Game: Tiny Metal: Full Metal Rumble
Genre: Turn based strategy game
System: Switch
Developer/ Publisher: Area 35|Unties
Age Rating: EU: 7+| USA: T (Teen)
Price: €13.99| £19.99| $14.99
Release Date: 11th July 2019
Thanks to Unties for kindly supplying a review code!
I’m nowhere near finishing Tiny Metal: Full Metal Rumble. I usually attempt to complete titles before reviewing them, but in this case, I had to make an exception. You see, I’m a newbie when it comes to turn-based tactical games, so please don’t expect a full in-depth review. I merely want to write about my experiences, and hope that it will be useful to turn-based tactical newbies like me. 😊
Straight to the Point
Tiny Metal: Full Metal Rumble is an excellent game with plenty of longevity. It took a good while to pick up the basics and I’m left pleasantly surprised by how user friendly the game is.
Each stage begins with a mission briefing, where you receive your overall objective, and extra challenges if you should wish to attempt them.
Storyline
Tiny Metal: Full Metal Rumble has an intriguing storyline. Admittedly, at first, I didn’t know what was going on, but after extended play, the plot becomes intriguing. The story is well written, and excellent voice acting helps to make it more compelling. The story initially focuses upon Wolfram and her pursuit of Ragnar her brother. Is Ragnar really a villain? Why is he being protected by the enemy? I sense a twist in the tail.
Offers a Nice Tactical Challenge
During my playtime, I’ve become familiar with and fought against several land and air-based units. Every unit has strengths and weakness. Riflemen are weak against vehicular units such as metal (Tank) units but prove useful in capturing cites and bases. Lancers are similar to riflemen, but prove extra efficient against heavy armoured vehicles due to being armed with rocket launchers. Scout units offer superior visibility and prove effective against riflemen and lancers but are ineffective against armoured vehicles.
As you progress, aerial units such as gunships and fighter planes become available. Fighter planes are excellent against gunships but are vulnerable to Vipers and Strikers. Gunships are highly effective against ground units but are susceptible to attack from both ground and aerial forces.
The game’s difficulty level gradually increases and correct tactics are essential early in the game. During my experience, things were straight forward unto mission 7, but there is an initial learning curve which I overcame through pure experimentation.
Let’s talk more about Strategy.
The key to success in Tiny Metal Full Metal Rumble is capturing buildings and bases. Occupied buildings equal higher revenues. More revenue enables players to obtain more units. Buildings also serve as a means to increase both unit health and supplies.
Scout and Radar units are essential to expanding your visual range and exposing the position of hidden enemies. Archelons can be used to transport infantry, and provide additional supplies for ground units. At times, you’ll need to choose between directly attacking or carrying out an assault to force enemies back. Players must always think one step ahead, while also protecting cities and bases.
After just a few hours of play, you begin to feel like a real general, in control of an actual army, devising strategies to succeed.
If you’re prone to forget important details, there’s a Metalpedia section which categorizes and details in-game elements such as bases, terrain, units, vehicles etc.
Other modes
As well as a campaign mode, there’s both a skirmish mode and online multiplayer. Maps to play Skirmish mode can be purchased using in-game currency from the Canteen Shop. Due to an addiction to campaign mode, I’ve yet to play Skirmish Mode, but I know it offers an additional 77 maps of various size and challenge.
There’s also an online multiplayer mode, but sadly, I was unable to find players online while I was logged on. For that reason, Tiny Metal: Full Metal Rumble wi-fi sessions are mainly beneficial for arranged/scheduled matches amongst friends.
Presentation
Visually the game is excellent. It boasts great 2D artwork, well-designed menus, and clean animations. In terms of sound, it has a good soundtrack, superb voice acting, and funny in-game dialogue such as “I feel the need for speed” and “I love the smell of napalm in the morning.”
Conclusion
Tiny Metal: Full Metal Rumble is a fantastic game. Newcomers (such as myself) should love it as long as you can spare the time it deserves. What’s more, both Tiny Metal titles are currently on sale, so now would be a great time to jump into the franchise.
