MetalMercs from Retro Action Games

MetalMercs is a top-down strategy game that thrusts you into a thrilling sci-fi setting where colossal mechs wage war to defend colonies and conquer territories.

In this adrenaline-pumping environment, you have the opportunity to assemble a team of mech pilot mercenaries, each commanding towering walkers brimming with firepower. These warriors are ready to engage in intense battles against equally equipped foes. As the leader of this team, you’ll guide them to epic victories, each step bringing you closer to triumph.

MetalMercs currently provides two modes: a short set of tutorial missions and a broader campaign with several customizable features. All of this is available in the demo version (although some features are still in development), with a more extensive rogue-like offering planned for the future. The tutorial is very straightforward and provides a basic overview of how to control mechs.

In truth, I found some of the tutorial missions felt a little redundant; most are walk-overs, and most of the lessons taught could probably be further compressed into a single mission. Nonetheless, it ensures new players are well-versed in mech combat before switching to the primary campaign. It provides some fun world-building while it’s at it.

Metal Mettle

The main campaign provides plenty of customization options (although a few are currently unavailable).

A couple factions are available to choose from, with several more in development. These come with short descriptions indicating the kinds of mechs used by each group. More interesting are the pilot choices; you can select from a rather enormous selection of portraits and choose a couple boons for your leader. From here, the game provides a selection of randomly generated pilots and mechs to develop your mercenary warband further.

I’m surprised there aren’t more games that focus on the mercenary “sword-for-hire” experience; it’s an excellent way of providing personalization and upgrading potential for a campaign. Once your mercenary squad is ready, it’s time to take on some contracts.

Missions are handled through a contract system, and it’s possible to negotiate for boons, such as greater access to the spoils of your battle or an upfront cash payment. With these details locked in, it’s time to match pilots with mechs.

MetalHeads

Pilots come with a couple traits and basic skill levels. Placing a pilot in a mech that’s too advanced for them will diminish their capabilities, while it’s also advisable to match them with mechs that lean into their skill set (some pilots might be best with medium-range missile weapons, for example).

Once all is ready, it’s time to jump into combat. Mechs can be given targeting instructions or directional input with a click, although their movements tend to be quite erratic.

Moving a group of mechs through a combat zone can feel a bit like herding cats, and this lack of precision can sometimes feel a little frustrating. The mechs engage enemies with all weapons by default, but this can be micro-managed to avoid overheating or to prioritize certain weapon types.

The visuals of MetalMercs mix up basic top-down sprites with some pleasing splash art that helps to give personality to the sci-fi world on offer. The audio leans on some impactful sound effects; all of the various weapons come with their own unique “oomph,” and the sound of a mech losing integrity as multiple explosions rack its hull is quite satisfying.

Thanks to the game’s minimal aesthetic, some imagination is required, but there’s plenty of potential to get fully immersed here.

The Verdict:

MetalMercs has the potential to grow into a deep, star-spanning mercenary mech team management experience. Many features are still in development, but the demo shows some strong systems that come together to create an engaging experience.

Anyone who enjoys strategy and management games should check out MetalMercs and keep an eye on it as the developer fleshes out the game’s features.

A demo for MetalMercs is available on Steam.

Check out the announcement trailer for MetalMercs below: