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Mega Man Battle Network Legacy Collection Review: 7 Reasons to Buy

Promotional photo for Mega Man Battle Network Legacy Collection

Mega Man Battle Network Legacy Collection Review: 7 Reasons to Buy

Set in a distant future, Mega Man Battle Network is an RPG that explores the connection between humans and technology. Mega Man Battle Network is a game series released by Capcom in 2001. It is a spin-off of the widely popular Mega Man franchise first released in 1987. In April of 2023, Capcom released the Legacy Collection version of the game. This version includes all six games in the series compiled into one release. RPG players who love expansive worlds, unique combat, and digital landscapes may want to consider purchasing this collection. Here are seven reasons to purchase the Mega Man Battle Network Legacy Collection

Entirely New Mega Man Universe

Photo of Lan and MegaMan.EXE posing
Mega Man Battle Network hosts an entirely new universe with its own characters.

Mega Man Battle Network is set in an alternate timeline from the original series. Focusing on the digital landscape rather than robotics, Battle Network takes place in the “Net”. In the Net, people are able to do business, communicate, and even commit crimes. People explore the Net and cyberspace using NetNavis, digital people who the user can control and navigate. In the game, players are introduced to Lan Hikari and his NetNavi MegaMan.EXE. Playing as Lan and MegaMan.EXE, players explore the Net, fight computer viruses manifested as monsters, battle bosses, and solve puzzles. With a completely different universe to explore, Mega Man Battle Network solidifies its place as a unique story. While it is still distinctively a Mega Man game series, different themes are tackled with characters and a storyline unique in their own right. 

Nostalgic and Customizable Art Style

Promotional photo for Mega Man Battle Network Legacy Collection
Mega Man Battle Network Legacy Collection offers nostalgic and incredible art design.

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The art style of the Mega Man Battle Network series is another major reason to buy the Legacy Collection. The art style is evocative and charming, reminiscent of old-school, classic Japanese video games, adding a sense of nostalgia. The unique digital art style shows a sense of optimism about the future, adding a feel-good attitude to the player’s game. The early 2000s was a time when there was a positive outlook on the future of A.I. and the internet, an attitude that has changed in today’s age. This aspect of the game is a breath of fresh air and makes the game more enjoyable to play. 

The art style and design of the games are also highly customizable. Filter options allow for the player to either have a “smooth” graphics transition or one that is more blocky and textured. Players also have the option to adjust screen size and themed borders to their liking. These controls make the game more enjoyable since the player has complete control over how their game looks. Whether you are strolling through downtown ACDC or battling crime bosses in the Net, the game is highly immersive. 

Another aspect that makes the game series so atmospheric is its soundtrack. The soundtrack complements the visuals perfectly, offering a nostalgic and upbeat environment. The soundtrack immerses the player in the solid optimism of the early 2000s.

Hundreds of Hours of Mega Man Content

The Mega Man Battle Network Legacy Collection offers hundreds of hours of content, and that is no exaggeration. With six main games to play, each game takes roughly 30 hours to finish the main story. However, most players would not want to stop there. As an RPG, the game encourages players to take their time to explore the world, characters, and side quests. Players can expect to triple their playtime to sell all of the content that each game has to offer. The fourth game even makes the player complete the game three times to unlock all of the content. With so much content and gameplay, players will never grow tired and bored of what the series offers. 

Unique and Original Combat Mechanics

Player in combat with virus in Mega Man.
Mega Man Battle Network has unique and original combat mechanics not seen in other games.

The Mega Man Battle Network series is ultimately a combat-based game. Fighting computer viruses or crime-syndicate bosses is central to the game and to the experience. Capcom has done an amazing job designing a creative and unique combat experience. Capcom takes a unique approach to deck-building combat mechanics seen in other games such as HearthStone or Wizard101

Throughout the game, players collect chips that can be used in combat. Players collect chips by completing quests, puzzles, and other tasks. One of the benefits of the game is that there is a high skill ceiling. This means players gradually progress through the game, and have many opportunities to level up through skill trees. When entering into combat, the game selects five random chips for the player. After the battle progresses, players will have the opportunity to select additional chips as indicated by the bar on the top of their screen. However, players are only able to select two or three chips at a time.

In combat, fights take place on a 6×6 grid with the player on the left side and the enemies on the right. Players have to be careful since enemies can and will destroy some of the squares that the player steps on. This unique structure allows players to hone their skills in their movement, planning, and method of attack as strategy is central to combat. Combat progresses even further in the later games since players can conduct counterattacks on enemies, adding a whole other element of strategy and skill. 

Battling is central to the Mega Man Battle Network series. Combat and gameplay mechanics are designed creatively and uniquely, encouraging strategy and planning. Few other games have implemented these gameplay mechanics on this level, and this aspect makes the Legacy Collection a great purchase for any RPG combat player and enjoyed. 

Remarkable Value

For $60, the Mega Man Battle Network Legacy Collection has remarkable value. The collection comes with the six main games in the series, pricing each one at only $10. This makes the price tag negligible for what the buyer gets out of the collection. 

Updated Multiplayer Mode

Not only does the game series have an enjoyable single-player, but it now has a competitive multiplayer. The Legacy Collection has updated all of the games to support competitive multiplayer and online chip trading. This expands the games to even greater lengths, with the addition of even more content and player-to-player interaction. Multiplayer allows for both casual and ranked modes, allowing players to customize their experience and skill level. In competitive mode, players can fight for chips, with losers having to cough up chips owed to the winner. However, players don’t have to win in battle against other players to earn new chips. Online mode allows players to trade chips with others, allowing for new ways to progress through the game. 

Is the Mega Man Battle Network Legacy Collection Worth Buying?

The collection offers unique and perfected combat mechanics, allowing for seamless and fun gameplay. The art style is reminiscent of old-school gaming, making the digital and nostalgic atmosphere compelling and exciting. With hundreds of hours of content, quests, multiplayer, puzzles, and battling, the game series never becomes dull or tiring. The game series offers all of this, only for a price tag of $60 USD. The Mega Man Battle Network Legacy Collection is a worthwhile buy for any fan of RPG games and combat-oriented playing styles.

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