Metal Saga

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Metal Saga

Developer(s)	Createch
Publisher(s)	Success Atlus Software
Release date(s)	June 9, 2005 April 25, 2006
Genre(s)	RPG
Mode(s)	Single player
Rating(s)	ESBR: Teen (T) CERO: All Ages
Platform(s)	PlayStation 2
Media	1 DVD-ROM

Metal Saga is a post-apocalyptic role-playing game developed by Createch and published by Atlus Software and Success. Metal Saga is the fourth game in the Metal Max series, and the first to reach the United States. It follows a non-linear style of gameplay reminiscent of western RPGs. The game received much criticism because of its dated graphics and unconventional gameplay.

[edit] Setting

The game's post-apocalyptic surroundings are hardly similar to that of the Fallout series or the Mad Max movies. The world of Metal Saga is less realistic and much more lively than that of the latter franchises. For example, on the world map you can find large patches of grassy terrain and woodland, although most of the world map is still covered by wasteland. Additionally, the game also bears a good dose of western and militaristic qualities. Proof of the latter is that most of the game's battles are better fought on board tanks. The game is an interesting amalgam of CRPG and JRPG traits, with very little storyline, and mostly non-linear gameplay, although this non-linearity is greatly limited due to the game's JRPG roots. For example, you can't choose to slaughter the entire population of a town on a whim, but you may choose to take whatever quests you want to, or not take any at all. The game has more than half a dozen of possible endings, several of which can be obtained less than an hour into the game.

[edit] Characters

You can organize a team of up to four characters: your main hero (the Hunter), a mechanic, a fighter and a dog. There are two mechanics in the game, three fighters (one of these is hidden, and can only join you at the later parts of the game) and four dogs. Most characters in the game have some unique dialogues and development during some quests. All of the characters, with the exception of the dogs, can be placed in tanks to further improve their combat performance. There are a total of 15 tanks in the game. The tanks can not only be equipped, but also customized on a very sophisticated level.