While your typical console has plenty of AAA titles which gain plenty of attention and bumper sales, there are always a few underrated gems which slip through the cracks for one reason or another.
Irem's Metal Storm is one such title; originally released in the US to positive reviews in 1991, it was produced in limited quantities with little marketing, so much so that Nintendo Power magazine – which included Metal Storm in its "Unsung Heroes of the NES" feature – claimed to have been the title's most effective form of marketing support. A mech-style shooter, the game's main mechanic – the ability to toggle gravity – helped it stand out from the many other action titles on the NES.
When a game has a low print run despite positive reviews, one thing usually happens: its resell value skyrockets. That has certainly been the case with Metal Storm; in recent years, original copies have changed hands for as much as $200.
However, Retro-Bit – which has already performed the same trick with R-Type III and Holy Diver – has produced a new limited edition variant of the game which comes in special collector's packaging.
Retailing for $69.99 / €69.99 – a fraction of the cost of an original copy – the collector's edition is limited to 3,000 copies and comes in a special box with a M-308 Gunner figurine, certificate of authenticity, M-308 Gunner pin badge, 2-sided poster, and set of art prints – as well as the game, of course, which comes in a proper box with a full-colour manual. A standard version, which just includes the game, is $44.99 / €44.99.
We were lucky enough to get a copy of this special edition direct from Retro-Bit, and can attest that it's up to the company's usual high standards – as you can see from the photos above. If you fancy ordering one, they're shipping during the remainder of the month, and in January.
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Comments 13
One of my favorite NES games. I still own a working copy. I didn't realize it was worth so much. It'd be a great addition to the NES collection on Switch.
I just want the little model!
I’ve played this game and it’s extremely fun. I’m really glad it’s getting a second chance, if not even just to see that gloriously designed mech again. I’d love another entry in the series if this does well (looking at you, IntiCreates; you’d do a wonderful job akin to Blaster Master Zero.)
Anyway, I won’t be buying this but I really hope this gets on some people’s radars now!
it's a visually impressive game, but it's no Journey to Silius!!!
Retro-Bit has "usual high standards?"
My Retro Duo and its melting plastic controllers would like to have a word...
Oh, look a $2 Repro Cart with a cheap toy. $70! >.>
Sooo, no pics of the model outside of the box? An odd omission considering that you take the cart out of the box (the easiest part to imagine).
I wish they would add this to Nintendo Online. I love Metal Storm.
I love this game so much! I remember renting it when it first came out based off of the Nintendo Power article. The gravity mechanics and graphics blew me away. Please release on Switch!
Nintendo Power's "Unsung Heroes" article was I think the February 1993 issue, over two years after the game was originally released. A little too late.
At least NP was honest enough to tell us that Home Alone for NES sold far better despite that it's a terrible game. (they might've been comparing Kevin McCallister to Mike Jones in StarTropics, but the point still stands.)
Still one of my favorite NES games. Rented it day 1 based off of Nintendo Power's preview. Solid.
Why not release it on the eShop?
@Sinton Selling it like this is a much higher profit margin, especially since collectors will buy this "because I need it"
The usual fate of late system life releases. They are usually very impressive, pushing the console to the max, but completely overshadowed by the new generation. It’s a pretty fun game, challenging, but not as fiendishly difficult as early NES games everyone seems to love. And even the little explosion when you die is very well animated.
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