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Metal Assault

Metal Assault is a side-scrolling shooter MMO that channels the Metal Slug series into a multiplayer experience. Run and gun across ten distinct maps in different modes that span from co-op zombie scenarios to multiplayer vehicle battles.

Publisher: Warportal
Playerbase: Low
Type: Shooter MMO
PvP: Deathmatch / Conquest
Release Date: March, 2016
Shut Down Date: Sept 28, 2018
Pros: +Metal Slug-inspired gameplay. +Variety of game modes. +Easy to learn.
Cons: -Limited customization. -No game documentation. -Chaotic with multiple players.

Overview

Metal Assault Overview

Metal Assault is a free-to-play 2D sidescrolling MMO that features intense shoot 'em up gameplay inspired by the Metal Slug series. Take control of one of the game's four specialized characters: the defense-oriented Carl, the sharpshooter Marie, the brute strength of Burton, or the tactical expert Ai to take on the game's varied modes. Play by yourself or with friends in game types that range from co-op zombie scenarios to PvP deathmatch fights, all easily found in the game's lobby. Its PvP modes support up to 8 players in game types that include: Deathmatch, Capture the Flag and Zombie Infection. Aside from the game lobby, players can populate the town with their avatars and explore three zones dedicated to different game elements, similar to the town in Dungeon Fighter Online. Enter the Military Area for training and skill-related NPCs, take a left and walk into the Commercial Area which offers item modification and storage, then finally move to the southwestern part of the town and enter the Town Square where the game's tournament host resides.

Metal Assault Key Features:

  • Solo, Co-Op and Team Modes – choose from a variety of game modes that offer options like co-op missions, 8v8 deathmatches, and control point battles.
  • Apocalyptic Scenarios – fight off the zombies that have infiltrated the City of HERZ in seven different scenarios.
  • Controllable Vehicles – enter a variety of vehicles that include robotic bodysuits and 4-player vehicles like tanks and choppers.
  • Character Customization – equip your character with items found from missions and in the game's shop, giving you the ability to deck out your character as you see fit.
  • PvP and PvE Modes – appealing to casual and hardcore players alike, the game offers a wide variety of content that is available in both player-vs-AI and player-vs-player forms.

Metal Assault Screenshots

Metal Assault Featured Video

Metal Assault Trailer from Warpportal

Full Review

Metal Assault Review

Metal Assault is a 2D MMO shooter where players take on the role as a new recruit entering the R.O.C. regiment. After the disastrous attack by the corrupt DEDT the military force is looking for capable soldiers that can quickly move up the ranks. Step into the army boots of Carl, Burton, Lil’ Miss Headshot, or Ai. Each character has different personal motives for joining and a specific destiny to fulfill. Complete various missions. Participate in co-op zombie attacks and fast paced PvP battles. Explore different environments, ride in vehicles, learn new skills, and upgrade weaponry. Become the ultimate soldier and compete for the highest number of kills in this innovative action shooter.

Joining the R.O.C. Forces, the Gameplay

Players start out in the optional tutorial lead by training instructor Steve. Recruits learn the basic tactics such as dodging, executing drops, crawling, rolling, and throwing grenades. Once completed players enter the city of HERZ. Soldiers must report to various NPCs representing R.O.C. Operation Commanders for missions. Most of the gameplay in Metal Assault involve completing quests and participating in PvP battles. Tasks can vary from relaying confidential information between sergeants to winning a death match against another player. Recruits have to travel through the three primary districts to report to designated commanders. There’s no instant teleports but the map and town itself is relatively small. Many of the quests will require players to enter the game lobby area to participate in combat. The lobby is divided into categorized sections consisting of co-op missions, beginner’s match, and free match. Co-op and mission modes involve PvE battles where players team up to fight dangerous troops or monsters together. Players have to accomplish tasks like eliminating 7 melee enemies, collect information about the Black Wick Masters at the edge of the forest, or locate Venny’s radio in the Mock field. Each room features a specific map and allows anywhere from 1 to 16 players to enter. Work in teams to conquer the Mock Battlefield, Suspicious Island, Central Rode B, Gray Hill, the Cave of Chaos, the Underground Hideout, and more. There’s a nice variety of challenging environments making clearing stages interesting. Although there are plenty of missions advanced quests only become available after a soldier has completed all of their prior objectives.

