Metal Head

[Melf]

Mechs are generally a good thing. Mech Warrior, Steel Battalion - both are great examples of how to do the genre right. Unfortunately, Metal Head is a prime example of the opposite. Want to know how not to make a game for a software-starved system? Read our review (http://www.sega-16.com/review_page.php?id=20&title=Metal%20Head) of this train wreck and learn!

[David J.]

It's funny, if you change something in the settings (I forget) the guy who gives you mission briefings will be a cartoony looking person, not some old dude.

When I bought my copy it'd crash after the first level, until I cleaned it with rubbing alcohol. Then it worked and I regretted cleaning it since. This game is really bad. If it wasn't so slow and have some variation in the missons, it'd be decent.

[Melf]

I had high hopes for this one (got it along with my 32X), but shut it off after about 13 minutes. The low point had to be when I was forced to shoot dumpsters to pass the level....fucking dumpsters.

What about T-Mek? How's that one? Is it any better?

[David J.]

I never played it, but I always wanted to. I remember seeing tons among tons of PC copies in bargin bins for years. Never grabbed my attention.

[Drixxel]

I once had the chance to play 32x T-Mek.
Reminded me quite a bit of Battlewheels for the Lynx, if anyone's familiar with that one. Vehicular combat with some groovy weapons (like a first-person guided missile!) in rather unremarkable arenas, but certainly a cooler game than Metal Head. Played quite smoothly.

[j_factor]

Battlewheels kicked ass.

[Dartagnan1083]

I played T-mek feverishly in the arcades (on the rare occasions I'd get to go).
Cool game,
But I've never played the 32X port.

[Genesis Knight]

It seems like it should get a bit more than a 2 just for the graphical wonderfulousity alone.

[Melf]

Fully textured dumpsters! :)

[David J.]

I'm dying to see the Annet Again review... BUT I can wait, because I have played the game. :D

[Melf]

I'll hopefully have that up on Monday, chock full of fresh screens!

[David J.]

YAY!

I can't wait. It truly is a neat little game. Nothing great, but decent.

[ary incorparated]

oke how underrated can 32x be,come on 2 what kind of review is that.the game plys very simple,maybe to simple the music is very good and i dont know why people just hate it maybe it isnt their taste oke but the sound let you hear some nice metal,Drum.I dont hate the game defnitly not,since much GBA games still look worser.graphically it show something i never see quit often on 32x,I disliked doom for its shitty music i Didnt like Darxide also and those games get the good hope.I give this game a 7 since i picked it upp for my pocket money as i bought the 32x from my pocket money.for cheap stuff it was fun i had a bit Final zone feeling only 3D,i dont care people nagging about the game at least it shows graphics instead of polygons or just ugly 2d sprite.I love knuckles ghaotix most but my friends hated the system and esspecially had no regrets for it :D .i didnt hate the system.this game is decent and fun to have in youre collection and not a shame at al,okay if where talking about cosmic carnage or motocros then i defnitly agree,if you want to burn em to hell,you have my blessing for that. :D :twisted: :twisted:

[Vorty]

.....care to repeat that?

[ary incorparated]

you care,since it is my uppinion,why dont you repeat,do you hate all 32x games,Look if i can get metal head for 50 cents ill buy it back then but hey a 2 is very underated how about i give medie evil a 2 because i dont like it,Thats so corrupt,BTW ever finished the game but why bad review only certianly you vorty,come on tempo is fun to pick up for not much,do you write about games blinded?.come on if a title plays simple has oke music and has good graphics for 32x whats wrong with it exept for the diffrence between taste,Damn vorty you wrote a review for tempo its a simpple platformer that looks like others,but hey the gameplay is simple the game looks colourfull and it has a bit of funfactor,why do you write about games if you only have crappy judgement about it,readers aslo think its shit and maybe dont play it(maybe they like it)BTW like alien soldier,that game is way overhyped if you ask me,graphical its very fine but that game rushes from bos to bos trough every stage and then you finished the game,while expecting a bit more and you get for reward a Dead boring end,and that game scores a 9.Its very corrupt to give any thing with 32x on the case a 5 or less,i havnt see a good review from you about 32x,why.Maybe you dont like the system oke but dont give people bad hope,next time if you like writing about motocros for 32x then place Warning in youre review Caution dont buy this game!!!!!.oke still its youre review but i repeated my thing,Dont shove your hate for the console to me i like it a bit.and since its my uppinion it isnt worth a discussion.no offens tough :!:

