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{{For|1991 video game|Metal Max (video game)}}
{{Infobox video game series
| title              = Metal Max
| image              =
| caption            =
| platforms          = [[Nintendo Entertainment System]], [[Super Nintendo Entertainment System]], [[Game Boy Advance]], [[PlayStation 2]], [[Nintendo DS]], [[Mobile Phone]], [[Nintendo 3DS]], [[Android (operating system)|Android]], [[iOS]], [[PlayStation Vita]], [[PlayStation 4]]
| developer          = [[Crea-Tech]] <br /> [[Data East]] <br /> Kuusoukagaku <br /> [[Success (company)|Success]] <br /> [[Cattle Call (company)|Cattle Call]] <br /> 24Frame
| publisher          = [[Data East]] <br /> Success <br /> [[Enterbrain]] <br /> [[Kadokawa Games]] <br /> [[Cygames]]
| genre              = [[Role-playing game]]
| creator            = Hiroshi Miyaoka
| artist             = [[Atsuji Yamamoto]]
| composer           = [[Satoshi Kadokura]]
| first release version  = ''[[Metal Max (video game)|Metal Max]]''
| first release date     = May 24, 1991
| latest release version = ''Metal Dogs'' 
| latest release date    = April 8, 2022
}}

{{nihongo|'''''Metal Max'''''|メタルマックス|Metaru Makkusu}} is a [[role-playing video game]] series created by Hiroshi Miyaoka and his studio [[Crea-Tech]]. The [[Metal Max (video game)|first title]] was developed by Crea-Tech in collaboration with [[Data East]], and was published by Data East in 1991. Due to the bankruptcy of Data East and trademark problems, some titles were released by [[Success (company)|Success co.]] under the title {{nihongo|'''''Metal Saga'''''|メタルサーガ|Metaru Sāga}}. Since the trademark issue was resolved by [[Enterbrain]], some games in the series have been released under the title ''Metal Max'' again.

Set in a [[Apocalyptic and post-apocalyptic fiction|post-apocalyptic]] [[open world]], the games in the ''Metal Max'' series are [[turn-based]], [[nonlinear gameplay|nonlinear]], [[Vehicular combat game|vehicle combat]], [[role-playing video game]]s. There have been six ''Metal Max'' games and five ''Metal Saga'' games, in addition to remakes of several ''Metal Max'' titles. Notable installments in the series released for [[Nintendo Entertainment System|NES]], [[Super Nintendo Entertainment System|Super NES]], [[PlayStation 2]], [[Nintendo DS]] and [[Nintendo 3DS]]; the series has had [[mobile game|mobile]] and [[browser game|browser]] releases as well. Most titles only saw release in Japan, the first ''[[Metal Saga]]'' being the only [[video game console|console]] title that was localized for English markets. Some related [[manga]] and [[soundtrack]]s were also released. The most recent mainline entry to the series is the 2018 [[PlayStation Vita]] and [[PlayStation 4]] game, ''[[Metal Max Xeno]]'', which received a remake in 2020 titled ''Metal Max Xeno: Reborn'' for [[Microsoft Windows]], [[Nintendo Switch]], and [[PlayStation 4]]. 

The plot of the series is based on multiple different apocalypse scenarios, the games occurring after the apocalypse has already begun. Most of the ''Metal Max'' titles feature [[open world]] gameplay, one of the key features of which being that players are given the ability to end the game at any time and complete quests in whatever order.

== Titles ==
=== Games ===
{{main|List of Metal Max video games}}
{{Video game timeline
| 1991 = ''[[Metal Max (video game)|Metal Max]]''
| 1993 = ''[[Metal Max 2]]''
| 1995 = ''[[Metal Max Returns]]''
| 2003 = ''Metal Max 2 Kai'' 
| 2005 = ''[[Metal Saga: Chain of Sandstorm]]''
| 2006 = ''[[Metal Saga: Season of Steel]]''
| 2007 = ''Metal Saga Mobile''
| 2010a = ''[[Metal Max 3]]''
| 2010b = ''Metal Saga: New Frontier'' 
| 2011 = ''Metal Max 2: Reloaded'' 
| 2013 = ''[[Metal Max 4: Gekkō no Diva]]''
| 2015a = ''[[Metal Max: Fireworks]]'' 
| 2015b = ''[[Metal Saga: The Ark of Wastes]]''
| 2018 = ''[[Metal Max Xeno]]''
| 2020 = ''Metal Max Xeno: Reborn''
|2022=''Metal Dogs''}}

The first ''[[Metal Max (video game)|Metal Max]]'' title was released in 1991 for the Japanese [[Famicom]], with a [[Super Famicom]] remake titled ''Metal Max Returns'' coming in 1995. The second title, ''[[Metal Max 2]]'', was released in 1993 for the Super Famicom. ''Metal Max 2'' and ''Metal Max Returns'' were planned to be ported to the [[Game Boy Advance]] and were scheduled to be released in 2003, under the titles ''Metal Max 2 Kai'' and ''Metal Max Returns Kai'', respectively, although ''Metal Max Returns Kai'' was later cancelled. ''Metal Max 2'' had an enhanced remake in 2011 for the [[Nintendo DS]] titled ''Metal Max 2: Reloaded'', using the engine from ''Metal Max 3''. All Famicom and Super Famicom titles were re-released for the Japanese [[Wii]] [[Virtual Console]], and the original Famicom ''Metal Max'' was released for [[Nintendo 3DS]] Virtual Console.

After ''Metal Max Returns'', there were several cancelled games. Rumours arose about a [[PlayStation]] game ''Metal Max 3: Heart of Gold''. In 1999, an official announcement was made for a [[Dreamcast]] entry titled ''[[Metal Max: Wild Eyes]]'', but was cancelled.

