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Metal Black

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Metal Black is a 1991 arcade shoot 'em up released by Taito in 1991. In typical shooting game manner, Metal Black uses a two button setup, with one being used for standard shots, and the onther one for beam attacks. Both attacks can be powered up by collecting Newalone, which floats around fre...

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Developer
Taito

Released on
1991

Size
1–2 Players

Version
Arcade

Requirements
Arcade

Downloads
Shooter

ESRB Rating
Not Rated

Cooperative
Yes

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Description

Metal Black is a 1991 arcade shoot ’em up released by Taito in 1991.

In typical shooting game manner, Metal Black uses a two button setup, with one being used for standard shots, and the onther one for beam attacks. Both attacks can be powered up by collecting Newalone, which floats around freely in stages. The beam weapon becomes a screen covering burst attack when the maximum amount of Newalone has been collected. The Burst can be refocused to a beam by holding down the beam button.

Bosses also use beam attacks, and one can duel with the bosses by countering with a beam attack. The outcome of these duels depends on the accumulated Newalone.

Two special stages exist where one has to lock onto enemies in a pseudo 3D space and fire missiles. The random nature of these stages, combined with the fact that score largely depends on fast lockons, has been the target of criticism.

An alternative ending can be viewed by dying and not continuing on the last stage.

Metal Black

Overview & History

Developed by Taito and released in Japanese arcades in 1991, *Metal Black* is a uniquely atmospheric side-scrolling shoot 'em up. Originally conceived as a sequel to *Gun Frontier*, the project shifted into a deeply philosophical sci-fi epic under creator Hiroshi Fukuoka. The storyline details a desperate humanity facing total annihilation by the "Nemesis," an aggressive alien race that repurposes Earth's own defense meteor against it. Piloting the futuristic Black Fly fighter, players embark on a melancholic, five-stage suicide mission through ruined colonies and cosmic battlefields, underscored by a haunting, classical-infused soundtrack by ZUNTATA.

Gameplay Features & Mechanics

Unlike traditional shmup formulas focused purely on dodging, *Metal Black* introduces a revolutionary scoring and offensive mechanic built around "Newalone" molecules. Scattered across every stage, these glowing blue and red energy orbs serve a dual purpose: collecting them increases your weapon's level up to a maximum of five, while also fueling your devastating beam attacks. The screen's center features a dynamic power struggle meter. When both the player and boss unleash their ultimate forward-firing energy beams simultaneously, a dramatic "Beam Conflict" occurs, requiring frantic button-mashing to push the colliding energy wave back and obliterate the enemy. This risk-reward dynamic transforms standard boss encounters into tactical wars of attrition, where timing your energy expenditure is just as vital as evading incoming bullet hell patterns.