Mega Man Battle Chip Challenge''==
{{Main|Mega Man Battle Chip Challenge}}
Developed with help from Inti Creates, who also developed the Mega Man Zero and ZX series,{{Cite web|last=Jeriaska|date=October 3, 2008|title=Mega Man 9 music interview with Inti Creates' Ippo Yamada|url=http://www.siliconera.com/2008/10/04/mega-man-9-music-interview-with-inti-creates-ippo-yamada/|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110716071526/http://www.siliconera.com/2008/10/04/mega-man-9-music-interview-with-inti-creates-ippo-yamada/|archive-date=July 16, 2011|access-date=February 22, 2022|website=Siliconera|publisher=Enthusiast Gaming}} Mega Man Battle Chip Challenge utilizes a different battle system where players setup 12 Battle Chips on a grid called a "Program Deck", three of which are randomly selected.{{Cite web|last=IGN Staff|date=March 2, 2004|title=Mega Man Battle Chip Challenge|url=https://www.ign.com/articles/2004/03/02/mega-man-battle-chip-challenge-2|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200805125349/https://www.ign.com/articles/2004/03/02/mega-man-battle-chip-challenge-2|archive-date=August 5, 2020|access-date=February 22, 2022|website=IGN|publisher=Ziff Davis}} Aside from the Game Boy Advance version, the game also saw a release on the WonderSwan Color under the title Rockman.EXE: N1 Battle,{{Cite web|date=April 19, 2003|title=N1バトルグランプリ"優勝を目指せ!『ロックマン エグゼ N1バトル』|trans-title=Aim to win the "N1 Battle Grand Prix"! Rockman EXE N1 Battle|url=https://www.famitsu.com/game/coming/2003/04/14/104,1050305985,12112,0,0.html|access-date=February 22, 2022|publisher=Famitsu|language=Japanese}} being among the last games released for the console.
Unlike other games, contemporary reception to Battle Chip Challenge was mostly negative, with many critics disliking the lack of audience participation and aging presentation, although the audio was praised.{{Cite web|last=Vassar|first=Darryl|date=March 7, 2004|title=Mega Man Battle Chip Challenge|url=http://gba.gamespy.com/gameboy-advance/mega-man-battle-chip-challenge/496686p1.html|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110711072035/http://gba.gamespy.com/gameboy-advance/mega-man-battle-chip-challenge/496686p1.html|archive-date=July 11, 2011|access-date=February 22, 2022|website=GameSpy}} The game currently has a 54/100 on Metacritic.{{Cite web|title=Mega Man: Battle Chip Challenge for Game Boy Advance reviews|url=https://www.metacritic.com/game/mega-man-battle-chip-challenge/critic-reviews/?platform=game-boy-advance|access-date=February 22, 2022|website=Metacritic|publisher=Red Ventures}}
==''Rockman.EXE 4.5: Real Operation''==
{{Main|Rockman EXE 4.5 Real Operation}}
Rockman.EXE 4.5: Real Operation was released in Japan-only on August 6, 2004.{{Cite web|last=IGN Staff|date=August 11, 2004|title=Now Playing in Japan|url=https://www.ign.com/articles/2004/08/11/now-playing-in-japan-186|access-date=February 23, 2022|website=IGN}} The "Real Operation" part of the title refers to how the Game Boy Advance functions as its own PET; during battles, players don't control the Navi directly, instead giving it instructions to follow.{{Cite web|date=January 13, 2016|title=『ロックマン エグゼ 4.5 リアルオペレーション』がWii Uバーチャルコンソールに登場、本日配信開始！|trans-title="Rockman EXE 4.5 Real Operation" is now available on the Wii U Virtual Console and is available today!|url=https://www.famitsu.com/news/201601/13097165.html|access-date=February 23, 2022|publisher=Famitsu|language=Japanese}} Reportedly, the game's development was "hell" due to it being completed in less than a year, in-between Battle Network 4 and 5.{{Cite web |last=Midnite |date=March 19, 2018 |title=EXE 15th Ann. Special Staff Discussion! (Part 1) |url=https://www.therockmanexezone.com/interviews/2018/03/19/exe-15th-ann-special-staff-discussion-part-1/ |access-date=February 28, 2022 |website=The Rockman.EXE Zone}}{{Cite web |date=January 17, 2020 |title=あれから18年。江口名人が語る「ロックマンエグゼ」の描いた未来が現実になったワケ |trans-title=Eighteen years have passed since then. Master Eguchi talks about how the future envisioned in "Rockman.EXE" has become a reality. |url=https://www.tv-tokyo.co.jp/plus/entertainment/entry/2020/021072.html |access-date=February 28, 2022 |publisher=TV Tokyo |language=Japanese}} The game was re-released for the Wii U Virtual Console in 2016.