Due to the trademark trouble, four new games were released under the title ''Metal Saga''. The first title ''[[Metal Saga: Chain of Sandstorm]]'' was released for [[PlayStation 2]] in 2005 in Japan, and re-released in the next year with a cheaper price. The game was also released in North America in 2006 with a simple title ''Metal Saga''; this is the only entry released in English market. ''[[Metal Saga: Season of Steel]]'', a Nintendo DS title released in 2006 is a direct sequel of original ''Metal Max''. ''Metal Saga Mobile'', also known as ''Metal Saga: the Melody of Linkage'', was released in 2007. ''Metal Saga: New Frontier'' is a 2010 [[massively multiplayer online role-playing game|massively multiplayer online role-playing]] [[browser game]].

Since the trademark problem had been solved, the Nintendo DS title ''[[Metal Max 3]]'' was released in 2010, ''Metal Max 2 Reloaded'' in 2011, the [[Nintendo 3DS]] sequel ''[[Metal Max 4: Gekkō no Diva]]'' was released in 2013, and ''Metal Max Xeno'' in 2018.

=== Related media ===
Several titles had spin-off [[manga]]. ''Metal Max 2 Super Collection'' is a 1993 [[comics anthology]] based on ''Metal Max 2'' background; it collected Atsuji Yamamo and other three artists' comics.<ref>{{cite book|title=METAL MAX2 スーパーコレクション|year=1993|publisher=[[ASCII Corporation|ASCII Comix]]|author1=山本貴嗣|author2=こいでたく|author3=夏元雅人|author4=岡田敦志|isbn=4756106889|language=ja|trans-title=Metal Max 2 Super Collection}}</ref> ''Metal Saga: Chain of Sandstorm Comic Anthology'' is a funny comic anthology based on the first ''Metal Saga''.<ref>{{cite book|script-title=ja:メタルサーガ ～砂塵の鎖～ コミックアンソロジー|author1=秋月しょう|author2=黒瀬浩介|author3=ささき雅|author4=谷和也|author5=はかせ|author6=柊誠亜|author7=やまさきわたる|publisher=[[Ichijinsha|一讯社]]|date=2005-09-24|isbn=978-4758002769|language=ja|trans-title=Metal Saga: Chain of Sandstorm Comic Anthology}}</ref>{{nihongo|''Metal Max 3: Sōjūshin no Majo''|メタルマックス3 双銃身の魔女||lit. "Metal Max 3: Double-barrelled Witch"}}, storied by Hiroshi Miyaoka and comiced by Atsuji Yamamoto, shared the same background of ''Metal Max 3''. Manga was original serialized on ''Famitsu''{{'}}s website on the day after the game released.<ref>{{cite web|script-title=ja:シュタインズゲート！ メタルマックス3！ 夏の新連載のまとめ|url=http://www.famitsu.com/cominy/?m=pc&a=page_fh_diary&target_c_diary_id=40283|publisher=[[Famitsu]].com|access-date=29 November 2013|language=ja|date=2010-07-29|trans-title=Steins Gate! Metal Max 3! Summary of the summer new series!}}</ref> The series was released as a two-volume [[Tankōbon|standalone book]].<ref>{{cite web|script-title=ja:メタルマックス3 双銃身の魔女(1)|url=http://ebten.jp/p/9784047271517/|publisher=[[Enterbrain]]|access-date=29 November 2013|language=ja|trans-title=Metal Max 3: Double-barrelled Witch (1)}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|script-title=ja:メタルマックス3 双銃身の魔女（2）|url=http://ebten.jp/p/9784047275072/|publisher=[[Enterbrain]]|access-date=29 November 2013|language=ja|trans-title=Metal Max 3: Double-barrelled Witch (2)}}</ref> Packed with limited edition of ''Metal Max 3'', ''Metal Max 2: Reloaded'' and ''Metal Max 4: Moonlight Diva'', respective comics were tied up.<ref name="mm3limited" /><ref name="mm2rlimited" />
<ref name="mm4limited">{{cite web|script-title=ja:『メタルマックス4 月光のディーヴァ（エビテン限定特典付き）』が予約受付中|url=http://www.famitsu.com/news/201310/08041304.html|publisher=[[Famitsu]].com|access-date=29 November 2013|language=ja|date=2013-10-08|trans-title=Metal Max 4: Moonlight Diva (with Ebten limited benefits) now accepting}}</ref> Atsuji Yamamoto's comic anthology ''M4 Featuring Metal Max Momo'' was published in 2000. It collected an original story ''Metal Max Momo'' which based on the series, along with another three comics.<ref>{{cite book|author=山本貴嗣|title=M4 featuring metalmax Momo : 山本貴嗣自選作品集|date=2000-07-15|publisher=Bijutsu Shuppan-Sha|location=Tokyo|isbn=4568730155|language=ja|trans-title=M4 Featuring Metal Max Momo: Self-selection Anthology of Atsuji Yamamoto|id={{JPNO|20075570}}}}</ref>