[kgenthe]

Sorry to bring up an old topic... I've been trying to play through this monster and am up to Stage 2 Mission 3. Anyone know how many stages total are in this? Not sure if it's worth continuing. I'd like to beat it, but the levels and objectives are a bit confusing.

[Milkymagic]

I could never beat this game, it was much too hard, I think I made it to the third stage before the game really started to own me. It's not too bad when given what the 32X was capable of, but I much prefered titles like Shadow Squadron when it came to playing games that could show of the 32X's power.

For those who are curious, T-Mek is just as hard for me, though I'd say I enjoyed T-Mek a little more.

[The Coop]

There are six stages, with each stage having 2 sections, and a boss fight. I've beaten it, and while it's not a shining example of the 32X library, I'd hardly say it deserves a 2. The graphics are good for the 32X, but the game's hampered by a rough frame rate, jerky and stiff animation, and nasty pop up. The music is actually pretty nice, and the controls aren't nearly as problematic as the reviewer states them to be. It's the frame rate that makes thing harder, mostly when you're holding down the speed button to chase down an enemy (it's hard to make only minor aim adjustments when speeding).

The controls are quite simple. A= strafe, B= fire, C= speed, X= left side view, Y= weapon switch, Z= right side view. All your main buttons are right next to, or right above, your thumb. If you hold down X+Z together, you get an overhead view. However, the X/Z thing isn't needed, as you can just hold up or down, and then hit start to switch between four different views (normal, waist camera, behind the Mech, bird's eye).

Is it a great game? No. It has too many rough spots to be that. Is it a good game? Close, but not quite. I'd give it about a 6.5. It can be fun once you get the hang of it, but the frame rate, pop up, and animation really hinder it.

[The Sports Guy]

6.5 is a little steep, IMO. If you look at the Review Manifest (http://www.sega-16.com/Sega-16%20Review%20Manifest.php), there is an explanation for each number, and 6.5 puts it above average.

It's not an average game. It would take thought, but I would either score it as a 4 and explain why I did or even explain what the 4 means in the manifest, or give it a 5.

[Milkymagic]

6.5 is a little steep, IMO. If you look at the Review Manifest (http://www.sega-16.com/Sega-16%20Review%20Manifest.php), there is an explanation for each number, and 6.5 puts it above average.

It's not an average game. It would take thought, but I would either score it as a 4 and explain why I did or even explain what the 4 means in the manifest, or give it a 5.

A "5" is what I would give it as well, I thought it was pretty fun, but the gameplay was pretty sluggish for what I expected. I'd say Gungriffon for the Sega Saturn was a great example of how to do these type of games (for consoles).

[The Coop]

6.5 is a little steep, IMO. If you look at the Review Manifest (http://www.sega-16.com/Sega-16%20Review%20Manifest.php), there is an explanation for each number, and 6.5 puts it above average.

It's not an average game. It would take thought, but I would either score it as a 4 and explain why I did or even explain what the 4 means in the manifest, or give it a 5.

I've read that page before, and I understand what each score means. On the scale, my 6.5 would be rounded down to a 6... a score I stand by. It is a decent game, despite it's graphical issues, that's worth while if you can find it cheap. It's no MechWarrior 2 (console version) or Gun Griffon, but the graphics themselves, the challenge level, the audio, and the reasonably well laid out control scheme on a six button controller do the game enough justice to help overcome some (key word there) of the issues, and thus, bring it just above average in my opinion. To be honest, the issue that bugs me the most is the "turning while speeding" issue I mentioned, and that makes up more of the deduction than the frame rate (which isn't as bad as I remembered now that I've played it again), the pop up, or the jerky animation.

