Editing Mega Man Network Transmission

{{Short description|2003 video game}}
{{Infobox video game
|image = Mega Man Network Transmission Coverart.png
|caption = North American cover art
|developer = [[Arika]]
|publisher = [[Capcom]]
|director = Akira Kurabayashi
|producer = [[Keiji Inafune]]<br />Ichiro Mihara
|designer = Hiroshi Okuda
|artist = Motokazu Sakai
|composer = [[Shinji Hosoe]]<br/>Ayako Saso<br/>Yousuke Yasui
|series = ''[[Mega Man Battle Network]]''
|released = {{vgrelease|JP|March 6, 2003<ref name="jprelease">{{cite web|author=Arika staff|title=Release Dates|url=http://www.arika.co.jp/arika_eng/release/release.html|publisher=[[Arika]]|access-date=June 11, 2010|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100402194321/http://www.arika.co.jp/arika_eng/release/release.html|archive-date=April 2, 2010}}</ref>|NA|June 17, 2003<ref>{{cite web|author=GameZone staff|date=June 17, 2003|title=Capcom Releases ''Mega Man Network Transmission'' on GameCube|url=http://www.gamezone.com/news/capcom_releases_mega_man_network_transmission_on_gamecube|publisher=GameZone|access-date=June 11, 2010|archive-date=June 14, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120614033115/http://www.gamezone.com/news/capcom_releases_mega_man_network_transmission_on_gamecube|url-status=live}}</ref>|PAL|June 27, 2003<ref>{{cite web|author=Kosmina, Ben|date=July 1, 2003|title=GameCube Australian Release Dates|url=http://www.nintendoworldreport.com/news/8777|publisher=Nintendo World Report|access-date=March 15, 2011|archive-date=July 14, 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110714185751/http://www.nintendoworldreport.com/news/8777|url-status=live}}</ref>}}
|genre = [[Action game|Action]], [[Platform game|platform]], [[Role-playing video game|role-playing]]
|modes = [[Single-player video game|Single-player]]
|platforms = [[GameCube]]
}}
{{Nihongo foot|'''''Mega Man Network Transmission'''''|ロックマン エグゼ トランスミッション|Rokkuman Eguze Toransumisshon|group=lower-alpha|extra=lit. 'Rockman.EXE: Transmission'|lead=yes}} is a 2003 [[Action game|action]]-[[Platform game|platform]] [[video game]] developed by [[Arika]] and published by [[Capcom]] for the [[GameCube]] [[video game console]]. The game was first released in Japan on March 6, 2003, and in North America and [[PAL region]]s the following June as Arika's only GameCube game. ''Network Transmission'' is part of the [[Mega Man Battle Network|''Mega Man Battle Network'' series]], which originated on the [[Game Boy Advance]] (GBA) [[handheld game console|handheld]] and takes place in an alternate timeline to the main [[Mega Man series|''Mega Man'' series]].

Taking place one month after the events of the first [[Mega Man Battle Network (video game)|''Mega Man Battle Network'' game]], the plot follows the protagonist [[List of Mega Man Battle Network characters#Lan Hikari|Lan Hikari]] and his online avatar [[List of Mega Man Battle Network characters#MegaMan.EXE|MegaMan.EXE]] in their fight against the "[[List of Mega Man Battle Network characters#WWW (World Three)|WWW (World Three)]]" organization and its attempt to unleash and spread the infectious "Zero [[Computer virus|Virus]]" into cyberspace. The player controls MegaMan through a set of levels that require actions such as jumping, sliding, and shooting, as well as the use of special "Battle Chips" that grant the player various combat and movement abilities. ''Network Transmission'' combines [[action game|action]] and [[platform game|platforming]] gameplay elements from older ''Mega Man'' games with the strategy and [[Role-playing video game|role-playing]] elements as defined by the ''Battle Network'' series.

The development team's intent was to meld these attributes into a home console title that would appeal to the young gamer audience that they found with the GBA series. Critical reception for ''Network Transmission'' has been mostly average reviews. Although it received some positive remarks for its Battle Chip gameplay, many critics have complained that the game features a high or unbalanced [[difficulty level]]. The game's sound and its combination of [[2D computer graphics|2D]] and [[3D computer graphics|3D]] [[cel-shaded animation|cel-shaded]] graphics have been met with varied opinions.

