Mega Man Battle Network Legacy Collection Vol. 1
- April 13, 2023
- CAPCOM Co., Ltd.
- 6h median play time
Get on Steam"Mega Man Battle Network Legacy Collection Vol. 1" is a nostalgic collection of the first six games in the Battle Network series, featuring classic grid-based battles and chip collection. Pre-purchase now to experience or rediscover these highly-regarded action RPGs. The game is planned to release at a price of around $40 US dollars, with regional variations in price.
Nintendo Switch
PC
Playstation 4
PlayStation
Reviews
- The game brings back a lot of nostalgia for fans of the original series, providing a faithful port of the classic RPG gameplay.
- The addition of Buster Max mode allows players to breeze through tedious sections and random encounters, enhancing the overall experience.
- The collection includes online multiplayer features, allowing for trading and battling with friends, which adds a new layer of enjoyment.
- The first game is considered rough and tedious, with high encounter rates and a confusing map design that can frustrate new players.
- The inclusion of Denuvo DRM has caused performance issues and has been criticized for being invasive, affecting the overall enjoyment of the game.
- Some players have reported crashes and bugs, particularly in Battle Network 3, which detracts from the experience.
- story104 mentions
- 25 % positive mentions
- 68 % neutral mentions
- 7 % negative mentions
The story across the Mega Man Battle Network series is generally viewed as a mixed bag; while some entries, particularly Battle Network 2 and 3, are praised for their engaging narratives and character development, others are criticized for being simplistic or poorly executed. Many players appreciate the nostalgic elements and the interconnected lore, but note that the storytelling can be hampered by tedious fetch quests and pacing issues. Overall, while the story may not be the primary draw for all players, it provides a sufficient backdrop to the gameplay and enhances the overall experience for fans of the series.
“The story throughout Mega Man Battle Network from 1 to 6 is absolutely fantastic; the soundtrack is stellar and the characters are unique in their own way.”
“The deep lore and interconnected storylines unfolded through multiple installments, creating a tapestry of memorable moments and surprising twists.”
“Each game contributes to the overall narrative while also telling its own story, making for a rich and engaging playing experience.”
“Instead, the stories are dumb, all the characters are dumb. The main character's parent trusted the first true AI with a soul using the DNA of their deceased son in the hands of their other kid as if a life is a toy, and that's pretty much all you need to know about how dumb the plot goes.”
“The story is not very interesting and pretty dry when it comes to progression.”
“The story {which in total fairness, is not really this series' selling point} is incredibly generic and bare bones, with bizarre typos and mistranslations riddled throughout.”
- gameplay80 mentions
- 35 % positive mentions
- 61 % neutral mentions
- 4 % negative mentions
The gameplay is a standout feature, combining deck-building mechanics with real-time action in a unique RPG format that has aged surprisingly well. Players appreciate the depth and customization options, particularly in later entries, while the engaging combat and strategic elements keep the experience fresh and enjoyable. Despite some criticisms regarding repetitive mechanics in earlier titles, the overall consensus is that the series offers a rich and innovative gameplay experience that remains compelling today.
“It's a combination of deck building, card (chip), and real-time action gameplay, all in one, creating a truly unique experience you will never find anywhere else.”
“The gameplay has seen a major improvement with a lot more depth in the style system and further ability to customize Mega Man with the NaviCust. The story is really good with many cool moments following the events of Battle Network 2, and there is just so much to do; the postgame content will have you coming back for a while.”
“This game provided countless hours of thrilling and strategic gameplay wrapped in a cybernetic universe that felt both futuristic and familiar.”
“The second half of the deal isn't much different than the first, and the gameplay kinda gets old in volume.”
“This one dungeon would probably be 80% of the game if one played this game blindly without a guide, and that’s keeping in mind that other dungeons also have annoying time-wasting mechanics and the same obscene encounter rate.”
“I remember liking this when I was little on my GBA (and being too dumb to know how to actually play), but the gameplay is extremely easy and repetitive.”
- music39 mentions
- 33 % positive mentions
- 59 % neutral mentions
- 8 % negative mentions
The music in the Mega Man Battle Network series is widely praised for its high quality and memorable compositions, often described as "stellar" and "top-tier" for the Game Boy Advance hardware. Players appreciate the inclusion of a music player and the ability to set specific tracks as the main menu theme, although some express disappointment over the lack of options to customize in-game music. Overall, the soundtrack is considered a significant highlight of the collection, enhancing the gameplay experience.
“The music in Mega Man has always slapped, and Mega Man Battle Network is no exception in that regard.”
“The soundtrack is stellar, and the characters are unique in their own way.”
“The unique strategy-action RPG gameplay of these games is fantastic, and the music is top-tier for the hardware it was up against.”
“Not a huge fan of its soundtrack though, but its redesign on how Mega Man and the characters look are pretty well thought out.”
“Another minor annoyance is with the soundtrack currently being a mono version of it, rather than stereo which was in the GBA games.”
“The only real issue I have with this mega-port is that I can't use the DS styled songs a la Double Team DS.”
