The wait is nearly over for fans of chaotic action and deep customization. Publisher PLAYISM and developer Alphawing have announced that Metal Bringer, a roguelite action game packed with android soldiers, giant mechs, and endless customization options, will hit PlayStation 5 and PC via Steam on March 12 for $19.99. With support for English, Japanese, Traditional Chinese, and Simplified Chinese, the global player base is already buzzing in anticipation.
An updated PC demo has also dropped, giving gamers a fresh taste of what’s to come—and it’s clear the developers have been listening to player feedback.
A Sci-Fi World Where Customization Meets Chaos
Unlike its predecessor Samurai Bringer, which leaned on ancient mythology, Metal Bringer throws players headfirst into a futuristic, sci-fi battleground. Here, players take control of androids known as “Labor” or pilot towering mechs called “Arms” to annihilate waves of enemies in fast-paced, horde-based combat.
The biggest draw? Customization. And lots of it. Each Labor and Arms unit can be meticulously tailored to suit your playstyle:
- Swap out parts to alter combat strategies.
- Customize the color and design for a personalized look.
- Adapt weapons and tech to fit specific battle needs.
In short, no two battles—or builds—will ever be the same. It’s not just a fight for survival, but a sandbox for experimentation.
The Grind That Actually Pays Off
Here’s where Metal Bringer stands out from other roguelites: every defeat is a learning experience that genuinely strengthens your next attempt. Players collect “App Disks” from fallen enemies—power-ups that enhance abilities—but there’s a catch. If your Labor falls in battle, those apps are gone.
But not all is lost. Data from these apps can be analyzed and integrated into future runs, making each attempt feel rewarding. Eventually, players can customize their androids to the point where mowing down enemies becomes second nature.
And for those wondering about mech durability, the game lets players collect parts from defeated enemies to build stronger Arms on the go. Think of it as scavenging for survival, but with the thrill of constant evolution.
Tech That Blends Retro Charm with Modern Graphics
While the game leans into a pixel-art style reminiscent of classic games, Metal Bringer isn’t stuck in the past. Alphawing has incorporated ray tracing to give the retro visuals a modern, high-tech polish. Every explosion, every shimmer of light off metal surfaces feels fresh and dynamic, enhancing the game’s immersive combat environments.
The soundtrack is another standout feature, adapting to the intensity of the action in real time. The harder you fight, the more the music amps up, creating a pulse-pounding rhythm that ties the chaos together.
Meet the All-Star Team Behind Metal Bringer
If the stunning visuals and gameplay systems aren’t enough to sell you, the creative minds behind the game should be.
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Suzuhito Yasuda, renowned for his work on Durarara!! and Shin Megami Tensei: Devil Survivor, crafted the game’s characters and key art. His distinct style brings both depth and flair to every design.
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Sami Shinosaki, a celebrated novelist known for adapting franchises like Armored Core and Fire Emblem, penned the game’s narrative. Expect a story that’s as thoughtful and layered as the gameplay itself.
The pixel art portraits of the main character, Suria, were drawn by kutsuwa, adding another layer of personality to an already stacked visual experience.
An Updated Demo That Listens to Players
The first demo for Metal Bringer dropped during Steam Next Fest in October 2024 and received a solid “Mostly Positive” rating. But Alphawing wasn’t content with just that. Based on user feedback, they’ve revamped the demo to offer:
- Improved tutorials that are easier to follow and accessible from the pause menu.
- Rebalanced gameplay that smooths out difficulty spikes and tweaks the lock-on system for a better combat feel.
- Enhanced user interface, especially during Labor and Arms assembly, making comparisons and custom builds more intuitive.
- Expanded story elements, including conversations with enemy androids that flesh out the world’s lore.
The new demo is a clear indication that the team is committed to delivering a polished final product, continuously refining the experience based on community input.
Two Demo Modes for Different Playstyles
The new demo also features two distinct modes:
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Newbie Mode: Ideal for beginners who want to ease into the mechanics. Customize your Labor, gather apps, and face a boss within a set time limit.
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Extreme Mode: For players craving a tougher challenge. You’ll dive into mid-game battles with pre-strengthened Labors, fully unlocked customization, and tougher bosses from the jump.
Extreme Mode unlocks after players complete the opening scene and finish their first investigation in Newbie Mode, offering replay value for those ready to push their skills to the limit.
Why Metal Bringer Might Be the Next Big Roguelite
In a genre overflowing with procedural generation and permadeath mechanics, Metal Bringer finds ways to innovate without alienating players who love customization and strategy. It’s not just about surviving longer—it’s about creating a build that feels uniquely yours every time.
With its March release date looming, Metal Bringer is shaping up to be more than just another indie roguelite. Between its deep customization, polished visuals, and attention to player feedback, it has the potential to carve out a lasting place in the genre’s crowded landscape.
