Derived from the term Internet Navigator, a NetNavi is a key concept in the MegaMan Battle Network series of video games, developed by Capcom.Purpose and Function
A NetNavi is a sentient, or semi-sentient, computer program designed to be an assistant for the operator and resides in his or her PErsonal Terminal, abbreviated as PET. Specifically, the PET is a multipurpose device that is capable of acting in numerous functions, such as sending and receiving e-mail, acting as an alarm clock and calendar, and acting as a cell phone. Each of these functions is controlled by the NetNavi that resided within the PET under normal circumstances. However, the PET is also capable of connecting to computerized devices, referred to as Plugging In/Jacking In, in which case the NetNavi is transferred to that device and may roam around it, affecting programs contained in that device as required, and moving through that device to any other devices connected to it, such as moving from a specific computer to the larger Internet. NetNavi’s additionally may function as anti-virus software, directly combating the offending programs in an activity called virus busting. Two navis can also battle each other. This is known as "NetBattling".
Malicious users may use their Navi to hack into secure computer networks and commit crimes, such as stealing vital information. Though these NetNavi’s are not technically viruses, they are treated as such. Functionally, these NetNavi’s are analogous to the Robot Masters of the original MegaMan series. Indeed, many of the NetNavi’s in the Battle Network series are similar in name, appearance, or concept to their corresponding classic Robot Masters, although not all NetNavi’s have a Robot Master equivalent, and vice-versa.Main NetNavis
The Battle Network series revolves around several main NetNavis that act as protagonists, as well as a group of NetNavi villains. They are:
- MegaMan.EXE (Rockman. EXE) – Also termed Rockman. EXE in the Japanese version. Operated by Lan Hikari (Hikari Netto), MegaMan is the main NetNavi character of the Battle Network series. Originally Lan's twin brother Hub (Saito), he died at a young age due to a rare disease, but his personality was saved by their father, who was at the time working on a project to combine NetNavi programming with human DNA, and who transferred Hub into a NetNavi. This information was long held a secret from Lan until MegaMan was fatally wounded by MagicMan in the first game. Subsequently, in order to save MegaMan, Lan installed a Hub. BAT file that brought the former’s programming into complete sync with Lan’s DNA (it had previously deviated by a small percentage in order to protect the two). This connection plays an important role in many of the subsequent games. Lan has also been known to use both the names Hub and MegaMan to address his Navi.
- Roll.EXE - Operated by Mayl Sakurai (Sakurai Meiru), Roll is the main female character in Battle Network, and serves as MegaMan's love interest, as Mayl serves as a love for Lan. Though named after the same character in the original series, Roll. EXE shares little else but the name. Unlike the original Roll, Roll. EXE shares no sibling relation with MegaMan, nor were they created by the same individual. Additionally, while both characters are female and young, they share no other notable physical similarities. While not as experienced in battle as MegaMan, Roll is often able to hold her own, and proves to be a valuable ally throughout the series. Unlike other main characters from the original series, Roll’s name is essentially the same in both English and Japanese.
- GutsMan. EXE - Operated by Dex Ogreon (Ooyama Dekao), GutsMan is a large and strong NetNavi who believes that he and is operator are the greatest NetBattlers there are. GutsMan. EXE possesses a strong physical resemblance with GutsMan from the original MegaMan game, though whereas the latter played the role of an enemy the former is a powerful ally.
- Glyde. EXE - Operated by Yai Ayanokoji (Ayanokoji Yaito), Glide is the cyber-butler to Yai, armed with rare and powerful chips to help defend himself. He is based on Glyde from Megaman Legends.
- NumberMan. EXE - Operated by Higsby (Higure Yamitarou), NumberMan was originally a NetNavi in the criminal organization known as WWW, but, like his operator, turned over a new leaf due to MegaMan and Lan’s influence. Afterwards he is effectively the mascot for Higsby's chip shop, a store for selling BattleChips. He later joins Team Colonel in order to gain self-confidence. Numberman was the first Navi to not be based on a previous Rockman character.
- ProtoMan.EXE (Blues. EXE) - Operated by Eugene Chaud (Ijuin Enzan), who is often called simply Chaud, the two are Official NetBattlers (investigators and law enforcers in for the Net). These two are considered to be MegaMan’s and Lan’s rivals, often working towards the same general goal but in substantially different manners. Curiously, it is Chaud and not ProtoMan. EXE that shares the personality of the original series’ ProtoMan. While there is a physical resemblance between ProtoMan and ProtoMan. EXE, the latter deviates substantially in physical form.
- Bass.EXE (Forte. EXE) - Intended to be the first fully autonomous NetNavi, fully independent of an Operator, Bass was falsely blamed with causing massive problems of the original internet, and was nearly killed by his own creators. Because of this, Bass has hated humankind ever since. At one point, Sean Obihiro of Gospel attempted to make a clone army of Bass copies, eventually leading to the creation of the Gospel Megavirus. Bass. EXE is physically quite similar to the original series version, though with the addition of a cloak/cape and dual arm cannons. Additionally, their personalities are quite similar.
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