超惑星戦記メタファイト © 1988 Sunsoft.
(Chou Wakusei Senki - Metafight)

Chou Wakusei Senki Metafight is a side-scrolling action game released for the Famicom. Set in the year 2052, the story follows the rise of the ruthless Emperor Goez, whose forces threaten to conquer the galaxy. On the planet Sophia III in the Epsilon Galaxy, a group of scientists narrowly escapes the invasion and takes refuge on Nora, a nearby satellite. There, they develop the Metal Attacker, a powerful all-terrain combat vehicle designed to stop Goez's advance. Ace pilot Kane Gardner is entrusted with the mission of taking control of the machine and leading the fight against the invading army.

What sets Metafight apart from other action games of its era is its unique blend of gameplay styles. Most of the adventure takes place aboard the Metal Attacker, a heavily armed battle tank capable of firing in multiple directions, launching missiles, and jumping across platforms while exploring vast underground environments. Along the way, players battle enemies, collect power-ups, and uncover hidden areas.

A key feature of the game is the ability to leave the tank at any time and continue on foot as Kane. Certain areas, viewed from a top-down perspective, can only be accessed without the vehicle. These maze-like chambers contain valuable upgrades, secrets, and powerful bosses. However, Kane is far more vulnerable outside the tank, with limited firepower and reduced durability, making careful timing essential when exploring these sections.

Defeating bosses rewards the player with new upgrades for the Metal Attacker, including enhanced weapons such as the Crusher Beam, which can destroy obstacles, and advanced mobility systems that allow the vehicle to hover and cross otherwise inaccessible areas.

The game features eight large interconnected stages. While the early levels are relatively straightforward, later areas encourage exploration and backtracking, requiring players to revisit previously explored locations with newly acquired abilities in order to progress and uncover hidden secrets.