The ''Metal Max'' soundtrack was composed by Satoshi Kadokura. It was collected in [[Tokuma Shoten]]'s ''Super Famicom New Game Sound Museum Vol.7'', and contains three soundtracks from ''Metal Max 2''.<ref>{{cite AV media notes |title= スーパーファミコンマガジン Vol.7 特別付録|year=1993 |publisher= [[Tokuma Shoten Publishing]] |id= TIM-SFC07 | location= Japan}}</ref> The first ''Metal Saga'' and later ''Metal Max'' titles' soundtracks were released independently or packed with the game.<ref name="mm4limited" /><ref>{{cite AV media notes | title= メタルサーガ~砂塵の鎖~オリジナルサウンドトラック | year=2005 | publisher= Ooparts for INH | id= INCD-E0101~3 | location= Japan | asin=B00785LZZ4 | asin-tld=co.jp}}</ref><ref>{{cite AV media notes | title= メタルマックス3 オリジナルサウンドトラック | year=2010 | publisher= [[Enterbrain]] | id= EBCD-0002 | location= Japan | asin=B005JVBAA4 | asin-tld=co.jp}}</ref><ref>{{cite AV media notes | title= メタルマックス2：リローデッド オリジナルサウンドトラック | year=2011 | publisher= [[Enterbrain]] | id= EBCD-0013~4 | location= Japan | asin=B007DBARZW | asin-tld=co.jp}}</ref> Packed with limited edition ''Metal Max 3'' and ''Metal Max 2: Reloaded'', the Famicom and Super Famicom titles' soundtracks were completed.<ref name="mm3limited">{{cite web|url=http://www.famitsu.com/sp/100625_metalmax3_dx/ |title=『メタルマックス3』 ファミ通DXパック｜ファミ通.com |publisher=Famitsu.com |access-date=2018-12-02}}</ref><ref name="mm2rlimited">{{cite web|url=http://www.famitsu.com/news/201110/13051794.html |title=『メタルマックス2：リローデッド』 数量限定購入特典の内容が明らかに！【動画有り】- ファミ通.com |date=13 October 2011 |publisher=Famitsu.com |access-date=2018-12-02}}</ref> In March 2011, a live concert of ''Metal Max 3'' with another game ''[[Dariusburst]]'' was held in [[Shibuya, Tokyo]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.famitsu.com/news/201102/05040093.html |title=『メタルマックス3』、『ダライアスバースト』ライブの開催が決定 - ファミ通.com |publisher=Famitsu.com |date=2011-02-05 |access-date=2018-12-02}}</ref> Some soundtracks were official remixed.

There are other print media released. {{Nihongo|''Metal Max: Bōsō Tank Bōken Senki''|メタルマックス 暴走タンク冒険戦記||lit. "Metal Max: Ballistic Tank Adventure Commentaries"}} is gamebook of original Metal Max, but did some changes like featured an original final boss. It was written by Shin Murakami, published in 1991 as a part of [[Mandarake]]'s adventure gamebook series.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.mandarake.co.jp/information/buy/book/ad_game_book.html |title=まんだらけ &#124; 双葉社「冒険ゲームブック」シリーズ買取強化表 |publisher=Mandarake.co.jp |access-date=2018-12-02}}</ref><ref>{{cite book|last=Shin|first=Murakami|title=Metaru makkusu|year=1991|isbn=4575761729|oclc=673787516}}</ref> {{Nihongo|''Metal Max: Kaen Suishō''|メタルマックス 火炎水晶||lit. "Metal Max: The Flame Crystal"}}, written by Aoi Kitazawa and published by [[Kadokawa Bunko]] in 1993, is a ''Metal Max'' based novel.<ref>{{cite book|script-title=ja:メタルマックス 火炎水晶|year=1993|isbn=4044149011|author=北沢蒼|language=ja}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.crea-tech.net/GAMES/games_MM_other.html#anchor01 |title=Loading |publisher=Crea-tech.net |access-date=2018-12-02 |archive-date=2013-10-31 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131031002930/http://www.crea-tech.net/GAMES/games_MM_other.html#anchor01 |url-status=dead}}</ref> With all [[video game console|console titles]], official guidebooks were released,<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.crea-tech.net/GAMES/games_MM_koryaku.html |title=Loading |publisher=Crea-tech.net |access-date=2018-12-02 |archive-date=2013-10-31 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131031001825/http://www.crea-tech.net/GAMES/games_MM_koryaku.html |url-status=dead}}</ref> while some of them contains staff interviews. Other related goods contains T-shirt, cup, themed poster and so on, usually packed with limited edition games.

== Common elements ==
=== Gameplay ===
The series is an early example of [[Open world|open-ended]], [[Nonlinear gameplay|non-linear]] gameplay. They lack a predetermined story path, but the player is instead given the choice of what [[Quest (gaming)|missions]] to follow in whichever order while being able to visit almost any place in the game world at any time from the beginning.<ref name="VC" /><ref name="Crea" /> The [[Multiple endings|ending]] can be determined by the player, who can alter the ending through their actions, can complete the game at almost any time, and continue playing the game even after the ending.<ref name="Crea">[http://www.crea-tech.net/GAMES/games_MM_gai01.html Metal Max] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190213012428/http://www.crea-tech.net/GAMES/games_MM_gai01.html |date=2019-02-13}} ([https://translate.google.com/translate?hl=en&sl=ja&tl=en&u=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.crea-tech.net%2FGAMES%2Fgames_MM_gai01.html Translation]), Crea-Tech</ref> Some of the games give the player the freedom to complete the game almost immediately after starting it, particularly ''[[Metal Saga]]'', which could be completed with a full ending scenario just minutes into the game, making it the shortest possible RPG.<ref>[http://www.rpgamer.com/games/metal/metalsaga/metalsagaimp.html Metal Saga - Impression] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110715205423/http://www.rpgamer.com/games/metal/metalsaga/metalsagaimp.html |date=2011-07-15}}, RPGamer, Spring 2006</ref>

The [[character class]]es, such as a mechanic or soldier, could be chosen for the [[player character]]s, who would fight in [[turn-based]] battles either on foot or using tanks and other vehicles such as motors. The player could create tanks, customize and make a variety of modifications to them, remodel and enhance each part, strengthen the defence, repair damaged parts, and give them more [[Shell (projectile)|shells]].<ref name="VC">[https://www.nintendo.co.jp/wii/vc/vc_mmx/index.html Metal Max] ([https://translate.google.com/translate?hl=en&sl=ja&tl=en&u=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.nintendo.co.jp%2Fwii%2Fvc%2Fvc_mmx%2Findex.html Translation]), [[Virtual Console]], [[Nintendo]]</ref><ref name="Crea" /><ref name="autogenerated1">[https://www.nintendo.co.jp/wii/vc/vc_mmx2/index.html Metal Max 2] ([https://translate.google.com/translate?hl=en&sl=ja&tl=en&u=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.nintendo.co.jp%2Fwii%2Fvc%2Fvc_mmx2%2Findex.html Translation]), [[Virtual Console]], [[Nintendo]]</ref>

=== Vehicle system ===
One feature of ''Metal Max'' series is vehicle system. In games, player can seek and collect various kinds of vehicles, then change their equips and transform them.

