Just reading through Metal Max Xeno Reborn’s descriptions make it sound absurd in all of the best ways. You get a dog that can use guns, and the setting is named Distokio—because it takes place in a post-apocalyptic, dystopian Tokyo. There’s even a progress bar tracking humanity’s extinction levels. It’s all fairly absurd, but in an entertaining, earnest way. Whoever thought up these ideas likely thought that they were the best ideas ever, and that’s awesome. Sadly, a lot of these ideas are bogged down by an antiquated interface, a surprisingly predictable story, and dull level design.

"It’s all fairly absurd, but in an entertaining, earnest way. Whoever thought up these ideas likely thought that they were the best ideas ever, and that’s awesome. Sadly, a lot of these ideas are bogged down by an antiquated interface, a surprisingly predictable story, and dull level design."

Despite looking at the vast open desert in front of you in the first hour of the game, it’s quite easy to get tired of it all rather quickly. There’s only so much one can go around fighting giant ants, after all. And a large part of the game is spent in that desert. Of course, it certainly doesn’t help that the desert doesn’t really allow for much in the way of exploration. There are a lot of invisible walls, and sure, some of them are to encourage players from getting out of their tank to explore on foot, but others are purely there just because there’s nothing beyond those invisible walls.

A key selling point for Metal Max Xeno Reborn is the fact that you get a highly-customisable tank early on, and more vehicle options later. And despite the terrible menu designs, it’s actually quite fun to play around with different loadouts for your tank once you get around to unlocking new guns and slots to put them in. Managing to use the tank’s cannon on an enemy before they can see you is quite satisfying.

Speaking of vehicle customisation, the level offered here is quite impressive. Be it tanks, buggies, or even school busses, driving around murdering enemies with missile launchers duct-taped to your vehicle’s roof doesn’t really get boring. Sadly, a lot of these aspects are poorly explained, and trial-and-error is often the best way to go.

Metal Max Xeno Reborn’s strongest suit is its combat. It uses a twist on the classic turn-based JRPG combat formula. So here’s how it works: if an enemy spots you, a bar starts filling up at the top of the screen. You can quickly use your own weapon to fire an opening salvo, kicking the fight off in earnest, or just back off and ignore the enemy altogether. Once combat starts, an adaptation of Final Fantasy’s Active-Time Battle system kicks in, letting you attack only once a tiny circle in the corner of the screen fills up. All in all, it’s a pretty fun system, especially since it features free movement even when it’s not your turn. The only real knocks against are the absurdly-slow aiming of the tank’s guns, and the low difficulty, even early on.

"A key selling point for Metal Max Xeno Reborn is the fact that you get a highly-customisable tank early on, and more vehicle options later. And despite the terrible menu designs, it’s actually quite fun to play around with different loadouts for your tank once you get around to unlocking new guns and slots to put them in."

Metal Max Xeno Reborn’s biggest problem is its presentation. Its menus feel like they weren’t really adapted particularly well for the PC. Buttons are gigantic, and a lot of information is nebulous at the best of times, lacking any real way to expand on, for example, what a stat means. PC games often have tooltips, and it’s a shame that Metal Max Xeno Reborn doesn’t make particularly good use of it. The tutorialisation is also quite poor, throwing big walls of text on the screen rather than presenting the finer points on how to play the game in a more interactive way.

Aside from the menus, Metal Max Xeno Reborn’s opening chapters are also incredibly boring. Not only are you going to be roaming around in the desert for hours, you’re also going to be killing a lot of ants. Ants and broken-down tanks make up for the bulk of the enemies in Metal Max Xeno Reborn’s opening hour. Even the story does little in the way of giving you much of a direction aside from “most humans are dead. Why don’t you go check in on some camps?” It isn’t until you get some sidekicks that the earnestly-stupid writing starts becoming quite endearing.

Metal Max Xeno Reborn’s gameplay structure might feel a bit too open in the beginning. Thankfully, you get used to the general openness, which allows you to spend quite a bit of time doing just about anything you want, from advancing the main story, to engaging in sidequests, to even just hanging out in your tank. It has a day-night cycle which, in the long run, doesn’t really amount to much more than maybe a few enemy placements being different.

