The Metal Max Series: A Metal Must

[Jeckidy]

With all this praise of SMT/Persona and Earthbound as far as cult/niche RPGs go, there is no other series I can think of that still remains so unloved by english-speakers as Metal Max. Originally released in 1991 as a late title for the Famicom, the game was very far out of the conventions of any JRPG at the time. For one, the setting was entirely post-apocalyptic sci-fi. This however, contrasts greatly with the game's sense of quirkiness and humor. Add to that, the game was one of the most non-linear JRPGs, putting it in a league of its own.

It wasn't until 2003's Metal Saga on PS2, localized by Atlus and the series's first transition to 3D, that the game was officially introduced to english-speakers, not counting Aeon Genesis's excellent fan translation of the SNES remake of the original. However, none were met with much fanfare.

Even in its recent 3D incarnations, Metal Max remains faithful to its distinct formula while making the world more expansive all the time. When you play the Famicom original it is even more impressive for all the said reasons. You started off as the disowned son of a father who'd rather you be a mechanic than a monster hunter. The story is very simple and not particularly dramatic but that is actually a plus for this reviewer.

Gameplay is traditional turn based fare, but, you can aquire vehicles with which to not only traverse rough terrain, but use in battle as like a second character. Attack/Defense changes depending on the respective vehicle and it may be required to utilize certain weapons by the driver against enemies. For instance, there is a wrench boomerang that works against one helicopter locust enemy, but cannot be used in a vehicle. On the other hand, you can use the vehicle against stronger enemies as well as equip it, sometimes at the cost of weight points or tiles that determine the compatability with certain parts.

Some items you get on the field can be very unsual. Enemies drop goods unique to their species that can be sold for money at a bar. One boss requires that you use a towel with pine scent to block out certain gas attacks. Interaction with the environment is also more extensive, as you can open and close many drawers or boxes as well as use pine soap at a faucet to clean off certain effects of enemies.

There is even a hunter center where you can check this weeks monster bounty which can be collected for killing a certain number of them. Boss enemies, often called outlaws, can also be hunted down with hints on their location given by the office. The game also has an interesting highly customizable interface which gives detailed info about items, locations, prices, and many other things. One intriguing thing I encountered while playing the Super Famicom remake was a gold-eating insect that can be fed GP to increase its size.

I highly reccomend that fans of JRPGs, including unusual ones, would give both of the available english versions a try.

[Kamahl]

I still need to play Metal Max, I heard the SNES remake is easier/more balanced, so I'll probably go for that one.