Metaltech: Earthsiege
| Industry | Video game development |
|---|---|
| Headquarters | United States |
Metaltech: Earthsiege is a mecha-themed simulation video game created by Dynamix and initially released in 1994.
Set in a futuristic era during the 25th or 26th century, players operate enormous bipedal war machines known as HERCs (Humaniform-Emulation Roboticized Combat Unit with Leg-Articulated Navigation), utilizing advanced weaponry and vehicles.
Earthsiege inaugurated the Metaltech franchise, which encompasses titles such as Earthsiege 2 (1996), Metaltech: Battledrome (1994), strategy games like MissionForce: CyberStorm (1996) and Cyberstorm 2: Corporate Wars (1998), the mecha simulation sequel Starsiege (1999), as well as first-person shooters including Starsiege: Tribes (1998) and its follow-ups. In 2015, Hi-Rez Studios made Earthsiege available as freeware.
Plot
On November 29, 2471, Sentinel Cybertronix initiated Project: Prometheus, resulting in the creation of the first cybernetic-hybrid entities called Cybrids. Designed for warfare—including nuclear engagements—these Cybrids decimated Earth's population before turning hostile towards humanity. After two decades of concealment, humans organized a resistance employing guerrilla warfare tactics and succeeded in capturing Cybrid technology.
Gameplay
Players control HERC units armed with various ranged weapons such as lasers, missiles, and autocannons. Defensive measures include rechargeable shields alongside armor plating; damage to armor impacts internal systems and limbs, where losing a leg disables the unit but increases salvage potential.
The interface supports keyboard, joystick, and mouse inputs for cockpit control. The game offers at least five campaigns with approximately seven missions each; mission results may unlock additional campaigns, culminating in a total of 45 missions spread across eight campaigns.
Beyond combat scenarios, players oversee squad HERCs and resources—customizing armaments, repairing damage, or constructing new units from scrap metal. Missions can include up to three squad members who are assigned HERCs and given tactical orders. Squadmates gain experience through missions, enhancing their skills and rank.
Expansion packs
A speech pack was released in 1994 for Earthsiege, adding digitized voice lines for certain characters; this feature was included in the CD-ROM edition. In 1995, an expansion pack introduced a full-motion video prologue along with new vehicles and weapons. This expansion continues the narrative as humanity confronts a renewed Cybrid offensive three months following the original game's storyline.
Reception
Computer Gaming World described Earthsiege as "the best attempt yet at creating a futuristic simulation of giant armored combat," commending its graphics and animation while noting drawbacks such as steep difficulty, lack of consequences for mission failure, and minor design issues.
The PC version received four out of five stars from Next Generation, which hailed it as "without a doubt, the finest mech simulator available."
External links
- Tribes Universe – Website providing a download link for the game