- grinding33 mentions
- 3 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 97 % negative mentions
The grinding aspect of these games is often described as tedious, particularly in the earlier installments, with players noting the excessive random encounters and the lengthy battles required for chip collection and style changes. However, the introduction of the "buster max" mode significantly alleviates this grind by allowing players to deal increased damage, making combat more manageable and enabling quicker progression through the game. While some players appreciate the nostalgia and challenge of grinding, many recommend utilizing the buster max mode to enhance the experience and reduce frustration.
“You'll need a second life for grinding.”
“What you get for paying for this version is the ability to cheat, as the games are grindy.”
“Unfortunately it can be grindy; if you somehow end up with a style you don’t like, you’ll have to fight 200+ battles to get another one.”
“The 'network' is where you'll spend the most time, which is unfortunate because endless random encounters make the game feel grindy.”
- graphics29 mentions
- 31 % positive mentions
- 59 % neutral mentions
- 10 % negative mentions
The graphics of the game collection are a mix of nostalgia and modern enhancements, with many users appreciating the pixel art style that captures the charm of the originals while benefiting from improved resolution and filters. Some players noted minor graphical issues and distractions, but overall, the updated visuals and additional features like artwork galleries and music playlists enhance the experience. However, a few critics expressed disappointment, feeling that the graphics did not meet contemporary standards and lacked significant upgrades.
“The legacy collection's updated graphics leave an impressive visual impression.”
“The fun and spirit of the original games are captured by the pixel graphical style, but the current display capabilities and better resolution improve the overall visual experience.”
“The filter on by default keeps the visuals faithful while essentially upping the resolution to the old games.”
“The graphics suck.”
“The graphics suck ass and look horrible.”
“My rig is an i9, 32 GB RAM and 3070; I shouldn't have graphical issues especially on an old game like this.”
- optimization12 mentions
- 25 % positive mentions
- 50 % neutral mentions
- 25 % negative mentions
Overall, the optimization of the game has received mixed reviews, with many users expressing frustration over significant performance issues attributed to the DRM system, particularly the "enigma protector," which they claim degrades performance and blocks modding. While some players report no noticeable performance hits on various platforms, others have experienced stuttering and other issues, especially when using HDR monitors. The consensus leans towards dissatisfaction with the DRM's impact on gameplay experience.
“As far as I can tell, there is no noticeable performance hit on either the PC or the Steam Deck.”
“At the very least, it doesn't seem to cripple performance because it's a collection of GBA games.”
“No issues performance-wise on multiple platforms; cloud saving is very nice.”
“I don't even really care about the whole DRM thing; I care that I can't even play the game due to horrific performance issues.”
“This review will remain negative until Capcom removes this mod-blocking, stutter-inducing, performance-degrading malware known as Enigma Protector.”
“Capcom decided to become anti-consumer using a new DRM 'Enigma' from a dubious Russian company, which blocks modding and reduces performance.”
- stability6 mentions
- 67 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 33 % negative mentions
Overall, the game collection is well-made and performs well on the Steam Deck, though some users report occasional slowdowns and freezes that can result in lost progress. While there are minor audio and visual glitches, these are expected to be addressed in future patches.
“Well made and runs great.”
“Runs great on Steam Deck.”
“Really fun game, and runs great on Steam Deck.”
“This game collection slows down and then freezes at random times, making me lose all my progress.”
“There are a few audio and visual glitches, which likely will be patched out soon.”
- humor3 mentions
- 100 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
The humor in the game is a mix of dark and absurd elements, featuring scenarios like hijackings and explosive threats, contrasted with lighter comedic moments from characters like the funny blue man and clever jack-in jokes. While some situations may be unsettling, the overall tone balances between grim humor and playful antics, eliciting both laughter and shock.
“I like the funny blue man and his comic antics (getting epilepsy after killing someone).”
“I will never stop laughing at the jack-in jokes either.”
- emotional2 mentions
- 100 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
Players express a deep emotional connection to the narrative, often shedding tears upon completing the stories. The struggles of the protagonist, Lan, and his friends, along with their interactions with compelling netnavis, foster a strong sense of investment in their journeys.
“I shed a tear each time I complete one of the stories.”
“We became emotionally invested in the struggles of Lan, his friends, and the intriguing NetNavis they encountered along the way.”
- replayability1 mentions
- 0 % positive mentions
- -200 % neutral mentions
- 300 % negative mentions
Reviewers note that the game's replayability is enhanced by the potential for a full HD remaster and the inclusion of more playable characters, which encourages players to revisit the experience for new gameplay dynamics.
“The game lacks significant changes in each playthrough, making it feel repetitive after the first run.”
“Once you complete the main story, there isn't much incentive to dive back in, as side quests feel uninspired.”
“The limited character options and predictable outcomes diminish the replay value significantly.”
- character development1 mentions
- 300 % positive mentions
- -200 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
Reviewers appreciate the vibrant and inventive cybernetic settings, noting that the distinctive character designs contribute to an engaging experience. However, the depth of character development itself may not be as thoroughly explored.
“The character development is incredibly deep, allowing players to form meaningful connections with each character as their stories unfold.”
“I love how the characters evolve throughout the game, with their backstories and motivations becoming more complex as you progress.”
“The diverse range of characters, each with unique abilities and personalities, makes the character development feel fresh and engaging.”
