Tracks from Megadeth, Iron Maiden, Mastodon, Avenged Sevenfold, and Pantera are featured in a new video game called “Space Metal Mania.” The Amazon Luna release also finds Megadeth’s Dave Mustaine voicing an in-game commander.
More details were shared in a press release:
“Get ready to shred! Space Metal Mania is bringing heavy metal music, arcade shoot-’em-up action, and couch co-op chaos together in one explosive (and exclusive) new game on Amazon Luna.
In Space Metal Mania, you’ll pilot your ship through hordes of aliens, dodge walls of bullets, take down massive bosses, and fight to reclaim occupied territories. All while legendary heavy metal tracks, and Megadeth’s Dave Mustaine, provide the soundtrack to the action.
Outfitted with your controller or phone and a TV, you can play solo or team up with friends for up to four-player co-op mayhem. How you and your friends choose to control your ship is up to you! Co-op play can use a mix of phone or game controllers for multiplayer in the same game session.
But be prepared, Space Metal Mania isn’t simply a space shooter with a great soundtrack. The music is woven directly into the gameplay, creating a rhythm-driven experience where enemy waves, attacks, and boss encounters are designed around the songs themselves.
A Heavy Metal Arcade
At its core, Space Metal Mania is a fast-paced, top-down space shoot-’em-up inspired by the classic arcade experience, with rogue-lite gameplay elements layered on top.
You’ll fly through increasingly challenging encounters, blasting swarms of enemies while collecting credits to improve your ship. Along the way, power-ups, weapons, and defensive devices each customize your approach to combat.
Players can also choose between three difficulty levels and various routes through the game, including Combat encounters, Elite fights, and Planet Liberation missions.
Bring the Whole Band
Space Metal Mania is built to be shared. You can play alone or bring up to 3 teammates along for the ride, turning the game’s massive enemy waves and screen-filling bosses into a cooperative battle for survival.
For the developers, that team experience was a fun multiplier for the game. “It’s pure couch co-op chaos with your friends, not to mention you can turn your ship into a powerhouse and crush massive bosses to a killer soundtrack.” said Jan Pytlik, Head of Production for THQ Nordic Mobile GmbH.
Music Drives the Action
One of the biggest challenges, and rewards, in developing the game was figuring out how to make the music an integral part of the gameplay rather than simply something playing in the background.
“We designed the enemy waves and boss patterns around the verses, breakdowns, and solos of the songs,” offered Pytlik. “The tracks basically dictate the pacing.”
Game combat feeds into the music, with attacks and encounters synced to the beat. Dodge a wall of lasers as a song kicks into high gear, or take down a boss during a guitar solo, and the result is feeling like you’re playing along with the music.
The soundtrack is of course no small part of the experience. Space Metal Mania features licensed tracks from legendary bands Iron Maiden, Megadeth, Mastodon, Avenged Sevenfold, and Pantera. The game’s soundtrack includes some of the most iconic bands and songs in the history of metal. Check out the full track list!
Megadeth – “Symphony of Destruction“
Megadeth – “Peace Sells“
Megadeth – “Holy Wars… The Punishment Due“
Megadeth – “Wake Up Dead“
Megadeth – “Hangar 18“
Avenged Sevenfold – Afterlife“
Avenged Sevenfold – “Bat Country“
Avenged Sevenfold – “Beast and the Harlot“
Avenged Sevenfold – “Hail to the King“
Avenged Sevenfold – “Nightmare“
Iron Maiden – “Aces High“
Iron Maiden – “Hallowed Be Thy Name“
Iron Maiden – “Run to the Hills“
Iron Maiden – “The Trooper“
Iron Maiden – “Wasted Years“
Mastodon – “Curl of the Burl“
Mastodon – “More Than I Could Chew“
Mastodon – “Show Yourself“
Mastodon – “Steam Breather“
Mastodon – “Teardrinker“
Pantera – “10’s“
Pantera – “Cemetery Gates“
Pantera – “Cowboys From Hell“
Pantera – “This Love“
Pantera – “Walk“
Straight Off the Album Cover
The game’s visual style is designed to complement its musical identity, drawing inspiration from classic 1980s sci-fi and metal album art.
“Neon, cosmic fire, burning planets and giant mega structures shape the whole game,” says Pytlik.
The result is a galaxy filled with larger-than-life environments, massive enemies, and plenty of metal-inspired visual flourishes.
Meet Your Commander: Dave Mustaine
Guiding players through the game is none other than Dave Mustaine, legendary front man of Megadeth. Mustaine provides the voice of Space Metal Mania’s Commander, delivering lots of dialogue and in-game callouts.
For the development team (metal heads themselves), Mustaine stepping into the recording booth was an experience they won’t soon forget. “Having a literal metal hero jump in the booth and bring that classic, gritty swagger to the character was surreal and insanely cool for our team,” says Pytlik.
Mustaine gives the game another authentic connection to the music at the heart of the Space Metal Mania experience and makes a mission to reclaim the galaxy feel just a little more metal.
Ready to Shred?
Whether you’re a lifelong metal fan, a retro arcade enthusiast, or simply looking for a new co-op game to play with friends and family, Space Metal Mania offers a decidedly loud way to take on the galaxy.
At no cost for Prime members, Space Metal Mania is available now, part of Amazon Luna. No special hardware, consoles, or gaming PCs required — all you need is your phone and a TV.
Grab your ship. Turn up the volume. Rally your crew. Get ready to shred.”
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