Metal Eden Review: This Cyberpunk DOOM Is the Best First-Person Shooter in Years

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In the 1990s, “DOOM clone” was a common and sometimes derogatory term used to describe first-person shooter games before an officially recognized name for the genre became widespread. Since DOOM had such a strong impact, it’s not surprising that it left an echo of its style in the form of a Soulslike nickname. Unlike in the past, modern DOOM doesn’t have as much control over first-person shooters because the genre has evolved to focus more on multiplayer features, rather than DOOM’s demon-slaying series losing popularity.

Metal Eden pays homage to old-school shooter games that were heavily influenced by DOOM, but brings that style up to date by focusing on the modern versions of DOOM. It’s brutal, it’s intense, and it’s one of the best shooters in the genre since DOOM Eternal.

Rating: 4.5/5

Pros Cons
Smooth controls. Occasionally shaky frame rate.
Rewarding gunplay that empowers players. No traditional New Game Plus mode.
Thoughtful upgrade systems.
Thumping electronic soundtrack.

Metal Eden’s Combat Is Fast, Punishing, and Satisfying

Metal Eden sets itself apart primarily by prioritizing player empowerment, a philosophy that pervades most of its game systems. The main character, Aska, who is endowed with various movement skills such as double jumping, hovering, dashing, wall-running, and a grappling hook (all of which are conveniently accessible from the get-go), is a testament to this approach.

In Metal Eden, players possess a diverse set of skills, ensuring they’re always on par with the game’s numerous deadly robots. A quick double jump and grab move can help dodge a robot about to self-destruct. A dash and wall run can bridge the gap between you and a nest of bothersome snipers. By seamlessly combining these moves, players may create a path of relentless destruction that remains unchecked by frustrating recharge periods or glitchy controls.

The game maintains a fast-paced rhythm, which harmoniously combines with its strategic shooting mechanics to form an exceptionally satisfying gameplay cycle. Thunderous, meaty gunfire sounds and easy maneuverability are key components of this successful cycle, yet they’re not all that make it special. The core elements are intricately designed to construct a profound shooter experience around these basics.

In Metal Eden, the core rips showcase an impressive level of depth by building upon DOOM’s acclaimed Glory Kill system. Instead of extracting a metal spine from a weakened enemy to replenish health, players can now pull out an enemy’s heart-like core and utilize it in two distinct ways. Players can either propel the core like a rocket or absorb it for health and a power-enhanced melee attack. Both options are viable, providing unique advantages that make each core rip a strategic mini-decision capable of turning the tide in challenging situations. At times, a core blast might eliminate several annoying bots, while other instances may require a health boost and a skillfully timed Superman punch. The game’s challenging nature ensures players are consistently making these decisions during intense combat scenarios, preventing boredom from setting in.

Metal Eden’s Upgrades Are Deep and Paced Out Well

This system significantly grows with Metal Eden’s exceptional upgrade mechanism, which has the potential to drastically transform every aspect of Aska’s finely-tuned arsenal. For instance, core blasts can be improved to produce a larger explosion radius, and the ability to absorb them can be amplified to deliver two powerful punches rather than one. The upgrade pathway is brimming with various enhancements, such as nodes that provide exciting benefits beyond mere damage increases. These perks include the capability to hover or temporarily slow down time, offering a wider range of tactical options.

In Metal Eden, levels don’t drag on for long, allowing for frequent updates of strategies within a level. The weapons offer diverse upgrades and thrilling alternate firing options that can transform an SMG into a grenade launcher spewing napalm. However, it’s disappointing that there isn’t a comprehensive New Game Plus mode to fully exploit the potential of the skill trees.

In Metal Eden, continually discovering new gadgets expands the array of engaging decisions players must make during gameplay, a choice enhanced by its armor and ammunition systems. Unlike some games like Wolfenstein: Youngblood or Far Cry 6 that feature irritating dual ammo types, Metal Eden offers various means to penetrate armor – from melee attacks to explosive canisters to energy weapons. Although the game includes certain restrictions on ammunition, they aren’t tedious enough to disrupt the appealing rhythm of combat driven by electronic dance music (EDM). Instead, these limitations are designed to encourage players to utilize their entire arsenal and relish in the excitement that arises from swiftly adapting and responding to situations.

Metal Eden Skillfully Restricts Players (Before Letting Them Loose)

In Metal Eden, ammunition for all weapons, from laser pistols to grenade launchers, is severely limited. This might seem restrictive, but it adds an element of strategy to the gameplay, as players are encouraged to think carefully and avoid mindless firing. The game also introduces power-ups and temporary super-weapons that can turn the tide in battles, making for both challenging skirmishes and epic finales where players feel like invincible metallic deities.

The game cleverly executes each system with care, aiming to enhance its strategically sharp combat. From the persistent requirement to extract cores, the swift, liberating maneuvers, and the versatile weapon wheel, everything is engineered to keep players involved at every opportunity.

The ability to roll as a ball and launch homing rockets in its more spacious levels, along with wall-running through platforming segments, provides refreshing variations that make use of the same precise controls. However, these elements primarily serve to intensify the intense shootouts that define the game’s core experience.

Metal Eden Is Pretty, But Also Sometimes Pretty Choppy

In simpler terms, during some intense battles in “Metal Eden”, the game’s graphics can momentarily become less smooth, which can be frustrating as it disrupts aiming. However, when things aren’t hectic, the game’s cyberpunk setting is visually stunning with its vibrant, colorful lighting that saturates every surface. While the story and worldbuilding could be more detailed, the game’s unique lighting and sleek cyberpunk style make it visually appealing, even in still images like those on the level selection screen.

The title of “Metal Eden” can be understood in various ways, but one possible meaning is that it refers to the numerous human minds trapped within the mentioned cores, existing in a digital purgatory while their paradise is constructed. This connection to heaven is somewhat ironic considering how much “Metal Eden” draws inspiration from the fiery and chaotic DOOM series. Combat scenes, similar to those featured in id Software’s classic games, are enhanced with finely tuned mechanics to ensure that each gunfight and physical altercation is as thrilling as possible. The game manages to surpass being just a modernized version of a “DOOM clone” and carves out its own niche within the genre, ripping and tearing its rightful place in the hierarchy.

A review copy for PS5 was provided by the publisher for the purpose of this review.

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2025-09-02 18:24