Welcome to the world of Megaton Musashi, where teenagers pilot massive mechs in a post-apocalyptic battle against alien invaders, because why wouldn’t they? That’s right folks, in what seems like an elaborate high-school anime plot, our high-spirited hero—Yamato Ichidaiji—will take you on a wild ride. If you’ve ever wondered what a fusion of giant robots, teenage angst, and interspecies diplomacy could be, then buckle up because the sheer absurdity of this multimedia extravaganza (complete with anime and more) is right around the corner.
The gameplay of Megaton Musashi gives a robust mix of mech combat and RPG elements, allowing you to customize your mechs—because why let your teenage pilot have all the fun? Naturally, the real draw is piloting these magnificent (or should I say 'megatonic'?) machines. The skirmishes against the Draktors range from all-out brawls to strategic showdowns. Players assemble various components of their mechs, which sounds kind of like assembling IKEA furniture, only considerably less frustrating (unless you are bad at games, in which case, good luck piloting while panicking!). The combat system is flashy enough to satisfy your explosions-per-minute quota, but has just enough depth to keep you invested in smashing a few alien faces while simultaneously contemplating the meaning of life and your non-existent social life. There’s also a significant amount of grinding involved, which is cleverly disguised as ‘leveling up,’ because the game accurately understands its teenage audience’s penchant for repetitive tasks.
Visually? Oh boy! Megaton Musashi may not be the pinnacle of PlayStation 5 graphics—some moments had me reminiscing about simpler times when I played games on my toaster—but it does charm with a colorful anime aesthetic that pops faster than your mom’s overcooked spaghetti. Character designs are very much in the realm of what you'd expect from a classic shonen anime, complete with hairstyles that defy the laws of physics. Giant mechs smashing buildings while fighting foes has never looked so colorful and silly; it’s the perfect concoction of cool designs and whimsical flair.
In a world crammed full of dark, gritty narratives, Megaton Musashi is a much-needed breath of fresh air mixed with the chaotic essence of a Saturday morning cartoon. Sure, it might have its quirks, from characters that seem to have been pulled straight from a cheesy teen drama to gameplay that sometimes feels as intense as trying to explain your new meme obsession to your grandparents. But if you’re a fan of mechs, emotional roller coasters, and more sass than you can shake a stick at, then this game might just be for you. So go ahead—grab your controller, because it’s time to hug your feelings while throwing down with aliens in giant robots, all while trying not to think about how this game is probably a metaphor for coming-of-age. Bravo, Megaton Musashi! You just might be the weird therapy session I never knew I needed!