Metal Masters

Metal Masters is a robot combat game created by Incal Product and released by Infogrames in 1990 for the Atari ST.

The game is a unique hybrid of fighting and strategy that pits towering battle robots against one another in brutal one-on-one combat. Developed for platforms like the Amstrad CPC, Atari ST, and Commodore Amiga and later ported to the Nintendo Game Boy, the game stood out in the early ‘90s due to its distinctive gameplay mechanics, which combined customizable robot construction with a more deliberate, physics-based approach to combat.

Set in a futuristic world where gladiatorial battles between towering mechanical warriors have become the ultimate form of entertainment, Metal Masters allows players to build and customize their own robot fighter, assembling various components to optimize strength, agility, and attack power. Unlike traditional fighting games of the era, which focused on fast-paced, combo-heavy action, Metal Masters takes a slower, more strategic approach. Movement and attacks are weighty, requiring players to time their strikes and manage their positioning carefully.

Each robot has different interchangeable parts, such as arms, legs, and torsos, which can be upgraded or replaced. These modifications influence the robot’s abilities, allowing for a degree of strategy in how fights are approached. Players must learn to manage their robot’s balance, striking power, and defensive capabilities, as fights can be won or lost based on mechanical efficiency as much as reflexes. For some aspects, the game is similar to One Must Fall 2097.

Graphically, the game is pretty, particularly on the Amiga and Atari ST versions, which feature detailed, well-animated robot models and fluid movement. The environments are sparse, but this minimalist presentation helps keep the focus on the action.

The game’s sound design is functional but unremarkable. The industrial-themed soundtrack adds to the atmosphere, but the sound effects, mainly consisting of metallic clanks and impacts, can become repetitive. The controls, while precise, take some getting used to due to the deliberate pacing of the combat, which may feel sluggish compared to more traditional fighting games.

The game received mixed reviews upon release. Some players appreciated its unique blend of strategy and fighting, while others found the slow-paced combat and somewhat clunky mechanics frustrating. The game has since gained a cult following among retro gaming enthusiasts, particularly those who enjoy its deep customization system and distinctive approach to robot combat.

Despite its flaws, Metal Masters is a fascinating title that attempted to bring something new to the fighting genre. Its combination of build-your-own-mech strategy and heavyweight, tactical combat makes it an intriguing, if occasionally frustrating, experience. While it may not have achieved mainstream success, it remains a unique and ambitious entry in the history of early fighting games.