==Plot==
The storyline of ''Mega Man Network Transmission'' takes place during the first decade of the 21st century ("200X"), one month after the original [[Mega Man Battle Network (video game)|''Mega Man Battle Network'']].<ref name="booklet">{{cite book|editor=Capcom|title=Mega Man Network Transmission ''Instruction Booklet''|date=June 27, 2003|id=DOL-GREE-USA|publisher=[[Capcom|Capcom Entertainment, Inc.]]}}</ref> Following the defeat of the "Life Virus", the ultimate weapon of [[Doctor Wily|Dr. Wily]] and the "[[List of Mega Man Battle Network characters#WWW (World Three)|WWW (World Three)]]" organization, [[List of Mega Man Battle Network characters#Lan Hikari|Lan Hikari]] and his network navigator (NetNavi) [[List of Mega Man Battle Network characters#MegaMan.EXE|MegaMan.EXE]] return to a life of ease. However, no sooner does Lan begin to relax when he hears of a mysterious and destructive [[computer virus]] called the "[[Zero (Mega Man)|Zero]] Virus" that infects Navis and causes mayhem via his personal information terminal (PET) [[e-mail]].<ref name="booklet"/><ref>{{cite video game|title=Mega Man Network Transmission|developer=Arika|publisher=[[Capcom]]|date=June 17, 2003|platform=GameCube|quote='''MailNews''': "More virus damage": Damage by the new type of virus known as the 'Zero Virus' is spreading. The Zero Virus infects Navis instead of electronic devices, and adversely affects their functions. No effective vaccine is available yet, so the only possible response to an infection is to turn off your PET.}}</ref> Lan has other qualms to deal with however, receiving an e-mail detailing fellow NetNavi [[List of Mega Man Battle Network characters#Mayl Sakurai|Roll.EXE]] being trapped in the [[internet]].<ref name="booklet"/> MegaMan goes to save her, finding an infected FireMan.EXE as the cause of trouble. Defeating him, the duo talk to FireMan's operator, Mr. Match, and learn of the vaccine being distributed to amend the Zero Virus is actually doing just the opposite, having caused FireMan to go berserk.<ref>{{cite video game|title=Mega Man Network Transmission|developer=Arika|publisher=[[Capcom]]|date=June 17, 2003|platform=GameCube|quote='''MegaMan''': Ah! That's right! Lan, it was in today's Mail News! The Zero Virus vaccine is still missing! '''Lan''': Huh? Oh yeah! So that vaccine Match used was a bad vaccine!}}</ref>

Confirming this with Lan's father, [[List of Mega Man Battle Network characters#Recurring|Dr. Yuichiro Hikari]], the two set out to search for the cure of the problem, finding many situations of pragmatic Navis infected and causing mayhem. Stopping all of them and returning them to their respective operators, the two eventually discover more clues leading to the remnants of the WWW. It is revealed that a powerful Navi called StarMan.EXE has been distributing the virus.<ref>{{cite video game|title=Mega Man Network Transmission|developer=Arika|publisher=[[Capcom]]|date=June 17, 2003|platform=GameCube|quote='''Zero''': All the Zero Viruses spread throughout the Cyberworlds are my eyes and ears, transmitting info. At first, all I did was spy and gather info. Somehow... I don't know exactly when, but... I gained a... soul...}}</ref> After defeating StarMan, MegaMan and Lan engage in a climactic battle against the powerful super virus Zero himself. However, at the conclusion of the battle, just as the finishing blow is about to be delivered to Zero, the heroes discover he is not evil. Lan's father then transforms him into a full-fledged Navi. However, their happiness is short-lived as a former member of the WWW simply named "Professor" reveals this was all part of his scheme to revive the dreaded Life Virus.<ref>{{cite video game|title=Mega Man Network Transmission|developer=Arika|publisher=[[Capcom]]|date=June 17, 2003|platform=GameCube|quote='''???''': Hehehhe, I am the one they used to call 'Professor,' of the WWW leadership! I took over after Wily to revive the Life Virus! '''Chaud''': The Life Virus!? You're insane...! '''MegaMan''': What the... That means...! '''Professor''': That's right! I called Zero forth, after Wily froze him, and made StarMan distribute a fake vaccine to hack all NetNavis!}}</ref> Analyzing clues, MegaMan and Lan engage and defeat the second Life Virus and use Zero's observation powers to eventually bring the Professor to justice. There is dialogue at the end of the game between ShadowMan.EXE and his operator Mr. Dark, leading the plot into the next chronological installment, ''[[Mega Man Battle Network 2]]''.<ref>{{cite video game|title=Mega Man Network Transmission|developer=Arika|publisher=[[Capcom]]|date=June 17, 2003|platform=GameCube|quote='''Dark''': Yes, it's a net crime organization that has been growing lately. They call themselves... 'Gospel.' The job is... '''ShadowMan''': ... ... As you command, sir! '''Narration''': To be continued... In "''Mega Man Battle Network 2''"}}</ref>

