In Battle Network 1, there seems to be a conclusive split between the classic Megaman universe and the BN Universe, as expressed in a back story.  It then stands to reason that BN and SF are totally separate from X, Zero, and ZX as well.

However, I see no evidence to preclude that BN didn't occur before X, or even before the classic time line.  The trees in Classic-ZX are all mechanical fusions, and could be evolved (or better integrated) versions of the life tree(s) in Battle Network.  Is there any reason to doubt that Battle Network could have occurred BEFORE Classic Megaman?  And as you craft your response, consider an explanation for why the world of ZX doesn't make more use of cyberspace or the internet, and apply that same reasoning to the classic world.

But the more important question is:  If the folks at Capcom wanted to make the claim that BN and ZX exist in the same time line,  would you let them get away with that?

BN is 200X.

Classic megaman has oft used 200X as well.

later, they went with XX because it is easier to conceal the year that way.

plus, it would be strange, that all of the characters in the Battle network games just so happen to be made into robots later.

Gutsman,

Iceman,

Bombman,

Cutman,

Elecman,

Fireman,

Airman,

etc.

Plus, characters like Zero, Colonel, Iris...

and Not to mention, that although Light and Hikari are both the same name, as Hikari means light, the fact still stands that in BN its "Hikari" not "Light".

plus, Dr. Wily is there. In a very similar sense as his Classic counterpart.

Actually, the bushy bearded Dr. light we know, in the BN series is long dead, with only a memory, an imprint, sealed within proto, (Aka Alpha)

Then there are characters like Megaman, Roll, Protoman, and Bass, all characters in the BN series that just so happen to be robots in the Classic series with different stories?

in BN, Bass was created by Cossack. in Classic, by Wily.

Roll in BN is not Megaman's sister, but more his girlfriend, and is not made by the Hikaris.

Plus the most glaring of all, the fact that Star force is to the BN series like the X series is to the Classic seroes. its the sequel series, and it can not be possible for Classic to occur after BN, if Star force occurs in the year 220X. a year which is roughtly the same as the Zero series timeframe of 22XX give or take.

that would mean that the entire wily wars and Maverick wars would have happened in between BN and Star Force, and if it is in tune with the Zero series, then there would not be the kind of peace and prosperity that exists in Star Force. Hell, there are no androids. (or very simple ones.)

THATS why.

I see you guys have two types of objections:

1) Conflicting time lines --> Totally legit objection.  you got me there.  I do have an alternate take on that though...

2) Different yet parallel story lines --> I personally see no problem with different characters in different eras sharing similar, parallel traits or story lines.  Rock and X are similar and yet completely different, aren't they?  Dr. Wiley vs Weil?  (Heero from Gundam Wing)  As for the creation of multiple fire-mans, elec-mans etc,  that wouldn't be strange in the least.  Consider the human practice of namesakes, or how we design new devices to remind us of old, familiar devices.  Many, many fictions have set up parallels at different points within the same timeline.  Consider Marvel Comic books, Transformers Beast Wars, or remakes of Shakesphere plays.  There's plenty of precedence for it, and I think the parallels make each independent story line better, not improbable.

But as for the 'conflicting time lines' objection, let me raise the following, if somewhat convoluted, defense:

1) When the classic series came out, it was set in [the future].  200X was just an arbitrary estimation.

2) BattleNetwork was roughly set in [the present].  200X was a localization device.

Ergo, BN and Classic are qualitatively sequential.  The arbitrary dates are least important part of the Megaman continuum.  Can you think of anything less significant to the series?...seriously, anything at all?  I say that the qualitative time line matters more than the quantitative time line.  And even if it doesn't...

3)  Our current calender system is divided into BC and AD.  This distinction will stop being useful (if it hasn't already), and I can imagine a time when the world, united in a new era, declares the current year to be Year 0000, and develops a new calendar system.  How else might the world end the argument over whether to use the Eastern Calendar or the Western Calendar, and end the West's historical, unjust dominance?