Each human characters can drive vehicles. In early games, each playable character only can use one tank; in recent games, one tanks can accommodate multiple characters.

Vehicles contain six kinds of assembly unit: three for maintain operation and three for attacking enemies. Chassis is the outer casing that holds everything together. Each vehicles have their own unique chassis and can't be changed. Engine determines the maximum loadout for the vehicle. C Unit enables vehicles to be handled by a single crew member; without it, the vehicle cannot function. Main gun has grand power, but limited by ammunition along with smaller attack range. Sub gun has large fire range without ammunition, but low attack. Special equipment comes with large and high fire power, but heavy and/or expensive is high.

Vehicles are protected by mass-possessed armors. When vehicle is attacked, armors will be lost until zero. Without armor, the vehicle parts can become broken, and vehicle stops functioning when damaged seriously. Damaged vehicles can be repaired in towns or by mechanics.

=== Characters ===
The ''Metal Max'' series features several recurring characters, like Dr. Minchi, and several wanted like Kamikaze King. These characters were designed by Atsuji Yamamoto.

Dr. Minchi is an electric shock expert, who is into resurrection. When the player dies in a battle, the corpse(s) will be sent to － usually by his cyborg assistant Igor － him in every game. Dr. Minchi appears with a cheerful theme "Let's meet Dr. Minchi" ({{lang|ja|Dr.ミンチに会いましょう}}).

Since ''Metal Max 2'', dogs can take part in player's team; dogs can join the battle, but have self-determined actions. Dogs can equip certain weapons and armours, use special items, but cannot drive vehicles. Dogs are usually named Pochi.

Some enemies also appear in multiple games. [[Kamikaze]] King is a bomb-like enemy with a single eye who has high defense, and very likely to escape. It attacks the player by self-destruction. It also appear in other forms, like Kamikaze Queen in ''Metal Max 3''.

== Development and release ==
All ''Metal Max'' games and some ''Metal Saga'' titles were created by Hiroshi Miyaoka. Miyaoka is a friend of [[Yuji Horii]] － who created the ''[[Dragon Quest]]'' series － and joined the first three ''Dragon Quest'' games' development as a scenario assister and dungeon designer.<ref>{{cite book|last=Yūji|first=Horii|title=Nijiiro dippu suitchi|year=1990|isbn=9784893660718|page=28|author-link=Yuji Horii|language=ja}}</ref> He launched company [[Crea-Tech]] in 1988.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.crea-tech.net/company.html |title=有限会社クレアテック｜会社案内 |publisher=Crea-tech.net |access-date=2018-12-02 |archive-date=2011-07-23 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110723064302/http://www.crea-tech.net/company.html |url-status=dead}}</ref> Atsuji Yamamoto, Hiroshi Miyaoka's secondary schoolmate,<ref name="mm34gamer" /> designed for characters; and Satoshi Kadokura contributed musics. Tomoki Tauchi, known as "key man" of the series,<ref name="fami201009" /> directed several ''Metal Max'' games, also as a programmer of original ''Metal Max''.

=== Data East era ===
The first two games with a remake of the original game were released by video game company [[Data East]].

The first ''Metal Max'' was originally planned to be released before next-generation console [[Super Famicom]]'s arrival, but it was prolonged.<ref name="mm34gamer">{{cite web|author=投稿数：9 |url=http://www.4gamer.net/games/106/G010672/20101006028/ |title=総勢100名以上の"ハンター"たちが阿佐ヶ谷地下に集結！ 苦節17年の苦労話を開発陣が語る「メタルマックス・トークライブ 〜メタルマックスを創った男たち〜」レポート |publisher=4Gamer.net |date=2010-07-29 |access-date=2018-12-02}}</ref> It was released in end of Famicom era,<ref name="mm2wiivc">{{cite web|url=http://www.g-renda.com/news_wsvr1bnNl.html |title=戦車と人間のRPG「メタルマックス2」がバーチャルコンソールで配信！G-Renda |publisher=G-renda.com |access-date=2018-12-02}}</ref> 24 May 1991, while Super Famicom has been released in November 1990 yet. In television commercial message, the slogan "We've had enough of dragon-slaying" ({{lang|ja|竜退治はもう飽きた}}) was used.<ref>{{cite web|author=株式会社インプレス |url=http://game.watch.impress.co.jp/docs/review/20100824_388918.html |title=DSゲームレビュー「メタルマックス3」- GAME Watch |date=24 August 2010 |publisher=Game.watch.impress.co.jp |access-date=2018-12-02}}</ref> Compared with ''Dragon Quest'' and such games focused on story, ''Metal Max'' featured an open world similar as [[Square (video game company)|Square]]'s ''[[Romancing SaGa]]''.<ref name="mm2wiivc" />

The first sequel ''[[Metal Max 2]]'' was released in 1993 on [[Super Famicom]], which improved in accessible aspect.<ref name="mm2wiivc" />

''Metal Max'' was remade on Super Famicom by Kuusoukagaku under the title ''Metal Max Returns''.<ref>{{cite web|script-title=ja:開発実績|url=http://www.kuusou.co.jp/kuusoukagakuhp_corporate_rd.html|publisher=Kuusoukagaku Corp.|access-date=2 February 2012|language=ja}}</ref>

