Bridge's 5th Favorite GBA Game of All Time:
MegaMan Battle Network 6: Cybeast Falzar
Genre: Action RPG
Developer: Capcom
Date Released: 06/13/2006 (NA), 06/16/2006 (EU), 11/23/05 (JPN)
MetaCritic Score: 63
Despite coming into the series late, not to mention playing it out of order, MegaMan Battle Network will always hold a place in my heart as my first real Mega Man series. After already playing other games in the series, I finally gave Cybeast Falzar a try. The last (canonical) game in the series, the sixth entry puts protagonist Lan Hikari and MegaMan.EXE in a new setting as he has moved from his hometown of ACDC Town to the technologically robust CyberCity. With a new home comes new friends, including the mysterious Iris. To his surprise, Lan must face the revival of World 3 (WWW), the internet terrorist organization he first faced in MegaMan Battle Network 1 and 3.
So why is this my fifth favorite GBA game, exactly? This game is considered to be one of the best in the series, and for good reason. The gameplay is expanded on and improved some with BattleChip folder restrictions, and the introduction of the new Cross System to channel the powers of your allies which replaces the DoubleSoul system of Battle Network 4 and 5. Not only that, but MegaMan can channel the powers of the legendary Cyber Beast (Cybeast, for short) and "Beast Out" to defeat foes. The new transformations can really change how battles are done, and are enjoyable. You can also play as other NetNavis when completing their scenarios, ranging from HeatMan.EXE to Tenguman.EXE depending on your version. Upon completing these scenarios you not only are able to play as these NetNavis at any time, but MegaMan will be able to use the "Cross System" (pictured below is Spout Cross during Beast Out) to transform into a new look similar to them and gain their powers.
The storyline in this game can be weak at times, but is a great concluding story for the series. Several loose ends are tied up, and the storyline adds some interesting twists that will shock players, especially those that played MegaMan Battle Network 5. The scenarios introducing boss NetNavis can sometimes be confusing and interesting, and the settings are ... interesting to say the least.
So why is this my fifth favorite GBA game, exactly? This game is considered to be one of the best in the series, and for good reason. The gameplay is expanded on and improved some with BattleChip folder restrictions, and the introduction of the new Cross System to channel the powers of your allies which replaces the DoubleSoul system of Battle Network 4 and 5. Not only that, but MegaMan can channel the powers of the legendary Cyber Beast (Cybeast, for short) and "Beast Out" to defeat foes. The new transformations can really change how battles are done, and are enjoyable. You can also play as other NetNavis when completing their scenarios, ranging from HeatMan.EXE to Tenguman.EXE depending on your version. Upon completing these scenarios you not only are able to play as these NetNavis at any time, but MegaMan will be able to use the "Cross System" (pictured below is Spout Cross during Beast Out) to transform into a new look similar to them and gain their powers.
The storyline in this game can be weak at times, but is a great concluding story for the series. Several loose ends are tied up, and the storyline adds some interesting twists that will shock players, especially those that played MegaMan Battle Network 5. The scenarios introducing boss NetNavis can sometimes be confusing and interesting, and the settings are ... interesting to say the least.
The music is addicting as ever, and while some of it sounds generic, some of the battle tunes and overworld music can really be fun to listen to. The above YouTube video is probably one of my favorite tracks from the game, played whenever you fight opposing boss NetNavis.
Also of note, while I covered Cybeast Falzar (the version I own), Cybeast Gregar is also available as well. Both games really have no major differences except certain BattleChips and ally NetNavis. The Cybeast featured in the version will be the one you transform into, and transformations are exclusive to their respective version.
Overall, this game is probably my favorite of the Battle Network series, and has managed to find it's way to my Top 5 GBA games. The story is fun and the gameplay is improved with the Cross System, which I find to be more free for the player than the DoubleSoul system that came before it. Check out the trailer for the game linked below if you're interested in this one. While it's discontinued you may find it for a good deal at Gamestop (like I did) or online at different stores. Though watch out if you try to order it on eBay, since there seems to be a lot of fakes on there with any GBA game really.
