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CRITIK

Mega Man Battle Network Legacy Collection

Name: Comprehensive Review and Analysis of Mega Man Battle Network Legacy Collection
Item: Mega Man Battle Network Legacy Collection
Author: Critik Editorial Team

2023

GenresAction, Third Person Perspective, Platformer, RPG, Top-Down Perspective, Strategy, Single Player

AvailableApr 13, 2023

PlatformPC, Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4

DeveloperCapcom

Overview

Mega Man Battle Network Legacy Collection features all 10 mainline games in the Mega Man Battle Network series!

Elsewhere

Game analysis

Critik Scorecard

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Story and Narrative

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR STORY

Story Score

Positive (80-100)

45%

Mixed (50-79)

55%

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the story and narrative.

The opinions of the critics regarding the story of Mega Man Battle Network Legacy Collection are generally positive. Many critics praise the game for its engaging and charming storyline, with well-fleshed-out characters and character-driven moments. Critics such as Gaming Age and Nintendo Life specifically mention the endearing writing and characters that hold up well. The game's unique and charming setting, with a cyberspace theme, is also highlighted by God is a Geek. The narrative of each game in the series is described as simple and child-friendly, similar to the Pokémon series, by Hardcore Gamer. The episodic flow of the game, with predictable beats, is found to be entertaining by Nintendo Insider. The game's narrative is also commended for its optimistic and earnest portrayal of the future by Nintendo Insider. However, there are some criticisms regarding the story of Mega Man Battle Network Legacy Collection. Hey Poor Player mentions that while the story is fun and the characters are interesting, there is little character development or progression. The series often resets to the status quo, making it hard to invest in the story. KeenGamer points out that the narrative and tone of each game in the series vary, ranging from nuanced storytelling to absurd and poorly written dialogue. Some entries' stories may be weaker than others, as mentioned by Siliconera, but overall, they are generally enjoyable. Overall, the consensus among the critics is that the story of Mega Man Battle Network Legacy Collection is engaging, charming, and enjoyable. The well-fleshed-out characters and character-driven moments are praised, along with the unique and charming setting. The simple and child-friendly narrative, although varying in quality between entries, is generally found to be entertaining. However, the lack of character development and progression, as well as the occasional weaker storytelling, are noted as drawbacks. Despite these criticisms, the overall sentiment towards the story of Mega Man Battle Network Legacy Collection is positive, with critics appreciating its endearing qualities and satisfying twists and turns.

TL;DR

story and narrative

Critics praise Mega Man Battle Network Legacy Collection for its engaging storyline, charming characters, and unique cyberspace setting. While some find the lack of character development and varying storytelling quality to be drawbacks, overall consensus is positive for its entertaining narrative and optimistic portrayal of the future.

Gameplay Mechanics

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR GAMEPLAY

Gameplay Score

Positive (80-100)

80%

Mixed (50-79)

20%

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the gameplay mechanics.

The opinions of the critics regarding the gameplay of Mega Man Battle Network Legacy Collection are overwhelmingly positive. Many critics praised the unique and engaging battle system, which combines elements of strategy, action, and card games. The grid-based combat on 3x3 grids, along with the use of Battle Chips, was highlighted as a key aspect of the gameplay that provides depth and flexibility. Critics such as Attack of the Fanboy, COGconnected, God is a Geek, KeenGamer, and Siliconera all expressed their enjoyment of the combat mechanics and deckbuilding elements. The gameplay was described as strategic, addictive, rewarding, and a highlight of the series. However, there were some negative aspects mentioned by a few critics. CGMagazine and Hey Poor Player mentioned that the tutorial sections can be repetitive and unskippable, which may be a slog for veterans. The random battle encounters were also criticized by a couple of reviewers, such as Hardcore Gamer and Video Chums, for being time-consuming and dated. Additionally, But Why Tho?? pointed out the lack of quality-of-life improvements from later games, such as greying out unavailable chips and the absence of a mini-map or autosave feature. Overall, the consensus among the critics is that the gameplay of Mega Man Battle Network Legacy Collection is excellent. The majority of critics praised the combat system, the grid-based battles, and the deckbuilding mechanics. They found the gameplay to be engaging, strategic, and addictive. The combination of action, strategy, and card game elements was highly regarded. The positive opinions of critics like Nintendo Insider, The Mako Reactor, Worth Playing, and GGRecon further support the overall consensus that the gameplay of Mega Man Battle Network Legacy Collection is highly enjoyable and a standout feature of the collection.