=== Long break ===
From 1996 to 2005, no new ''Metal Max'' games were added to the series. After ''Metal Max 2'' was released, Data East was asked about the third title but no answer was given by the company. Later the company went through troubles brought by management issues.<ref name="mm2wiivc" /> Some companies also provided offers for developing a [[Game Boy]] title.<ref name="fami201009">{{cite web|url=http://www.famitsu.com/news/201009/02032849.html |title=『メタルマックス3』の開発者、宮岡寛氏と田内智樹氏のインタビュー完全版を公開！ - ファミ通.com |publisher=Famitsu.com |date=2010-09-02 |access-date=2018-12-02}}</ref> During this period, the Japanese magazine ''Super Logo Design'' rumoured that Crea-Tech would publish ''Metal Max 3: Heart of Gold'' for the [[PlayStation]].<ref>{{cite book|last=hen|first=Taki Ono|title=Supa rogo dezain|year=2000|publisher=Gurafikkusha|location=Tokyo|isbn=4-7661-1135-4|page=105}}</ref> In a 2010 developer meeting, it was said that a PlayStation ''Metal Max 3'' was conceived, but was given up due to development budget shortage.<ref name="mm34gamer" />

In 1999, Care-Tech announced that the sequel would be published for the [[Dreamcast]], and tentatively named it ''Metal Max Overdrive'', and planned to be published by [[ASCII Entertainment]],<ref>{{cite web|title=Metal Max Comes to the Dreamcast|date=30 September 1999 |url=http://dreamcast.ign.com/articles/070/070843p1.html|publisher=IGN|access-date=2 February 2012}}</ref> then later renamed it ''[[Metal Max: Wild Eyes]]'' and announced to be released in winter 2000.<ref>{{cite web|title=METAL MAX WILD EYES &#91;BETA SEGA Dreamcast&#93;|url=http://www.sega.private.pl/beta_metal_max_wild_eyes.html|publisher=Sega.prv.pl|access-date=23 February 2012|language=pl|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090216145521/http://sega.private.pl/beta_metal_max_wild_eyes.html|archive-date=16 February 2009}}</ref> ''Wild Eyes'' was significantly influenced by [[MMORPG]] ''[[EverQuest]]'' in many aspects, which included a full 3D seamless map.<ref name="mm34gamer" /> This proposal was called as "the greatest love story in ''Metal Max'' history",<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.crea-tech.net/GAMES/games_MM_gai04.html |title=Loading |publisher=Crea-tech.net |access-date=2018-12-02 |archive-date=2013-06-23 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130623022544/http://www.crea-tech.net/GAMES/games_MM_gai04.html |url-status=dead}}</ref> but due to ASCII management goind badly and withdrawing from video game market,<ref name="mm34gamer" /><ref name="mm2wiivc" /> and other reasons, the game was cancelled.<ref>{{cite web|title=MetalMax概要４|url=http://www.crea-tech.net/GAMES/games_MM_gai04.html|publisher=Crea-Tech|access-date=2 February 2012|language=ja|archive-date=23 June 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130623022544/http://www.crea-tech.net/GAMES/games_MM_gai04.html|url-status=dead}}</ref>

In the late 1990s, Data East ran into financial trouble and sold the games' remake rights to help them survive. [[Now Production]] received the rights to remake SNES title ''[[Metal Max 2]]'' and ''[[Metal Max Returns]]'' for [[Game Boy Advance]].<ref>{{cite web|title=ナウプロダクション、タイトルと発売日を正式決定 GBA「メタルマックス R 改」、「メタルマックス 2 改」|url=http://game.watch.impress.co.jp/docs/20030319/mm.htm|publisher=GAME Watch|access-date=2 February 2012|language=ja}}</ref> ''Metal Max 2''<nowiki>'</nowiki>s remake version was published in June 20, 2003 and named ''Metal Max 2 Kai''; "Kai" is literally translated as "modified", referred to add some wanted and rent tanks.<ref>{{cite web|script-title=ja:メタルマックス２改|url=https://www.nintendo.co.jp/n08/software/a9tj/index.html|publisher=Nintendo|access-date=2 February 2012|language=ja|archive-date=9 November 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121109084913/http://www.nintendo.co.jp/n08/software/a9tj/index.html|url-status=dead}}</ref> Due to bugs in the game ''2 Kai'',<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.nowpro.co.jp/product/new/mm2/info1.html |title=Archived copy |website=www.nowpro.co.jp |access-date=12 January 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20050306074940/http://www.nowpro.co.jp/product/new/mm2/info1.html |archive-date=6 March 2005 |url-status=dead}}</ref> Now Production recalled all of the cartridges, and the publishing of version 1.1. Just 5 days after ''2 Kai'' was released, Data East declared bankruptcy, then the trademark was registered by Shinjuku Express, and insolvency representative of Data East court failed.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.crea-tech.net/news01.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090828123319/http://www.crea-tech.net/news01.html |archive-date=2009-08-28 |title=メタルサガ商標権について |access-date=2018-12-02}}</ref> Shinjuku Express was terminated from Data East's bankruptcy trustee and ''Metal Max Returns Kai'' was cancelled.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.nowpro.co.jp/product/new/mm2/info2.html |title=Archived copy |website=www.nowpro.co.jp |access-date=12 January 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20050404122119/http://www.nowpro.co.jp/product/new/mm2/info2.html |archive-date=4 April 2005 |url-status=dead}}</ref><ref name="ms1impress">{{cite web|url=http://game.watch.impress.co.jp/docs/20050630/ms.htm |title=★PS2ゲームレビュー★「メタルサーガ ～砂塵の鎖～」 |publisher=Game.watch.impress.co.jp |access-date=2018-12-02}}</ref>

