Retro Replay Review

Gameplay

Metal Arms: Glitch in the System delivers fast-paced, third-person robotic destruction that keeps you on your toes from start to finish. As Glitch, the rebellious robot hero, you’ll blast through waves of hostile Mil robots using a vast arsenal of weapons. From rapid-fire blasters to explosive rockets, each tool feels unique and satisfying, encouraging you to adapt your strategy on the fly.

One of the most original mechanics in Metal Arms is the ability to possess enemy Mils. By taking control of a foe, you can turn their firepower against their allies, infiltrate restricted areas, or solve environmental puzzles. This possession system adds depth to combat encounters, offering creative approaches beyond simple run-and-gun tactics.

Variety is another strong suit of the gameplay. Alongside traditional run-and-gun stages, you’ll pilot drivable tanks and hover RAT vehicles, injecting fresh dynamics into the action. Though platforming sections are relatively light, hopping between perilous platforms at key moments keeps the pace from growing monotonous. The tight controls ensure you feel in command, whether you’re blasting through corridors or maneuvering oversized hardware.

Adding to the core single-player is a robust four-player split-screen multiplayer suite. Modes range from classic Bot Brawl and King of the Hill to inventive twists like Possession Melee—where an opponent’s kills bolster your score—and even Reverse Tag. These varied matches extend replayability and turn any living room into a chaotic, fun-filled arena.

Overall, the gameplay of Metal Arms balances old-school shooter thrills with clever, modern twists. Whether you’re strategically taking over enemy bots or laying waste in a tank, there’s always something new to discover, making every level feel fresh and engaging.

Graphics

Metal Arms features a colorful, cartoonish visual style that immediately sets it apart from grittier shooters. The character designs are bold and full of personality—each robot brims with attitude, from the hulking Mil brutes to Glitch’s cocky smirk. The artistic direction leans into exaggerated proportions and vibrant palettes, creating an immersive, almost comic-book atmosphere.

Environments range from industrial factories to sprawling war zones, each crafted with a keen eye for detail. Cranes, pipelines, and mechanical workshops form the backdrop for many of your battles, and each area is layered with destructible elements that bolster the sense of dynamic destruction. Watching walls crumble or machinery explode under heavy fire adds to the visceral thrill.

Performance is solid on its original platforms, with stable frame rates and minimal pop-in. Special effects like sparks, flames, and explosive debris are visually crisp without sacrificing playability. The lighting and particle systems underscore the high-energy battles, illuminating charging beams or flickering holographic displays in the distance.

Even the HUD and weapon displays are polished and intuitive, letting you track your ammo and health without cluttering the screen. In split-screen multiplayer, the developers wisely opted for a clean interface, ensuring each player has a clear view of the action. All told, Metal Arms’ graphics strike a satisfying balance between playful art direction and technical competence.

Story

The narrative of Metal Arms revolves around Glitch, a defiant robot who refuses to bow to the oppressive Mil army. You’ll unravel a war-torn world where Mils subjugate friendly bots, and it’s up to your lone hero to ignite a rebellion. The overarching plot is straightforward but effective—rooting for an underdog protagonist always resonates, especially when the stakes are world domination by mechanical tyrants.

Cutscenes between levels are concise but packed with personality. Glitch’s quips and the villainous gloating of Mil commanders lend a lively tone, preventing the story from ever feeling too dour. Voice acting is enthusiastic, even if not always Oscar-worthy; it captures the essence of each character, making you care about the fate of robotic brethren.

While the campaign doesn’t dive into heavy thematic exploration, it offers enough twists and set-piece reveals to keep you engaged. Discovering hidden Mil experiments or secret strongholds enriches the sense of progression, and boss encounters often double as story milestones. The simplicity of the tale works in its favor, allowing the gameplay to shine without bogging down in needless exposition.

Ultimately, Metal Arms presents a lean, action-focused storyline. It underscores themes of resistance and camaraderie without overloading the player with lore. If you’re looking for a narrative that propels you from one explosive encounter to the next, this title hits the mark.

Overall Experience

Metal Arms: Glitch in the System remains a standout shooter thanks to its blend of tight controls, inventive mechanics, and vibrant presentation. From the moment you seize control of your first weapon to the satisfaction of mastering possession-based strategies, the game offers a consistent flow of adrenaline-pumping moments.

The balance between single-player depth and multiplayer chaos gives it broad appeal. Solo players will appreciate the varied level design and imaginative boss battles, while groups of friends can dive into split-screen mayhem for hours. The inclusion of unique modes like Possession Melee ensures that these multiplayer sessions never grow stale.

While some platforming sections feel secondary to the core shooting action, they rarely detract from the overall momentum. Similarly, the story, though uncomplicated, provides just the right amount of motivation to keep you pushing forward. The result is a cohesive package that excels where it matters most.

In summary, Metal Arms offers a robust, enjoyable experience for fans of third-person shooters and those seeking novel gameplay twists. Its striking art style, memorable mechanics, and replay-friendly multiplayer make it a title worth investigating. If you’re in the market for a unique robot-centric adventure, Glitch’s rebellion is one you won’t want to miss.

Retro Replay Score

7.8/10