Retro Replay Review

Gameplay

Metal Combat: Falcon’s Revenge builds upon the on-rails, first-person shooter formula established in Battle Clash, putting you once again in the gunner’s seat of a massive Standing Tank (ST). Rather than free exploration, the game handles all movement and camera scrolling, allowing you to focus purely on tracking enemy STs through your Super Scope’s crosshairs. Each encounter unfolds in stages, with scripted maneuvers and attack patterns that test your reflexes and precision.

Enemy robots boast multiple hit zones and specialized weaponry, encouraging you to target weak points for maximum damage. As you progress, you’ll need to juggle offensive shots with defensive intercepts—shooting down incoming missiles or energy attacks before they fry your shields. The inclusion of power-ups such as Neutron Beams and Plasma Bombs, unlockable after clearing certain bosses, adds strategic depth. Choosing when to deploy these high-impact weapons can turn the tide of a grueling duel.

The challenge curve in Metal Combat is well paced. Early opponents teach you how to lead shots and anticipate patterns, while later Chiefs unleash rapid-fire barrages and environmental hazards that demand split-second decisions. Reloading your Super Scope and managing a finite ammo count introduces a slight resource-management layer without ever feeling punitive. Between boss fights, brief transition sequences keep the action flowing, ensuring you never linger too long between the heart-pounding firefights.

Graphics

On the Super Nintendo, Metal Combat: Falcon’s Revenge makes impressive use of Mode 7 and sprite scaling to simulate 3D movement and depth. The Falcon ST’s cockpit HUD feels clear and responsive, with detailed readouts for ammo, shields, and enemy weak-point indicators. Background environments—from desert canyons to the vacuum of space—feature layered parallax scrolling that reinforces a sense of speed and scale.

Character and robot designs exhibit crisp, colorful sprites that stand out against the often-detailed backdrops. Each Chief’s Standing Tank has a distinct silhouette and attack color palette, making it easy to identify incoming threats. Explosions and energy blasts employ clever transparency effects, giving the illusion of glowing projectiles. While the SNES hardware limits frame rates slightly during intense sequences, the overall presentation remains smooth and visually coherent.

Cutscene interludes are delivered via static artwork and text boxes, occasionally punctuated by dramatic widescreen “cinematic” snapshots. Though simplistic by modern standards, these sequences effectively communicate the stakes of each confrontation. Overall, the graphics marry technical SNES prowess with a stylistic flair that complements the game’s high-octane mech combat.

Story

Following the climactic defeat of the Battle Game Chiefs in Battle Clash, Metal Combat: Falcon’s Revenge thrusts the world back into chaos. New and more formidable Chiefs have arisen, each commanding their own Standing Tank to seize control of shattered territories. Peace remains elusive as these warlords vie for supremacy, their true motives shrouded in mystery.

You assume the role of the veteran gunner, reunited with the hero pilot and flanked by their upgraded ST, the Falcon. Tasked with unraveling the dark secrets behind the renewed Battle Game, your journey carries you from terrestrial battlefields to the far reaches of space. Along the way, brief dialogue exchanges and mission briefs flesh out the rivalry between pilot and Chief, lending each boss fight a personal edge.

While the narrative is straightforward, it’s delivered with just enough flair to motivate progression. The promise of unveiling the “truth behind the Battle Game” serves as a constant hook, urging you onward through increasingly perilous encounters. For players seeking a deep, branching storyline, Metal Combat may feel light—but as a framework for relentless mech-on-mech action, it provides plenty of context and purpose.

Overall Experience

Metal Combat: Falcon’s Revenge offers a unique niche in the SNES library as one of the few titles specifically designed around the Super Scope light gun. For fans of on-rails mech shooters, it delivers a solid blend of accessible pick-up-and-play mechanics with escalating tactical demands. The balance between offense, defense, and power-up management keeps each battle fresh.

Accessibility can be a double-edged sword: newcomers will appreciate the auto-scroll and lock-on assist, but veterans may find the lack of free movement somewhat restrictive. Nevertheless, mastering the art of shot placement—especially against agile or multi-phased bosses—remains deeply satisfying. The inclusion of multiple difficulty settings extends replay value for those seeking tougher challenges.

Ultimately, Metal Combat: Falcon’s Revenge stands as a polished, engaging entry in the light-gun shooter genre. Its combination of slick graphics, steady pacing, and straightforward yet compelling story moments makes it a worthy purchase for SNES enthusiasts and collectors. Whether you’re chasing high-score bragging rights or simply craving a colorful romp in a giant robot, the Falcon’s Revenge won’t disappoint.

Retro Replay Score

7.4/10