=== Success company era ===
In 2005, ''[[Metal Saga]]'' was developed and published by Success for the [[PlayStation 2]]. The development team is a new team, while some staffs are fan of ''Metal Max''. Hiroshi Miyaoka didn't join the project at the beginning,<ref name="mm34gamer" /> and new character designer instead of Atsuji Yamamoto. The game producer originally planned to port predecessors, but was declined because Success didn't hold licenses about old titles. Due to underestimation, the development period extended to two years and a half. The game was originally planned to feature 3D background with 2D characters, but for plenty of characters and overseas market release, the 3D effect was determined;<ref>{{cite book|title=Metaru sāga bijuaru fan bukku.|year=2005|publisher=Ichijinsha|location=Tōkyō|isbn=4758010455|chapter=スタッフ座談会}}</ref> this is the first 3D title of the series. A cheaper edition of ''Metal Saga'' was released in March 2006 in Japan with minor changes.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.itmedia.co.jp/games/articles/0602/01/news058.html |title=ITmedia +D Games：PS2とPSPのベスト版3月発売予定タイトルが決定 |publisher=Itmedia.co.jp |access-date=2018-12-02}}</ref> The game was released for North America in 2006 by [[Atlus]], being the first time series released in English market.

Also in 2006, a sequel titled ''[[Metal Saga: Season of Steel]]'' was released in Japan for the [[Nintendo DS]], which followed the story of ''Metal Max'' protagonist's son. Hiroshi Miyaoka designed the game again. The game featured 2D screen, and control with touch screen as a new attempt.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.famitsu.com/game/coming/2006/03/08/104,1141796421,49676,0,0.html |title=ミヤ王こと、宮岡寛氏がゲームデザインを担当！ 伝説的RPG復活！『メタルサーガ 鋼の季節』 - ファミ通.com |publisher=Famitsu.com |access-date=2018-12-02}}</ref> ''Metal Saga Mobile'', aka ''Metal Saga: the Melody of Linkage'', was released for Japanese cellphone with 2 MB capacity in July 2007<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.itmedia.co.jp/mobile/articles/0707/03/news087.html |title=戦車で戦え――シリーズ完全新作「METAL SAGA 〜旋律の連鎖〜」がiモード向けに登場 - ITmedia Mobile |publisher=Itmedia.co.jp |date=2018-01-01 |access-date=2018-12-02}}</ref> and then released for another cellphone brand.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.itmedia.co.jp/mobile/articles/0711/15/news130.html |title=戦車で戦うRPG「METAL SAGA 〜旋律の連鎖〜」、ソフトバンク携帯版も登場 - ITmedia Mobile |publisher=Itmedia.co.jp |date=2018-01-01 |access-date=2018-12-02}}</ref> The fourth ''Metal Saga'', ''Metal Saga: New Frontier'', is a [[web game|web]] [[MMORPG]]. The game is similar as online [[Construction and management simulation|management simulation game]]. In the game, players control a "hunter company", manage hunters and vehicles, defeat wanted, and ally with other companies.<ref>{{cite web|author=投稿数：4 |url=http://www.4gamer.net/games/102/G010237/20091210006/ |title=「メタルサーガ」シリーズ最新作，mixiアプリ「メタルサーガ・ニューフロンティア」12月17日CBT開始。テスター募集は本日より |publisher=4Gamer.net |date=2010-03-18 |access-date=2018-12-02}}</ref> The game was officially serviced in 2010 in Japan,<ref>{{cite web|author=投稿数：4 |url=http://www.4gamer.net/games/102/G010237/20100317056/ |title="バールのような物"明日ついに販売か？「メタルサーガ・ニューフロンティア」3月18日正式サービス開始 |publisher=4Gamer.net |date=2010-03-18 |access-date=2018-12-02}}</ref> and is operated in some other East Asia countries.<ref>{{cite web|script-title=zh:重装机兵之新战线|url=http://www.metalsaga.cn/yxjs/yxbg/|publisher=泰圣思|access-date=2 February 2012|language=zh|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://archive.today/20120805011737/http://www.metalsaga.cn/yxjs/yxbg/|archive-date=5 August 2012}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|author=投稿数：4 |url=http://www.4gamer.net/games/102/G010237/20120509080/ |title=「メタルサーガ・ニューフロンティア」，韓国でのサービスがスタート |publisher=4Gamer.net |date=2010-03-18 |access-date=2018-12-02}}</ref>

=== Kadokawa era ===
In 2008, [[Enterbrain]] approached producer with a new title, but trademark problem was found after six months.<ref name="fami201009" /> In April 2009, [[Enterbrain]] registered the trademark "Metal Max",<ref>{{cite web|script-title=ja:正当なる「メタルマックス２改」「メタルマックスＲ改」（第４５発案）|url=http://www.tanomi.com/metoo/r/?kid=65219|publisher=Tanomi|access-date=2 February 2012|language=ja|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110701134209/http://www.tanomi.com/metoo/r/?kid=65219|archive-date=1 July 2011}}</ref> and ''[[Metal Max 3]]'' was released in July 2010 by [[Kadokawa Shoten|Kadokawa Games]] for the Nintendo DS,<ref>{{cite web|script-title=ja:メタルマックス3- 【製品情報】|url=http://metalmax.info/mm3/pinfo.html|access-date=2 February 2012|language=ja|archive-date=6 August 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200806215344/http://metalmax.info/mm3/pinfo.html|url-status=dead}}</ref> 17 years since predecessor numbered title ''Metal Max 2'' was released.<ref name="4gamerreader">{{cite web|author=投稿数：9 |url=http://www.4gamer.net/games/106/G010672/20101115006/ |title=17年ぶりのシリーズ最新作「メタルマックス3」と，「ストーカー 〜コール オブ プリピャチ〜」を取り上げる今週の「読者レビューPickUp！！」 |publisher=4Gamer.net |date=2010-07-29 |access-date=2018-12-02}}</ref> Considered that there were many light new users, and grinding might be boring, the protagonist has a high statistics with game starting.<ref name="fami201009" /> Based on ''Metal Max 3'' engine, Nintendo DS remake of ''Metal Max 2'' was released in 2011 and named ''Metal Max 2: Reloaded''.<ref>{{cite web|last=Spencer|title=Ride A Buggy Or Leopard Tank In Metal Max 2 Reloaded|url=http://www.siliconera.com/2011/07/07/ride-a-buggy-or-leopard-tank-in-metal-max-2-reloaded/|publisher=siliconera.com|access-date=8 February 2012|date=July 7, 2011}}</ref>

