The game I'm playing right now is called Metal Storm, and it was first released on the Nintendo Entertainment System back in 1991. If this is the first time you're seeing the game, then don't worry, you're not alone. This 2D classic from IREM may have been praised by critics at the time and even featured on the cover of Nintendo Power, but it has sadly been forgotten about in the last three decades. It was never part of an old school compilation, it didn't make its way to Virtual Console, and there have been no physical re-releases since M.C. Hammer was Too Legit to Quit ... that is, until now.

I'm going to break with the usual reviews and shows to talk about something I'm really excited about -- the Metal Storm: Collector's Edition. This is a massive box set coming from Retro-Bit Publishing and Limited Run Games, and I want to spend a few minutes explaining why you should be excited.


Let's start with the obvious: Metal Storm is awesome. There are a lot of old games that don't hold up, but this one still feels as fresh and exciting as it did 28 years ago. Part of the reason for that is because of the gravity-defying gameplay, where we control a mech that can jump between the ground and the ceiling at a push of a button. The seven levels find a lot of inventive ways to play with the gravity swap, and that little gimmick alone makes this run 'n gun shooter stand out from pretty much every other 8-bit action game.

And it's not just me saying this. Like I said, Nintendo Power featured it on their cover and Electronic Gaming Monthly was impressed that Metal Storm finally brought something new to the shooter genre. They loved the graphics, the gravity-reversing concept and, of course, the terrific shooting. And having just played through it again this past weekend, I have to agree. This game holds up.


But look, I get it, I probably sold you on downloading the ROM and playing Metal Storm through emulation. I get it. But before you do that, let me first mention that upcoming re-release comes with a brand-new opening cinema. And it actually goes beyond that, because Retro-Bit has finally, for the first time ever, translated the original Japanese into English.

If you played the original NES version from 1991, then you may remember the shoddy localization. What you may not know is that IREM changed the story and ending, completely removing the social and political point the game was trying to make and instead tossing a bunch of space magic at the player. There's a whole boss fight that has dialog in the Japanese version, but dead silence in the original American release. All this has been fixed, giving player the actual story.

Oh, that reminds me, this version of Metal Storm is tougher than what we got in the West. This is the original Japanese version through and through, and you'll definitely see that in the two difficulties. This is a challenging game, but it's fair. There are unlimited continues and even a password system. But man, this game gets tough at the end. The footage you're seeing right now is from the brand-new version, and those last few levels kicked my ass.


Now, let's say you're the type of gamer who isn't easily impressed by new localization, a tougher difficulty and action-packed gameplay. Maybe you're the type of person who waits for the announcer to say, "But wait, there's more." Well, this is your moment, because Metal Storm: Collector's Edition is overflowing with extra goodies.

What you may not know is that this is actually Retro-Bit's third collector's edition box set. Last year they released the excellent Holy Diver box, as well as a dual Super NES cartridge that featured both Super R-Type and R-Type III. These box sets remind me a lot of the Criterion Collection for classic games, only without the spine number. Look, I'm a Criterion collector, so this kind of thing appeals to me in a big, big way.

When it comes to Metal Storm, the box is set to come with this outer sleeve, traditional retail box, cartridge with sleeve, and, of course, a full-color instruction manual. But wait, there's more, because the set comes with this limited-edition enamel pin, two art cards, a dual-sided poster and this certificate of authenticity. What, you're expecting something more? Well don't freak out yet, because I've saved the best for last. This box set also comes with this collector's M-308 Gunner figurine, complete with box. Now you'll be able to recreate the famous Nintendo Power cover. Or, more likely, come up with a way cooler cover than Nintendo.


But let's say the great gameplay, added cinemas, improved localization, harder difficulty and this rad figurine isn't enough for you. Maybe you're cold as ice and ready to scoff at anything I throw at you. Okay, I hear that, but hold my beer, because I've been saving the very best thing for last. You should be excited about this Metal Storm: Collector's Edition because I'm in the instruction manual. Yeah. Didn't see that coming, did you?

Well, actually, some of you probably did see that coming, because my super unique name was also featured in the Holy Diver and R-Type box sets. Look, I'm not going to be pretend to not be biased here. I dig what Retro-Bit has been doing with these collector's edition boxes, and not just because my name is in the instruction manual. If you're looking for a neutral, dispassionate source, then you're going to have to go somewhere else. But maybe after this video, because I'm not done talking yet.

Like I was saying, this Metal Storm box set is pretty great, and also rare. Well, maybe not right now, but it will be. There were only a few thousand of those Holy Diver and R-Type sets, and they were immediately snatched up by retro game collectors. I'm not sure if this new box will be as rare, but if you're interested in it, then you might want to pre-order it just in case. I believe both Limited Run Games and CastleMania currently have pre-order campaigns going, or at least they will in a few days.


Oh, and that reminds me, there are exclusive cartridges for the different retailers. Limited Run has this metallic design, Retro-Bit Europe has this translucent version and CastleMania, as well as other independent retailers, will have this dark blue model. There's also this black cartridge, if you buy the standard model. But c'mon, when there's an M-308 Gunner figurine in the mix, you probably should just buck for the Collector's Edition, right?

Look, I'm biased about this topic, so just keep that in mind. The truth is, I just think this is a fun 8-bit game worth playing, whether you decide to go with the standard edition, collector's edition or just download the ROM. But I know there are a lot of people in my audience still buying old NES games, so maybe check this one out. And who knows, I may just have one of these Metal Storm: Collector's Editions to give away when it comes out in November. How's that for a tease?

So there you have it, my Metal Storm sales pitch. Now let me get back to playing new games pretending to be old games so that I'll have something to post next week.