Another new Genesis title is about to launch! Metal Mack is a fun, fast-paced adventure that harkens back to classic 8-bit side-scrolling action titles like Mega Man and Contra. Set in a bright, retro-style future, it tells the tale of an advanced android named Mack that becomes a combat-ready hero voluntarily when all the automated helpers in the world malfunction. His creator, Professor Photon, is a clever yet kind scientist whose well-meaning inventions have caused chaos, setting the stage for Mack’s mission. Joining them is Rusty, a loyal robo-dog packed with useful skills, so long as he’s fed often.
Metal Mack is being developed by BitBeamCannon, a small studio with three members known for its strong recent presence in the retro gaming scene. The team gained recognition through projects like DaemonClaw (Genesis) and Metro Siege (PC, Amiga). BitBeamCannon is quite small, with only around three members, but its size hasn’t hindered it from creating polished, pixel-based games, and Metal Mack is part of the studio’s effort to craft modern classics that capture old-school charm.
Metal Mack’s gameplay is built on fast action through multiple enemy-filled stages, boss battles, and even sections of scrolling shooters. Mack can crouch, shoot in different ways, collect upgrades, and unlock new abilities to give players a flexible set of tools as they tackle a variety of challenges that will give you flashbacks (or PTSD) of those classic side-scrolling action games. Metal Mack’s energy is amped up courtesy of an original soundtrack from legendary video game musicians Chris Huelsbeck and Allister Brimble, which amplifies the nostalgic 16-bit feeling. Check out a sample here and tell me it doesn’t sound great!
Players can choose between standard boxed editions and larger deluxe packages for the Genesis and Neo Geo versions. Both physical releases come with a cartridge, system-specific manual, and a digital bundle with extra documents and the full soundtrack. Deluxe sets offer more, with several collectible items such as reversible covers, a detailed strategy guide magazine, trading cards, stickers, and a Steam key (only $5 more!) to make a great collection for fans and collectors.
As I mentioned earlier, Metal Mack’s Kickstarter campaign is underway, and the game was completely funded in under 24 hours! BitBeamCannon’s stretch goals promise additional content as funding milestones are reached: new music tracks, an arcade-like mode focused on shooting segments, a dedicated boss rush, New Game Plus options, and even an entirely new level. Taken altogether, Metal Mack promises a light-hearted take on the classics of 8- and 16-bit gaming with tons of depth and extras for the long-time retro fan. If you’re interested in getting a new Mega Man-style action title for you Genesis (or Neo Geo!), check out the game’s website and register on the mailing list for updates. There’s no publisher identified thus far, but Neofid Studios was behind the physical versio of Daemonclaw, so there’s a chance they’ll be involved this time around as well. We’ll definitely be on the lookout for Metal Mack when it’s available in playable form for a preview, as well as a full review upon release.
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