''[[Metal Max 4: Gekkō no Diva]]'' was released in November 2013 for the [[Nintendo 3DS]]. Like ''Metal Max 3'', it is published by [[Kadokawa Shoten]].<ref>{{cite web|title=Get Ready For a Vehicle Combat RPG, Metal Max 4: Moonlight Diva is Coming |date=18 June 2013 |url=http://www.siliconera.com/2013/06/18/get-ready-for-a-vehicle-combat-rpg-metal-max-4-moonlight-diva-is-coming/|publisher=Siliconera|access-date=19 June 2013}}</ref>

''Metal Max'', ''Metal Max 2'' and ''Metal Max Returns'' were released for the Wii Virtual Console from 2010 to 2011.<ref>{{cite web|title=VC メタルマックス|url=https://www.nintendo.co.jp/wii/vc/vc_mmx/index.html|publisher=Nintendo|access-date=2 February 2012|language=ja}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=VC メタルマックス2|url=https://www.nintendo.co.jp/wii/vc/vc_mmx2/index.html|publisher=Nintendo|access-date=2 February 2012|language=ja}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=VC METAL MAX RETURNS|url=https://www.nintendo.co.jp/wii/vc/vc_mmr/index.html|publisher=Nintedso|access-date=2 February 2012|language=ja}}</ref>

=== Cygames era ===
In July 2022, [[Cygames]] acquired the rights to the ''Metal Max'' [[intellectual property]].<ref>{{Cite web |date=2022-07-29 |title=Cygames acquires Metal Max IP from Kadokawa Games |url=https://www.gematsu.com/2022/07/cygames-acquires-metal-max-ip-from-kadokawa-games |access-date=2022-08-19 |website=Gematsu |language=en-US}}</ref>

== Reception and sales ==
{| class="wikitable plainrowheaders" style="font-size: 90%; float: right; margin:0.5em 0 0.5em 1em;"
|+ ''Famitsu'' score and Japanese sales
!Title
!''[[Famitsu]]'' score
!Japanese sales
|-
! scope="row"| ''Metal Max''
| 29 out of 40<ref name="famirev" />
| style="text-align:right;"| 120,000<ref name="famirev" />－150,000<ref name="mm12sale" />
|-
! scope="row"| ''[[Metal Max 2]]''
| 30 out of 40<ref name="famirev" />
| style="text-align:right;"| 250,000<ref name="mm12sale" />－280,000<ref name="famirev" />
|-
! scope="row"| ''Metal Max Returns''
| 29 out of 40<ref name="famirev" />
| style="text-align:right;"|170,000<ref name="famirev" />
|-
! scope="row"| ''Metal Max 2 Kai''
| 27 out of 40
| style="text-align:right;"| 20,000<ref name=everyeye>[https://forum.everyeye.it/invision/index.php/topic/841735-archivio-vendite-software-jap-divisione-x-console/ Famitsu sales] (in Italian and English), accessed on October 22, 2019</ref>
|-
! scope="row"| ''[[Metal Saga]]''
| 30 out of 40
| style="text-align:right;"| 99,374<ref name=everyeye/>
|-
! scope="row"| ''[[Metal Saga: Season of Steel]]''
| 27 out of 40
| style="text-align:right;"| 21,090<ref name="ms2sales1">{{cite web|url=http://geimin.net/da/db/2006_ne_fa/index.php |title=GEIMIN.NET／2006年テレビゲームソフト売り上げTOP500（ファミ通版）|publisher=Geimin.net |access-date=2018-12-02}}</ref>－26,000<ref name="ms2sales2">{{cite web|url=http://geimin.net/da/06/rank_mc.php |title=GEIMIN.NET／2006年テレビゲームソフト売り上げTOP500（メディアクリエイト版）|publisher=Geimin.net |access-date=2018-12-02}}</ref>
|-
! scope="row"| ''[[Metal Max 3]]''
| 33 out of 40<ref name="mm3famiscore">{{cite web|title=The Magic Box: International Videogame News|url=http://www.the-magicbox.com/game20100720.shtml|publisher=the-magicbox.com|access-date=14 August 2012|archive-date=4 March 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304062840/http://www.the-magicbox.com/game20100720.shtml|url-status=dead}}</ref>
| style="text-align:right;"| 91,722<ref name=everyeye/>
|-
! scope="row"| ''Metal Max 2: ReLoaded''
| 33 out of 40
| style="text-align:right;"| 57,000<ref>{{cite web|url=http://geimin.net/da/db/2012_ne_mc/index.php |title=GEIMIN.NET／2012年テレビゲームソフト売り上げTOP1000（メディアクリエイト版） |publisher=Geimin.net |access-date=2018-12-02}}</ref>
|-
! scope="row"| ''[[Metal Max 4: Gekkō no Diva]]''
| 35 out of 40<ref name="mm4famiscore">{{cite web|title=Famitsu reviews: Rocksmith 2014 receives highest score this week|url=http://www.vg247.com/2013/10/29/famitsu-reviews-rocksmith-2014-receives-highest-score-this-week/|publisher=videogaming247 Ltd.|access-date=10 November 2013|date=October 29, 2013}}</ref>
| style="text-align:right;"| 39,982<ref name=everyeye/>
|-
! scope="row"| ''[[Metal Max Xeno]]''
| 31 out of 40<ref>[https://www.famitsu.com/cominy/?m=pc&a=page_h_title_review&title_id=35372 Famitsu - Metal Max Xeno score]</ref>
| style="text-align:right;"| 29,700<ref>[https://web.archive.org/web/20180506084848/https://www.famitsu.com/biz/ranking/ Famitsu - Metal Max Xeno sales]</ref>
|}

Japanese video game critics usually praised the series' high degree of freedom and vehicle system.

The first title received a 29 out of 40 from Japanese video game magazine ''[[Famitsu]]'', and has sold more than 120,000 copies in Japan.<ref name="famirev">{{cite web|author=zzpanke|title=MM系列FAMI通评论|url=http://metalmax.org/mm-famitsu-comments.html|publisher=Steel Rally|access-date=2011-05-23|author2=Anar-Isil|language=zh|date=2009-08-15}}</ref><ref name="mm12sale">{{cite web|title=角川ゲームス、DS「メタルマックス3」 名作RPGの最新作が当時のスタッフを再集結して17年ぶりに登場|url=http://game.watch.impress.co.jp/docs/news/20100308_352716.html|publisher=Impress Watch|access-date=15 October 2012|author=滝沢修|language=ja|date=8 March 2010}}</ref> The second title, ''[[Metal Max 2]]'' got a 31 out of 40 from ''Famitsu'', and with more than 250,000 copies, it is the best-seller of the series.<ref name="famirev" /><ref name="mm12sale" /> Super Famicom remake of original ''Metal Max'', ''Metal Max Returns'' received a 30 out of 40 from ''Famitsu'' and has sold 170,000 copies.<ref name="famirev" /> ''Metal Max 2''{{'}}s Game Boy Advance remake sold 9,500 copies,<ref name="mm2ksales">{{cite web|url=http://garaph.info/softwareindividual.php//gid/1156 |title=GID 1156 - Metal Max 2 break - GBA - Garaph |publisher=Garaph.info |access-date=2018-12-02}}</ref> and received negative reception due to its bug.<ref name="mm2wiivc" /><ref name="ms1impress" />

Japanese magazine ''Famitsu'' and ''[[Dengeki PlayStation]]'' gave ''[[Metal Saga]]'' a 30/40 and 330/400, respectively. The title sold 63,000 copies in its debut week, and became the top best-seller in Japan.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.gamedeveloper.com/game-platforms/japanese-sales-charts-week-ending-june-12th | title=Japanese Sales Charts, Week Ending June 12th | publisher=Gamasutra | date=17 June 2005 | access-date=26 November 2013 | author=David Jenkins | archive-date=26 June 2020 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200626003522/https://gamasutra.com/php-bin/news_index.php?story=5723 | url-status=live}}</ref> The second ''Metal Saga'' title ''[[Metal Saga: Season of Steel]]'' received a 27 out of 40 from ''Famitsu'', and sold more than twenty thousand copies.<ref name="ms2sales1" /><ref name="ms2sales2" />

''[[Metal Max 3]]'' received a 33 out of 40 from ''Famitsu''.<ref name="mm3famiscore" /> Japanese players enjoyed game's free adventure, character customization system similar as ''[[Wizardry (video game series)|Wizardry]]'' and ''[[Dragon Quest III]]'', and vehicle transformation, but complained about lot of goals and high encounter rate.<ref name="4gamerreader" /> ''Metal Max 2: Reloaded'' also received a 33 out of 40. ''[[Metal Max 4: Gekkō no Diva]]'' received a 35 out of 40 from ''Famitsu''.<ref name="mm4famiscore" />

Except the first ''Metal Saga'' and ''[[Metal Max Xeno]]'', none of the titles were released outside Japan. ''Metal Saga'' got a mixed reception in western media, which ranked 64% and 62% on the review score aggregator sites [[GameRankings]] and [[Metacritic]], respectively.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.gamerankings.com/ps2/926834-metal-saga/index.html |title=Metal Saga for PlayStation 2 |publisher=GameRankings |date=2006-04-25 |access-date=2018-12-02}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.metacritic.com/game/metal-saga/critic-reviews/?platform=playstation-2 |title=Metal Saga Critic Reviews for PlayStation 2 |publisher=Metacritic |access-date=2018-12-02}}</ref> While the game's sense of humour, music and solid hours of gameplay won it some positive marks, reviewers scoffed at the dated graphics, lack of plot, and missing feeling of progression. [[GameSpot]] noted that "''Metal Saga'' has the makings of a good role-playing game, but there's nothing to tie it all together".<ref>{{cite web|last=Mueller |first=Greg |url=http://www.gamespot.com/reviews/metal-saga-review/1900-6148659/ |title=Metal Saga Review |publisher=GameSpot |date=2006-05-17 |access-date=2018-12-02}}</ref>

== References ==
{{reflist|30em}}

== External links ==
* {{Official website|http://metalmax.info/|Official website of ''Metal Max'' series}} {{in lang|ja}}
* {{Official website|http://www.success-corp.co.jp/software/ps2/metalsaga/index.html|Official website of ''Metal Saga'' series}} {{in lang|ja}}
* {{Official website|http://www.success-corp.co.jp/software/mixiapp/metalsaga/|Official website of ''Metal Saga New Frontier''}} {{in lang|ja}}
* [https://web.archive.org/web/20120215093124/http://www.crea-tech.net/ Producer company's website] {{in lang|ja}}

{{Metal Max series}}
{{Data East}}

[[Category:Metal Max| ]]
[[Category:Video game franchises]]
[[Category:Cygames franchises]]
[[Category:Kadokawa Corporation franchises]]
[[Category:Video game franchises introduced in 1991]]
[[Category:Video games developed in Japan]]