TL;DR

gameplay mechanics

Critics love Mega Man Battle Network Legacy Collection's gameplay, praising its unique battle system that blends strategy, action, and card games. They enjoy the grid-based combat, Battle Chips, and deckbuilding elements for depth and flexibility. While some critics noted repetitive tutorials and dated random battles, the majority agree that the gameplay is strategic, addictive, and a highlight of the series. Overall, the consensus is that the gameplay is excellent, with critics like Nintendo Insider and Worth Playing endorsing it as highly enjoyable and a standout feature of the collection.

Graphics and Visual Design

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR VISUALS

Visual Score

Positive (80-100)

28%

Mixed (50-79)

72%

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the graphics and visual design.

In terms of the positives, many critics praised the graphics and visual design of Mega Man Battle Network Legacy Collection. App Trigger commends the game for its smoothed graphics, especially on larger screens, and highlights the inclusion of a cool art gallery with promotional and concept art. CGMagazine also mentions the superb artwork that still holds up even after two decades, with an art gallery showcasing design choices. KeenGamer notes that the graphics and sound of the games have aged well, with detailed settings, appealing sprite work, and impressive music. Nintendo Life states that the visuals have stood the test of time and have a distinctive and evocative look. These positive opinions indicate that the game's graphics are visually appealing, well-designed, and have a nostalgic charm. On the other hand, there are some negative opinions regarding the graphics and visual design. Attack of the Fanboy mentions that while the collection includes a filter to make the pixel-based adventures look smoother, the in-game text font doesn't match the visuals. COGconnected describes the visuals as muddy, but notes that playing in handheld mode on the Switch makes them more palatable, suggesting that the graphics might not be as impressive on larger screens. Gaming Age criticizes an ugly smoothing HD effect that can be turned off, indicating that some players might not appreciate certain graphical enhancements. Nintendo Insider criticizes the filter and replacement font used in the game, suggesting that these elements might not be well-received by all players. These negative opinions suggest that there are some aspects of the graphics and visual design that could have been improved or may not be universally liked. Overall, the consensus among the critics is that Mega Man Battle Network Legacy Collection has visually appealing graphics and a well-designed visual style. The positive opinions highlight the smoothed graphics, superb artwork, and the game's ability to stand the test of time. However, there are some negative opinions regarding certain graphical elements such as the font, muddy visuals, and the HD effect. Despite these criticisms, the overall sentiment leans towards the positive side, with many critics praising the game's visuals and design choices. The inclusion of an art gallery and the option to choose between original sprite-based appearance or a high-resolution filter are also appreciated features.

TL;DR

graphics and visual design

Critics praise Mega Man Battle Network Legacy Collection for its stunning graphics and design, including a cool art gallery. Positive reviews highlight the timeless artwork and nostalgic charm, while some negative feedback points out issues like mismatched fonts and muddy visuals. Overall, the game's visuals are well-received, with the majority of critics appreciating the polished graphics and design choices.

Music and Sound Design

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR SOUND DESIGN

Sound Score

Positive (80-100)

40%

Mixed (50-79)

60%

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the music and sound design.

In terms of the positives, the Sound Design and Music of Mega Man Battle Network Legacy Collection received mostly favorable reviews from the critics. CGMagazine and GamingBolt both praised the strong soundtrack and the inclusion of a music player in the collection, which allows players to enjoy the music outside of the game. PCMag also commended the excellent music and the fact that each game's full soundtrack is included in the collection. Siliconera and Video Chums highlighted the great selection of music from the series and the overall sound design. KeenGamer specifically mentioned that the music in the games has aged well and is impressive. However, there were some negatives mentioned by the critics. GamingTrend criticized the font used for the text, stating that it is not well-suited to the visuals. IGN Italia mentioned that while the music and sound effects are pleasant and suitable, better audio enhancements could have been made for the Nintendo Switch. Nintendo Life noted that while the soundtrack hasn't held up as well, there are still plenty of memorable themes. The Mako Reactor and Screen Rant did not provide a detailed analysis of the sound design or music, which could be seen as a negative aspect. Overall, the consensus among the critics is that the Sound Design and Music of Mega Man Battle Network Legacy Collection is a positive aspect of the game. The inclusion of a music player and the strong soundtrack were praised by multiple critics, including CGMagazine, GamingBolt, and PCMag. The timeless ambiance and art direction of the games, as mentioned by Siliconera, also contribute to the overall enjoyment of the experience. While there were some minor criticisms, such as the font choice and the audio enhancements for the Nintendo Switch, the positive reviews outweigh the negatives. The critics' opinions suggest that the Sound Design and Music of Mega Man Battle Network Legacy Collection is a notable aspect that enhances the overall gameplay experience.

