Gun Metal

- Arcade feel

- Loads of action

- Solid soundtrack

- 25 levels offer enough challenge

"Taking control of a big transforming robot sounds cool – even cooler when said robot is equipped with an assortment of high- explosive projectiles and energy weapons."

Taking control of a big transforming robot sounds cool – even cooler when said robot is equipped with an assortment of high-explosive projectiles and energy weapons.  This is why it’s so sad to see Gun Metal (GM) fall short even though it's still fun in short controlled bursts.

The premise and backstory are as straightforward as they come: blow up the bad guys in the far-flung future.  There’s no political intrigue, no plot twists and a near-total lack of cutscnenes.  GM is all about the action, whether you’re running escort, defending a base, or obliterating the opposition.  In true form, you have token back-up but it’s all for naught – you are a one-robot army.  Like almost every game Rage has developed (that I can think of), there’s a distinct emphasis on bright lights, big explosions and neat-o lighting effects, and mostly fun gameplay.

Controlling your big ‘bot is also straightforward, in either robot or jet mode.  But there’s a problem switching between the two.  Hitting the Y-button results in a second or two of no visible response.  Then it leaps into the air and hits the afterburners.  It’s as if the ‘bot is mustering up the courage to soar with the eagles.  Or like a weightlifter attempting a truly gargantuan clean-and-jerk.  Hesitation, then “UUMPHH!” all the blood vessels in his neck pop.  There’s a good selection of weapons to be accessed in both ‘bot and jet form, and most of them have their own pros and cons.  My favorite, a torpedo that hugs the ground, means you can sit behind a hill for cover and destroy enemy tanks on the other side.