==Gameplay==
[[File:Mmnetworktransmission gameplay.jpg|thumb|left|The player selects and uses a LongSwrd Battle Chip from the [[HUD (video gaming)|HUD]] at the bottom of the screen. The Custom Bar extends across the top.]]
''Mega Man Network Transmission'' incorporates aspects of [[Action game|action]] and [[Platform game|platforming]] games similar to other [[Mega Man (original series)|''Mega Man'']] series, while retaining the strategy and [[Role-playing video game|role-playing]] elements of the ''Battle Network'' series.<ref name="gspotrev">{{cite web|author=Gerstmann, Jeff|date=June 16, 2003|title=''Mega Man Network Transmission'' Review for GameCube|url=http://www.gamespot.com/mega-man-network-transmission/reviews/mega-man-network-transmission-review-6030115|work=[[GameSpot]]|publisher=[[CBS Interactive]]|access-date=June 17, 2010|archive-date=November 14, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121114134154/http://www.gamespot.com/mega-man-network-transmission/reviews/mega-man-network-transmission-review-6030115/|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="ignrev">{{cite web|author=Casamassina, Matt|date=June 16, 2003|title=''Mega Man Network Transmission'' - GameCube Review|url=http://cube.ign.com/articles/424/424503p1.html|website=[[IGN]]|access-date=June 17, 2010|authorlink=Matt Casamassina|archive-date=September 14, 2010|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100914222139/http://cube.ign.com/articles/424/424503p1.html|url-status=live}}</ref> The player takes control of the protagonist Lan within the game's real world and his NetNavi MegaMan.EXE within its internet.<ref name="booklet"/> Unlike previous games in this series, Lan is restricted from moving location to location. Instead, the player uses a map screen with points of interest to travel to different [[Level (video gaming)|levels]].<ref name="gspotrev"/> Levels are opened up as the player progresses through the game, with a slight emphasis on linear progression, although MegaMan can move off-path at times. Levels typically end in a [[boss (video gaming)|boss]] battle with another NetNavi. Combat takes place in real-time, with MegaMan given the ability to jump, slide, fire his default arm cannon, and dodge enemy attacks on a [[2D computer graphics|two-dimensional plane]].<ref name="booklet"/><ref name="gspotrev"/><ref name="eurorev">{{cite web|author=Bramwell, Tom|date=July 28, 2003|title=''Mega Man Network Transmission'' GameCube Review|url=http://www.eurogamer.net/articles/r_megamannt_gc|website=[[Eurogamer]]|access-date=June 17, 2010|archive-date=June 11, 2010|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100611151529/http://www.eurogamer.net/articles/r_megamannt_gc|url-status=live}}</ref>

Special abilities called "Battle Chips" are provided through a "Custom Bar" that slowly fills at the top of the screen. When the bar is full, the player can select up to five Battle Chips, which are provided from a folder of player-selected chips.<ref name="booklet"/> Ten random chips are available when the bar is full; a total of twenty can be used for each level excursion.<ref name="gspotrev"/><ref name="ignrev"/><ref name="eurorev"/><ref name="gspyrev">{{cite web|author=Turner, Benjamin|date=June 16, 2003|title=''Mega Man Network Transmission''|url=http://cube.gamespy.com/gamecube/mega-man-network-transmission/5929p1.html|work=[[GameSpy]]|publisher=[[IGN]]|access-date=June 19, 2010|archive-date=July 11, 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110711072522/http://cube.gamespy.com/gamecube/mega-man-network-transmission/5929p1.html|url-status=live}}</ref> Battle Chips are used for dealing large amounts of damage to enemies, protecting and restoring the player's health, summoning other Navi's to MegaMan's aid, and for some platforming abilities. Certain chips can even be combined to be more effective.<ref name="gspotrev"/> Although Battle Chips are limited in quantity, they can be picked up from deleted enemies or can be purchased at shops when not exploring the internet. As in previous ''Battle Network'' games, items that upgrade MegaMan's maximum health, firing power, and other attributes can also be accessed.<ref name="booklet"/><ref name="gspyrev"/>

