MegaMan Starforce: The Visualizer We All Need

Everything we see is not all there is

I knew we were going to get wet. It was pouring outside the library, right before my son and I were about to leave with some books and two games. He wanted Sonic Racing: CrossWorlds; I got Mega Man Star Force Legacy Collection.

I’m a huge Mega Man fan, but I’d never played Star Force. I’ve beaten a few Battle Network games and loved the anime (I still listen to the intro sometimes), so I knew the gameplay. Popping it into my PS5, it was nice seeing those old-school Nintendo DS graphics.

The main character is an 11-year-old boy named Geo, living in 220X, after the events of Battle Network — pushed further into the future to avoid connecting too closely to the prior games.

Geo’s dad has gone missing after a space mission gone wrong. His station, Peace Project, exploded, and he hasn’t been heard from since. Fearing the worst, Geo is depressed, barely leaving his bed.

His mother coaxes him out to meet a friend of his father’s, who hands him a visor — a Visualizer, from his dad. This world runs on EM waves and wave holes, invisible without it. Think of it like seeing the internet in real life through a pair of cool sunglasses.

Once Geo puts it on, he can see digital roads and viruses, and interact with the alien Omega-Xis, who helps him become Mega Man. Together they use Wave Battle to delete viruses corrupting objects and systems.

Battles run on cards you choose mid-fight. I didn’t love it — I’d rather build a deck upfront and play through the battle than keep re-picking cards.

One scene that sets up the plot reminded me of the prophet Elisha — God opening the eyes of his servant to a supernatural wonder.

15 When the servant of the man of God rose early in the morning and went out, behold, an army with horses and chariots was all around the city. And the servant said, “Alas, my master! What shall we do?” 16 He said, “Do not be afraid, for those who are with us are more than those who are with them.” 17 Then Elisha prayed and said, “O Lord, please open his eyes that he may see.” So the Lord opened the eyes of the young man, and he saw, and behold, the mountain was full of horses and chariots of fire all around Elisha. — 2 Kings 6:15-18

Elisha’s servant didn’t understand or couldn’t see, but God’s army was there regardless. Often it’s the same for us — we ask God for something, or feel stuck, when help is already there. We just don’t see it.

Sometimes we need to ask God to open our eyes spiritually — to see His will, not just our own. That’s often why we’re frustrated: we’re chasing what we want instead of what He wants.

Let’s use our own Visualizer — prayer — to see His will and direction daily. Not just the big picture (”what do I want to do with my life?”), but the daily decisions too. We should be seeking His wisdom in everything.

What are you seeking? What do you need God’s help with today? Let me know in the comments, and let’s pray for each other.

Credit to this Youtube video for the screencap.