"Metal Max Xeno Reborn’s gameplay structure might feel a bit too open in the beginning. Thankfully, you get used to the general openness, which allows you to spend quite a bit of time doing just about anything you want, from advancing the main story, to engaging in sidequests, to even just hanging out in your tank."

Of all the sidequests Metal Max Xeno Reborn offers, however, the bounties might just be some of the most fun activities. Essentially, you get a list of optional boss fights you can partake in at your leisure. In fact, the first time you come across a Bounty target—around the time when the game tutorialises the concept—you’re advised to retreat, and maybe come back to fight it when you’re stronger. A lot of the uniqueness I was hoping to see in enemy designs ultimately ended up with the Bounties, which while great, leaves the rest of the game worse off. The studio could’ve distilled the game down to just the vehicle customisation and Bounties, and I can make an argument that it would end up being an all-round superior game.

Thankfully it’s still a lot of fun kitting your tank out to fight specific Bounties. The Bounty list provides some hints to how you might approach the fight. One Bounty, for example, is said to be weak to electricity; better load up on some electric beam cannons. Another Bounty, basically a highly-armed drone, needs you to have anti-air weapons to fight it effectively. There are a fair number of Bounties, and honestly, they might just end up being the highlight of the game.

In terms of performance, the PC version runs quite well, which shouldn’t be altogether surprising considering the fact that Metal Max Xeno’s original release platforms also included the PS Vita back in 2018. It isn’t a particularly beautiful or demanding game, so high frame rates are almost a given. The graphics options, while quite anemic, provide at least a passable level of customisation. When it comes to being able to play with a keyboard and mouse, however, even the Steam page recommends using a controller instead, stating that keyboard and mouse isn’t supported.

"In terms of performance, the PC version runs quite well, which shouldn’t be altogether surprising considering the fact that Metal Max Xeno’s original release platforms also included the PS Vita back in 2018."

Metal Max Xeno Reborn is an absurd game, but it’s one with a lot of good ideas that ultimately work out, even if the cost of these ideas were a lack of general polish. The tank would undoubtedly feel better to control on a keyboard-mouse combo rather than a controller, at least in combat, and scaled-up PS Vita textures might not be the prettiest look. Metal Max Xeno Reborn is, however, saved thanks to its competent combat, a sincere attempt at telling a story that tries to have depth, interesting side characters, and surprisingly-fun optional bosses. And it has a dog that can use guns.

This game was reviewed on PC.

Diablo Immortal

After tons of “don’t you have phones” memes and outrage, Blizzard Entertainment’s Diablo Immortal is out soon on iOS, Android and PC (albeit in “beta” form). Developed with NetEase and set between Diablo 2 and 3, it sees players battling the forces of evil to prevent yet another resurrection of Diablo. Six classes, each with 12 skills; end-game activities like Elder Rifts, raids, and the Legacy of Horadrim; and extensive monetization for true min-maxing via Awakening and Resonance – it’s all here. Whether it’s a trainwreck, a worthy successor or somewhere in between, Diablo Immortal releases on June 2^nd.

The Quarry

Nine teenage counsellors. Summer break. Bloodthirsty locals on the hunt. David Arquette. Supermassive Games’ next game certainly has everything that a horror fan could want. Playing as each counsellor, one must make decisions to eventually survive the ordeal. Be careful though – choices have consequences, either immediately or in the future. With tons of different outcomes, a Movie Mode for directing your own series of events, and accessibility options, The Quarry promises plenty of content when it releases on June 10^th for Xbox Series X/S, Xbox One, PS4, PS5, and PC.

Sonic Origins

Relive the classic adventures of Sonic the Hedgehog when Sonic Origins releases on June 23^rd for Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S, PS4, PS5, PC and Nintendo Switch. Sonic the Hedgehog, Sonic the Hedgehog 2, Sonic 3 and Knuckles and Sonic CD are all included, remade on Sonic Mania’s Retro Engine. Missions for each game, Mirror Mode for each level, Boss Rush, and in-game museum to unlock additional content like music tracks are all included. You can experience the games in Classic Mode or Anniversary Mode with the latter having widescreen support, unlimited continues and Sonic’s drop dash from Sonic Mania. DLC practices aside, it’s looking like a good time.

