If you’re a fan of the roguelite action genre, then Metal Bringer by PLAYISM and ALPHAWING might just be the game for you. Set far in the future, the backdrop is grim: humanity hangs by a thread. As Suria Yugia, you wake from cryosleep, courtesy of Bud, your trusty robot companion. You’re in the Meru Laboratory, a place designed just for you, although its been running for a staggering 8,766,009 hours—about 1,000 years! S.I.V.A., the integrated system, has seized control, threatening to keep humanity in endless slumber. Direct combat would be suicidal, so your battles play out through Labors and Arms. Labors are humanoid entities, and Arms are the colossal mechs they can commandeer.
Embarking on your quest, your first task is assembling a Labor. This involves choosing a head, body, and weapons for both hands. It’s not just mix and match; you’ll need to weigh factors like attack speed and power. The Labor’s load affects agility, and if you’re packing long-range firepower, don’t overlook reload times and bullet stats. Various weapons also impart status effects like burning or freezing. A palette of colors allows you to customize the look and feel of everything, from your Labor’s skin to its visor, so add your personal flair!
Gameplay has you using the left stick to maneuver and the right stick to aim. Weapons are fired with the L2 and R2 buttons; X lets you jump, and Square handles interactions. Circle lets you dodge for a swift escape. Your weapons are formidable, but getting an Arms adds a monstrous edge. Get near one, tap down on the D-Pad, and hop in. The L1 and R1 buttons let you rotate your view as needed—essential for staying grounded in the chaos. Lock onto targets with a quick press of the right stick, especially useful during hectic confrontations with multiple foes or bosses.
Throughout your journey, you’ll gather D Chips—your key to enhancing the capabilities of your Labor, enabling more successful runs. Upgrades can span various facets, from increased health and defense to enhancing your arsenal’s functionality, covering everything from swords to missile launchers. The strategic layer deepens further with Blueprints. Install and discover apps for your Labor, boosting attributes like weapon charge speed or mobility. These upgrades are invaluable for extending your run and battling through tougher challenges.
Achievements come aplenty, with a complete trophy list that includes a coveted Platinum trophy. Challenges range from defeating bosses, tweaking your Labor a hundred times, to pulling off an epic 500-hit combo. Other goals include dealing massive damage or amassing a hoard of D-Chips, ensuring you’re continually engaged with the evolving challenges.
To sum it up, Metal Bringer thrusts you into a future where humanity is on the brink. With a detailed combat system and extensive customization options, the game, available on PS5 for $19.99, offers a deep and rewarding experience. Dive in, if you dare, to build your legacy amidst the chaos of a future ruled by AI.
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This review is based on a PlayStation 5 copy provided by PLAYISM, ensuring you get the most authentic insight into Metal Bringer.
