Megaman Battle Network

Megaman Battle Network is not the side-scrolling game that fans have grown up with, but rather an isometric, role-playing adventure game. If you're cringing at this change, don't despair--with an amazing real-time battle system, even die-hard platform-shooter fans should be appeased by this game. The story: in the near future, the Internet is connected to virtually everything--from computers to office water coolers. An evil group is bent on dominating the world by corrupting the Internet with viruses. You play Lan, a young net hacker who must stop this threat with the help of his virus-busting program (and best friend) Megaman.exe.

Lan can walk up to just about any object and either use it, or get some interesting (and often funny) information about it. In fact, doing this kind of exploration is necessary, because there are '"net jacks" in the strangest places--even a doghouse. And while Megaman.exe is deployed fighting viruses on the net, you often have to go out and collect clues in the real world. This teamwork adds some refreshing complexity to the game.

Fans of Pokémon will like the battle chip system. Finding chips and upgrading Megaman.exe is the name of the game, enabling him to unleash more powerful attacks. Battle chips can be sold, traded, and can also combine into rarer, more powerful chips. In addition, you can link up with a friend and trade chips, or battle for them. The game's best element, however, is its battle system. Battles occur in real time, with fast arcade action. Megaman.exe can lob bombs, shoot his hallmark cannon, summon other virus-busting programs to his aid, and more--depending on which of the 175 battle chips you find and deploy in battle.

Mega Man Battle Network is a solid performer, but its story is geared to a younger crowd. Still, there's plenty here to satisfy fans of the series. --Bryan Karsh