Metal Head - Great Game - Never had a fair chance

[Rev. Rob]

Released: May 2, 1995

Platform: 32X

Publisher: SEGA

Developer: SEGA

Genre: Action

 

ESRB:

 

Link

 

Over twelve years ago, one of the 32X launch games that I fell for as a kid was Metal Head. It’s a 3D Mech game that features both polygons and sprites to comprise the 3D world in which it’s set. My local Blockbuster kept only one rack of 32X games on the shelf, and this was one of them. I remember renting it numerous times and playing at my house and with friends. Everyone always enjoyed it.

 

As a teenager, I found a lose copy of the game for less than a dollar in a local pawn show. Later on, I bought a complete and sealed copy off of eBay for only a little more.

 

It seems that Metal Head has a really bad rep. Every online review that I have ever read trashes the game, and I don’t feel that it deserves it.

 

The graphics are texture mapped polygons and are impressive. A big complaint is the draw distance, but this is an issue with any 3D console game in 1995. This issue is also resolved with the existence of a detailed map in the corner of the screen.

 

Every review says the game is too s-l-o-w. Well, it is a Mech game; what do you expect? However, simply using the run button allows your mech to speed at along at the pace of an average First Person Shooter.

 

Truth be told, Metal Head is a mech game that is designed for the casual gamer. Its missions have clear objectives and steadily increase in difficulty. The mech is customizable, but not too customizable. It can be easily equipped with a player’s weapons of choice and refitted after every mission. It’s not so in-depth that most gamers would be lost in a world of unwanted micromanagement.

 

Metal Head is also fun. The application of skill and wit can overcome any situation faced in the game, which is a relief, because with many games in the genre who has the better gun is the only factor that determines life or death.

 

Unlike many more modern mech games, control is precise and accurate, thanks to the FPS style control scheme that has been proven in games such as Duke Nukem 3D. Finally, the soundtrack is nothing that I am about to jam to in my car, but the energetic music certainly helps to fuel the atmosphere and drive the action and intensity.

 

So, here we have a game that is fun, with good graphics, excellent controls, a decent sound track, and a learning curve that is appropriate for gamers of all types who come from all backgrounds.

 

What I see here is a great app that undeservingly got a bad rap. Next time you fire up your 32X, give Metal Head another chance. Play through the game. You won’t be sorry that you did. Don’t own it? Not a problem. Metal Head is an extremely common 32X game and can be found new and sealed on eBay for less than five bucks. Go on, what are you waiting for?

 

 

Screens:

 

 

Box Front:

 

 

Box Back:

 

Edited July 5, 2007 by Rev. Rob

[Gabriel]

Metal Head was a game I got as soon as it was released. It was damn impressive for the pre-PS1 era. It got quite a bit of play too. Metal Head, Virtua Racing Deluxe, and Shadow Squadron were my 32X mainstays even for a year or two into the PS1 era.

 

Hell, Metal Head was a LOT better than Crazy Ivan.

 

Draw distance was a problem for Metal Head. This revealed itself any time you were walking down a long, straight street. The designers would have been well served to create fewer long streets like that.

 

Looking back, it was a much better corridor blaster than Doom. Enemies even had facings! There was a lot more strategy as well.

 

The main problem with the game is it doesn't age well. It was a prototype and experiment and it shows. It's painfully slow compared to modern games. The framerate chugs.

 

Not only that, but it's for the 32X, a system with some really bad press.

[A Sprite]

Just saw it for the first time today - my thoughts:

 

1. You have my respect for championing an underdog. We need more critics who can get us excited about something in a good way.

 

2. HOLY SHIT! That looks good.

 

3. It looks downright hideous in still shots. Brown and blue are seldom appropriate outside a toilet, and neutral gray is the only color that clashes with every other color ever made - it doesn't even exist in nature, due to atmospheric tint.

 

 

4. Despite that, I can't wait to play. I thank you for the introduction.

Edited July 5, 2007 by A Sprite

[Rev. Rob]

It's painfully slow compared to modern games.

 

If you hold down the run button it's actually not bad.

[PressureCooker2600]

Great game.

 

It was also the game I got, along with Toughman Contest, when the 32X came out. I played the hell outta it.

