From this point forward, the Battle Network series adopted the multiple versions gimmick, which I’m sure needs no introduction in a world with the mighty Pokemon franchise. Megaman Battle Network 3 came in two versions, Blue and White (Black and White in Japan). Battle Network Rockman.EXE 3 White was released in Japan on December 6, 2002, while Black followed on March 28, 2003. Both American versions were released simultaneously on June 24, 2003.
Battle Network 3 is often considered to be the best game in the series, and justifiably so. Its tweaks to the gameplay formula makes it very customization-friendly, the content is deeper and more robust than ever, and while story has never been the series’s strong suit, this one’s execution and progression feels a lot more organic than previous titles, pulling together some of the disparate plot threads from previous games and tying them together.
It was also by this point that Battle Network was a true-blue multimedia franchise, with a weekly anime airing on TV and at least two manga series in print. Battle Network 3 appears to have been inspired in some ways by the anime, as it imports a few minor character quirks and terminology from it. I’ll be sure to point the references out as I spot them.
I will be playing the Blue version of the game. It was generally considered to be the superior version from what I’ve read thanks to the fact that the Japanese release of White was apparently rather buggy and its exclusives are inferior. Battle Network 3 was also the first Battle Network game I played, so I have a lot of fun memories of it.
As usual, the main cast, but this time there are finally a few new faces:
Lan Hikari
◊ and Megaman.EXE
◊
Grade-schooler Lan and his Navi Megaman have saved the world from criminal organizations not once, but twice. Their latest adventure is kicked off with their invitation to take part in a Net Battle tournament known as the N1 Grand Prix. The tournament will be the least of the challenges that they will face this time around…
One of the world’s most foremost network scientists. Despite the fact that he is often away from his family working at Sci Lab he will always do his best to aid his sons in their adventures.
Mayl Sakurai
◊ and Roll.EXE
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Lan’s next door neighbor. She and her Navi Roll aren’t the best Net Battlers, but Roll’s support abilities still make her a good ally to have in battle.
Dex Oyama
◊ and Gutsman.EXE
◊
The biggest, loudest, and most brash kid in Lan’s class. Short on brains by long on heart and strength, Dex and his Navi dive headfirst into the N1 Grand Prix.
Yai Ayanokoji
◊ and Glyde.EXE
◊
Another one of Lan’s classmates, Yai tends to be rather condescending and sometimes downright rude to people who aren’t from high society, contrasting with her Navi Glyde’s polite, professional demeanor.
Eugene Chaud
◊ and Protoman.EXE
◊
Prodigy Official Net Battlers, Chaud and Protoman serve as Lan and Megaman’s rivals. Though often cold and abrasive, this game marks a change in their relationship as we get to learn more about Chaud in this game.
The excitable and energetic television producer at DNN who organizes the N1 Grand Prix. He kicks off the plot by inviting Lan and his friends to participate.
Tora
◊
A competitor in the N1 from the city of Swapopolis. At first he comes off as rather arrogant and dismissive, but he’s actually not that bad a guy. He deeply believes in critical and strategic thinking to win battles, as reflected in his chess-themed Navi Kingman
◊.
A hospitalized young boy whom Lan befriends.
The evil mad scientist is back, once again bent on destroying the network society that his rival, Lan’s grandfather Tadashi Hikari, created.
An incredibly powerful and mysterious autonomous Navi who seeks out the strong to battle with. What were the circumstances of his creation…?
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