More than anything, the world Swingin' Ape created in Metal Arms deserves a sequel as great as the original game. If such a project were to come into existence, a control scheme using the Wii remote to aim would be a hell of a lot of fun. Similarly, a "director's cut" version of Glitch in the System would make a fantastic Wii port. Like Resident Evil 4: Wii Edition, it would likely become the perfect version of the game thanks to the precision of the Wii remote.As a cross-platform title, Metal Arms' controls varied across each system. On the GameCube controller, the joysticks are used to move and aim, while the L and R triggers fire the secondary and primary weapons. The X button is used to access the list of primary weapons and equip them, while the B button does the same for secondary weapons; a tap of either button instead of holding it down will reload the appropriate arm. The A button jumps, Y performs actions, and Z melees. Finally, the D-pad can be used to quickly switch between customized weapon combinations.
Obviously, for a game that takes advantage of every button on a normal control pad, Metal Arms will take some changing for a Wii release. The triggers on the nunchuk and shoulder button will each function as fire buttons, while Wii Remote itself will function as the C-Stick, taking over aiming duties. Because both the nunchuk and Wiimote support motion control, a specific left-right movement of either controller could reload either the left or right-hand weapon independently; instead of having two separate buttons to control their weapon menus, simply holding the minus button could call up a semi-transparent weapon selection menu that can then be quickly navigated with the Wii Remote. Holding the plus button while swinging the remote would similarly trigger a melee attack.
Since it saw a multiplatform release, it's easy to hope for Metal Arms receiving a quick and painless port to the Wii. A new control scheme would offer a fresh experience for the gamers who had already played the gmae, but leaving the GameCube controls as an optional choice would certainly be a good move. Classic controller support would ensure the game appeals to just about every gamer under the sun, no matter how particular.
Considering how much shovelware the Wii suffers through, Metal Arms would offer something rare: a gaming experience, likely offered at a budget price, that features incredibly solid gameplay and a rich, imaginative world. Few great games can appeal to all age groups, but Metal Arms mixes enough edgy humor in with its cartoony world and expressive characters to captivate kids or adults. I didn't even spend time discussing the multiplayer mode, which makes the game worth keeping around after its lengthy campaign comes to a close.
Because the original Metal Arms was published by Vivendi and Swingin' Ape is now a part of the goliath Activision-Blizzard, figuring out who owns the rights to what could be a bit sticky. Still, Metal Arms was released on Xbox Originals earlier this year. Perhaps one day it will be resurrected as it so rightly deserves to be.
