A modern-day homage to an old-school classic, you never know how these remastered legacy collections are going to land. I mean, it was never in doubt that the original Mega Man Battle Network games were good. Very good in fact. A long time ago. And therein lies the crux.

In an evolved gaming landscape, can nostalgic games such as the Mega Man Battle Network Legacy Collection hold their own amongst the compelling, narrative-driven, cinematic masterpieces of today?

Capcom clearly thought they could. They believed there was a market for an old-time Data Action RPG to rear its revamped head. And we are pleased to say it appears they were right!

Indeed, with overwhelmingly positive reviews and worldwide sales of over 1 million in less than a month, the publishers couldn't have wished for a more welcoming reception.

You can read more about the ins and outs of the game in our previous article: Mega Man Battle Network Legacy Collection: What is it? For now, join us as we take a look at some of the reviews, and celebrate what's made this enhanced cyberspace adventure so successful!

Get your copy of Mega Man Battle Network Legacy Collection (Vol.1 + Vol.2) at 2Game Today and Save 13% Off RRP!

READ MORE: Understanding Age of Wonders 4: Here's What Makes It Special

The Plot

I know we said this article wouldn't focus on the details of the game, we've covered them previously. But for those of you unfamiliar with the franchise, here's a quick summary of what to expect.

Set in the year 200X, in a digital metropolis known as the Network Society, you are transported to a futuristic sci-fi universe in which humans co-exist with their sentient PETs. NetNavis, who help their owners access the benefits of the network. This virtual reality is good. Until it isn't.

Join 6th grader Lan Hikari and his NetNavi MegaMan.EXE as they take on a network of cybercriminals intent on colonizing the world wide web. Battle enemy rogue programs, deadly viruses, and corrupt hackers as you fight to protect the network from evil.

The future of the internet is in your hands!

The Gameplay

If you like skill-based strategy games combined with fast-paced action, then Mega Man Battle Network Legacy Collection will be right up your street. With a real-time, turn-based battle system, it is down to you to manage your arsenal of chips, each containing its own unique offensive and defensive moves.

Pick the appropriate chip depending on the strengths and weaknesses of the enemy you face. Just be sure not to dawdle. Indecision can be deadly when the clock is ticking!

As a whole universe opens up to you, the Legacy Collection also allows you to trade chips with fellow Mega Man fans online, as well as sneak a look at their libraries and compare PBs.

Feeling a bit competitive? Why not challenge a friend to a 1v1? Or seek to become the highest-ranked Net Battler in public TriBattles and Tournaments? This new online feature is a great way to revisit various modes of the original series, making friends and enemies along the way!

The Reviews

With a Metascore of 77, a skim through the reviews highlights a lot of high scores!

For example, according to Digital Chumps; "The Mega Man Battle Network Legacy Collection is a stellar example of how a classic series can and should be remastered for superfans and new players alike."

Indeed, with all your favorite Mega Man games in one place; upgraded sound and graphics; plus access to previously exclusive content and new gameplay features, old-timers can enjoy a sense of nostalgia enhanced by modern technology. And for new gamers looking for some old-school light-hearted entertainment, the collection provides a perfectly accessible entry point.

Unrivaled Combat System

One of the interesting things about revisiting timeless classics is seeing how the gameplay holds up against modern standards.

We often think of old-school games as more simplistic. Which isn't necessarily a criticism. Often, the return to basics is a quality we love about retro gaming. However, according to Gaming Nexus, the innovative combat system of Mega Man Battle Network remains unrivaled: "I still can’t get over how fun and different the combat is from other RPGs...playing through them again only solidified that for me".

New features like the online battle modes only serve to add an extra juicy cherry on top!

Value for Money

Cost is always a consideration when looking at remastered games. Are they worth the price tag? I mean, they're nothing new right? Except that, they obviously are if you don't already own them! And that includes not owning them in a format you can play.

It's also true to say that experiencing the series on a big screen is pretty unique. Especially if you first encountered the franchise on a Game Boy.

And then there's the most obvious factor; there are a lot of games in the collection! So many in fact that they had to split them into two volumes! Indeed, Mega Man Battle Network Legacy Collection literally represents hundreds of hours worth of entertainment!

According to NintendoLife, "It's clear that a lot of effort and love went into Mega Man Battle Network Legacy Collection; this is a worthwhile re-release that gives you a lot of bang for your buck."

Stands the Test of Time

As a blast from the past set in the near future, WorthPlaying points out how well the concept of an entirely connected online world has aged.

Indeed, in many ways, the premise of the series feels more realistic today than it did when the games first hit our shelves: "In 2023, what seemed like a silly concept is now commonplace enough that it probably fits better now than it did when it came out".

Is this the marker of a trailblazing sci-fi fantasy? The quality to become more, rather than less relevant with time?!

The Verdict

Was it a risk for Capcom to remaster the Mega Man Battle Network games? Who knows. They certainly had precedence with the successful Resident Evil remakes. And it's true to say that retro is very much on-trend. I mean, who doesn't enjoy a trip down memory lane? Especially when you're re-vamping a fan favorite with the benefits of enhanced graphics!

Then there are those who were too young to own a Gameboy. Those who never experienced the buzz of an old-school video arcade back in the day (queue the violin music!). Indeed, it could be argued that long-standing publishers like Capcom owe it to the new generation of gamers to bring back some of the iconic classics from the past. To acquaint Gen Z with the joys of pixelation.

And what better series to do this with than the innovative and thrilling Mega Man Battle Network Legacy Collection? Games with a combat system that is as fresh today as it was 20-odd years ago?!

To sum up with a quote from Screenrant, "Overall, the Mega Man Battle Network Legacy Collection is a very well-crafted trip down memory lane and will be a true treasure to fans of the original games, and fun for new players to have that much content provided".

What else could you ask for?

Get your copy of Mega Man Battle Network Legacy Collection (Vol.1 + Vol.2) at 2Game Today and Save 13% Off RRP!

CHECK OUT: Street Fighter 6 Characters: A Comprehensive Overview