==Development==
''Mega Man Network Transmission'' was developed by [[Arika]], who had previously worked on the ''[[Street Fighter EX]]'' series, a [[3D computer graphics|3D]] polygon rendition of publisher [[Capcom]]'s traditionally [[2D computer graphics|2D]] fighting series.<ref name="jprelease"/><ref name="tgs">{{cite web|author=IGN Staff|date=September 21, 2002|title=TGS 2002: ''Rockman EXE Transmission''|url=http://cube.ign.com/articles/371/371818p1.html|website=[[IGN]]|access-date=May 21, 2010|archive-date=April 3, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120403030117/http://cube.ign.com/articles/371/371818p1.html|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="e3">{{cite web|author=Williams, Bryn|date=June 1, 2003|title=''Mega Man Network Transmission''|url=http://cube.gamespy.com/gamecube/mega-man-network-transmission/5883p1.html|work=[[GameSpy]]|publisher=[[IGN]]|access-date=June 20, 2010|archive-date=March 3, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120303235112/http://cube.gamespy.com/gamecube/mega-man-network-transmission/5883p1.html|url-status=live}}</ref> Producer [[Keiji Inafune]] revealed in an interview with ''[[ASCII Media Works|Dengeki]]'' that after a string of [[PlayStation]] releases, the team chose to focus their development efforts of the ''Mega Man'' franchise for [[Nintendo]] consoles with the ''Battle Network'' series.<ref name="dengeki">{{cite web|author=Yoshinoya, Bakudan|date=October 11, 2002|title=''Mega Man EXE Transmission'' Interview|url=http://www.nintendoworldreport.com/news/7879|publisher=Nintendo World Report|access-date=May 22, 2010|archive-date=April 24, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120424112719/http://www.nintendoworldreport.com/news/7879|url-status=live}}</ref> They felt that children who played the GBA handheld were beginning to show interest in the GameCube, and that the character was more suitable to a console related to the Nintendo [[Nintendo Entertainment System|Family Computer]], where the franchise originated. Inafune stated that the developer wanted to "preserve the core of ''Rockman''" by transcending the traditional action elements (i.e. running and jumping) for the current gaming hardware from the perspective of the role-playing series.<ref name="dengeki"/>

''Network Transmission'' uses a [[cel-shaded animation]] style to match the ''[[MegaMan NT Warrior]]'' [[anime]] series that was airing in Japan during the game's development. Inafune explained that the team opted for an anime style with "eye-catching effects" in place of a more realistic look because he felt it the former would be more enjoyable.<ref name="dengeki"/> Yuji Ishihara, the primary character artist for the ''Battle Network'' series, used many of his previous character designs for ''Network Transmission''. One new contribution was updating his illustration for the revived Life Virus by giving it two fists per arm, among other details. "I thought it would be both an effective look," Ishihara elaborated, "as well as make for a reasonably mobile character for a polygon-based action game."<ref>{{cite book|isbn=978-1-926778-12-9|date=March 29, 2011|title=Mega Man Battle Network: Official Complete Works|publisher=[[UDON|Udon Entertainment]]}}</ref> The musical score for ''Network Transmission'' was co-composed by [[Shinji Hosoe]], Ayako Saso, and Yousuke Yasui. Hosoe's company Super Sweep Records has recently been given the rights to produce the soundtrack, and it was released as a part of Megaman's 25th Anniversary on November 2, 2012.<ref>{{cite web|author=Greening, Chris|date=January 2010|title=Interview with Shinji Hosoe|url=http://www.squareenixmusic.com/features/interviews/shinjihosoe.shtml|publisher=Square Enix Music Online|access-date=July 6, 2010|archive-date=September 19, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120919010718/http://www.squareenixmusic.com/features/interviews/shinjihosoe.shtml|url-status=live}}</ref>