[Milkymagic]

I've read that page before, and I understand what each score means. On the scale, my 6.5 would be rounded down to a 6... a score I stand by. It is a decent game, despite it's graphical issues, that's worth while if you can find it cheap. It's no MechWarrior 2 (console version) or Gun Griffon, but the graphics themselves, the challenge level, the audio, and the reasonably well laid out control scheme on a six button controller do the game enough justice to help overcome some (key word there) of the issues (and thus, bring it just above average). To be honest, the issue that bugs me the most is the "turning while speeding" issue I mentioned.

I know this is bizarre to bring up, but the way the mech controls in Metal Head sort of reminded me of the machine you pilot in Kileak: The DNA Imperative for the PS1 (or was it the sequel Epidemic?).

I don't think it's a bad game though, don't get me wrong there, but I do feel there are better games out there. I would like to get back to Metal Head and beat it, alongside Star Wars Arcade.

[The Coop]

The key in Metal Head, is to remember the straffing button. Hang back, and use your guns while you dodge side to side as the enemies fire. Also, try and come up behind the enemies by watching their patrol patterns (for the ones that patrol anyway), and use the speed button to race up behind them for the kill. You'll take out a lot of the tougher enemies with ease doing this.

And just so you guys know, I wasn't intending to sound confrontational in defense of my 6-ish score. I realize it comes across as such a bit looking back at it, but it wasn't intended to be :)

[Milkymagic]

The key in Metal Head, is to remember the straffing button. Hang back, and use your guns while you dodge side to side as the enemies fire. Also, try and come up behind the enemies by watching their patrol patterns (for the ones that patrol anyway), and use the speed button to race up behind them for the kill. You'll take out a lot of the tougher enemies with ease doing this.

And just so you guys know, I wasn't intending to sound confrontational in defense of my 6-ish score. I realize it comes across as such a bit looking back at it, but it wasn't intended to be :)

That's a good strategy, I'll remember to keep that in mind! :D

[Chilly Willy]

The key in Metal Head, is to remember the straffing button. Hang back, and use your guns while you dodge side to side as the enemies fire. Also, try and come up behind the enemies by watching their patrol patterns (for the ones that patrol anyway), and use the speed button to race up behind them for the kill. You'll take out a lot of the tougher enemies with ease doing this.

And just so you guys know, I wasn't intending to sound confrontational in defense of my 6-ish score. I realize it comes across as such a bit looking back at it, but it wasn't intended to be :)

Precisely the way I play it. Don't apologize for the 6-ish score - I'd give it a 7! I think the score people give directly reflects how well they adapted to the strategy needed to advance in the game. :cool:

Metal Head is at or near the top of my list of favorite 32X games. Sorry if others disagree, but there's no accounting for taste. :D

[Milkymagic]

Precisely the way I play it. Don't apologize for the 6-ish score - I'd give it a 7! I think the score people give directly reflects how well they adapted to the strategy needed to advance in the game. :cool:

Metal Head is at or near the top of my list of favorite 32X games. Sorry if others disagree, but there's no accounting for taste. :D

Nothing wrong with that, I know I felt bad for slamming Cobra Command for the Sega CD and finding out there's people that loved that game. I don't mind the tastes of others, I do try to enjoy games that I paid the money for, and luckily, I only paid $6 for Metal Head, so investing my time in it doesn't feel like such a hassle.

For the record though, this list is the most I've ever paid for video games:

1. Towers II - Atari Jaguar $200
2. Radiant Silvergun - Sega Saturn $170
3. Panzer Dragoon Saga - Sega Saturn $160
4. Keio Flying Squadron - Sega CD $130
5. Snatcher - Sega CD $91
6. The Space Adventure - Sega CD $90

[The Coop]

Don't apologize for the 6-ish score - I'd give it a 7!

Oh I wasn't apologizing for my score. I was apologizing for the less than friendly sounding start to my response to The Sports Guy's comments.

Again, sorry about that TSG. It really wasn't meant in the snotty way it comes across.