TL;DR

music and sound design

Critics praised the Sound Design and Music of Mega Man Battle Network Legacy Collection for its strong soundtrack, music player feature, and timeless ambiance. Some critics noted minor issues like font choice and audio enhancements for Nintendo Switch, but overall, the positive reviews outweigh the negatives, making the sound design and music a notable aspect that enhances the gameplay experience.

Voice Acting

Analysis Unavailable

Summary unavailable

TL;DR

voice acting

Description unavailable

Technical Performance

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR TECHNICAL PERFORMANCE

Tech Score

Positive (80-100)

45%

Mixed (50-79)

55%

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the technical performance.

In terms of the technical performance on the Nintendo Switch, the critics had mixed opinions. Attack of the Fanboy mentioned minor issues with the in-game text font and the lack of quality of life features, while KeenGamer criticized the collection for lacking significant quality-of-life features such as an in-game map and adjustments to battle rewards. However, IGN Italia praised the games for not having any notable technical issues and running well on the Nintendo Switch. Overall, it seems that the technical performance on the Switch is generally satisfactory, with some minor issues but no major problems reported. On the PlayStation 4, the critics had a more positive view of the technical performance. Everyeye.it mentioned that the games work without problems on PlayStation 5 and are perfect for the Nintendo Switch in handheld mode. The Games Machine also reported that the games run well on PlayStation 5 with no major issues. Video Chums, although not specifically mentioning technical issues, stated that the game is well-emulated, indicating a smooth performance. This suggests that the technical performance on the PS4 is generally solid, with no significant problems reported. Overall, the consensus among the critics for all gaming platforms is that the technical performance of Mega Man Battle Network Legacy Collection is generally satisfactory. While there were some minor issues mentioned, such as font and quality of life features on the Switch, and some technical issues with the online mode on both platforms, the overall sentiment is positive. Critics like CGMagazine praised the collection for its quality-of-life improvements and lack of crash/fail rate, while Metro GameCentral commended Capcom's efforts in translations and additional content. The lack of major technical issues reported by most critics indicates that the game runs well and provides a stable experience across platforms.

TL;DR

technical performance

Critics had mixed opinions on the technical performance of Mega Man Battle Network Legacy Collection on the Nintendo Switch, citing minor issues like text font and lack of quality-of-life features. However, on the PlayStation 4, critics were more positive, noting smooth performance and no major issues. Overall, the consensus is that the game runs satisfactorily on all platforms, with some minor hiccups but no major problems reported.

Replay Value

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR REPLAY VALUE

Replay Score

Positive (80-100)

57%

Mixed (50-79)

43%

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the replay value.

The opinions of the critics regarding the replay value of Mega Man Battle Network Legacy Collection are generally positive. Many critics highlight the additional features and content that contribute to the replayability of the games. App Trigger praises the new Buster Max mode, which allows players to tear through the games and experience the stories, making it a fantastic way to hop back into the series. Attack of the Fanboy mentions achievements, concept art, music, and online functionality as factors that add replay value. CGMagazine emphasizes the new features like downloadable promotional material, a trophy system, and a ranked matchmaking system for online battles. Gaming Age states that all six games are worth checking out if you care about the story, and the later games have improved combat mechanics. GamingBolt acknowledges that playing the games without a break may lead to frustration due to their similarity, but the collection offers a lot of content for a low price of entry. However, there are some negative aspects mentioned by critics that may affect the replay value. GamingTrend notes that the games in the collection are very similar, which may make it less appealing for immediate replay. NintendoWorldReport mentions that the Battle Network games can become repetitive and lack significant changes as the series progresses. Video Chums points out that the gameplay formula becomes repetitive quickly, especially when playing multiple games in succession. Overall, the consensus among the critics is that Mega Man Battle Network Legacy Collection offers a significant amount of content and additional features that enhance the replay value. Critics like God is a Geek and Hardcore Gamer appreciate the game's extensive content and deck-building mechanics, making it endlessly compelling. The inclusion of online play, trading, and multiplayer functionalities is also praised by several critics, including GamingTrend, Shacknews, and Nintendo Insider. The collection is seen as a great opportunity to rediscover or recover one of the most underrated series of the Game Boy Advance, as mentioned by Everyeye.it. While some critics acknowledge the repetitive nature of the games, the overall sentiment is that the collection provides a valuable and enjoyable experience for fans of the series, offering plenty of replay value.

TL;DR

replay value

Critics generally praise Mega Man Battle Network Legacy Collection for its replay value, highlighting new features like Buster Max mode and online functionalities that enhance the gaming experience. Some critics caution about the repetitive nature of the games, but overall, the collection offers a lot of content at a low price, making it a compelling choice for fans of the series seeking an enjoyable and valuable experience.

