Metal Tales: Overkill | PS4 Review

Well, it seems like Nicalis, and their "Binding of Isaac" franchise might have some competition, if lightly so. Out of seemingly nowhere "Metal Tales: Overkill" pops up with little to no marketing efforts, and probably for good reason. As it were this Euro-Metal roguelike unabashedly, and unashamedly capitalizes on the procedural dungeon layout, and features of Nicalis's cash cow. With an uncanny resemblance to the obvious source of inspiration it does little to deviate from that beaten path. Whereas Isaac treads his Mum's basement for salvation you are tasked, in "Metal Tales", as Axel or Eve to confront the evil that has consumed the Guitar Gods. All of which is done through dilapidated dungeon-like areas filled with the usual venue staples. Beer kegs, pinball machines, bars, and all that fun stuff plus some hazards to boot. 

With blazing electric guitars in hand the two protagonists of the comic book intro story dive head first into these various concert stages, and festivals in order to deal with the manipulated mosher minions, headbangers, groupies, screamers, back-ups, flying beverages, and finally the mutated Guitar Gods themselves. A brutal gauntlet of music heavy scenarios with all the bits and baubles needed to best the baddest baddies. Everything randomly placed in themed rooms to help you on your metal af mission.

Metal Tales, the inspired product that it is, has a gameplay formula which is not too dissimilar from "The Binding of Isaac", as I mentioned. Initially you have access to select from and play as two different band mates on a mythological metal mission in the form of Axel, and/or Eve. Each with their own RPG stats pertaining to health, speed, and damage output. Exclusive key items in tow. With the long haired Axel getting speaker bombs, and Eve getting a skeleton key to use for unlocking doors or chests. Their stats alone can be upgraded through progress, and Metalium points by meeting certain mission milestones. You'll find that hidden side objective based mission checklists impact gameplay as well, and that doing repetitive tasks like besting certain bosses, or clearing entire venues pays in kind. Similar objectives regardless of which character you choose to play as.

In addition to the mainstay characters that are Axel and Eve (likely a play on Adam & Eve) there are two other unlockable metalheads initially blacked out from view that seem like possible variants of the two. Perhaps Godly or corrupted versions of themselves. A bonus incentive to grind, no less. In the way of modes of play it is a singular straightforward stage by stage, and room by room affair made playable in either single player or co-op. One player taking on the role of Axel and the other Eve if you opt for co-op. Otherwise it's player's choice. Once the protagonist is selected it is a procedurally generated ordeal with intermittent venue posters acting as stage previews. Introducing band names, and playing their music throughout once entered. The objective therein being to loot each locale for what it's worth to better prepare for the boss battles, and other threats that are lying in wait. Ultimately navigating the series of connected rooms to realize the endgame that is completion.

The venues in Metal Tales vary from concerts to festivals, and big stages. Each of which harbor a randomized room layout with randomly allotted looting opportunities meant to change your band mate's passive abilities, active abilities, and single use items. Rooms included are locked behind color coded doors. Blue doors being minion infested locations to pass through while red rooms offer challenges. Lastly golden rooms gift free passive items that offer up DMG+, SPD+, and Shot variations through items like amps, picks, peddles, and even magazines or tomes. In regards to the boss battles, which are locked behind a red skull door, you'll find defeating these malformed metal monstrosities in their designated rooms will not only free them from their curse, but bestow upon your chosen character a named legendary band member summon which will do bonus damage or add buffs upon use. These summons are tied to the four DPad directions, and will refill slowly after use.

Like it's inspiration, Metal Tales takes a lot from Isaac's many misadventures. From the items, the coins, the shops, the shop banks (in this case a juke box that changes songs when coins are banked), bombs, keys, and even differing room types it does little to innovate. It's a risk/reward kind of deal, especially with your limited health shields standing between you, and certain death. Dying, and restarting along the way will see you back at the beginning of the series of venues, but with a newly randomized layouts. Needless to say progress, and completion is necessary for unlocking, and experiencing all that the game has to offer. That said it is about as difficult an undertaking as "The Binding of Isaac". Brutally unforgiving, and as hardcore as it gets.

When it comes to presentation Metal Tales definitely has it's own look. It's 3D in nature with a sort of isometric view. Character models are decently made, and vary according to roles. The main characters standing out from the pinkish and purplish metalhead stereotypes. The environments, on the other hand, have their own venue themed layouts, and props. Things that tie into the heavy metal music scene. Basic, but most certainly not bare bones. Where it truly shines is the soundtrack which includes a whole host of Euro-Metal bands who are actually referenced back at the main menu with web and social links for those of you wishing to learn more about them as well as song previews. That, and a brief textual background with a band photo for reference sake. It's definitely a unique way to introduce new bands. The only downside I've found so far is that it's mostly instrumentals without vocals. It still shreds though, and offers good music for the action. Functionally combat in Metal Tales is a dual thumbstick shooter style setup. With shoulder buttons being used to trigger active abilities, single use items, and shots. Leaving the Dpad directions to summon up to four different band members. Again, not too different from the inspired source material.

The Verdict ...

To a fault Metal Tales kind of feels like a reskin of "The Binding of Isaac" with distinctly different changes to the formula like the band member summons, and the all encompassing metal themes. Thematically it is different though, and the soundtrack definitely gives the game a somewhat unique focus outside of the gameplay loop. While it is most certainly inspired it's still kind of fun. Just don't expect to be super impressed or blown away by what is offered unless you love "The Binding of Isaac", and heavy metal. Then I suppose it might just be a match made in Heaven!!!! I should also mention I stumbled upon a concerning bug regarding the upgrade shop where if you purchase multiple item spawn items it can freeze your character in place at startup. Making it impossible to play. The developer actually had to patch in the upgrades function on day one, so I know they are willing to patch the game's problems. Just be aware there is the potential for bugs.