Game:

Metal Black (1991)

Duration: 0:59

47 views

1

Metal Black is a classic scrolling shooter arcade game that was developed and published by Taito in 1991. The game is set in a dystopian future of 2052, where players take on the role of a rogue pilot named John Ford. Piloting the CF-345 Black Fly space fighter craft, players fight against the Nemesis alien race to save humanity.
The gameplay of Metal Black is unique in that it does not have alternative weapons or bombs. Instead, players collect Newalone molecules scattered by the Nemesis throughout the levels. These molecules increase the ship’s beam level, which is the primary defense mechanism. As players collect more Newalone molecules, their ship’s firepower becomes stronger. When reaching a mid or max beam level, players can unleash a large beam to obliterate enemies and cause a lightning effect that briefly shocks the screen.
Enemies, especially bosses, also have beam levels and can collect Newalone to unleash their beams. If the player and a boss fire their large beams simultaneously, a “beam duel” ensues. During this duel, players must rapidly tap the fire button to overpower the enemy’s beam, resulting in a destructive energy matter that changes color based on which beam is stronger.
Metal Black is known for its challenging gameplay and has been recognized for its influence on later games, such as Border Down, particularly with its “beam level” system. It’s a game that has left a mark on the shoot 'em up genre and continues to be remembered by fans of arcade gaming.

Released: 1991
Machine Type: Arcade
Original System: Arcade
Developed by: Taito Corporation
Published by: Taito Corporation
Genre: Action, Shooter
Programmer: Takamasa Hori
Sound Director: Yasuhisa Watanabe
Japanese spelling: メタルブラック

#arcade
#retrogaming
#oldschool
#classicretrogames