Nintendo's Hot Review series is a collection of review magazines published in Japan from the late 1980s to the early 1990s. The series was known for its in-depth reviews and analysis of various video games, including those released on Nintendo's popular consoles such as the Famicom and the Super Nintendo Entertainment System (SNES). In this article, we will be focusing on the review of "Metal Storm" for the NES, which is part of Nintendo's Hot Review series.

"Metal Storm" is a vertically-scrolling shooter game developed by Taito Corporation and released in 1987. The game was originally designed as an arcade title and later ported to various home consoles including the NES. In this review, we will be examining the gameplay, graphics, sound, and overall value of "Metal Storm" for the NES.

Gameplay

The gameplay of "Metal Storm" is typical of vertically-scrolling shooters. The player controls a character named Alex, who must navigate through multiple levels while avoiding enemy fire and collecting power-ups. The game features six types of enemies, each with its own unique characteristics and behaviors. Players can also collect various power-ups such as missiles, bombs, and health-restoring items to aid them in their quest.

One of the standout features of "Metal Storm" is its level design. Each level takes place on a different type of terrain, ranging from urban streets to industrial landscapes. The levels are well-designed and provide a good challenge for players, with a variety of enemy types and obstacles to navigate.

Graphics

The graphics in "Metal Storm" are typical of the late 1980s era. The game features colorful, pixelated sprites and backgrounds that are reminiscent of classic arcade games. However, some may find the graphics to be somewhat dated compared to more modern titles.

Sound

The sound effects and music in "Metal Storm" are also characteristic of the late 1980s era. The sound effects are typical of shooter games, with gunfire sounds and explosions. The music is catchy and upbeat, but may not be as memorable as some other titles from this era.

Overall Value

So, what makes "Metal Storm" worth playing? Despite its somewhat dated graphics and sound, the game offers a challenging and engaging gameplay experience that will appeal to fans of vertically-scrolling shooters. The level design is well-done, providing a good challenge for players, while the power-ups add an element of strategy to the game.

Age Rating

The age rating for "Metal Storm" varies depending on the region. In Japan, where it was originally released, the game received a C-rated certificate from the Japanese government's Entertainment Software Rating Organization (CERO). This rating is equivalent to a T-rated certificate in North America and a PEGI 7+ rating in Europe.

In the UK, "Metal Storm" is classified as a PG (Parental Guidance) title by the British Board of Film Classification (BBFC), which means that children under the age of 12 will need parental consent to play the game.

In Australia, the game is classified as an M-rated title by the Office of Film and Literature Classification (OFLC), which means that players under the age of 15 will require adult supervision when playing the game.

Conclusion

"Metal Storm" for the NES is a challenging and engaging vertically-scrolling shooter that offers a fun gameplay experience. While its graphics and sound may be somewhat dated, the game's level design and power-ups make it well worth playing. If you're a fan of classic arcade games or are looking for a challenge on your NES, "Metal Storm" is definitely worth checking out.

Rating Breakdown

• Gameplay: 8/10
• Graphics: 6/10
• Sound: 7/10
• Overall Value: 8/10

Recommendation

If you're interested in playing "Metal Storm" for the NES, we recommend the following:

• Make sure your NES is in good working condition before playing the game.
• Be prepared for a challenging gameplay experience, as the difficulty level can be quite high at times.
• Take advantage of the power-ups to aid you in your quest and add an element of strategy to the game.

Overall, "Metal Storm" is a classic arcade game that offers a fun and challenging gameplay experience. While its graphics and sound may be somewhat dated, the game's level design and power-ups make it well worth playing.