NES

Metal Storm

Overall, this is a fun game that will keep you at the edge of your couch for a while. The only true qualm I can really discuss at the moment is its difficulty. On "Normal" mode, it's a pretty tough game -- there are a couple of bosses in particular that will force you never to blink, for if you do, you'll die in an explosive deathly fashion. "Normal" mode is at least do-able. On the "Expert" mode, which you can access only after you complete the first difficulty level (or you have a special password that you snagged from a buddy or online source), you'd better be on some kind of powerful drug.

In control of a M-308 Gunner robot, you must storm Pluto Base's seven levels and destroy it. Not only will you have to battle mobs of robotic defenders, you'll also have to puzzle your way through the Base's maze-like corridors. The fate of Earth is in your hands in this action thriller from IREM.

Unlike most NES shooters where you can actually enjoy yourself, Metalstorm has you constantly racking your brain to figure out where you can or can't go. The jumping controls are also problematic. Holding down the jump button gives you more height, but in some areas you need to leap with precision, and the platform designs are unforgiving. A password feature is provided, along with a generous number of continues. The game's electronic music is catchy in the first stage, but like the rest of the game, it's all downhill from there. Metalstorm's gravity-flipping gameplay could have been interesting, but thanks to its poorly designed stages, the game has little to offer aside from a splitting headache.