Mega Man Battle Network (series)



In a parallel universe from the classic Mega Man series, the internet has become integrated with almost every piece of electronic equipment in existence (from TVs to ovens). In fact, it's become so complicated that special programs called Net Navigators are needed to efficiently process all of the data. Net Navigators (NetNavis for short) are stored in hand-held devices called Personal Terminals (PET). These devices act as phones, pagers, instant messengers, news beams, and hacking devices all rolled into one, essentially making them portable computers.

The main characters of the series are a fifth-grader named Lan Hikari(光熱斗, Netto Hikari in Japan), and his NetNavi best friend MegaMan.EXE (Rockman.EXE), this universe's incarnation of the legendary Blue Bomber. Although MegaMan.EXE has no body (unless the PET device itself counts), he can wander around in Cyberspace and explore computer systems as if they were alternate worlds. Together, Lan and MegaMan.EXE (also known as just MegaMan) cooperate to fight off hackers and viruses.

MegaMan Battle Network
The relative peace of ACDC Town, Lan's hometown, is shattered when the infamous net terrorists “World Three” (“WWW”) begin to spread chaos. MegaMan and Lan decide to tackle the problem from two sides—the real world and cyberspace, meeting interesting new people and digital versions of classic Robot Masters along the way. But they have no idea just what the WWW plans to do. The first Battle Network game set the framework for later series to expand on. A remake crossing over with sequel series Megaman Star Force was released in Japan only for the Nintendo DS.
 * Main Article: MegaMan Battle Network
 * Also known as Battle Network Rockman EXE

Mega Man Network Transmission
Taking place just a month after Mega Man Battle Network, Lan and MegaMan.EXE try to track down the mysterious and destructive "Zero Virus" that has been infecting Navis and causing them to go crazy. As they do so, they meet both old and new faces, as well as a remnant of WWW.
 * Main Article: Mega Man Network Transmission
 * Also known as Rockman EXE Transmission

The only Battle Network game to be on a console, Network Transmission removes Battle Network's overworld and random encounter system in favor of the platforming style the Mega Man series is known for.

MegaMan Battle Network 2
Peace has been broken again, but the culprit is not WWW, it's a new Net Mafia called Gospel. Lan and Megaman work to stop crises as they pop up, and eventually learn Gospel's plan: to create a Super Navi and rule the Net. Can our dynamic duo stop them in time?
 * Main Article: MegaMan Battle Network 2
 * Known in Japan as Battle Network Rockman EXE 2

This game refined the Battle Network series' game mechanics and also introduced Style Change, an all-new power affecting MegaMan's abilities.

MegaMan Battle Network 3 White and Blue
WWW is back, but this time their plans seem completely random, ranging from driving animals in a zoo berserk to a phony tournament. Lan and MegaMan must figure out what the WWW is up to and stop them. And along the way, they will learn some shocking secrets involving their family, SciLab, the UnderNet, and the Net itself.
 * Main Article: MegaMan Battle Network 3
 * Known in Japan as Battle Network Rockman EXE 3 and Battle Network Rockman EXE 3 Black

This game introduced the Navi Customizer and further refined game mechanics.

MegaMan Battle Chip Challenge

 * Main Article: MegaMan Battle Chip Challenge
 * Also known as Rockman.EXE Battle Chip GP and Rockman.EXE N1 Battle

A gaiden game taking place after MegaMan Battle Network 3, for the first time players can choose to play as other characters besides Lan. Whatever character chosen will compete in a series of tournaments, eventually escalating to either a battle against Lan or (if the player chooses Lan) Lan's rival Chaud.

Battle Chip Challenge is markedly different from other Battle Network games, with the total removement of movement, a complete restructuring of the folder and chip system, and a cast of characters from the three previous GBA games.

MegaMan Battle Network 4 Red Sun and Blue Moon
As the world's scientists secretly scramble to stop a meteor that threatens to destroy the Earth, Lan and Megaman enter a series of tournaments in hopes of proving their abilities. However, Nebula, a new criminal organization, has been spreading an alluring power that threatens a Navi's very soul. Can MegaMan resist the temptation of the dark power?
 * Main Article: MegaMan Battle Network 4
 * Known in Japan as Battle Network Rockman EXE 4 Red Sun and Blue Moon

Battle Network 4 greatly changed the series, abandoning the art style and basic game system of the first three games in favor of an all new one. It introduced Double Souls and the Karma system, as well as more extensive version differences. Battle Network 4 was one of the highest selling game in the series, but much of the fanbase has labelled it the worst game in the series, citing its extremely thin and formulaic plot, tedious gameplay mechanics (the most notable of which being forced to play the game three times to complete it), and poor translation (the most hilarious incident being the 100% completion screen, which congratulates the player for beating EXE4, not BN4). The fact that some of its best features were only in the Japanese version did not help matters.



Rockman EXE 4.5 Real Operation
In this Japan only game, the player can choose a NetNavi from a sizable cast of characters to play the game as. However, unlike other games where the player has full control over their navi, this time the navi will move on its own while the player simply selects attacks to use. This was done to simulate what actually operating would feel like.
 * Main Article: Rockman EXE 4.5 Real Operation
 * This game was never released in US

This game has been officially stated to basically be a test version of Battle Network 5's ability to play as other navis in battle.

MegaMan Battle Network 5 Double Team DS, Team ProtoMan, Team Colonel

 * Main Article: MegaMan Battle Network 5
 * Known in Japan as Rockman EXE 5 DS: Twin Leaders, Rockman EXE 5: Team of Blues, Rockman EXE 5: Team of Colonel

Intending to spread its dark influence again, Nebula has seized control of several areas of the Net. Lan and MegaMan have been recruited to join an elite team of navis with the goal of liberating the Net. MegaMan must learn to work with both new faces and certain former foes and rivals in order to save the day. This game expands on Battle Network 4's Dark Chips, rebalances the basic game mechanics, and introduces Chaos Unisons and Liberation Missions. Unfortunately, just like its predecessor, legitimate E-Reader bonuses are Japan only.

A remake for the DS was later released, expanding on the Team mechanic with features such as the Party Customizer and Navi Assist.

MegaMan Battle Network 6 Cybeast Falzar, Cybeast Gregar

 * Main Article: MegaMan Battle Network 6
 * Known in Japan as Rockman EXE 6: Dennoujuu Faltzer and Dennoujuu Grega

(Unlike previous games, the year in this game is 20XX.)

The final game of the Battle Network series has Lan and his family move to Central City. But despite the new environment, their old foe the WWW shows up, this time with the goal of awakening the legendary Cybeasts that rampaged through the Net years ago. Megaman manages to capture one of these beasts in a last ditch attempt to stop it, but now he must face both WWW and the beast inside him. This game introduced the Cross System and Beast Out and Beast Over, and also revamped much of the customizable features of the series.

Alternate dimension, same century (Mega Man classic) | Next (Mega Man Star Force series)