BN and Classic may both occur circa 200X in name, but they could really be thousands of years apart.

4) Classic megaman included the ability to teleport, ostentatiously the exact same teleportation technology present until the Zero and ZX series.  Note that this teleportation system not only transferred matter, but information, E-crystals, and Cyber Elves as well.

5) the first place we see teleportation in the BN universe is when Megaman jumps to and from the Wave world in Starforce.

6) In the world of Classic onwards, it seems that mankind no longer cares about space exploration. In Starforce, it was still the next frontier.

Technologically, Starforce fits into the classic world rather nicely.  There's nothing in that world that stops the classic world from evolving from it.  The tendency for advanced civilizations to reduce their birthrate still applies, and the need for mechanical workers to fill that population gap is still relevant.  And what better way to create mechanical helpers than by giving bodies to the helpers you already have?  hint: recreation of NetNavi Technology.  If we're going to talk about Data vs robots, I'd argue that an AI system needs to be developed somewhere, and in todays world, AI systems are being created more to predict and understand human beings, rather than to create independent automations.

Alternatively, Thomas talks about resetting the world, and making use of human bodies.  I've heard talk of Carbons, but as technology progresses, it would be possible to transfer all sentient beings into normal, human bodies.  That might be the end game of even theZX, and even the Legends series.  Perhaps it's more than just coincidence that the human race avoids the android path the second time around.

Oct 4, 2009 -- 1:00AM, Jose Man X wrote:

Capcom wouldn't screw us over and say it's all the same timeline when it obviously isn't.

screw us over? Would it really be that traumatizing?

Oct 4, 2009 -- 2:24AM, Zechs wrote:

I couldn't have gone into such depth, since I have no experience with BattleNetwork or StarForce... But thanks Flame for clearing that up. I could have only referenced Data VS robot to the response...

Please do reference it.  I've always found your arguments insightful and well thought out.

Oct 4, 2009 -- 1:18AM, Flame-G102 wrote:

THATS why.

....okay.  You, sir, are a meanie.

Oct 3, 2009 -- 9:52PM, sanjiv wrote:

Please do reference it.  I've always found your arguments insightful and well thought out.

Well, in accordance to our history, machinery came first. Then the Cyber'Punk era of fiction. Then actual robots (however limited they are), then programs other than a simple operation system. Basically, one must build the robot first, then use an OS to interact with the brain it is given. The programs cannot surpass what teh robot's schematics are, or it very well could fry the brain. If not do other damages.

We do have some really great programs and OS'. But nothing that can really interact with robot brains at this point. There is one case in Japan that incorporated a limited learning chip. But it is more of a basic mimic program. Though not to digress, it still came from robotics first.

If we take that and apply it to this fictional world, since non-fiction inspires fiction... As well as vice versa, we can assume that the machines would have been utilized earlier than computer OS. Meaning robots would have formed as per program A.I. And with the presedented nature of the Classic series, Robotics would have become the 'in thing' and would have been exploited. As they were. Which would eventually usher the next stage, which brings us to the X series. And so on and so fourth.

We can guess that when Light created ProtoMan, it was his body first, then a set list of objectives. Just to tes the body. However, debugging is a fact. And we also would have to guess that Light would have then had to create an OS to communicate with ProtoMan. Thus would begin the programming of his brain. The robot then the A.I. And we can further assume this would apply to all other robots. Though since it is basically conjecture, we can accept it or decline it. Especially with Day of Sigma. Though in that case, Light would have experience with the Mind. And plus, he did create a capsule that would test his mind and internal systems until he is realized.

Had it been vice versa, A.I. then robotics, it would have been more like highly evolved minds within primitive bodies. SInce the A.I. would have been the 'in thing', robotics would be a secondary necessity.

Plus, off my point, Classically Wily built Bass, and kept Zero sealed until the next generation. BN, Cossack created Bass, and the Zero Virus existed jointly. That right there contradicts the series flow.

Hmm. Light didn't create ProtoMan.EXE, Wily didn't create Zero.EXE... Who did? I'm curious now.