====Other games====
Rockman.EXE: The Medal Operation, and Rockman.EXE: Battle Chip Stadium are a pair of arcade games released in 2005 and 2006;{{Cite web |date=September 30, 2013 |title=【重要】部品供給及び保守サービス業務終了のご案内 |trans-title=[Important] Notice of termination of parts supply and maintenance service |url=https://www.capcom.co.jp/arcade/news/operator/20130930.html |access-date=February 28, 2022 |website=Capcom Arcade |publisher=Capcom |language=Japanese}} The Medal Operation is a medal game based on Battle Network 5 where players could win chocolate, and Battle Chip Stadium uses the familiar battle system and is based upon Battle Network 6. Service for Battle Chip Stadium ended in April 2014.
Two mobile games were released in Japan, Rockman.EXE: Phantom of Network in 2004, and Rockman.EXE: Legend of Network in 2006;{{Cite web|last=Sounders|first=Mike|date=August 2, 2017|title=Watch a full playthrough of the lost-to-time Rockman.EXE: Phantom of Network|url=https://www.destructoid.com/watch-a-full-playthrough-of-the-lost-to-time-rockman-exe-phantom-of-network/|access-date=February 25, 2022|website=Destructoid|publisher=Enthusiast Gaming}} both games feature the same gameplay as the mainline entries and include exclusive characters. As of January 1, 2018, both games are no longer available for purchase.{{Cite web|last=Protodude|date=November 4, 2017|title=Rockman EXE: Phantom of the Network and Legend of the Network Shutting Down|url=https://www.rockman-corner.com/2017/11/rockman-exe-phantom-of-network-and.html|access-date=February 25, 2022|website=Rockman Corner}} Despite their obscurity, many people have wished for them to see a re-release of them onto modern platforms. Both mobile games were eventually preserved in 2023, and received a fan translation in 2024, allowing the games to be played in English. {{Cite web|last=Prof. 9|date=May 25, 2024|title=Mega Man: Phantom of the Network and Mega Man: Legend of the Network English localization patches now available!|url=https://www.therockmanexezone.com/general/2024/05/25/mega-man-phantom-of-the-network-and-mega-man-legend-of-the-network-english-localization-patches-now-available/|access-date=February 22, 2025|website=The Rockman EXE Zone}}
A compilation, Mega Man Battle Network Legacy Collection, was released in April 2023,{{cite web|url=https://www.gematsu.com/2022/12/mega-man-battle-network-legacy-collection-launches-april-14-2023|title=Mega Man Battle Network Legacy Collection launches April 14, 2023|last=Romano|first=Sal|work=Gematsu|date=December 13, 2022|access-date=December 13, 2022}} bringing the series to Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4, and Windows. The compilation includes all six of the numbered games, including both versions of Battle Network 3–6.{{Cite web |last=McWhertor |first=Michael |date=June 28, 2022 |title=Mega Man Battle Network 10-game collection coming in 2023 |url=https://www.polygon.com/23185536/mega-man-battle-network-collection-nintendo-switch-games-release-date |access-date=June 29, 2022 |website=Polygon |publisher=Vox Media}} Physical versions of the collection are sold as one game, while digital versions split the games between two volumes.{{Cite web |last=Kim |first=Matt |date=June 28, 2022 |title=Mega Man Battle Network Legacy Collection Announced for Nintendo Switch |url=https://www.ign.com/articles/mega-man-battle-network-legacy-collection-switch-announced |access-date=June 29, 2022 |website=IGN}}
Other media
=Anime=
{{Main|MegaMan NT Warrior}}
