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Ever wondered what would happen if Altered Beast and Golden Axe had a secret love child? Meet Konami’s Metamorphic Force, the hidden gem you never knew you needed!
The Rich History of Konami’s Arcade Beat ‘Em Ups
When it comes to arcade games, especially scrolling beat ’em ups, Konami’s contributions from the ’90s are legendary. You can find a treasure trove of ‘let’s play’ videos and in-depth histories scattered across YouTube, showcasing everything from beloved classics to lesser-known titles. Some of these nostalgic gems are even available to play on today’s gaming consoles, like Turtles in Time, which recently saw a re-release as part of The Cowabunga Collection.
Interestingly, many gamers today are aware that Konami ventured into iconic brawlers like Asterix and Bucky ‘O Hare, especially after the beat ’em up genre exploded in popularity around 1992. Their formula was spot on, and arcade owners everywhere were eager to replicate the booming success of TMNT, a game that became a cornerstone of any arcade, whether in the US or the UK.
Metamorphic Force: A Hidden Treasure
Yet, there’s one game that seems to have slipped under the radar—Metamorphic Force. Released in 1993, this title is arguably one of the finest examples of the scrolling beat ’em up genre that Konami ever launched. It’s not just beautiful to look at but packs a few innovative surprises into its gameplay mechanics.
What makes Metamorphic Force particularly fascinating is its blend of familiar concepts. It’s essentially a love child of SEGA’s standout hits, Altered Beast and Golden Axe. Just picture it: the transformation elements of Altered Beast mixed with the adventurous spirit of Golden Axe, and you get a game that’s both unique and nostalgic.
Transformations and Playable Characters
In this colorful world, you’ll find four characters to choose from, each with their own beastly transformation upon collecting a golden goddess statue. Let’s meet our heroes:
- Ban – A martial artist who morphs into a fierce minotaur.
- Claude – A French swordsman who takes on the form of a white werewolf.
- Max – A boxer with a black panther guardian.
- Ivan – A Russian wrestler who can transform into a bear, and is unique in that he can carry enemies before slamming them into the ground.
These transformations aren’t just flashy; you’ll spend about 70% of your gameplay in ‘beast mode’ before your energy runs out, making each character’s unique powers a crucial part of the strategy.
Gameplay Mechanics: A Step Above
The Golden Axe comparison goes even deeper. Unlike many typical 2D fighters, Metamorphic Force allows you to move freely around the screen. You’re not all alone in your battles; a helpful character, who carries a sack full of goodies, joins you to drop helpful items without needing to be kicked to the curb.
Visually, Metamorphic Force is impressive, even built on the same hardware as Konami’s Mystic Warriors. With stunning screen warping effects and a dramatic faux 3D coliseum as the backdrop for the final showdown, it truly showcases the artistic talent that went into its creation. The character sprites are so well drawn that they almost resemble something out of a cartoon.
A Short Yet Sweet Experience
However, it’s worth noting that despite its visual splendor, Metamorphic Force is a bit on the short side. A typical playthrough lasts only around 20 minutes. The final stage ramps up the difficulty, with some unfair deaths that encourage players to pump in more quarters to finish the game.
Mechanics-wise, it strays from Konami’s usual gameplay style thanks to those beast transformations. It’s got a wrestling game vibe, allowing players to punch downed enemies for extra damage. When transformed, each character unleashes a powerful ‘smart bomb’ style attack that damages nearby foes. With only two buttons in play, players can still pull off a range of moves—think flying kicks, punches, and grappling moves that add some strategy to the mix.
A Modern Re-Release: Celebrating a Hidden Gem
Good news for fans: Metamorphic Force recently received a re-release on PS4 and Switch through Hamster’s Arcade Archives. This isn’t just any re-release; it’s a celebration of the company reaching over 400 titles since launching on the Switch in March 2017.
The new version includes valuable extras like a five-minute caravan mode with online leaderboards, along with Japanese, European, and American ROMs. The ‘How to Play’ section is particularly helpful, outlining the differences between the versions and explaining the mechanics.
While the six stages clock in at just 3-4 minutes each, the £6.29 price tag feels just right, especially considering the additional modes and nostalgia it brings.
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In conclusion, Metamorphic Force stands out not only for its beautiful graphics and engaging gameplay but also as a testament to Konami’s innovative spirit during the arcade golden age. If you haven’t experienced this hidden gem yet, now is the perfect time!
FAQs:
- What is Metamorphic Force? Metamorphic Force is a scrolling beat ’em up arcade game released by Konami in 1993, known for its unique character transformations and visually stunning graphics.
- Can I play Metamorphic Force today? Yes! It has been re-released on modern consoles like PS4 and Switch through Hamster’s Arcade Archives.
- How long does it take to complete Metamorphic Force? A typical playthrough lasts around 20 minutes, with each stage taking 3-4 minutes.
- What characters can I play in Metamorphic Force? You can choose from Ban, Claude, Max, and Ivan, each with their unique beast transformations.
- What are the additional modes in the re-release? The re-release includes a caravan mode and online leaderboards, along with different regional versions of the game.
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