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Review of Metal Arms: Glitch in the System on PlayStation 2

by Max Rathon Max Rathon photo Nov 2003
Cover image of Metal Arms: Glitch in the System on PS2
Gamefings Score: 8.5
Platform: PS2 PS2 logo
Released: 18 Nov 2003
Genre: Third-person shooter, action-adventure
Developer: Swingin' Ape Studios
Publisher: Vivendi Universal Games

Introduction

Welcome to the world of Metal Arms: Glitch in the System, where robots get their hands dirty in a battle for survival against a horde of evil mechanical foes. Released on the PS2 in 2003, this game is like a love letter to those who enjoy third-person shooters mixed with a healthy dose of humor and chaos. Let's dive into the nuts and bolts of why this collection of metal scrap deserves your attention.

Gameplay

The action is centered around our heroic robot, Glitch, who wakes up in a dystopian junkyard that would make even the bravest junkie question their life choices. Glitch's journey unfolds across a whopping **42 levels**, mixing cave systems with urban chaos, offering players a full buffet of environments to explore and destroy. If you're into fighting against waves of robots that seem to have skipped leg day, then you're in for a treat. One gleaming feature of the gameplay is the ability to take control over enemy units. It's like a twisted game of musical chairs but with more explosions and less music. Through this mechanic, players can switch it up by commandeering enemies, which keeps the gameplay fresh and encourages you to strategize rather than just mash your controller button like a caffeinated monkey. Glitch is not just a one-trick pony; he collects various weapons and gadgets that add to the chaos and mayhem. Want a rocket launcher? Grab it! Need a wrench? You got it! And let's not forget the sweet, sweet multiplayer mode that turns the chaos into a competitive frenzy. Think of it as a robot fight club-P.S., rule number one is you don't talk about robot fight club. The mission structure incorporates a mix of combat, puzzle-solving, and a fair sprinkle of exploration, creating a delightful recipe that keeps players coming back for more. Just switch your brain to "maximum enjoyment" mode and let yourself be absorbed in the gameplay. All in all, the blend of light-hearted storytelling and seriously intense combat makes for a delightful experience that is hard to resist.

Graphics

Graphically speaking, Metal Arms has that distinct early 2000s charm mixed with a decent level of polish. The graphics won't make your eyeballs bleed with their realism, but there's a whimsicality to the art style that's difficult to hate. It's like a cartoon came to life, combined with a robotic twist that brings a certain charm to the characters. The environments, from dusty caves to bustling robot cities, are packed with detail that adds to the overall experience. The game runs smoothly on the PS2, showing off impressive animations for the droids and their various explosions, which provides plenty of visual satisfaction as you rain hell on your enemies. Considering the technical limitations of its time, it holds up admirably well, standing out as a solid entry in the PS2's library.

Conclusion

Metal Arms: Glitch in the System is a delightful blend of humor, chaos, and engaging gameplay that keeps players glued to their consoles while dodging explosions and robot-terror. With 42 levels of heart-pumping action, whimsical character designs, and a clever gameplay mechanic that allows you to control your enemies, Metal Arms proves to be a hidden gem in the PS2 catalog that deserves nostalgia and love. It may not have achieved blockbuster status, but it certainly carved a niche for itself among robot-enthusiasts and action fans. If you're a fan of weapon-wielding cyborgs and gratuitous explosions, it's time to dust off that PS2 and hop on the robo-rebellion train. Play it, love it, and who knows, maybe you too will vow revenge against the evil camp of General Corrosive!

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