The final installment in the Battle Network series - is it really worth it?
-GAMEPLAY-
This game is a lot like the previous battle network games, with hardly any creditable enhancements added. Sure, the odd new power ups and skills are added, but is that really worth the money you'll be paying out to play a pretty similar game to those which you may have played before?
An important thing to know about these games are that you won't suffer from confusion with the storyline if you haven't played the previous games. This story is new and the game will kindly give you an understanding and an explanation of what's going on. As all the fans already know (it's been mentioned every time in the previous games afterall), this game is set in the future where humans operate "Netnavis", which is a sort of sidekick, or friend, which is used to carry across a place known as the Cyberworld. This Cyberworld is basically a large network where Navis can move and fight freely. Of course, as with our networks, there are viruses. It's up to Navis to delete a viruses, especially the hero you will be playing half your adventure with - Megaman.
This is the most unique aspect of the Battle Network series and was also the reason I was pulled into playing these games. The battle system is addictive and extremely fun once you get used to it. The concept is simple - you encounter a virus whilst walking around with Megaman in the Cyberworld. You are taken to a new screen, where you and your virus enemy (or enemies) will fight. The battle takes place on 2 9x9 grids. You have one side to move around on, the virus has the other side to move around on. You can steal areas of the opponent's grid or they can do the same to you, but the main objective is to get all the enemies hitpoints to zero and "delete" them. Once that is done Megaman is rewarded and is given a rank for that fight, S being the best. Still not interested?
Here's the most interesting part: Megaman can customize himself by using something known as "Battlechips", which you'll often recieve from enemies or when travelling around. Each battlechip does varied damage and various effects. You can also combine a selection of up to 5 battlechips, if they have the same code (for example, if they all have a D for their code). This is just the battle system in it's most basic form, there is so much to experience and learn from this battle system, it will keep you playing for hours.
Now, besides battles you'll be solving plenty of puzzles or tasks in most stages in the game to reach a boss Navi. Sometimes these puzzles can be fun, but will often lose their enjoyment after the game tends to over-use them. Some people may find this fun, but not everyone. Another major annoyance in every Battle Network game is their linear and confusing level designs, often composed of narrow paths branching out even more narrow paths.
When you finally do complete this game, there will be plenty to do afterwards, if you're stil interested in the game by then. Another thing I must add, this game has a very interesting storyline, even if it does take it's time to develop.
-GRAPHICS-
Same old graphics from the previous games. Like I stated much earlier, there are hardly (if any at all) enhancements made to this game. This is a letdown, considering it is the final part to the series.
-SOUNDS-
Expect more or less the same type of sounds - the ones that can get fairly annoying over time. Eventually you'll learn to get used to it. Somehow I did.
-VALUE-
If you have never played a game from the Battle Network series, it might be best going for some of the better ones (for me it was Battle Network 2 or 3). There really isn't much of a difference besides 2 and 3 were much more fun to play.
Fans of the series won't think twice about picking this one up, considering it's the final part to the entire series.
Overall, this game is a "been there, done that" type of game with nothing new or appealing to demanding gamers who want a solid RPG to play. This game has a great battle system, so I do recommend checking it out.
There is a bundle of content in this game, before and after you complete it. So if you do end up enjoying this game, you will be playing it for a very long time, I can guaruntee it. There is also a multiplayer mode to check out, so get some friends to buy it too and enjoy some multiplayer battles.
I hope this helps.
-Smallwood-