[Chilly Willy]

For the record though, this list is the most I've ever paid for video games:

1. Towers II - Atari Jaguar $200
2. Radiant Silvergun - Sega Saturn $170
3. Panzer Dragoon Saga - Sega Saturn $160
4. Keio Flying Squadron - Sega CD $130
5. Snatcher - Sega CD $91
6. The Space Adventure - Sega CD $90

Wow! I've never paid more than $50 for a game. :D

I've gotten most of my "retro" games at close-out sales and the like, so I figure I've paid an average of $5 a game for 90% of my libraries. I even got the 32X version of Night Trap on sale for $3. I paid $2 each for all but one of my SEGA CDs. My 32X carts range from $7 for Zaxxon to $40 for the more mainstream titles I bought when I first got my 32X, like Doom and Metal Head. I don't think I have anything particularly rare, though.

[kgenthe]

The key in Metal Head, is to remember the straffing button. Hang back, and use your guns while you dodge side to side as the enemies fire. Also, try and come up behind the enemies by watching their patrol patterns (for the ones that patrol anyway), and use the speed button to race up behind them for the kill. You'll take out a lot of the tougher enemies with ease doing this.Thanks! I'll have to recheck the manual and utilize all 6 buttons during play ;)


Precisely the way I play it. Don't apologize for the 6-ish score - I'd give it a 7! I think the score people give directly reflects how well they adapted to the strategy needed to advance in the game. :cool:The first couple times I played Metal Head I hated it. The first 3 missions feature the most boring levels and the least amount of variety. I was surprised as I played on how cool the levels got. Additionally, without the speed button, the game is terrible slow and boring.

Anyway, nice to see some discussion on this often forgetting game!

[Chilly Willy]

Additionally, without the speed button, the game is terrible slow and boring.

Yes, so use that button as much as humanly possible. :D

[TmEE]

Metal Head is a great game IMO, I'd give it a nice 7

I need to get a cart of that...

[Da_Shocker]

I played this game alot back in 98 or 99 and I thought it was an ok game. I mean Cosmic Carnage and Motocross were huge turds for the 32X.

[Milkymagic]

I played this game alot back in 98 or 99 and I thought it was an ok game. I mean Cosmic Carnage and Motocross were huge turds for the 32X.

Cosmic Carnage was a little more playable than Zaxxon's Motherbase in my opinion, but I still feel Motocross is undeniably the worst game for the add-on.

Also, sad to say I found out I still suck at Metal Head! XD

[kgenthe]

Lol, I enjoyed both Motocross and Zaxxon. Again, neither game is "instantly" playable. You need to spend some time with them to appreciate them (which most people would say about Metal Head). I don't like fighting games so I can't comment too much on cosmic carnage. The sprite scaling and rotation is pretty cool though.

[goldenband]

Just beat this one on Normal, then Hard. Comments here. (http://www.sega-16.com/forum/showthread.php?19783-A-Winner-Is-You!-(2012)&p=442260&viewfull=1#post442260) I'm closer to The Coop's opinion than Chilly Willy or TmEE, but I still think this is a perfectly decent game, far better than the review makes it out to be. I gave it 6/10 on the star-thing.

Anyone know what the medals at the end represent? When I beat it on Normal, I got two, but when I beat Hard I got a row of five medals, with a blank spot in the #3 position where a sixth could have been (i.e. 1-2-[ ] 4-5-6).

BTW I like Motocross and Cosmic Carnage (the former, which I've beaten, more than the latter), but am befuddled by 32X Zaxxon.

EDIT: Oh, also, the link in the first post is broken.

[goldenband]

Also, from the review (http://www.sega-16.com/2005/10/metal-head/):

"While I am here I might as well mention that anybody who thought that shooting parked cars was fun has to be dragged out to the street and shot himself!"

Funny line, I guess -- but it misses the point, though in fairness I originally missed the point too: the mission objective in that stage (the one with the row of "parked cars") is to destroy the stationary mechs under maintenance. I believe that doing that initiates the next part of the mission, when your allies bomb the area.

That said, a legitimate knock on the game is definitely that some of the mission objectives aren't explained well. It took me a couple playthroughs to figure out WTF I was supposed to do in certain stages, but once I did, smooth sailing.