Metal Max Xeno Reborn is a unique, quirky, and oftentimes frustrating JRPG that doesn't always know what type of experience it wants to be. On one hand, this game is a fairly standard JRPG with a fantastical story and wacky characters. On the other hand, Metal Max Xeno Reborn is a survival game set in a sort of dystopian Tokyo desert wasteland with a heavy emphasis on monster hunting. This dichotomy tends to make this game feel confusing and convoluted, especially for players that are brand new to this game world.
For those that are new to this game and the series, Metal Max Xeno Reborn features many complex and layered mechanics to get to grips with. While the game does ease players into the experience, there are still some things that could have used with better explanations, not least in part due to the strange and confusing narrative beats. Be sure to check out the following tips when first starting Metal Max Xeno Reborn.
6 Yes, The Game Just Starts Without Any Setup
Now, for those who haven't ever experienced a Metal Max game then Reborn likely won't do players any favors seeing as the game just starts, without any exposition, fanfare, or lore and character details. It's a strange start to a game that is likely to last players dozens upon dozens of hours, as is often the case with expansive JRPGs.
While this isn't a gameplay tip, it's still incredibly important to know when first diving into this strange game. Many players might get confused why the game just starts out in an underground, derelict parking structure. Players are thrust into the shoes of a character that can take on any name players happen to choose. Don't worry if confusion sets it when starting Metal Max Xeno Reborn, it seems to be set up that way.
5 Battles Can Be Started Automatically Or Manually
Metal Max Xeno Reborn is a unique game in that it blends turn-based battles with an active movement and timing system. Instead of just throwing players into a battle screen, battles here take place in the exact same area where enemies were first encountered. However, the game doesn't make this system all that intuitive.
For starters, players are taught to just wait for an active timer to start the battle once an enemy has recognized a player's presence. Fortunately, for those who don't want to wait for this arbitrary meter to fill up, combat can manually be started by pressing the button for the command menu. From here, players can opt to initiate an attack or skill to kick the battle off.
4 Swapping Out Character Or Tank Equipment
Like many similar JRPGs, Metal Max Xeno Reborn features a boatload of items, equipment pieces, and weapons to equip, both as the player's character and for the game's main vehicle; tanks. Swapping out or equipping items isn't all that intuitive or user-friendly. Although players are taught to equip items during the game's opening in the parking structure, it's not quite clear how to do that exactly given the layered menus.
Hopping into the main menu gives players the option to select their character or tank vehicle. Doing so will open up a sub-menu that can be interacted with to equip weapons, ammo types, armor pieces, and the like. Most of these items are found in salvage crates or as rewards for defeating certain enemies. Keep in mind that certain smaller items such as healing items can more quickly be utilized from the command menu.
3 Utilizing The Skill Tree
Something that isn't explained early in Metal Max Xeno Reborn is the player's skill tree. This skill tree, much like many other gameplay systems in this game, is hidden behind layers of sub-menus. However, as players defeat enemies and level up, they gain experience. Experience points go towards the player's overall level with each level up offering new skill points.
Skill points can be used in a plethora of ways such as upgrading healing, damage output, defense, and even tech bonuses. Of course, these all have in-game names to help them fit into the game's Tokyo wasteland lore. Most skills require at least three or four points which means players will have to save up for the ones they want as they develop their character.
2 The Iron Base Is A Bastion And Safe Place
After the opening tutorial areas, players are thrust out into the open desert wasteland of Tokyo. This haunting and derelict dystopian location is littered with enemies, remnants of the city that once lay here, and, off in the distance, a giant, hulking metal tower. This tower is the Iron Base, a bastion for players during their exploration, at least in the early parts of this JRPG.
First and foremost, the Iron Base is a place to rest from the chaos of the wasteland. Players can learn about quests and monster hunts, purchase healing items, and most importantly, rest in their room for one to seven days. The Iron Base is really where the game truly kicks off as players are able to meet other NPC characters who help flesh out the game's world and lore.
1 Exploration Is Key
One of the best things to do in this game is to explore. While the gameplay areas in and around the Tokyo wasteland aren't all that massive, they do provide some nice little exploration moments. Apart from battling enemies with the player's customizable tank, there are plenty of nooks and crannies to seek out.
The things to look out for are the salvage crates, first and foremost. These salvage crates are denoted by their glowing visage. These crates typically have ammo and weapons for the tank and healing items or armor pieces for the main character.