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MetalMech: Man & Machine

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You control the pilot of a MetalMech vehicle (which looks similar to ED-209 of Robocop licenses) who can move across the screen left or right, either with the mech or without, and fire any direction except straight down. The Mech is better armored, but also a bigger target and much too big to cli...

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Developer
Sculptured Software

Released on
1990

Size
1 Player

Version
NES

Requirements
Nintendo Entertainment System

Downloads
Platform

Publisher
Jaleco

ESRB Rating
Not Rated

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Description

You control the pilot of a MetalMech vehicle (which looks similar to ED-209 of Robocop licenses) who can move across the screen left or right, either with the mech or without, and fire any direction except straight down. The Mech is better armored, but also a bigger target and much too big to climb ladders, so you’ll find yourself as much outside as inside. Your goal is to cross each level filled with randomly generating enemies and reach the next. Power-ups are hidden in various containers and in various places.

MetalMech: Man & Machine

Overview & History

Released by Jaleco in 1990 for the Nintendo Entertainment System, MetalMech: Man & Machine is a sci-fi action-platformer that stands out for its unique premise of shifting combat perspectives. Set in the 22nd century, Earth has been overrun by brutal alien invaders known as the Gorians. Humanity's last hope rests on a specialized combat suit and a high-powered mech known as the MetalMech. Unlike standard run-and-gun titles of the era, the game splits its narrative and gameplay between a vulnerable human pilot navigating treacherous terrain on foot and a heavily armed robotic titan capable of turning the tide of war. Although it missed mainstream blockbuster status, it earned a cult following for its ambitious mech-docking mechanic and atmospheric industrial soundtrack, capturing the bleak desperation of a machine-driven apocalypse.

Gameplay Features & Mechanics

Players alternate between controlling the pilot, Brian, and boarding the colossal MetalMech. On foot, Brian is agile—able to duck, jump, and fire a standard laser—but extremely fragile. He must hunt down power-ups and locate the docked MetalMech to survive the harsh alien-infested sectors. Once inside the mech, the game transforms into a towering powerhouse sequence where players can unleash devastating missiles, absorb heavy enemy fire, and jump across wide chasms using jet-assisted propulsion. However, taking too much damage forces Brian to eject manually or perish with his machine. Boss battles require strategic positioning, often demanding that players exit the mech to access tight spaces or vulnerable control panels before re-boarding to deliver the finishing blow. The dual-layer health system and dynamic pacing create a tense strategic balance between caution and raw firepower across diverse, hazard-filled industrial landscapes.

Keyboard Controls

Arrow Keys / D-Pad: Move pilot / Control MetalMech (Left/Right to walk, Up/Down to aim or enter/exit mech)
Action Keys: Attack / Jump (Z to jump/eject, X to fire weapon)
Enter: Start / Pause