Metal Revolution

Metal Revolution, you say? That can only mean one thing. It has to be some sort of extreme, arcade-like combat game that features a plethora of wild bots scrapping each other for glory. Titles like this of the past have dictated that's what they are. Surprise, surprise - Metal Revolution is just that kind of game for the next generation of fighters.

New IP, new blood - or at least that's what developers NEXT Studios are shooting for, here. The game has not been released to the general public. But it has been showcased in teasers and a closed beta already. It's looking like it can be a fiercely adept fighter considering all its stereotypical anime prowess. What's not to love about robot battles?

Some Like It Bot

In the first inklings of Metal Revolution - it's already beginning to look like a complete fighter. Plenty of game modes are offered in online and offline capacities, and the player challenges seem competitive. It's hard at the moment to garner what drives the narrative of the game. Or how the characters came to be - all we know right now is there are some driven robots ready to tear each other apart.

However, outside of the various game modes and competitive encouragement - there isn't much that makes Metal Revolution stand out as a fighter. Enthusiasts have come to expect polished combat mechanics and fluid, engaging animations all around. They certainly are all there - but no rhyme or reason why characters fight the way they do.

Though, the visuals are excellent. They look to have been developed around the idea of accessibility - yet incorporating the futuristic details of savvy cyborg combat. Characters take on that traditional martial arts approach under a dystopian robotic vise - making the whole setting quite intriguing.

Polished fighting mechanics these days are hard to get wrong - so we wouldn't expect Metal Revolution to be any different. It is all looking pretty sound but coming with that feeling of blandness. We're sure that there will be more of a narrative and lore to come - but at the moment, Metal Revolution is presenting at lacking. There isn't much to keep you playing besides the fun few minutes of robot combat.

The Revolution Has Been Postponed

Metal Revolution comes across as a feeble Street Fighter clone in a robotic skin in its current state. Apart from it playing well as a fighter - there just isn't enough to pull you in its grip. It seems to lack any ambition and lore that creates some urgency to play. The accessibility does need to be challenged a bit. It needs to make sure there is a reward for the more mechanically demanding fights.

Pros:

• A polished fighter that looks and feels good to play
• Accessible control scheme that will get any player involved
• Many game modes tailoring to both single and competitive gamers

Cons:

• Lack of narrative and lore gives the game no direction
• The simple control schemes could hinder future competitiveness
• Characters seem like clones of existing fighting game personas