UnMetal (2021)

UnMetal is an incredible tribute to one of the greatest franchises in the medium. While the game pokes fun at the title and highlights flaws and silly elements, it’s clear that it is done with love and admiration for the series. Similar to how Mel Brooks lovingly rips Hitchcock apart in High Anxiety, UnEpic Fran does the same with Kojima. The varied gameplay and creative storytelling will keep you in hysterics throughout. Although some may find the retro gameplay a little grating, fans of Metal Gear and the stealth genre need to experience this side-splitting tactical espionage adventure.

It’s a hard task to create something that pays homage to a beloved work, as no matter what happens it will always be compared to that original piece, often unfavorably. Against these odds, UnMetal manages to straddle the line of being both a parody and an exceptional example of a top-down stealth game more than able to stand up to such scrutiny. While the game’s inspirations are obvious, it’s the fact that it also stands out on its own merits which makes it special and worth playing for anyone longing for a retro experience or clever, enjoyable writing.

UnMetal has a clever plot that will make you laugh out loud, which you should definitely play if you are a fan of the Metal Gear Solid series.

UnMetal is one of those games that you start without a real reason and end at all costs. It is not a masterpiece be clear, but a very good game to have some healthy laughter in front of dialogues that are a mix of absurdity and pure idiocy. UnMetal is a tribute from beginning to end to the Metal Gear series: more than the typical action hero, Jesse Fox looks like the somewhat crazy clone of Snake. For those looking for something fun to play and for all lovers of retrogaming, UnMetal is a breath of fresh air in a videogame landscape that takes itself a little too seriously.

Add another star to the rating if you like being trolled. UnMetal relies on its writing to keep the player invested. If the jokes can't keep you on your seat, the gameplay won't either.