When I first caught a glimpse of a trailer for Metal Eden, it looked undeniably cool, a promising vision of futuristic chaos. Yet, I struggled to truly grasp the kind of game it aimed to be. Then came the inevitable delay, a common occurrence that pushed it to the back of many minds, including my own, almost leading to it being forgotten entirely. But now, it has finally arrived, and to my pleasant surprise, Metal Eden is not just here – it’s a genuinely good, face-paced first-person shooter that demands your attention.
A Lore-Rich Enigma
Metal Eden plunges players into a dystopian, futuristic science-fiction world teeming with advanced tech, menacing foes, and visually striking environments. The narrative promises an epic struggle, but to be entirely candid, it’s remarkably difficult to truly follow what’s going on. You play as a hyper unit called Aska on a mission to save a certain core which will help you save the citizens, and it all takes place in the city Moebius. While there are certainly some truly great setpieces, breathtaking moments of grandeur, and a roster of incredibly cool bosses, I often found myself battling them without a clear understanding of their exact purpose or the deeper lore behind their existence. Much like a high-octane action movie where the plot takes a backseat to the spectacle, Metal Eden’s story is more of a backdrop, serving to propel you from one incredible combat encounter to the next.
Adrenaline-Fueled Combat
Without a doubt, Metal Eden shines brightest in its gameplay. This is a fast-paced FPS, blending intense firefights with light platforming elements and the now-familiar “kill room” structure. If I had to draw a comparison, it’s most akin to the relentless, balletic combat of Doom Eternal, but with its own distinct flavor. The level guides you through a series of twisting corridors, which either present minor platforming challenges or smaller skirmishes before funneling you into larger, arena-like “kill rooms.” Here, the objective is clear: eliminate waves of enemies before you can progress. It’s a concept we’ve seen before, yet in Metal Eden, it feels remarkably fresh and endlessly enjoyable, thanks to its exceptional movement mechanics and satisfying methods of dispatching foes.
Moving around in Metal Eden feels great – fast, fluid, and incredibly empowering. There’s no walking here; you’re either sprinting, leaping across chasms, grappling to distant platforms, or seamlessly rolling into a protective ball form to navigate tight spaces or evade incoming fire. Each movement option feels perfectly integrated, contributing to a sense of constant momentum. The gunplay is equally good. Your arsenal is a joy to wield, each weapon packing a satisfying punch and feeling distinct. Crucially, weapons can be upgraded and customized, allowing players to tailor their loadout to their preferred playstyle. Melee attacks are not to be underestimated either; a well-timed strike can push enemies, which is effective when near ledges, or temporarily break their armor, opening them up for a devastating follow-up. The entire combat loop, this “dance” of movement, shooting, and melee, feels incredibly refined. In fact, for sheer gameplay exhilaration and fluid combat, Metal Eden easily outshines even highly anticipated titles like Doom: The Dark Ages this year.
A Small Feast for the Senses
The game looks genuinely good, boasting a vibrant futuristic aesthetic. What truly stands out, however, are the small but impactful animations. There’s a particular visceral satisfaction in seeing armor shatter off an enemy or witnessing a final, decisive blow connect – a feeling that’s hard to articulate but profoundly gratifying. The game takes us on a journey across various parts of its futuristic science-fiction world, and each environment is distinct enough to feel visually fresh and engaging. From gleaming metallic structures to desolate alien landscapes, there’s a consistent level of detail and artistic flair. Complementing the strong visuals is the commendable sound design. Every shot, explosion, and enemy shriek contributes to the immersive atmosphere. In particular, the main starter weapon has an incredibly satisfying sound profile, making every trigger pull feel impactful and weighty.
Conclusion
Metal Eden is a triumph of focused design, managing to be fun and enjoyable from beginning to end without ever outstaying its welcome. Its pacing is great, ensuring that the high-octane action never feels repetitive or stale. From the moment you start until the credits roll, there’s a consistent feeling of exhilaration as you master the art of wall-running, strategically breaking enemy armor, and dispatching hordes with your arsenal, all while skillfully dodging their relentless attacks. Metal Eden isn’t just a good fast-paced FPS; it’s a stellar example of the genre, delivering a pure, unadulterated shot of adrenaline that leaves you wanting more. If you’ve been craving a good old take on the classic arena shooter, look no further – Metal Eden is here to deliver.
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