Metal Max: Return

Game Details:

"Metal Max: Return" is a classic RPG released by Data East on the SFC platform in 1995, and it is an enhanced remake of the first "Metal Max". The biggest feature of this work is its highly free gameplay: the game has no linear plot restrictions, players can freely explore the world, accept missions, upgrade tanks, and even directly challenge powerful bosses.

The game is set in a post-nuclear wasteland. Players act as bounty hunters, can choose companions, form a team, collect powerful tanks and parts, and strengthen their armaments to deal with various dangerous enemies. The game also has a rich variety of classes, missions, secret locations, and other elements, making it highly replayable.

The tank system is one of the core elements of this work. Players can freely combine modules such as the main gun, secondary gun, chassis, and engine of the tank to create a personalized war machine. In addition, the game uses a turn-based combat system that combines the tactical strategies of human combat and tank combat.

Editor's Recommendation:

"Metal Max: Return" is a JRPG with extreme freedom, and it is still groundbreaking today. Compared to the linear progression of many traditional Japanese RPGs, this game has almost no mandatory missions. You can go directly to challenge the strongest enemies after starting the game, although you will be crushed miserably.

The most attractive system is undoubtedly the tank modification: not only are there hundreds of part combinations, but also different firepower combinations and vehicle aesthetics, truly realizing the fun of "personalized war machines". The hidden bosses, secret strongholds, and interesting missions hidden in the game world also greatly enrich the exploration experience.

If you like the wasteland adventure feel of the "Fallout" series and prefer the warm details and system depth of Japanese RPGs, "Metal Max: Return" will be your best choice.

Game Guide:

I. Opening Suggestions

After entering the game, it is recommended not to rush to collect tanks, but to first familiarize yourself with the combat system and ways to make money. Hunting is the main source of income in the early game, and funds can be quickly accumulated through "Bounty Hunts".

II. Team Composition Suggestions

• Recommended early team order: Protagonist + Mechanic + Soldier.
• Mechanics can repair tanks and are extremely important.
• Soldiers have high attack power and can quickly eliminate enemies.

III. Tank System Details

• Acquisition Methods: Hidden tanks are scattered around the world and can be obtained by cracking door locks or defeating guardian enemies.
• Modification Focus:
• Main Gun: High attack range weapon, suitable for clearing out enemies.
• Engine: Determines carrying capacity and affects the ability to equip heavy cannons.
• Armor: Determines survivability. Don't be stingy with investments in the early game.

IV. Mission Suggestions

• Pay attention to information in towns, as many hidden missions are triggered through dialogue.
• High-bounty bosses will respawn in specific locations. Defeating them will yield a large amount of money and parts.

V. Survival Tips

• Encounters in the wild are frequent, so try to keep your tank in perfect condition at all times.
• If you encounter an enemy that you cannot defeat, you can "abandon the vehicle and flee" to save yourself.

VI. Hidden Elements

• Certain tanks such as the "Tiger King" or "Monster Truck" are highly collectible. Pay attention to town hints and clues from ruin exploration.
• Interesting easter eggs such as traveling with a dog or visiting the casino are also worth trying.