Monster Hunter Rise: Sunbreak

Monster Hunter Rise’s Sunbreak features a brand new region where players must battle powerful, horror movie-inspired monsters that hold dominion. A new base in Elgado Outpost offers new NPCs and facilities while Master Rank is introduced, adding new armor and weapons (along with new moves for previous monsters). New monsters include Magma Almudron, Lunagaron, Aurora Somnacanth, and Elder Dragon Malzeno in addition to returning foes like Sergios. There are also new Silkbind Attacks and Switch Skills, the Switch Skill Swap function for even more combo potential, Followers that can accompany you on certain quests and much more. Monster Hunter Rise: Sunbreak releases on June 30^th for Nintendo Switch and PC.

Silt

As blissful as deep-sea diving may seem, Spiral Circus’s Silt exposes the sheer range of horrors that can lay in wait. Presented in stark monochrome, you play as a diver seeking to uncover ancient mysteries. You can possess nearby creatures to solve puzzles but beware the massive goliaths and other terrors that traverse the ocean. Silt is out on June 1^st for Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S, PS4, PS5, PC and Nintendo Switch.

Metal Max Xeno Reborn

Action RPG Metal Max Xeno: Reborn is getting a Western release for PS4, Nintendo Switch and PC. Set in the ruins of Dystokio where machines rule, players use combat vehicles to fight back in a mix of real-time and turn-based combat. Venture through the wasteland and lay waste to the machines, salvage materials and upgrade vehicles while embracing true freedom of exploration. Support for up to four players, multiple skill trees and tons of customization await when it releases on June 10^th.

Outriders Worldslayer

Outriders’ first paid expansion Worldslayer features a brand new campaign and a new antagonist named Ereshkigal to go with its world-ending scenario. New environments, new weapons and armor (including Legendary Armor sets for each class), and a separate PAX tree to further diversify play-styles are just some of the new additions. Pair this with the Paragon-esque Ascension Levels, new Apocalypse gear, more Apocalypse Tiers, and brand new endgame content, and Worldslayer will keep you busy for a good long while. It’s out on June 30^th for Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S, PS4, PS5, PC and Google Stadia.

MX vs. ATV Legends

Bikes, ATVs and UTVs collide on a new generation of consoles in MX vs. ATV Legends. Releasing on June 26^th for Xbox One, PS4, Xbox Series X/S, PS5 and PC, it includes a new Career Mode, wide-open environments to go with traditional tracks, and 16-player online multiplayer along with split-screen support. The new Trails Mode also encourages a different style of racing with branching paths and dangerous obstacles to traverse.

Deliver Us The Moon [PS5, Xbox Series X/S]

Previously scheduled for release on May 19^th for Xbox Series X/S and PS5, KeokeN Interactive’s Deliver Us The Moon is now out on June 23^rd. Set in the future where Earth’s natural resources have dwindled, players must explore a Lunar base after it goes dark for its energy supply. Tensions abound though and it’s not clear whether they’re real or imaginary. On current-gen consoles, Deliver Us The Moon will support 4K gameplay, ray traced shadows and reflections, fast loading times and the DualSense’s adaptive triggers and speakers. PS4 and Xbox One can even upgrade to PS5 and Xbox Series X/S respectively for free.

Cuphead: The Delicious Last Course DLC

Cuphead is almost five years old with The Delicious Last Course DLC first revealed way back in 2018, which is crazy in retrospect. It’s now finally – barring any sudden last minute delays – releasing on June 30th for PS4, Nintendo Switch, PC and Xbox One. Promising new weapons, charms, a new playable character with Ms. Chalice, and several new bosses in the new Inkwell Isle region, the DLC could be Cuphead’s craziest and most challenging adventure yet.

MADiSON

What’s better than two horror games in the Summer? Three, of course. Bloodious Games’ MADiSON is a first person psychological horror game where you play as Luca, who wakes suddenly in a locked dark room. Forced to partake in a terrifying ritual by a demon named MADiSON, you’ll be taking pictures to reveal secrets, and ideally survive the ordeal with random events and changing puzzles keeping you on your toes. MADiSON releases on June 24^th for Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S, PS4, and PS5.

