DESCRIPTION

Mega Man Battle Network 2 is the second installment of the handheld RPG series based upon Capcom's Mega Man. A side story more than a legitimate entry in Mega Man lore, Mega Man Battle Network 2 follows the adventures of a young boy named Lan and his PET (Personal Terminal) NetNavi, Mega Man EXE. A NetNavi is a program that resides within the PET device and is used to destroy viruses and battle other NetNavis found within cyberspace and other electronic devices. The story takes place shortly after the events in the first title, with Lan now training to become an official NetBattler — people who use their NetNavis to combat various cybernetic criminals and viruses.

As Lan, players must explore their hometown of ACDC, talking with citizens and helping anyone in need. Encounter a "jackable" device, however, and Lan is able to jack into it, whereupon players take control of the NetNavi Mega Man EXE. As Mega Man EXE wanders around cyberspace he will engage in random battles with various entities. Prior to battle, players must choose which chips (from a selection of 30) to take into the fray. Though equipped with his basic Buster Gun, the chips (of which there are 250 in the game) provide him with new or improved abilities, attributes, and weapons. Combat takes place on a three by six grid-like playing field, divided into two halves: one for Mega Man and one for his opponent. The hero is able to move and fire freely within the confines of the grid, but obstacles such as missing or weakened grid tiles will hinder his ability to do so.

At the conclusion of a battle, the player is awarded a ranking based upon the various facets of his performance during the contest. By doing particularly well, it's possible to obtain significant amounts of Zenny (in-game currency), new chips, or (in true Mega Man fashion) the chips of your defeated foe. New in this sequel are subchips; chips which can only be used outside of battle and vary in function, from reducing the frequency of battles to restoring the character's health. Unlike traditional RPGs, experience points are not gained after battle; instead upgrade items must be acquired to increase particular stats and attributes. Accompanying the host of upgrades and chips that can be acquired are "Styles," outfits that alter the elemental affinity of the protagonist.

With two copies of the game, two players can also trade chips or battle their NetNavis. As an added bonus, players with a copy of the original game can connect to it via the Retro Chip Trader option. A single battery backup save slot can be used to record your progress at any time in the game. ~ Gavin Frankle, All Game Guide