Topic: Mega Man Battle Network Legacy Collection

Noticed that there isn't a thread for this collection yet, so I figured I could set one up. Mega Man Battle Network Legacy Collection is a collection of the 10 games in the series, featuring a high-resolution filter, online battles, trading, and more features yet to be announced. It will be released on April 14 2023, with physical editions coming to Switch and PS4, and digital coming to Switch, PS4, and Steam.

How do you all think this collection is shaping up to be? Do you think there are enough new features to justify its price? I'm also wondering if the game will be cross-platform. Like would I be able to play on my PC against someone with a Switch online? I think that would be cool but I'm not sure how likely that would be.

I noticed a while ago that Play-Asia has a listing for an EU release of this legacy collection, alongside US and Asia releases.
https://www.play-asia.com/mega-man-battle-network-legacy-coll...
My hope is that's true, and we finally get a complete Mega Man physical release over here. We've missed out on things like Zero and ZX Legacy Collection, Mega Man 11, physical versions of Mega Man Legacy Collection 2 and Mega Man X Legacy Collection 2 (only provided as a download code with the first part on game card).

https://www.therockmanexezone.com/ is a good resource for keeping track of all things Mega Man Battle Network / Rockman EXE, and their latest articles confirm some important things:

• Online Cross-play between systems is not supported (so Switch players can't battle or trade with Steam or PlayStation players)
• The Switch version will also enjoy local communication (just like the GBA link-cable days!)
• The Japanese versions of the games are being used as the basis for all international versions, which has some interesting implications:
  • The "Treebomb Prism" combo in Battle Network 2 that can insta-kill most enemies will work in single player (but intentionally removed from multiplayer versus battles)
  • The international versions of Battle Network 6 were notorious for cutting out a large portion of post-game, and the Boktai cross-over content including a boss fight against a Vampire known as "Hakushaku", this development suggests that we'll be enjoying the full, uncompromised game
• Event exclusive Battle Chips for each game will be available as free downloads; these are super powerful chips that will make single player a lot easier, should you choose to use them
• The Steam release will regrettably include the controversial "Denuvo Anti-Tamper DRM"
• Somewhat recently, the Steam version had a notice that the game could only be played with a controller, indicating keyboard controls wouldn't be supported, but this has since been rescinded (see https://twitter.com/RockmanEXEZone/status/1602051225851240450)

@RupeeClock Thanks for that information! It's a little disappointing that there's no Crossplay but I guess that's about expected.

I wonder how big is the GB size for both PS4 and Switch version since the compilation consists 10 games.

I think $60 is reasonable for 10 games and all the online features, though it should be noted that 3 onward had two versions apiece. I'd argue there are more differences between 4-6 than your standard Pokemon pair. I didn't know that so much of the postgame of both MMBN6 versions cut out so much content. It was also many years before I realized the Boktai series was a series IRL and not just made up for the Battle Network entries.

It should be noted that this collection doesn't include Battle Network spinoffs like Network Transmission and Mega Man Battle Chip Challenge.

@Tyranexx
Megaman Network Transmission on Gamecube was really unplayable for me.
I have the game but the game was really hard, almost unplayable even from the first Boss battle, like how the heck I beat him and I was still newbie on Megaman franchise.
If that game got remastered, I really hope it given by easier options.

The Megaman Legacy Collections do have this pattern of omitting canon games for no reasonable reason other than not being straight numbered titles, as was the case with Megaman & Bass, the two Megaman EXtremes, Powered Up, Maverick Hunter X and Command Mission. Zero + ZX is the only truly complete one so far (cliffhanger stinger aside).

The lack of spin-off games in this (and other) Mega Man collections is a shame yeah.
Arguably, the lack of Mega Man Battle Network 4.5 (only officially released in Japan as Rockman EXE 4.5 Real Operation) is the biggest loss, as it's a rather unique spin-off that has a lot of real time gameplay elements and managing up to three dozen separate characters who each progress the game independently. I played it using a patch that converts it to a traditional battle system like the mainline games, though, so I can't speak for the game's semi-automated battle system where you don't assume direct control of the NetNavi on the battle field.

