The 2022 Tokyo Game Show has kicked off, and earlier today, Capcom took to the stage to run through its slate of upcoming releases and updates. And one of the company's big featured titles was the Mega Man Battle Network Legacy Collection, and this won't just be a simple collection of ten games, oh no. Director Masakazu Eguchi took to the stage to announce that Capcom will be implementing online battles for every single game in the collection.
This is no doubt fantastic news for fans of the original games, which included the ability to link up with a Game Link Cable and battle and trade chips. Now you'll be able to do it online with all ten games. We really will be part of the Battle Network! Chip Trading is also returning, which will also be supported online.
Here's what the game's director, also known as Mr. Famous, had to say during the presentation — as transcripted by Capcom:
“Battle routine, set! Execute! Long time no see, everyone! It’s Mr. Famous!
Mega Man Battle Network has returned to the TGS stage in the form of the Mega Man Battle Network Legacy Collection! I’m so happy to be able to give you more news on Battle Network, almost 17 years since Mega Man Battle Network 6!
It’s been a while since the announcement of the Legacy Collection, but our team has been very motivated seeing all the excitement on social media! Now, I’m sure there’s something you’re all wondering about… right? That’s right, the online functions!
Don’t worry. No matter what, we’re always connected! We’re currently working on online functions such as online battles and chip trading for each game! We’ll all still be connected in this game!
I’d love to tell you about this beautifully remade lab coat, but that’s all I can say for now! We’ll share more details in a future presentation. That’s all from Mr. Famous!”
While this is no doubt exciting, we'll also be getting our own personal PET on the game select menu. MegaMan.EXE, in 3D, will be there to react and guide you through the menu. So you can be even more immersed in the Mega Man Battle Network universe — especially if you're playing with your Switch undocked.
We also got a few more screenshots from the upcoming collection, including a little look at the Mega Man Battle Network's hero in glorious 3D:
This nifty collection of RPGs is due out in 2023, so we've got time to prepare before we sink our hours (and all of our Battle Chips) into these games.
Are you excited about the addition of online play? Plug yourselves in and let us know in the comments!
[source news.capcomusa.com, via gematsu.com]
Comments 21
So excited by the new features!! I always wanted online functions on the GBA! Online battles and online chip trading will be so fun!
I'm so happy the dev team were encouraged by the enthusiasm online! I really hope the legacy collection sells well and inspires Capcom to make a Battle Network reboot with REngine and online lobbies with tons of Net Navi's running around!!
Chisaaaaaooooo! Love that little guy.
Battle Network is by far my favorite Mega Man series. I got into the anime and absolutely loved the GBA titles. This collection is a no-brainer.
Mega Man Star Force was a decent follow-up series overall, but it never hit the heights of Battle Network.
It's pretty cool their adding online functionality. Never really tried the Mega Man Battle Network series, but I might try this collection out. Hopefully after this we get a new:
... Wun can only hope.
Good job Capcom, totally makes up for dumping those awful Resident Evil cloud garbage on us a few days ago.
They're putting real effort into this collection, and I'm really excited that this is happening.
Hoping Konami announces a Boktai collection tonight that connects to this game.
Incredible news! They did this right.
@Mauzuri grid/turn based in a way I think. Not run n gun like the originals. I could be wrong tho. It's been years..
@Mauzuri It's set up in a very unique way. One of the best ARPG formulas ever conceived in my honest opinion.
Combat combines tactical chip selection with frenetic bullet-hell action. You customize your own chip folder like a deck of cards, and the chip order is even shuffled each battle like a card game. Enemies have their own chip attacks as well, even bosses, so the classic Megaman trope of attaining your enemy's ability is applied here.
Provided Capcom deliver this is an obscene amount of game you're getting for your money. I've seen people being a bit down on the Battle Network series for being too 'samey' in each iteration, but frankly the same could be said about all the other Mega Man collections thusfar. Either it's your bag or it isn't, but those who fall for the series myriad charms are in for a treat.
(sigh) It's Famous, not "Mr. Famous," just "Famous."
Okay, I was remembering MegaMan: NT Warrior Axess.
I wonder if Viz Media will follow up with a Blu-Ray release of the English Dubbed Series. Probably not.
Best news of the week (other than Goldeneye of course)!
These Legacy Collections have been fantastic. I've never played a Battle Network game; really looking forward to this one.
@Mauzuri I would say that every Battle Network game is pretty easy to pick up and play! The beginning of each game does a great job of explaining the core mechanics.
Plus, each game is balanced pretty well, easing you into combat with just simple enemies at first, and introducing new layers of gameplay as you progress.
BOTH online battles AND online chip trading?! Let me know when this collection is available to preorder ASAP so I can Jack In!
I’ll probably pick it up as a hardcore Megaman fan just to support the franchise as a whole, but it was never a big fav of mine. Perhaps I’ll get more out of it from a new revisit.
Personally, I just want them to do something with Megaman Legends.
Wonder if Capcom can also throw in, a secret bonus game with MegaMan Network Transmission that was available on Nintendo GameCube. This would make the collection even more complete. Still remember the beautiful cel shaded visuals and great music. Which had a more 2D action feel.
How do these old battle network games compare to modern takes like One Step from Eden? I absolutely love OSE but it's my pretty much my first game of the genre.
Make the online battles rollback and you're have my money.
...Okay, you already have my money with this collection but you'll have my money harder. This'll maybe the first time I buy a special edition?
Now if only they'd add in the e-reader card unlockables that was Japan exclusive.
I am unreasonably excited about online play. I played through the entire series but never once had anyone to play with. God I hope a competitive scene spins up!
Tap here to load 21 comments
Leave A Comment
Hold on there, you need to login to post a comment...