Introduction
Basic information
Developer Name: Capcom
Full Name: Mega Man Battle Network
Release Date: March 21, 2001
Released on: Game Boy Advance
Cross Play: No
Initial thoughts
I played Mega Man Battle Network when I was a child, and revisiting it was like opening a digital time capsule. Despite its age, the game still managed to hook me with its addictive chip-collecting mechanics and strategic combat. It’s a bit rough around the edges, especially compared to later installments, but that also gives it a certain nostalgic charm. Diving back into the world of Lan and MegaMan.EXE was a welcome return, filled with both familiar moments and surprising challenges.
Story and setting
Plot overview
The plot is both quirky and a little cringeworthy by today’s standards, with some odd translations and overly dramatic dialogue. Still, it’s a fun, light-hearted story that follows Lan Hikari and his NetNavi, MegaMan.EXE, as they battle the cyber-terrorist group WWW, led by the enigmatic Dr. Wily. The narrative explores the dangers of a hyper-connected world, but it’s delivered with the campy flair characteristic of early 2000s Capcom titles.
World building and immersion
The game establishes a vibrant, interconnected world where everything is networked. From ovens to schools, and there’s a dark underbelly lurking within every device. While the setting is basic compared to later entries, it effectively conveys a sense of digital adventure.
Character development
Lan and MegaMan.EXE are a likeable duo, but character development is relatively shallow in this entry. Most characters are one-note, serving as plot devices rather than fully fleshed-out personalities.
Emotional impact
The game doesn’t hit the emotional highs of later installments, but it sets the stage for more intense, character-driven narratives in future games.
Rating for story and setting
I have visited multiple aspects of the story and after some thought and objective thinking, I rated the story and setting with a 6.5
Gameplay and mechanics
Core gameplay mechanics
For its time, Mega Man Battle Network was a bold and innovative take on RPG mechanics, combining deck-building strategy with real-time grid-based combat. While later games refined and balanced these systems, the first entry is both simplistic and wildly unbalanced, and I mean that in a fun way.
Combat takes place on a 3×3 grid where you and MegaMan.EXE face off against viruses using Battle Chips. These are collectible abilities that act as attacks, buffs, and utilities. Deck-building is unrestricted in this entry, allowing you to stack as many powerful chips as you want, a feature later games would limit.
Difficulty and balance
The game is a mixed bag in terms of balance. Some chips are absurdly overpowered, especially if you fill your folder with ten of them, creating ridiculously strong builds. However, the difficulty spikes can be frustrating, especially when navigating the maze-like network areas.
Pacing of the game
The pacing is inconsistent, with some areas dragging on due to repetitive encounters and confusing map design. However, the thrill of finding new chips and creating devastating combos keeps things engaging.
Innovation and uniqueness
Combining tactical RPG mechanics with real-time action combat was groundbreaking at the time. The chip system remains one of the most unique aspects of the series, encouraging creative strategies and experimentation.
Controls and user interface
The controls are responsive, but the menus feel a bit clunky by today’s standards. Deck management can be tedious, especially when shuffling through large collections of chips.
Microtransactions
None, a refreshing reminder of simpler times.
Rating
After combing through many of the mechanics, the pacing and other factors of this game, I rated the gameplay and mechanics with a 7.5.
Graphics and art style
Quality of graphics and art direction
The GBA hardware limited what Mega Man Battle Network could achieve visually, but the game still manages to deliver colorful, vibrant pixel art with distinct character designs and charming animations.
While simple, the graphics maintain a clean and colorful look, perfectly suited to the cyber-themed world. Character sprites are expressive, and enemy designs are memorable despite the limited resolution.
Technical performances
Unfortunately, the game does suffer from some minor lag during intense battles, especially when multiple enemies attack simultaneously. Something later installments have fixed.
Environment and design uniqueness
The digital world and real-world segments are clearly defined, each with its own aesthetic. However, some areas, particularly the network sections, can feel repetitive and maze-like.
Rating
It took me some time to give the graphics and art style an objective rating. There are many things to consider, but ultimately, I rated this section with a 7.0.
Sound and music
Music score and how it contributed to the game
Capcom delivered an infectious techno-infused soundtrack that perfectly complements the futuristic, digital world of Mega Man Battle Network.
The music is catchy and adrenaline-pumping, with several memorable tracks that evoke the early 2000s RPG era.
Sound effects quality
The sound effects are crisp, with satisfying attack noises and impactful hit confirmations that make battles feel dynamic.
Voice Acting
None, but the character sounds and battle cues effectively convey each moment.
Rating
After a lot of consideration, I rated the sound and music section with an 8.
Replayability
Game Length and content volume
Mega Man Battle Network offers a surprising amount of post-game content, encouraging players to collect every chip, face off against optional bosses, and assemble the ultimate Battle Chip folder.
Completing the main story takes around 15–20 hours, but hunting down every chip and tackling post-game challenges can easily extend playtime to 30+ hours.
Extra Content
The post-game adds some of the toughest battles, allowing you to test your overpowered deck against formidable opponents.
