"Blue Bomber plugs in to the GBA... with great results!"

In the age of the highly over-done Mega Man X series, it is really an excitement to see MegaMan's face in another type of game- and this game is truly a pleaser. Set in a futuristic world, MegaMan Battle Network has a plot which revolves around 2 characters; Lan, a 5th grader who is just simply a normal kid, and MegaMan.EXE, Lan's ''Navi'' who resides in his ''PET.'' A PET is the future's version of a cell phone; it acts as a telephone, e-mailer, newspaper, etc... It also has a personalized program installed, called a Navi. A Navi is a computer AI which interacts with the user and can ''jack in'' to certain computerized equipment, as well as explore the ''net.'' But enough of that, on to the storyline. So in Lan's world, ''netcrimes'' have been rising. This is due to the work of a netcrime agency known only as the ''WWW'' or ''World 3.'' And of course, its up to Lan and MegaMan to stop them.

The story is VERY original, since it doesn't tie into the original series. Heck, the whole GAME is original, especially the battle system, which I won't attempt to explain now.

Now for the pros of the game. An incredible story and battle system combine for a great game right there! But the originality of the characters and the use of old characters from other MegaMan series is clever as well. Also, the use of great 1-liners is present throughout the entire game. The graphics of this game are TOP NOTCH for the Game Boy Advance, and surpass any other game that I have played so far.

Unfortunately, every game has cons, and MMBN isn't an exception. The music of the game tends to get EXTREMELY annoying (especially when you've been in the same area for more than an hour.). The amount of running to be done to get from objective A to objective B is incredibly boring as well, it can truly turn a gamer off. There is simply not much to do apart from the story.

All in all, this game truly scores with me. I would recommend ANYONE to go out and buy this game. It is well worth the money spent on the game!!! I cant believe it when I see a negative review about this game because it is probably the most AMAZING AND INNOVATIVE games available for the GBA! Unfortunately, the game seems to be extremely hard to find. The only way to BE sure that you find this game is to order it straight from Capcom.

Reviewer's Score: 8/10, Originally Posted: 08/04/02, Updated 08/04/02