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The 1980s saw Hideo Kojima, then a Konami employee working with the MSX2, tasked with developing a military shooter. Limited hardware capabilities forced him to rethink his approach, leading to a game focused on avoiding combat. This marked the birth of the Metal Gear franchise and the stealth-action genre. UnMetal, developed by @unepic_fran, draws heavily from this legacy, presenting a comedic parody of Metal Gear with a retro 8-bit aesthetic. But is UnMetal worth your time and money? Let’s dive in and find out.

Jesse Fox’s (Mostly) True Story

UnMetal Jesse Fox interrogation

The year is 1972. Jesse Fox, our protagonist, finds himself wrongly accused of a mysterious crime. The details remain murky, but one thing is clear: Jesse is innocent. Imprisoned within a military base, he leverages his surprising combat prowess and sharp wit to escape and, conveniently, save the world. Despite his skills, Jesse insists he’s just an ordinary civilian.

The Unreliable Narrator

UnMetal gameplay screenshot

The narrative unfolds through Jesse’s recounting of events to a US Army Lieutenant during an interrogation following his daring escape. It quickly becomes apparent that Jesse’s version of events is…flexible. He’s the quintessential storyteller, embellishing every detail for dramatic effect. This unreliable narration forms the core of UnMetal‘s humor. Players are frequently prompted to choose how Jesse’s story progresses, impacting gameplay and even boss battles.

Humor and Gameplay: A Perfect Blend

UnMetal‘s comedic brilliance lies in its witty dialogue and unexpected gameplay twists. The voice acting further enhances the humor, perfectly delivering deadpan lines amidst absurd situations. The game is packed with quirky items and surprising mechanics. For instance, donning an eye patch (a clear nod to Big Boss) severely limits visibility. Jesse’s unconventional problem-solving adds another layer of amusement, offering creative and often ridiculous solutions to obstacles.

UnMetal inventory management

UnMetal item interaction

UnMetal dialogue choices

UnMetal map screen

More Than Just a Parody

UnMetal combat screenshot

While UnMetal revels in its comedic parody, it also offers surprisingly deep gameplay. Beyond the classic stealth takedowns, players can utilize modern stealth mechanics like distractions with coins and hiding bodies. A light RPG element allows Jesse to level up and acquire new skills, enhancing both combat and stealth capabilities. Inventory management and puzzle-solving also play a significant role.

UnMetal stealth gameplay

A Loving Tribute to Metal Gear

UnMetal boss battle

Beyond the humor, UnMetal demonstrates genuine respect for Metal Gear. The voice acting evokes the iconic performances of David Hayter and Paul Eiding. Gameplay mechanics like escaping cells, bandaging wounds, and using walls for cover are clear nods to the series. Perhaps the most significant tribute is Jesse’s aversion to killing. Echoing Metal Gear‘s anti-war message, Jesse prioritizes non-lethal methods, even going so far as to revive enemies he accidentally harms. This commitment to non-lethal gameplay adds a unique dimension to the stealth experience.

UnMetal weapon usage

UnMetal character portrait

Conclusion

UnMetal is more than just a parody; it’s a hilarious and engaging stealth experience that pays homage to Metal Gear while carving its own unique identity. The clever writing, surprising gameplay mechanics, and genuine respect for its source material make UnMetal a must-play for fans of stealth games and anyone looking for a good laugh.