Replay value
High for completionists, especially given the freedom to create broken, overpowered decks.
Rating
After thoughtful consideration, I decided to rate the replayability and game length of Megaman Battle Network with a 7.5
Suggestions and comparisons
Suggestions and feedback
Adding a better map system and more detailed quest log would reduce the confusion of navigating the network areas. Streamlining the chip management system would also be a welcome quality-of-life upgrade. (Most of these are implemented in later installments, so I guess, Capcom agreed.)
Comparisons
Later entries, particularly Battle Network 2 and Battle Network 3, introduce more balanced deck-building mechanics, but the first game’s unrestricted chip system offers a unique kind of chaotic fun.
Personal experiences and anecdotes
One of the highlights of revisiting Mega Man Battle Network was diving into the post-game content, collecting chips, and building a ridiculously overpowered deck. Being able to stack ten superchips into a single folder felt both absurd and exhilarating. Something that later games would restrict. It was pure digital mayhem, mowing down viruses with overpowered combos and racking up chips at an alarming rate. The nostalgia factor was high, and despite its flaws, it was great to relive those childhood memories of digital dueling.
Rating
Taking in all the personal experiences with Megaman Battle Network, I give it a personal rating of 7.
Last words
Pros
- Unique deck-building combat system
- Addictive chip collection
- Nostalgic, colorful pixel art
- Catchy techno soundtrack
- Tons of post-game content
- Ability to build overpowered decks
- Classic Mega Man charm
- Strategic, grid-based combat
Cons
- Unbalanced chip system can trivialize combat
- Confusing map layout, especially in network areas
- Some translation errors and awkward dialogue
- Lack of quality-of-life features introduced in later games
While Mega Man Battle Network lacks the polish and balance of later entries, its simplicity and unrestricted chip system offer a unique, nostalgic experience that fans of the series will appreciate. The ability to stack multiple powerful chips leads to some hilariously overpowered builds, and the post-game content adds plenty of replay value. Despite its flaws, it’s a solid introduction to a beloved franchise.
FINAL RATING
7
Please let me know what you think of Megaman Battle Network in the comments!
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I didn’t know that battle network 1’s emotional impact is subpar compared to later titles. I thought it was good enough at least when I was a child. Good to know.
I also just notice about this “emotional impact” section. This is a great addition that is oftentimes overlooked. A game may be storywise a 7 but emotional impact wise a 10.
Yeah, the first game is a bit, meh, they were still testing the waters.
What a nostalgic game!
I remember the combat being really fun, and I loved the music and graphics.
An interesting thing about revisiting the first game of a series is feeling the lack of features that are introduced in the successive entries but also causing the game to have its own identity in a way and a reason to revisit it along with nostalgia 🙂
The combat in part 1 is overpowered and a bit buggy!
Oh man Game Boy Advance … thats a long time ago ^^. But as deck-building combat features became more and more popular lately … this seems to be perfect to play now. A game with a poorly designed map … meh ^^
Luckily the following titles have better maps!
Thanks for the review. But I think it’s not my type of game (which definitely does not mean it’s bad.)
Maybe give it a little whirl?
Love those ubiquitous cats :-)) Never played this game so honestly no nostalgy here for me 😉 But i like deck building.
The deck building is a lot of fun!
The whole idea of battling with digital chips in a virtual world sounds surprisingly deep and creative!
It is, and a lot of fun!
I love this retro game, I could play it for hours! It doesn’t have a nostalgic component to it, but anyone could start playing it and enjoy it just the same 😀
Yeah, the story might not be as good as later installments, or refined combats, but damn, it is good!
Wow, this game looks a lot more polished than I remember! I can barely see the pixels!
But also nice to see this game getting reviewed positively. This was a game that I really enjoyed as a kid but also felt too dumb to be good at it when I was a kid.
You should play it again, and if you like these graphics, wait till I review part 3, the pinnacle of GBA graphics. (No Megaman battle network 4 does not make it better.)
Is it just me? All the pics and video links on this page are for Little Kitty, Big City not Megaman Battle Network.
Anyway, Megaman Battle Network is one of the memorable titles from my childhood too. I only have the chance to play 1, and it really hooks me in as I already like the megaman franchise.
It had grabbed an older version when I scheduled it, and I was not at home to fix it, all working now.
You should get the new collection and play the other games!
The deck-building does look very unique, especially for Mega Man! The pixel art is very charming and fun too, looks like a cool game in the series!
It is indeed a cool game!
Megaman Battle Network but i see little big city. Im confused
Version error!
I think perhaps that’s not bad game, but maybe little better graphics and kitty bugfixes would be needed ☺️.
Megaman has jacked in, and fixed the review!
Those old games that can still hook you today are the best. It tells how well they were made, regardless of how aged they may have become.
It’s not perfect, but it’s very good. 😀
This one aged properly if you ask me!
Looks like a good game, pretty different from other Megaman games
There are many different Megaman games!
OOohhh another new game!! seems nice from the review…will check it out!
You should try this game!
I like review. Megaman is a badass character in game series!
Megaman is indeed a badass!