Metal Arms: Glitch in the System

"Metal Arms Is A Classic!"

I have to admit this game took me totally by surprise. Metal Arms:Glitch in the System is an instant classic IMO and for fans of the third person shooters this game should not be missed. Solid controls, great graphics and sound, and it's a long game to boot! Real nice package that's been flying under the radar, for the most part, since it's release. My review is based on the single player game.

Gameplay: 9/10
Along with all the blast em' to pieces action the game is a mix of running, shooting, jumping, racing, stealth, exploration...in other words it has all the elements you'd want in a top quality TPS. There's a good selection of primary and secondary weapons to be purchased or found and ultimately upgraded while playing Metal Arms. ''Washers'' replace money in the game and can be found and collected by destroying enemies and various objects. You'll commandeer different vehicles and have the ability to take control of the enemy too. Make the bad guys attack the bad guys. In addition the enemy ''Mils'' (that's what they're called) are not stupid. Many will try to avoid your attacks and some will follow you relentlessly until you either do them in or they do you in. Levels can be re-played for better times and rewards after initially completed.

Graphics: 9/10
The graphics on the Xbox version are top notch. Colors and characters bright, sharp, and well defined. The explosions and weapon effects are very well done. There is a bit of what I'd call a refresh rate issue when you turn or spin Glitch around from time to time. I noticed the same thing with the Xbox version of Serious Sam. It really doesn't take away from the gameplay and after a short while, when you get into the action like I have, you won't notice it at all. Overall nice job!

Sound: 9/10
To go along with the fine visual presentation the audio effects are also done extremely well. The sounds of your weapons firing and the clanging and banging of metal pieces hitting various objects as you take down the enemy Mils is sweet music to ones ears. The twanging and snapping sound of heavy metal cables being cut and the subsequent collapse of pipes and walkways are bound to put a smile on your face and the ''characters'' that run the forever moving weapons and items shop will crack you up with their ''campy'' style of humor too. Again overall nice job.

In conclusion I have to highly recommend this game to anyone that likes any kind of shooter but especially if you like the 3rd person style. It's one of the best around for any platform. You will not get bored playing Metal Arms that's for sure. Without knowing better you might think Metal Arms is for ''kids'' only. In reality it's a total blast for gamers of all ages!

Metal Arms will keep you coming back for more.

Reviewer's Score: 9/10, Originally Posted: 03/11/04