Overall Verdict

CRITIK

OVERALL SCORE DISTRIBUTION

Critik Score

Positive (80-100)

54%

Mixed (50-79)

46%

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing all available reviews that scored and critiqued the game.

Overall, the opinions of the critics regarding the Overall Verdict of Mega Man Battle Network Legacy Collection are generally positive. The collection is praised for its graphical upgrade, large collection of backgrounds, and the inclusion of a talking MegaMan NetNavi at the title screen, as mentioned by App Trigger. Critics such as CGMagazine, Gaming Age, and Nintendo Life commend the collection for being a worthwhile re-release that offers a lot of content and is recommended for fans of the series and those looking for inventive RPG experiences. The Mako Reactor also recommends the collection, praising its gameplay, extras, and accessibility options. These positive aspects highlight the appeal of the collection to both new and old fans of the Mega Man Battle Network series. However, there are some drawbacks mentioned by the critics. COGconnected mentions the lack of variety between the titles and the presence of awful dungeon mazes as drawbacks. Metro GameCentral also mentions that there is very little difference between the games and that the level and mission design is weak with difficulty spikes. The Games Machine notes that some aspects of the collection have not aged well. These negative aspects suggest that the collection may not be as appealing to those looking for variety or modern gameplay experiences. Overall, the consensus among the critics is that Mega Man Battle Network Legacy Collection is a worthwhile purchase for fans of the series and those who enjoy both Mega Man and RPG games. Critics such as Nintendo Insider, Siliconera, and Worth Playing recommend the collection and praise its content-rich nature and enjoyable gameplay. Attack of the Fanboy recommends the game, highlighting its faithful gameplay experience, additional content, and online functionality. While there are some criticisms regarding the lack of variety and outdated aspects, the overall sentiment is positive, with many critics recommending the collection to both fans and newcomers of the series.

TL;DR

Critics generally praise Mega Man Battle Network Legacy Collection for its graphical upgrades, content richness, and appeal to fans of the series and RPG enthusiasts. However, some drawbacks like lack of variety and outdated aspects are noted. Overall, critics recommend the collection for its enjoyable gameplay and additional content, making it a worthwhile purchase for both old and new fans of the Mega Man Battle Network series.

CRITIK

Reviews

70 reviews found

Worth Playing

Nintendo Switch

Apr 18, 2023

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

The reviewer concludes that Mega Man Battle Network Legacy Collection is a really good collection that will provide hours of gameplay. They praise the unique combat system and the prescient concept of the future. They also state that it offers the most value for your dollar among the Mega Man collections.

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Nintendo Life

Nintendo Switch

Apr 12, 2023

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

The review concludes that the Mega Man Battle Network Legacy Collection is a worthwhile re-release that offers a lot of content and is recommended for fans of the series and those looking for inventive RPG experiences.

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GamersRD

PlayStation 4

Apr 16, 2023

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

The reviewer enjoyed the collection and found it entertaining, but mentioned that it doesn't bring much new to the table. They recommend it for fans of the series or those looking for a retro experience.

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CGMagazine

Nintendo Switch

Apr 12, 2023

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

The Mega Man Battle Network Legacy Collection is a massive accomplishment and a worthy collection for any fan of the Blue Bomber or RPG fans in general. It serves as a time capsule for returning fans and an easy way for newcomers to experience classic Mega Man Battle Network games.

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The Mako Reactor

Nintendo Switch

Apr 12, 2023

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

The reviewer recommends Mega Man Battle Network Legacy Collection, praising its gameplay, extras, and accessibility options.

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App Trigger

Nintendo Switch

Apr 24, 2023

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

The review gives the game a score of 8.5/10 and praises the collection for its graphical upgrade, large collection of backgrounds, and the inclusion of a talking MegaMan NetNavi at the title screen.

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Gaming Age

Nintendo Switch

Apr 26, 2023

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

The review concludes that the Mega Man Battle Network Legacy Collection is a fun representation of GBA era games and recommends it to fans of the series and newcomers.

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God is a Geek

Nintendo Switch

Apr 12, 2023

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Mega Man Battle Network Legacy Collection is a wonderful bundle of action RPGs that will appeal to new and old fans alike.

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Shacknews

Nintendo Switch

Apr 12, 2023

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

The review praises the game for capturing the vibe of 2000s video games energy and having tons of content to chew through.

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PlayStation Universe

PlayStation 4

Apr 12, 2023

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

The Mega Man Battle Network series is a rare breed that found a new niche and made it work. The earlier games haven't aged as well, but they're still important to experience in this collection. The trajectory of the series is encapsulated in another of Capcom's superb collections.

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