Gun Metal – Review

You’ve been called to the front line many times before, you’ve been told that you’re humanities only hope, what better way to enter battle than as a 30 foot mech capable of transforming into a jet fighter. Don’t think it can get any better? You’ll be provided with an arsenal of weapons which you’ll find yourself smirking at the screen for and reciting those immortal words… “bring it”.

The similarities between Gun Metal and such cult hits as Transformers or Robotech become apparent before you even begin playing the game. The ability to change at will between Mech and Jet and use this skill to complete the missions is the whole premise of the game, but can Gun Metal pull it off?

In a word…YES. Both the Mech and Jet are equipped with various weapons which are easily appointed at the tap of a button. New weapons can be gained during play and alongside this you have a certain amount of customization also available with regards to weaponry at the beginning of a game.

Negative factors to the game are few and far between, so let’s get them out of the way so we can get to the good stuff. The control system doesn’t allow for customization, though in its defense there are 5 choices including the left handed option (which is brill for lefties such as myself). There’s no difficulty level setting, this game is not for the faint of heart, there is no ‘easy’ option – you’re thrown in at the deep end, mechs blazing. A good aspect of this however is that within a few hours of playing, you can gain a competent mastery of the controls which is only going to help your gameplay. Another slightly negative factor is the familiar guttural tones of the standardized hard ass American general-type, informing you that you’re the innocent civilians’ only hope, a singing career not on the cards for this guy. Again even this negative has a positive as you don’t hear from him too often throughout the game. Due to the linear nature of the mission structure there’s little time for exploration of the completely interactive environment as you’re ordered from one successful mission to the next.

Now for that oh so good stuff…the introduction is like a micro movie, sure there have been better intros, but it does its job introducing you to what you’re in for, showing you the sheer size of the mech itself (approx 10 meters) as it strolls through familiar urban environments with their large buildings cowering in comparison. The accompanying music is film-like in quality, reminiscent of thriller sci-fi blockbusters, and it draws you in, building anticipation of what is to follow. If you’re unhappy with the in game music which is simply entitled ‘Gun Metal’ you also have the soundtrack option available, ahh flying your jet fighter or your carnage invoking mech to Britney Spears is truly something to behold, though not too often. The addictiveness of this title for myself at least was surprising, I’m not a huge Mech game fan, the last Mech game I bought being Mech Warrior 2 for the PS1 but this game kept me interested and returning, even through the frustrating stages. Graphically it’s what you might expect from an Xbox title, it’s sharp and it’s clean but there are certain little touches that will make you say ‘ahhh’…the laser bolts flying past you as you barrel-roll out of the way into a gorgeous cloud filled azure sky, softly lit by the soft glow of a cloud cloaked sun, why it’s all rather poetic to perceive. The landscapes are beautiful but can be a little barren and remember they’re fully interactive and all damage is apparently logged to the hard drive… sweet.

In a nutshell playing this game resulted in much unladylike cursing, the urge to keep returning was completely overwhelming…. I MUST save those damn civvies! For this factor alone it’s a title that you really might want to get your hands on and I almost guarantee that you’ll never tire of simply tapping that Y button and watching your mech turn into a jet right before your very eyes. Be warned however, you will need patience to play this game and don’t be surprised if you find yourself attempting the same mission 5 or more times in a row. Definitely worth a look especially if it can convert a non Mech fan.

Review by Angela