BN3's late-game theatrics became the main characteristic of Battle Network 4, their most ambitious but not necessarily their most accomplished effort. Sleek new graphics, a welcome overhaul to the Metroline, and a further-streamlined Net world accompany updates that don't improve over their recent standard but simply changes the approach. In particular, this is Battle Network at its most 'action-y', best represented by the extra combat mechanics (notably fighting game-esque counter hits and even a performance gauge crossed with rage mode and a morality system) as well as bonus items and the removal of chip mulligans. Fight optimization now relies on a greater dose of good old-fashioned timing, not only synergies or elements. Its narrative and dungeons are - instead, a step in the wrong direction (the former resorting to fantasy JRPG cliches, and the latter containing some of their worst ideas so far), while the randomized overworld progression still detracts from what they do best.