Developer: Sankindo Publisher: Face Release: 07/12/91 Genre: Shooter
This one has been a long time coming. I have been interested in Metal Stoker for a long time. The box art is striking and almost gives off the impression of a cyberpunk adventure along the lines of Snatcher. But the subtitle Neo Hardboiled Shooting gives away that this is a shooter. While that would normally not catch my attention (we can all admit there are too many shooters on the PC Engine right?) this one is an overhead shooter, a genre that little representation on the platform. It is also a great one that excels in pacing, presentation, and mechanics. Metal Stoker flies under the radar but is no less deserving of your time.
A female pilot is tasked with piloting the prototype tank CS-05 Metal Stoker in a VR environment to document its capabilities. A series of zones in different environments need to be cleared under various circumstances. But as the mission progresses it becomes apparent that this “VR” mission is not as virtual as it seems…….
Mechanically Metal Stoker is simple. Your tank can fire in every direction with one button to shoot and the other locking your firing direction. There are five weapons (Vulcan, laser, force field, mines, and homing missiles) that you can switch between at any time. In addition every weapon has multiple levels and becomes more powerful with subsequent power-ups. Generally items are available enough that your weapons are rarely at the default level. You can also sacrifice one weapon level to perform a special attack. But these are so lackluster it is never worth it.
Like Granada and Iron Tank the game does not auto-scroll. You have free reign to explore each map to complete objectives to progress. The levels overall are massive but Metal Stoker manages it by splitting each stage in to multiple zones. Each zone usually has a goal such as destroying a set number of specific targets, seeking out and destroying a miniboss or navigating a maze to find the exit. There is no time limit so you can go at your own pace though the game does its best to nudge you on with infinitely respawning enemies. That freedom to tackle the game at your leisure is one of its greatest strengths next to the overall variety in the adventure.
Metal Stoker uses its VR theme to cover a diverse range of environments. The first military installation may give the impression that is what the entire game will be but the next level takes place outdoors. From there you travel through a lava filled city as well as the desert. Later you will explore a techno themed castle which is a bit out of place but cool nonetheless. Even in the same stage the individual zones cover a lot of ground. The nonlinear nature of the game means many levels present you with multiple objectives simultaneously and you can complete them in any order. Stage six is basically a miniboss rush with as many as nine encounters to tackle. I do wish there were passwords to save progress as this is a long game and it is extremely difficult.
I am kind of surprised at how hard Metal Stoker is. You have one level at most before it begins to ramp up sharply. Most of your weapons feel underpowered outside of the laser and even that is limited by its straightforward attack. The enemies become aggressive in short order and begin to seek you out and each level has a dense population. You will have to take your time working your way through each map but the game certainly tries to push you into rushing with bomb strikes and such. There are many, many boss battles that will leave your hands sweaty, some in rapid succession too. Do not plan on completing this one in one or two sittings, you are going to have to pick at it little by little.
In Closing
Metal Stoker is a cool little action game that will kick your ass while still remaining entertaining. Top down action games were not common on the platform and this is easily one of the better ones. In fact there is no reason Metal Stoker should have stayed in Japan as the game is completely in English already. It could have bolstered a thin lineup desperately in need of better games; I am sure no one would have lost any sleep if we got this instead of Darkwing Duck but I digress. Pick this one up, it’s a winner.
