Metal Max Returns (1995)
Metal Max Returns is a role-playing game developed and published by Data East for the Super Famicom, released on September 22, 1995. It is a remake of the original Metal Max (1991), featuring improved graphics, new content, and expanded gameplay mechanics. The game is a post-apocalyptic RPG where players control a young hero, exploring a desolate world, fighting mutated creatures, and using customizable vehicles. Data East, known for their arcade and action games, brought their creativity to the RPG genre with this remake, creating a game that was praised for its unique vehicle combat and open-world design.
Gameplay and Vehicle Combat Mechanics
Metal Max Returns is a turn-based RPG with a unique "vehicle" system, where players can customize and upgrade their tanks and other vehicles with different weapons, engines, and armor. The game's combat is turn-based, with players choosing actions for both their characters and their vehicles. The game's world is large and open, with various towns, ruins, and dungeons to explore, each filled with enemies, secrets, and quests. The game also features a "hunter" system, where players can take on bounties to hunt down powerful enemies for rewards.
The game's story follows the wanderer's quest to uncover the secrets of the post-apocalyptic world, with a narrative that incorporates themes of survival, loss, and redemption. The game's visual style is detailed and atmospheric, with large, expressive character sprites and desolate, post-apocalyptic backgrounds. The soundtrack features a mix of electronic and rock music that matches the game's gritty tone.
Metal Max Returns received positive reviews for its unique vehicle combat and open-world design, becoming a beloved classic for fans of post-apocalyptic RPGs.