''Network Transmission'' was announced and on display for the first time at the [[Tokyo Game Show]] in September 2002.<ref name="tgs"/> The game was showcased at the ''Mega Man'' series 15th anniversary celebration event at the [[Makuhari Messe]] in [[Chiba Prefecture]] that December.<ref>{{cite magazine|author=''Famitsu'' staff|date=December 15, 2002|script-title=ja:『ロックマン』の生誕15周年を幕張メッセでお祝い！|trans-title="''Rockman''" The 15th Anniversary Celebration at Makuhari Messe|url=http://www.famitsu.com/game/event/2002/12/15/264,1039932162,9478,0,0.html|magazine=[[Famitsu]]|publisher=[[Enterbrain]]|language=Japanese|access-date=June 21, 2010}}</ref> A playable version made appearances in January 2003 at the World Hobby Fair in [[Osaka]] and at the Capcom Gamer's Day event in [[Las Vegas, Nevada|Las Vegas]].<ref>{{cite web|author=Game Watch staff|date=January 19, 2003|title=次世代ワールドホビーフェア開幕。やはり見所は任天堂の「F-ZERO GC」|trans-title=Next Generation World Hobby Fair Season Raising the Curtain for Nintendo's "''F-Zero GC''", Sega's "''VF4 EVO''"|url=http://game.watch.impress.co.jp/docs/20030119/whf.htm|publisher=Game Watch|language=Japanese|access-date=June 21, 2010|archive-date=April 28, 2010|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100428114046/http://game.watch.impress.co.jp/docs/20030119/whf.htm|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|author=IGN Staff|date=January 16, 2003|title=CGD 03: ''Mega Man Network Transmission''|url=http://cube.ign.com/articles/382/382874p1.html|website=[[IGN]]|access-date=June 21, 2010|archive-date=May 11, 2007|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070511231222/http://cube.ign.com/articles/382/382874p1.html|url-status=live}}</ref> Finally, the game was on display at the [[Electronic Entertainment Expo]] in [[Los Angeles]] during the summer between its Japanese and North American releases.<ref name="e3"/>

''Mega Man Network Transmission'' is the only Arika game released for the GameCube as the company did not develop further games for that console.