The games were adapted into an anime series titled MegaMan NT Warrior, which premiered in Japan on March 4, 2002,{{cite web|last=Green|first=Scott|date=February 6, 2002|title=This Spring's Anime in Japan|url=https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2002-02-06/this-spring's-anime-in-japan|access-date=February 11, 2022|website=Anime News Network}} and concluded on September 30, 2006,{{cite web|date=September 12, 2008|title=Episode 26 (Final) "Netto + Rockman"|url=http://www.xebec-inc.co.jp/anime/rockmanexe5/episode26.html|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190915222612/http://www.xebec-inc.co.jp/anime/rockmanexe5/episode26.html|archive-date=September 15, 2019|access-date=February 11, 2022|publisher=Xebec|language=Japanese}} lasting 209 episodes; the English dub of the series was handled by Viz Media, who outsourced the voice acting to the Ocean Group.{{cite web|date=September 8, 2004|title=Viz Releases Megaman NT Warrior|url=https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/press-release/2004-09-08/viz-releases-megaman-nt-warrior|access-date=February 11, 2022|website=Anime News Network}}{{cite web|date=December 15, 2003|title=Kids'WB orders 26 new episodes of MEgaman NT Warrior|url=https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/press-release/2003-12-15/kids'wb-orders-26-new-episodes-of-megaman-nt-warrior|access-date=February 11, 2022|website=Anime News Network}} It lasted for five series, subtitled EXE, Axess, Stream, Beast and Beast+, although only EXE and Axess would be dubbed into English. An alternate English dub by Voiceovers Unlimited would air in South-East Asian countries, which followed the Japanese script more closely, and lacked the censorship NT Warrior had.{{Cite web |last=Witiw |first=John |date=February 20, 2022 |title=10 Anime That Never Finished Their English Dub |url=https://www.cbr.com/anime-unfinished-english-dub/ |access-date=August 13, 2022 |website=Comic Book Resources |publisher=Valnet Inc.}}{{Cite web|last=Protodude|date=July 3, 2019|title=Lost Rockman EXE English Dub Found (It's Totally Different From NT Warrior)|url=https://www.rockman-corner.com/2019/07/lost-rockman-exe-anime-english-dub.html|access-date=February 14, 2022|website=Rockman Corner}}
A film set during the events of Stream, Rockman.EXE the Movie: Program of Light and Darkness, premiered in Japanese theatres on March 12, 2005, as a double-billing with the Duel Masters film Duel Masters: Curse of the Deathphoenix. The film grossed a total of US$6,178,840 within three weeks of its release.Walton, Alice | "International box office"]. Variety, April 4, 2005
=Manga=
{{Main|List of MegaMan NT Warrior chapters}}
Two separate manga series were created by Shogakukan and published in their monthly magazine CoroCoro Comics; MegaMan NT Warrior by Ryo Takamisaki which lasted for 13 volumes, and Battle Story MegaMan NT Warrior by Keijima Jun and Miho Asada which consisted of 4 volumes. Viz Media would release MegaMan NT Warrior in North America between 2004 and 2008,{{cite web|title=MegaMan NT Warrior Vol. 13|url=http://store.viz.com/MegaMan-NT-Warrior-Vol.-13-v./A/142151785X.htm|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121003023103/http://store.viz.com/MegaMan-NT-Warrior-Vol.-13-v./A/142151785X.htm|archive-date=October 3, 2012|access-date=February 11, 2022|publisher=Viz Media}} while Battle Story only saw a release in Japan, Indonesia and certain European countries.{{cite web|last=Protodude|date=December 23, 2008|title=Official "Battle Story" Rockman.EXE Translation? Kind Of...|url=https://www.rockman-corner.com/2008/12/official-battle-story-rockmanexe.html|access-date=February 11, 2022|website=Rockman Corner}}
=Board game=
In 2004, Capcom released Rockman.EXE: Catan, a licensed version of The Settlers of Catan with the Battle Network motif.{{Cite web|title=ロックマンエグゼカタン|trans-title=Rockman.EXE: Catan|url=http://www.capcom.co.jp:80/rockmanexe/event/exe_catan/|access-date=February 11, 2022|publisher=Capcom|language=Japanese}} The game came in standard and portable types, with the portable version being magnetic.
Notes
{{Notelist}}
References
{{Reflist|30em}}
External links
- [https://web.archive.org/web/20100522212931/http://www.capcom.co.jp/rockmanexe/ Rockman EXE series] - official Capcom site for the Rockman EXE series (Japanese).
- [https://web.archive.org/web/20060703082655/http://www.takaratomy.co.jp/products/rockman/top.html Rockman.EXE Link Pet EX]
{{Mega Man Battle Network series}}
{{Mega Man series}}
Category:Role-playing video games
Category:Tactical role-playing video games by series