Reikon Games’ Metal Eden, published by Deep Silver, wears its inspirations proudly on its armored sleeve. At first glance, it recalls the pulse-pounding intensity of DOOM, but within minutes it becomes clear that this isn’t a mere copycat. The game drops you into the role of ASKA, a Hyper Unit deployed into Moebius, a towering megacity that was once a beacon of hope but now brims with corrupted defenses and hostile machines. While the premise may sound familiar to fans of dystopian sci-fi shooters, the execution blends brutalist aesthetics, cybernetic warfare, and a touch of mystery that gives the narrative its own identity.
The story leans heavily on atmosphere rather than exposition. As you explore Moebius and the enigmatic Vulcan below, fragments of lore hint at the colony’s fall and the Engineers’ opaque role in shaping the Eden project. It’s an effective backdrop that builds tension, though some players may wish the storytelling went beyond environmental hints and brief cutscenes. In practice, the plot mostly serves to fuel relentless combat encounters, and while this keeps the pacing brisk, it does mean the emotional weight of rescuing humanity’s consciousness cores never fully lands.
Where Metal Eden shines brightest is in its gameplay. The controls are tight and responsive, perfectly suited to the high-speed flow of wall-runs, grappling hook swings, and aerial dashes. Encounters are designed to force constant movement, with arenas filled with verticality and enemies that punish hesitation. The ability to morph into the armored Ramball adds a fun layer of chaos, encouraging riskier close-quarters assaults. Combat is both varied and punishing, with foes ranging from nimble drones to elemental brutes that demand quick weapon swaps and clever positioning. While exhilarating, this intensity can occasionally tip into frustration, especially when difficulty spikes feel more uneven than intentional.
The arsenal itself is a highlight, offering a blend of traditional ballistic weapons and more experimental tools that synergize with ASKA’s mobility. Grapple-assisted takedowns and jetpack maneuvers create a combat rhythm that feels distinct from its genre peers. Still, there’s an undeniable sense that some ideas are borrowed, with echoes of id Software’s design DNA throughout. The difference is that Metal Eden makes room for more tactical options, rewarding adaptability instead of relying solely on raw aggression.
Visually, the game delivers a striking impression. The towering cityscapes of Moebius exude a cold, brutalist beauty, their massive geometries looming over the chaos of combat. Neon glows and particle effects punctuate firefights with cinematic flair, while enemy designs mix cybernetic menace with a mechanical elegance that fits the setting. The downside is that environments can sometimes feel repetitive, with similar corridors and arenas blurring together over time. On PlayStation 5, however, the technical performance remains steady, ensuring that the action rarely falters even during the busiest firefights.
Audio design adds to the adrenaline. The soundtrack thrums with industrial and electronic beats that rise in sync with the action, pushing players into a relentless forward motion. Weapons have satisfying punch, from the crack of plasma fire to the roar of Ramball charges, while enemy audio cues give just enough warning to keep encounters fair. That said, the soundscape leans heavily into volume and intensity, which can become fatiguing during longer play sessions. A little more variety or quieter moments might have helped balance the constant barrage.
In the end, Metal Eden is a game that thrives on momentum. Its blend of parkour movement, inventive combat, and striking presentation makes it more than just another sci-fi shooter, even if its narrative never reaches the depth its world suggests. The difficulty spikes and occasional repetitiveness hold it back from absolute greatness, but for those seeking a fast, aggressive FPS with cyberpunk flair, this is a brutal ride worth taking.
Score: 7.7/10