Metal Mech: Man & Machine (NES) Playthrough
6Playthrough of Metal Mech: Man & Machine, Jaleco's 1991 side-scrolling action game for the NES.
Metal Mech: Man & Machine is a side-scrolling action game developed by Sculptured Software and published by Jaleco for the NES in 1990. It draws clear inspiration from titles like Blaster Master, offering a mix of on-foot and mech-based gameplay. Players control a pilot who can enter and exit a large combat mech, using both modes of control to progress through urban, industrial environments filled with enemies and hazards.
The mech is heavily armored and equipped with powerful weapons, allowing it to take on large groups of enemies and withstand considerable damage. However, it is too bulky to reach certain areas, so the player must exit the mech and explore on foot to unlock doors, climb ladders, and access power-ups or keys needed to advance. The pilot is far more vulnerable outside the machine, and the game often forces players to make tactical decisions about when to stay protected and when to explore.
Graphically, Metal Mech features detailed environments and large character sprites, especially for the mech. The urban backdrops are filled with debris, ladders, and platforms, giving the game a gritty, dystopian feel. Enemy designs are fairly repetitive, but serviceable for the style of game. The color palette leans toward muted tones, which fits the mechanical, industrial setting, though it can sometimes make objects blend into the background.
The game’s control scheme can feel stiff, particularly when maneuvering the mech. Jumping and aiming are a bit sluggish, and hit detection can be inconsistent. On-foot controls are quicker but leave the player extremely vulnerable, especially since enemies can respawn rapidly. The pace of the game can be slow at times, especially when backtracking to move the mech to a new location after scouting ahead on foot.
Metal Mech presents a solid concept with its dual-mode gameplay, but its execution lacks the polish and fluidity of similar titles. It offers a decent challenge and a unique blend of mechanics for the NES library, but frustrations with control and repetitive level design hold it back from being a standout. Still, for players interested in mech-based action and strategic exploration, it delivers a distinct, if flawed, experience.