Aside from 4.5, we also didn't get

• Mega Man Battle Network 5 Double Team (Nintendo DS, developed by Capcom)
• Rockman EXE Operate Shooting Star (Nintendo DS, developed by Capcom)
• Network Transmission (GameCube, developed by ARIKA)
• Battle Chip Challenge (Game Boy Advance, developed by Inti Creates)
• Rockman EXE WS (Wonderswan Color, developed by Tose)
• Rockman EXE Phantom of Network (Mobile / Java, developed by Capcom)
• Rockman EXE Legend of Network (Mobile / Java, developed by Capcom)

The two DS games are arguably the biggest omission. MMBN5 Double Team featured both versions of that entry on the DS with an enhanced soundtrack, your NetNavi on the touch screen, and multiple other gameplay enhancements and bonuses.
Whereas Rockman EXE Operate Shooting Star was a port of BN1 but with an added scenario involving a time-travelling cross over with the Star Force series that includes two new boss battles, as well as some quality of life changes. Luckily, a fan translation exists if you want to play it, and it's considered the best way to play the first entry in the series so it'll be interesting how the Legacy Collection version measures up.

I've also got a soft spot for Network Transmission. It's got its issues, but it's a fun platformer all around when you learn how to play it and embrace the mechanics adopted from BN1 (for better or worse, directly using the HP and damage values without displaying them).

Oh yes, there were definitely other spinoffs, but most didn't leave Japan to my knowledge (as mentioned above). I omitted mentioning Mega Man Battle Network 5: Double Team DS since the two main games in that dual pack will be available. Just without any of the enhancements. I never owned this particular version back in the day - just Team Protoman - but a cousin did, so I was able to experience some of the enhancements that way.

I'd like to see the Star Force games receive a collection as well since I do think it's also a fairly decent successor series. However, Battle Network is the better of the two Mega Man RPG series. (I consider the Legends games to be action/adventure).

@Anti-Matter From footage I've watched of Network Transmission, gameplay wise it is much more like the original/X/Zero/ZX Mega Man platformers instead of the RPG/card battle combo system main series Battle Network uses. From what I've played of the platformers (Mega Man 2, Mega Man X, Mega Man: Dr. Wily's Revenge; so glad I got the last one free), they can be quite difficult and cheap at times.

It could be $10 or $20 lower but considering what's going on offer, it's kosher. Time to save up!

So is it rollback?

@Captain_Toad
Rollback would be very hopeful, but I haven't seen anything about that.

The Rockman EXE fan community have had means of playing various games in the series with online netplay via emulator on PC for a while now, but Capcom's official collection isn't using emulation so it can potentially do great things with the netcode.

Okay so for anyone who bought this collection is it two separate volumes like the classic and X collections or is it all on one cart? What games are included? Is it BN 1-6 plus the alternate versions like red sun/blue moon and such?

@Truegamer79
I believe it's a multi-title release on a single cart, though I've yet to receive my copy since it's an import that had a delayed shipment.

Vol.1 contains BN1, BN2, and BN3 in both Blue and White versions.
Vol.2 contains BN4 in Red Sun and Blue Moon versions, BN5 in Team Protoman and Team Colonel versions, and BN6 in Cybeast Gregar and Cybeast Falzar versions.
This means that each volume tracks achievements for a set of three core games with no overlap.

@Truegamer79 The physical release splits into two volumes when inserted into the Switch, Vol. 1 and Vol. 2.

@Magician Does that mean both volumes are available to play on the one game card, with no download codes to worry about? I'm sure that's the case, but I just wanted to clarify. I hated how Capcom had the half physical, half download code thing for some of the previous Mega Man collections.

@MarioLover92 Yes, both collections are on one cartridge. Although there was a day-one patch for both. I'm not sure what is added or fixed with those patches.

@Magician Ah ok, that's good to hear. Thanks!