Metal Storm

"Old school innovation"

Metal Storm is one of those sleeper hits that you'd probably never check out unless someone made you. And then when you finally do try it, you're in love.

I found this game in the old games bin of the local GameStop. I had never heard of the game, but since I enjoy collecting old NES games, I figured shelling out $5 for it wouldn't hurt.

Basically, Metal Storm puts you in control of a robot as you rush out to save a space station(?) from imminent doom. You must jump and shoot your way through six or so levels. To further complicate matters, your robot can actually manipulate gravity and flip over. So one minute you're walking on the floor, the next you're upside down on the ceiling.

The sluggish need not apply. You need godly reflexes to do well and getting a hang of the Gravity Flip feature takes a couple of goes.

It's a pretty stock action game, but the platforming elements and the Gravity Flip give it an uncanny level of depth.

The sound consists of standard-issues Nintendo bleeps and blips and natty MIDI-generated tunes. It's really nothing special, but I doubt anyone's going to play a Nintendo game for the music.

Metal Storm's plot is mediocre at best, but the gameplay more than compensates.

The password system is a welcome feature. You can write down the randomly-generated password so that you can leave the game and resume your progress at a more convenient time. Of course, the only problem is keeping track of all those slips of paper with passwords on them!

My only complaint is how easy it is to die in the game. Unless you have the Shield power-up, it only takes one hit to get blown to bits. Of course, falling off a platform into a pit is a one-hit kill too. Things can get frustrating when you're asked to negotiate tricky jumps wihile dodging volleys of enemy fire. Metal Storm is truly not for the short-fused person.

Overall, the game is an enjoyable experience and retro gamers should go out of their way to scoop up a copy of Metal Storm. It's worth it.

Reviewer's Score: 9/10, Originally Posted: 02/06/05