Cellar Door Games' new cooperative action RPG Full Metal Furies is a fun and surprisingly challenging experience in which you'll need to work with your friends to progress.
Though the genre is popular today, role-playing games (RPGs) are rarely multiplayers, especially cooperatively (co-op) so. Most of them tend to emphasize deep storylines set in expansive worlds. Full Metal Furies, though, pushes the status quo.
Offering the player several roles reminiscent of those found in mass-multiplayer online (MMO) games, you and your friends will need to work together effectively to achieve victory. And while the story is nothing special, the awesome art and sound design of the game combine perfectly with the gameplay mechanics to create an amazing co-op experience marred only by the lack of a matchmaking system.
Story is run of the mill
In Full Metal Furies, the world has been plunged into a global war as the primary antagonists of the game, dubbed "Titans," threaten to destroy everything. Four heroes team up in an effort to stand in their way to save the world. It's a very banal plot, and it offers very little in terms of competent storytelling, but the game never wanted to tell a great story to begin with.
Indeed, the plot feels like, more than anything else, a reason to blow stuff up. For a fast-paced, action-filled game like Full Metal Furies, I think a barebones plot is all that's needed.
Gameplay: Squad up, buttercup
The four heroes of Full Metal Furies each have a specialization: Tank, Fighter, Sniper, and Engineer. The Tank and Fighter are melee characters, with the Tank focusing on soaking up damage while the Fighter dishes it out. Sniper and Engineer contribute from range. The Sniper uses her rifle from afar to do critical damage, while the Engineer makes use of both her handgun and her sentry turret to support the team and distract enemies.
As you level up a character, you'll be able to unlock special abilities or traits that alter your performance in combat, as well. This gives the player options about how they'll play the game.
All of the characters are fun, but the Tank feels dull compared to the others, mostly because her attacks do less damage thanks to her defensive focus. Regardless, each role is important; if one person messes up, the entire team can get in serious danger.
Though solo play is possible, it can be difficult to try and make sure each character is doing well when you switch between them. This is why the game works so well with co-op — everyone can focus on one job. Speaking of the co-op play, it's definitely where the game is at its best. Working with your friends in intense situations to clear a wave of enemies is exhilarating, more so than any other co-op game I've played on Xbox in years.
Sadly, the game currently only supports either local play or invite-only play. There isn't a matchmaking system in place, and for a game that is significantly better with other people, that's a huge deal. Unless you know your friends are going to get it, or have people that can come over to your house to play, it might be worth waiting on Full Metal Furies.
Presentation is a nod to the classics
Full Metal Furies has a pixelated art style that makes it feel like an old school title. This, paired with the excellent variety of color in the game, creates a charming aesthetic.
Of course, action games need a good score, and the hard rock tracks found in Full Metal Furies' official soundtrack don't disappoint.
Full Metal Furies for Xbox One conclusion
Aside from the annoying lack of matchmaking, Full Metal Furies' excellent co-op gameplay, charming visuals, and kickass score make it more than worth your time.
Pros:
- Awesome co-op gameplay.
- Great presentation.
Cons:
- Lack of important online services
Great
4/5
Full Metal Furies is available now on Xbox One for $19.99.
This review was conducted on an Xbox One, using a copy provided by the publisher.