Mega Man Network Transmission

 GameCube
  • Publisher: Capcom
  • Release Date: Jun 17, 2003
Metascore
65

Mixed or average reviews - based on 28 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 8 out of 28
  2. Mixed: 16 out of 28
  3. Negative: 4 out of 28
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  1. Cheat Code Central
    40
    Combines some of the best elements of past games but still fails to deliver what should be a near-perfect gaming experience. It's like a stew that just doesn't blend.
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  2. Deeko
    90
    Fans of Mega Man's pure platforming adventures might be put off by the chip idea, while fans of the RPG Mega Man might not enjoy the platforming aspect. It's a bit of a catch-22. However, Capcom and Arika did a fantastic job of melding the two together.
  3. Edge Magazine
    40
    Something of a departure, sure, but it's nothing new. Falling awkwardly between action and strategy, it's unlikely to satisfy anyone other than rabidly obsessive fans of the character.
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  5. Electronic Gaming Monthly
    60
    This is the toughest game the series has ever offered, and the extreme challenge will annoy, frustrate, and ultimately eradicate nearly every gamer who attempts to tackle it. [June 2003, p.120]
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  6. Eurogamer
    60
    There's a bit more up and down, certainly, but all that really distinguishes it is the sharp, cartoony look, smooth framerate (even if we couldn't find a 60Hz option) and web-like interface for loading each level.
  7. G4 TV
    40
    A huge step backwards for the series.
  8. Game Informer
    63
    It's definitely different, but in ways that are detrimental to the experience you'll have with it. [June 2003, p.108]
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  9. Game Revolution
    58
    It's as if the balanced half-action, half-RPG formula of the Network Series was just tossed into the classic Mega Man action mold, creating an unbalanced partial-RPG with a merely satisfactory mix of action.
  10. GameCritics
    55
    I think most disappointing for me was how Transmission lost a great opportunity to expand on the concepts "Battle Network" was built on.
  11. GameCube Europe
    73
    The action is addictive enough to try and finish it, which will take about 15 hours.
  12. GameNow
    67
    There's a lot to like about Transmission, but its difficulty really drags it down. If you can handle it, though, you'll have a good time. [June 2003, p.37]
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  13. GamePro
    70
    Little room for personality, not many instances of clear level design, and not a whole lot of time before the game gets dull. [June 2003, p.104]
  14. GameReviewer
    84
    This wonderful plot, as charming and exciting as it may be, sadly interferes with what was once a staple of the franchise, the ability to play the first 8 stages in the order you desire.
  15. GameSpot
    67
    A potentially fun, but ultimately frustrating, entry in the series, and fans of the Battle Network universe would be much better off sticking with their GBAs.
  16. GameSpy
    82
    While not quite perfect, it's one of the most worthwhile Mega Man platformers in years, as it shakes the boat in a bunch of cool ways.
  17. GameZone
    80
    Plays like the 2-D games of old, which is great news to any Mega Man fan.
  18. Gaming Age
    42
    Mega Man the side-scroller – a classic. Mega Man Battle Network – a good RPG. Mix the two together – a slow-paced, awkward Mega Man title that doesn't live up to the series' name.
  19. GMR Magazine
    60
    With a less-frustrating difficulty level, revamped weapons system, and a graphical look that wasn't so...dull, Transmission could have been very good. [June 2003, p.72]
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  20. IGN
    67
    I found some of the levels, particularly during boss fights, to be difficult to the point of becoming tedious, and that's never a good thing.
  21. Into Liquid Sky
    75
    While I wished they had done a little more to push the story graphically, the challenge and solid 2D action were enough to keep me going.
  22. My Gamer
    60
    If you never played a Mega Man Battle Network game, play the GBA versions in numeric order to understand and to get the most out of the game. This is a game that probably could have been great if some design issues were worked out.
  23. netjak
    55
    The biggest problem, though, lies in the game play. When you first run into an area, you'll find it, more often than not, mind-bendingy difficult.
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  24. Nintendo Power
    72
    The highly stylized graphics and familiar music add to MMNT's atmosphere perfectly. [July 2003, p.144]
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  25. Nintendojo
    80
    The game only loses points because of limited replayablility and a poor story.
  26. Nintendophiles
    90
    Would I be getting a great classic Mega Man game with minimal Role Playing Game elements, or would I get more of a true Battle Network type game? I was quite satisfied to find out that this game has a near perfect balance of both.
  27. NintendoWorldReport
    75
    A little less difficulty in the early going, ramping up later on would have helped, but anyone that can get past the first few stages will find Network Transmission oddly satisfying and a great deal of fun.
  28. Play Magazine
    67
    Looks fantastic and has excellent level design but is ridiculously hard for the wrong reasons. [Aug 2003, p.77]
    All this publication's reviews
  29. Yahoo!
    70
    One of the oddest things about Network Transmission is the game's learning curve that bucks convention by starting out frustratingly difficult and getting progressively easier.

Awards & Rankings

76
#76 Best GameCube Game of 2003
53
#53 Most Discussed GameCube Game of 2003
43
#43 Most Shared GameCube Game of 2003

User Reviews

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User Score
6.7

Mixed or average reviews- based on 23 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 12 out of 23
  2. Mixed: 5 out of 23
  3. Negative: 6 out of 23
  1. GamecubeLover
    Jul 21, 2016
    8
    Its good but still flawed. Don't get me wrong this game is great but doesn't mean this amazing game doesn't have any mistakes. Don't listen toIts good but still flawed. Don't get me wrong this game is great but doesn't mean this amazing game doesn't have any mistakes. Don't listen to the bad reviews please don't.… Full Review »
  2. SwoopTrust
    Nov 10, 2011
    9
    Loved it. It's a very good blend of traditional 2D megaman with RPG style elements. In terms of difficulty, it was just right. punishing someLoved it. It's a very good blend of traditional 2D megaman with RPG style elements. In terms of difficulty, it was just right. punishing some times, but nothing "Nintendo hard". More bosses and Chips would have been nice. Definitely recommended!… Full Review »
  3. AJCk19
    Jul 23, 2023
    4
    Switching from a 3x3 grid to a full 2d platformer, up the difficulty for everyone. Which is why some people didn't like it. But if you thinkSwitching from a 3x3 grid to a full 2d platformer, up the difficulty for everyone. Which is why some people didn't like it. But if you think about it, this is just dark souls level of hardness.

    However, I think it isn't as fun as compared to any X/ZX game. If it was, I see it getting at least a 7. Also, depending on what difficulty you play games, they can definitely be dark souls hard. Maybe putting a easy mode on for long time fans would have helped them out.    … Full Review »
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