(http://neontriger.free.fr/images/reviews/BN3/titlewhite.png)(http://neontriger.free.fr/images/reviews/BN3/titleblue.png)(http://neontriger.free.fr/images/reviews/BN3/gameplay.png)
The last decent Battle Network game, how sad.
Gameplay: As stated above the gameplay in BN3 is essentially the same as it was in BN2 with some minor additions. These editions include the addition of V4, and V5 Navi chips, Giga Chips and two new types of styles. There also new PA's and chips as well which is expected. However, there is one new major addition, which has gone on to be in the games after this: The Navi Customizer. The Navi Customizer does add some new challenge into the game as you are now limited in which power ups you can have, which could be a bad thing as well. Another bad aspect of the Navi Customizer is a certain points in the game you will be required to sacrifice room in it for programs needed to progress, such as the Press Program in the BubbleMan scenario. Overall its Gameplay is slightly greater than its predecessor.
18 out of 20
Music: Some decent tracks here and there, some are annoying though (DNN) and a lot are just unmemorable. Over all it's not to horrid though. It does get some points for having some decent battle themes, such as the Tournament battle theme.
11 out of 15
Translation: The plot was translated nicely, but due to cartridge size issues, names had to be abbreviated FlameMan became FlamMan, Cossack became Cossak. YamatoMan was randomly renamed JapanMan. In addition the login screen flash is not present in the English versions. Overall, this lost a few points, not to typos, but to the above silliness.
8 out of 10
Length: Fairly decent, a tad shorter than BN2, but still makes a decent game length. There is also a hidden area in this game, and after thinking you have beaten everything, there is still the matter of SP Navis.
13 out of 15
Rehash Factor: GutsMan returns from the previous game with some minor upgrades. The entire ACDC area returns as well, which although creates some sense of continuity is kind of silly. Several viruses from the previous game return, which isn't too bad I suppose, it would be like me criticizing the classic series for using the same enemies. Although the GutsMan rehash is prett... wait didn't I do this already? Anyways, not too bad, there are several new things in this game anyways.
14 out of 15
Plot: Fairly decent, it answers a few questions that were lingering in BN2, specifically about Bass and his past. The WWW are also back, and the Doctor is in, there new plot this time involves them using your late grandfather's creation against you, which ties in nicely with the first game. Overall it had a fairly decent plot; Capcom should have ended the series here.
9 out of 10
Difficulty: If you've played the previous two you really shouldn't have too much of a problem. It's still more difficult than BN1 and 2, as power ups are no more, and the final boss requires more strategy than waiting for it to expose its weak spot.
13 out of 15
Total: 86/100 = 86 %
Wow, one point higher than BN2, goodie. Still this was probably the apex of the series.
Positive: MetalMan SMASH!
Negative: BubbleMan.