==Reception==
{{Video game reviews
|GR=66.12%<ref name="gr">{{cite web|title=''Mega Man Network Transmission'' for GameCube|url=http://www.gamerankings.com/gamecube/562262-mega-man-network-transmission/index.html|work=[[GameRankings]]|publisher=[[CBS Interactive]]|access-date=May 22, 2010}}</ref>
|MC=65/100<ref name="mc">{{cite web|title=''Mega Man Network Transmission'' for GameCube|url=https://www.metacritic.com/game/mega-man-network-transmission/critic-reviews/?platform=gamecube|work=[[Metacritic]]|publisher=[[CBS Interactive]]|access-date=January 1, 2012|archive-date=March 6, 2025|archive-url=https://archive.today/20250306164014/https://www.metacritic.com/game/mega-man-network-transmission/critic-reviews/?platform=gamecube|url-status=live}}</ref>
|EGM=6/10<ref>{{cite magazine|author=''Electronic Gaming Monthly'' staff|magazine=[[Electronic Gaming Monthly]]|date=June 2003|issue=167|title=Review Crew: ''Mega Man Network Transmission''|page=120|publisher=[[Ziff Davis]]|issn=1058-918X}}</ref>
|EuroG=6/10<ref name="eurorev"/>
|Fam=28/40<ref>{{cite web|author=Kontul, Christian|date=February 26, 2003|title=News - New ''Famitsu'' Reviews!|url=http://www.gamesarefun.com/news.php?newsid=2428|publisher=GamesAreFun|access-date=June 19, 2010|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110611235700/http://www.gamesarefun.com/news.php?newsid=2428|archive-date=2011-06-11}}</ref>
|G4={{rating|2|5}}<ref name="g4rev">{{cite web|author=Miller, Skyler|date=August 19, 2004|title=''Mega Man Network Transmission'' for GameCube - Reviews|url=http://www.g4tv.com/games/gc/18944/mega-man-network-transmission/review/|archive-url=https://archive.today/20130123153500/http://www.g4tv.com/games/gc/18944/mega-man-network-transmission/review/|url-status=dead|archive-date=January 23, 2013|publisher=[[G4 (U.S. TV channel)|G4]]|access-date=June 19, 2010}}</ref>
|GSpot=6.7/10<ref name="gspotrev"/>
|GSpy={{rating|4|5}}<ref name="gspyrev"/>
|GamePro={{rating|3.5|5}}<ref>{{cite magazine|author=Star Dingo|date=June 16, 2003|title=''Mega Man: Network Transmission'' Review|url=http://www.gamepro.com/article/reviews/29816/mega-man-network-transmission/|magazine=[[GamePro]]|publisher=[[International Data Group|IDG]]|access-date=June 17, 2010|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110607072045/http://www.gamepro.com/article/reviews/29816/mega-man-network-transmission/|archive-date=June 7, 2011}}</ref>
|IGN=6.7/10<ref name="ignrev"/>
|NP=7.2/10<ref>{{cite magazine|author=''Nintendo Power'' staff|magazine=[[Nintendo Power]]|publisher=[[Nintendo|Nintendo of America]]|title=Now Playing: ''Mega Man Network Transmission''|issue=170|page=144|date=July 2003|issn=1041-9551}}</ref>
}}
[[Media Create]] sales data for Japan shows that ''Mega Man Network Transmission'' sold 23,147 copies during its first week on sale, 9,041 copies during its second week, 7,859 copies during its third week, and 4,679 copies during its fifth week.<ref>{{cite magazine|author=Fennec Fox|date=March 14, 2003|title=Top 30 Japanese Video Games 03/09/03|url=http://www.gamepro.com/article/news/28551/top-30-japanese-video-games-03-09-03/|magazine=[[GamePro]]|publisher=[[International Data Group|IDG]]|access-date=June 20, 2010|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110607072721/http://www.gamepro.com/article/news/28551/top-30-japanese-video-games-03-09-03/|archive-date=June 7, 2011}}</ref><ref>{{cite magazine|author=Fennec Fox|date=March 21, 2003|title=Top 30 Japanese Video Games 03/16/03|url=http://www.gamepro.com/article/news/28624/top-30-japanese-video-games-03-16-03/|magazine=[[GamePro]]|publisher=[[International Data Group|IDG]]|access-date=June 20, 2010|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110607072742/http://www.gamepro.com/article/news/28624/top-30-japanese-video-games-03-16-03/|archive-date=June 7, 2011}}</ref><ref>{{cite magazine|author=Fennec Fox|date=March 28, 2003|title=Top 30 Japanese Video Games 03/23/03|url=http://www.gamepro.com/article/news/28718/top-30-japanese-video-games-03-23-03/|magazine=[[GamePro]]|publisher=[[International Data Group|IDG]]|access-date=June 20, 2010|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110607072857/http://www.gamepro.com/article/news/28718/top-30-japanese-video-games-03-23-03/|archive-date=June 7, 2011}}</ref><ref>{{cite magazine|author=Fennec Fox|date=April 11, 2003|title=Top 30 Japanese Video Games 04/06/03|url=http://www.gamepro.com/article/news/28926/top-30-japanese-video-games-04-06-03/|magazine=[[GamePro]]|publisher=[[International Data Group|IDG]]|access-date=June 20, 2010|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110607072914/http://www.gamepro.com/article/news/28926/top-30-japanese-video-games-04-06-03/|archive-date=June 7, 2011}}</ref> A total of 79,360 copies were sold in the country by the end of 2003.<ref>{{cite web|title=2003年テレビゲームソフト売り上げTOP300|trans-title=2003 ''Weekly Famitsu'' Top 300|url=http://geimin.net/da/db/2003_ne_fa/index.php|publisher=Geimin.net|language=Japanese|access-date=May 22, 2010|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150627132904/http://geimin.net/da/db/2003_ne_fa/index.php|archive-date=June 27, 2015 }}</ref> A bargain-priced version of the game was released in Japan on March 18, 2004.<ref>{{cite magazine|author=''Famitsu'' staff|title=ロックマン エグゼ トランスミッション (Best Price!)|trans-title=Rockman EXE Transmission (Best Price!)|url=http://www.famitsu.com/review/title/0000/0000/0006/3334/|magazine=[[Famitsu]]|publisher=[[Enterbrain]]|language=Japanese|access-date=June 17, 2011|archive-date=March 4, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304063923/http://www.famitsu.com/review/title/0000/0000/0006/3334/|url-status=live}}</ref> According to [[NPD Group]], ''Network Transmission'' sold 30,224 copies in North America, making it the eighth best-selling GameCube game in the region for the month of June 2003.<ref>{{cite web|author=Jones, Ashley|date=July 22, 2003|title=News: U.S.A. Sales For Consoles|url=http://www.n-europe.com/news.php?nid=4989|publisher=N-Europe|access-date=May 22, 2010|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20061209175701/http://www.n-europe.com/news.php?nid=4989|archive-date=2006-12-09}}</ref>

