The story takes place in the land of ACDC where main character Lan resides. People in the town use PETs (Personal Terminals) to make calls, send emails, read news, etc. In each PET is a Net Navi, or electronic personality. These personalities can interact when their jacked into the Cyber World. Lan’s Net Navi is Mega Man. This time the Net-Mafia Gospel (you read right) is putting viruses on thte net, and it’s up to Lan and Mega Man to stop them.

Those unfamiliar with the first game will have no problem logging into the sequel. An gameplay overview is given in the intro to explain the battle system. Battles take place on the Net with both player and enemy having a nine square grid to maneuver through. The player must use battle chips to attack. Chips that have commonality can be chained for multiple attacks.

Battle Network 2 improves on many important aspects. First, the overall pace of the game is much better. Instead of Lan heading to class everyday and weaving through unnecessary halls, one walk past the school gates warps you to the classroom. Better yet, it’s summer vacation so you don’t have to head back too often. One major objective occurs each day so there’s always something to do. Mega Man and friends are in more varied locations – different cities, a campground, and more. The Net areas look a tad better with more electronic designs. Most play better with gameplay twists like steam blowing Mega Man across a gap, or random explosions that require an alternate route.

The city is bustling with more characters to talk to. They have interesting comments to say and add to the quirky-ness of the game. The bosses even get in on the action by saying things like, “I would have gotten away with it too, you scheming kids!” Plus, the game doesn’t lack on descriptions. Pretty much every item you try to look into has a comment behind it.

Enemies have more varied and clever attacks. Most attacks are about timing but many require rapid movement. The bosses at times need lighting quick attack hits. There are more battle chips now and Lan will acquire more on the net and through chip dealers. You can hold up to 30 different chips at one time by placing them in the Folder option.

The visuals are upped a bit in Battle Network 2. The enemies animate better and town character animation is quite good. The explosions even blow up better. The music in Battle Network 2 is lighthearted and fits perfectly.

Mega Man Battle Network 2 is a fun RPG that anyone can get into. You don’t have to be a Mega Man. But once you play this, you will be.