Zombie Shoot-Out

In the zombie eradication mission players enter the Cursed Forest and work with other soldiers to kill as many monsters as possible. Zombies leap out of several portals stationed throughout the zone. Recruits must quickly take them out before approaching their own demise. When the stage is cleared or time runs out the round is over. Similar to other side-scrolling shooters like Contra players use the WASD keys for movement. Recruits aim and blast away at undead foes using their mouse. Various weapons or skills are accessed with designated hotkeys. Toss hand grenades, shoot rocket launchers, add scopes to sniper rifles, and even set mines to destroy enemies. The non-stop shooting action makes Metal Assault fun and entertaining. During combat when an opponent is killed blue cards are dropped. Collecting them qualifies players for a loot grab at the end of the round. The loot grab isn’t that great. Players select a random number or group of boxes in hopes of a prize. Sometimes there’s no reward. The chat interface allows players to converse with one another but the game is so intense it’s seldom used in the midst of a battle. Successfully accomplishing missions yield XP, skill points, gold, and occasionally upgrade licenses.

PvP Battles & Military Tanks

The other two modes available in the match categories are Death Match and Item PvP. Both are slightly more challenging. In the Death Match players are split into two teams with the objective of accumulating the most kills. Item PvP modes usually involve a mission. Players must try to stay alive while reaching a specific goal such as kill 2 soldiers with one shot. Rankings and scores are listed after each round. At any time soldiers can enter a PvP battle through the lobby area. The waiting periods before the match starts can be long depending on the number of players entering or exiting the room. The game also features multiplayer vehicles allowing users to participate in aerial assaults or run over opponents in armored tanks. This option is only open for higher level players but it’s a very cool option. Most vehicles have the ability to seat up to 4 players. Users can form their own company and create PvP battles set in private.

Honor Shop Perks

There’s several NPC shops located in the Commercial Area where R.O.C. soldiers purchase their weapons and equipment for combat. The game has a nice selection of artillery to choose from. Buy an assortment of guns like the Sevenhit Pistol, Lincoln-1009, Delta K, Powerhammer A1, Stormon-MCross, and the Eagle Thunder. Users can equip their character with Mountaineer Helmets, Rescue Goggles, Beast Gloves, Standard Flak Jackets, and various boots. Combat rations recover health along with first aid kits and water bottles refill MP. There’s also an option that allows players to trade or sell their items in the Town Square. Recruits periodically receive honor points for having over 10 minutes of login time. These points can be used in the Honor Shop to buy more advanced weapons, armor, and tools at a bargain. Throughout the game soldiers accumulate upgrade licenses. These licenses unlock specialty items in the form of scopes, silencers, and laser sights in weapon shops. All shop items are purchased using gold coins earned through questing.

Final Verdict: Good

Metal Assault is an addictive and fun 2D MMO shooter. The fast paced action combined with the integrated storyline make for an engrossing game. Despite the cartoon-like graphics it’s challenging. Players become one of four characters in search of missing family members or on a mission to unearth a hidden secret. Complete quests, kill zombies, and participate in team based PvP battles. Select different game modes ranging from capture the flag to a fierce Death Match. The ability to upgrade weaponry and stage aerial assaults compensates for the lack of character customization in the game. Players who enjoy shooters or side-scrolling classics like Contra will love the military themed combat in Metal Assault. It’s definitely worth playing.

Screenshots

Metal Assault Screenshots

Videos

Metal Assault Videos4

Metal Assault - Death Escape II High Score

System Requirements

Metal Assault System Requirements

Minimum Requirements:

Operating System: Windows XP or better
CPU: Pentium 4 2.0 GHz
Video Card: 128 MB vRAM
RAM: 1 GB
Hard Disk Space: 300 MB

Recommended Requirements:

Operating System: Windows Vista / 7
CPU: Pentium 4 2.0 GHz
Video Card: NVIDIA GeForce 6600 or better
RAM: 2 GB
Hard Disk Space: 1 GB

Music

Metal Assault Music & Soundtrack

Coming Soon...

Additional Info

Metal Assault Additional Information

Developer: GNISoft, Gamania
Publisher: Aeria Games, GSGames, WarpPortal

Closed Beta Date: April 1, 2011
Open Beta Date: April 19, 2011
Server Shutdown Date: March 31, 2012

Re-Release Date (JP): December 22, 2015
Initial Re-Release Date (NA): March 1, 2016

Shut Down Date: Sept 28, 2018

Development History / Background:

Metal Assault, also known as Giga Slave, was developed jointly by GNISoft and Gamania in Korea and published initially by Aeria Games. Under the title Metal Assault, Aeria Games began a closed beta of the game on April 1, 2011 for the NA audience, moving into an open beta on April 19, 2011. Within a year the game was terminated by Aeria Games on March 31, 2012, citing that keeping it active and releasing it fully would not be in anyone's best interest.

On December 22, 2015, the game re-emerged as Giga Slave Reloaded in Japan, published by GSGAmes, followed by an announcement that the game was planned to be re-released in the West in the future. It was schedule to re-release as Metal Assault in NA by WarpPortal, beginning on March 1, 2016. But was then delayed to some time in March, 2016.

Metal Assault shut down on September 28, 2018.