[A Sprite]

Finally played it....it's not bad, for 32x. But it would be bad, almost anywhere else. Generic enemies can hide right in front of you on a bright and clear summer day - no attempt is made to hide the pop in....in fact, you can even see building far off into the distance, miles past your blind spot.

 

Controls also suffer from a lack of thought - double tap to run, then hold the d-pad down or you lose the speed - it's like driving a used car, bought on the cheap. The kind whose engine completely stops on a red light, and needs to be started up again.

 

Not that it didn't have it's charms.

 

More 1st person shooters should offer other viewtypes. The overhead angle looks horrible, but eliminates pop-in, and gives off a sweet retro vibe. I loved sneaking up on enemies from behind.

Being able to shop for power-ups after each death adds a strategy feel.

 

So in the end, I'm torn. As a game it nearly fails, as a postcard from what might have been, it's something that must be experienced...

Edited July 7, 2007 by A Sprite

[Rev. Rob]

Controls also suffer from a lack of thought - double tap to run, then hold the d-pad down or you lose the speed - it's like driving a used car, bought on the cheap. The kind whose engine completely stops on a red light, and needs to be started up again.

 

Heh, sounds like your controls are suffering from use of a three button controller. All Genesis games after like 92-93 were designed for use the 6-button control pad. They even quit making the 3-button.

 

Anyhow, to run all you have to do is hold down "C." Double-tapping is only needed for a 3-button controller.

 

I just even double checked the booklet, which isn't something I like to do with my 32X games, because in crinkles the cardboard box. (WTF is up with Sega switching to cardboard? Cheap bastards!)

 

Grrr... I had to open it twice now because I forgot to put the stupid registration card back in!

Edited July 7, 2007 by Rev. Rob

[A Sprite]

Controls also suffer from a lack of thought - double tap to run, then hold the d-pad down or you lose the speed - it's like driving a used car, bought on the cheap. The kind whose engine completely stops on a red light, and needs to be started up again.

 

Heh, sounds like your controls are suffering from use of a three button controller. All Genesis games after like 92-93 were designed for use the 6-button control pad. They even quit making the 3-button.

 

Anyhow, to run all you have to do is hold down "C." Double-tapping is only needed for a 3-button controller.

 

I just even double checked the booklet, which isn't something I like to do with my 32X games, because in crinkles the cardboard box. (WTF is up with Sega switching to cardboard? Cheap bastards!)

 

Grrr... I had to open it twice now because I forgot to put the stupid registration card back in!

 

Nope, using a 6 button.

 

BUT

 

Fear not, I have a theory as to what went wrong -

 

 

My talking heads don't look like your talking heads. Maybe someone got frustrated with double tapping in the original and rewrote the controller maps...?

Edited July 7, 2007 by A Sprite

[fishsandwich]

That was a great look at an underrated game! Good job!

 

I liked this game a lot, too. The only things that really bothered me were the small explosions and the way destroyed enemies seemed to "float" down to the ground.

 

This was cutting edge when it came out. I need to play this one again.

[Rev. Rob]

Controls also suffer from a lack of thought - double tap to run, then hold the d-pad down or you lose the speed - it's like driving a used car, bought on the cheap. The kind whose engine completely stops on a red light, and needs to be started up again.

 

Heh, sounds like your controls are suffering from use of a three button controller. All Genesis games after like 92-93 were designed for use the 6-button control pad. They even quit making the 3-button.

 

Anyhow, to run all you have to do is hold down "C." Double-tapping is only needed for a 3-button controller.

 

I just even double checked the booklet, which isn't something I like to do with my 32X games, because in crinkles the cardboard box. (WTF is up with Sega switching to cardboard? Cheap bastards!)

 

Grrr... I had to open it twice now because I forgot to put the stupid registration card back in!

 

Nope, using a 6 button.

 

BUT

 

Fear not, I have a theory as to what went wrong -

 

 

My talking heads don't look like your talking heads. Maybe someone got frustrated with double tapping in the original and rewrote the controller maps...?

 

It's a setting. You can go into the options and change the avitar and the controller type.

[PressureCooker2600]

I always preferred the dorky actors as the avatars instead of the animations.

There was a certain corniness to them that made them cool.

Kinda like those Sega CD FMV games like Corpse Killer.....i love that game.

[Bill Brasky]

Will you please also do reviews for those other misunderstood classics, N64 Superman, Bubsy(jaguar) and Blasto.