Metal Wolf Chaos XD is a modernized re-release of FromSoftware's 2004 mech shooter with upgraded visual fidelity, refined controls and gameplay, a new save system, and 4K + 16:9 support for modern displays.
The player controls a highly advanced presidential mech suit, able to freely move, dash, jump, and fly around the environment. The controls take inspiration from FromSoftware's Armored Core series, with the left and right triggers firing the mech's left and right weapon systems. Players cycle through a wide variety of weapons and equipment using the shoulder buttons, allowing for customization and loadout optimization. The mech handles with a sense of weight and momentum, with the boost and dash abilities enabling quick repositioning and evasion. Mastering the mech's movement and weapon management is crucial, as the player often faces swarms of enemies.
The game features over 100 different weapons across 11 categories, ranging from high-powered machine guns and grenade launchers to sniper rifles and giant rocket launchers. Each weapon type has unique properties and strengths, allowing players to tailor their loadout to specific mission requirements or enemy threats. Swapping between weapon sets on-the-fly is a core part of the gameplay loop, as the player must adapt their arsenal to evolving battlefield conditions.
Completing missions earns the player money and rare metals, which can then purchase new weapons, upgrade existing ones, and unlock additional mech customization options. This sense of progression as the player's arsenal grows more powerful provides ongoing motivation. The game also features optional objectives and collectibles hidden throughout the levels, giving players incentive to replay missions. Speedrunning and optimizing mission completion times adds further depth to the gameplay loop. While the core mission structure is relatively straightforward ("destroy all the enemy targets"), the over-the-top tone, ridiculous dialogue, and destructive spectacle help to keep the gameplay feeling fresh and engaging.