Humanity is on the brink of extinction and the last remaining survivors look to push back against the machines. Half a century ago a war against the mother computer NOA has reduced even Asia's largest metropolis, Tokio, to rubble. Explore this desolate wasteland and battle your way through onslaughts of enemies. Salvage, modify and hit back using tanks, weaponry and faithful battle dog, Pochi, to reclaim a future for the human race...

Humanity is on the brink of extinction and the last remaining survivors look to push back against the machines

Metal Max Xeno Reborn is a remake of 2017's Metal Max Xeno. Set in a devastated world called Dystokio, Metal Max Xeno: Reborn is a nonlinear, open world, Japanese RPG with real-time battle and vehicle combat elements.

The game has a fairly lengthy introduction sequence, which also acts as a mini tutorial, where you meet the inhabitants of Iron Base, all of whom will come in useful to you as you play the game.

At any time you can check out more in depth tutorials from the main menu. It's advisable to do so as some of the controls and objectives are not overly simple to work out on your own. For example it's not overly easy to work out how to equip weapons and items you have in your inventory and getting in and out of your tank can, at first, be a little confusing, especially in the height of battle.

Explore the wasteland around you scavenging piles of metal, crates and damaged robots to take back to your base to upgrade your vehicles and weapons. Hunt down enemies with the helping hand from other characters and your beloved battle dog, Pochi. Pochi can also level up and learn new skills and will join up as a fourth member.

Explore the wasteland around you scavenging piles of metal, crates and damaged robots

The Digital Deluxe edition (which is £5 more expensive than the standard edition) includes the main game, Gatling Fang (Weapon - DLC), Pochi Gun - Shrimp Flavor (Weapon - DLC), Amazon Typhoon (Weapon - DLC), PS Burst Gun (Weapon - DLC), Old Friend R (Weapon - DLC) and Super Chow (Consumable - DLC).

It's a great game, with a bit of a learning curve, but nothing that difficult that will take you too long to get to grips with. And once you're sorted the game is never dull. Exploration is key here and plays a vital role in moving the storyline forward.

An addictive and deep game which rewards gamers who invest the time in it.

8

Nick Smithson