''Mega Man Network Transmission'' has been met with mixed critical reception. The game currently holds scores of 67% on [[GameRankings]] and 65 out of 100 on [[Metacritic]].<ref name="gr"/><ref name="mc"/> A point of contention for many critics was the game's [[difficulty level]]. Skyler Miller of [[G4 (U.S. TV channel)|G4]] summarized, "''Network Transmission'' is painfully difficult not because of any genuine challenge, but because of its cheap enemies, frustrating weapons setup, and unnecessary complications. For example, you can only save after beating a boss, which is common in the ''Mega Man'' series. It's tedious to have to wade your way through the relatively straightforward levels time and time again only to meet instant death against a boss."<ref name="g4rev"/> [[GameSpy]]'s Benjamin Turner felt that the difficulty level was unbalanced rather than too steep, and that once a player gains a foothold on the gameplay and collects enough Battle Chips and power-ups, the challenge subsides.<ref name="gspyrev"/> Reviewers for [[Eurogamer]], [[IGN]], and [[GameSpot]] all similarly agreed that the greatest difficulty is presented toward the game's start, particularly with its first few boss battles.<ref name="gspotrev"/><ref name="ignrev"/><ref name="eurorev"/>

Opinions on the visuals and audio in ''Network Transmission'' have been decidedly split. Turner found the music perfectly fitting, but stated, "You may also be disappointed that the graphics don't quite push the GameCube. They're generally okay, and even pretty a few times, but overall the visuals are a bit spartan."<ref name="gspyrev"/> [[Jeff Gerstmann]] of GameSpot described the backgrounds and animation as appropriate, that the Japanese voice acting matched the characters, and that the music was upbeat. However, he found the art style lacking in personality, the weapon effects and summons "understated", and the sound effects "underdeveloped".<ref name="gspotrev"/> IGN's [[Matt Casamassina]] was conversely impressed by the art style, backgrounds, and frame rate, but disliked the graphics as a whole, proclaiming, "It's a brand new product, but it looks like it could have been released on [[PlayStation (console)|PlayStation 1]], or perhaps even on [[Super Nintendo Entertainment System|Super Nintendo]]."<ref name="ignrev"/> Miller found the game's use of cel-shading useless and the titular protagonist "the weakest link of all, looking undefined, vague, and more than a little awkward".<ref name="g4rev"/>

The game's integration of Battle Chips into the side-scroller genre was admired by some reviewers. Casamassina was entertained by discovering and capitalizing on which chips are useful against which enemies.<ref name="ignrev"/> Turner was impressed by the random shuffling of chips in one's inventory and the instances of forced improvisation on the player's part.<ref name="gspyrev"/> Tom Bramwell of Eurogamer expressed satisfaction with having the needed chips at the right times, but admitted frustration with having to disarm oneself to organize them. He asserted, "Even glancing at what you might move to the top of the list involves sending the blue bomber's current chips back to the 'Folder', leaving you with a choice between edging forward with the paltry chargeable beam weapon and standing around waiting for your Custom bar to fill up again."<ref name="eurorev"/>

== Notes ==
{{Notelist}}

==References==
{{Reflist}}

==External links==
*[https://web.archive.org/web/20100522212931/http://www.capcom.co.jp/rockmanexe/ Official ''Rockman EXE'' website] {{in lang|ja}}

{{Mega Man Battle Network series}}
{{Good article}}

[[Category:2003 video games]]
[[Category:Arika games]]
[[Category:GameCube games]]
[[Category:GameCube-only games]]
[[Category:Mega Man Battle Network games|Network Transmission]]
[[Category:Single-player video games]]
[[Category:Video games developed in Japan]]
[[Category:Video games produced by Keiji Inafune]]
[[Category:Video games scored by Shinji Hosoe]]
[[Category:Video games scored by Yousuke Yasui]]
[[Category:Video games with 2.5D graphics]]
[[Category:Video games with cel-shaded animation]]