DNF Duel

Based on Nexon’s online action RPG Dungeon Fighter, DNF Duel is a 2.5D fighting game from Neople, Eighting and Arc System Works. As such, flashy combos and gorgeous visuals are to be expected with 16 characters to choose from. Slice and dice as the Ghostblade, combo enemies at range with the Gunslinger or rely on ninjutsu as the Kunoichi among other combatants. In addition to online play with rollback netcode, there’s Story Mode, Arcade Mode, Survival and Free Battle. A gallery for viewing cinematics and music along with a Glossary for learning more about the series’ setting and organizations is also included. DNF Duel is out on June 10^th for PS4, PS5 and PC.

Redout 2

WipEout and F-Zero fans take note – 34BigThings’ Redout 2 is out on June 16th for Nintendo Switch, Xbox One, PS4, Xbox Series X/S, PS5 and PC. Master the controls and partake in a new Career Mode with tons of events across 36 tracks (each with a reversed variant). There are 12 fully customizable chassis to choose from; competitive multiplayer for up to 12 players (six on the Switch); and custom content and seasons with even more rewards to look forward to.

Demon Slayer: The Hinokami Chronicles [Nintendo Switch]

Break out the Gurenge cover playlist – Demon Slayer: The Hinokami Chronicles is coming to Nintendo Switch on June 10^th. Based on the first season and the Mugen Train movie arc, the 3D fighter includes an extensive story mode with exploration, boss battles and cutscenes as Tanjiro attempts to save his sister Nezuko. Versus Mode with 2v2 battles supports local and online play with 18 characters to choose from, including Academy versions of existing characters.

Disgaea 6 Complete [PS4, PS5, PC]

Nippon Ichi Software’s Disgaea 6 Complete is finally coming to PC, PS5 and PS4 worldwide on June 28^th. With a max level cap of 99,999,999, quadrillions of damage and fully 3D visuals, this entry is perhaps the most divisive yet. Nevertheless, a wacky adventure with zombie Zed embarking on a journey to defeat an overwhelming force, resurrecting after each death to become a little stronger, awaits. All previously released DLC, from cosmetics to additional playable characters, is also included for free.

"At first, we were planning to simply port the title and develop the sequel, Metal Max Xeno 2 simultaneously, instead of remaking Metal Max Xeno."

What led to the decision to remake Metal Max Xeno?

At first, we were planning to simply port the title and develop the sequel, Metal Max Xeno 2 simultaneously, instead of remaking Metal Max Xeno.

However, as the Metal Max Xeno 2 project progressed, we realized that we were distancing way away from the original concept of the previous title, Metal Max Xeno.

Therefore, we came to the conclusion that we needed to first remake the Metal Max Xeno to a newly reborn version instead of simply porting it. 

Developers usually take one of two approaches when remaking video games- either modernizing the visuals and controls while otherwise sticking to the original, or reimagining the game in a completely new light. Which approach are you taking with Reborn?

The approach we took for Metal Max Xeno Reborn was literally “Reborn”.

The previous Metal Max Xeno was created with the concept of covering the portable game console, PS Vita, but Metal Max Xeno Reborn will be a complete remake which is mainly targeting PS4 and Nintendo Switch.

There are no changes in the world settings and story, but it will be a recreation of many game experiences and overall feel of the game, not to mention the upgraded visuals.

Are you taking this opportunity to address any criticisms with the original game?

No doubt we have listened to our user’s requests on Metal Max Xeno.

We can’t incorporate and implement everything, but I can say that we have strived to do our very best.

Are you looking at localization in the west for both Reborn 1 and 2?

If there are many users who want to play and there is an opportunity, then we would like to consider realizing these titles.

"We can’t incorporate and implement everything, but I can say that we have strived to do our very best."

Would it be fair to say that Reborn is going to give us glimpses for the ideas you have in store for future instalments of the series?

There is a chance that the favourable systems may be followed in the future series.

Why did you choose not to launch on Xbox One as well?

Up till now, the Metal Max series is an IP which has been primarily released in the Japanese market, but we have not received that many requests for an Xbox One release in Japan.

If the number of overseas users increase and we receive more requests in the future, we should be able to consider this.