METAL MAX Xeno is heading across the ocean for the first time in 25 years

NIS America has announced that METAL MAX Xeno, which is the first game in the METAL MAX series to be released on PS4, will be making its way from Japan to the west in 2018. Although this is the 6th game in the series, it is the first to receive an official English translation in the west since the first entry all the way back in 1991.

METAL MAX Xeno is an open world RPG featuring turn based vehicle combat via customisable tanks. Half a century ago a mother computer known as NOA became sentient and almost destroyed mankind. Explore the wasteland as Talis, a casualty of this conflict searching for allies and seeking vengeance in a war against machines.

The trailer has a very anime flavour to it featuring cell shaded graphics and mechs. The series has spun off into the realm of manga and standalone books in Japan. Famitsu has praised the series’ high degree of freedom and vehicle system with most of the titles receiving positive feedback critically.

Whether a JRPG crossed with mech battles will resonate with western audiences remains to be seen, because generally they do not. METAL MAX Xeno is notable as it will be seeing a PS Vita release in Japan also, seeing as the system is still alive and kicking over there.

There is no word as to whether METAL MAX Xeno will get a PS Vita release in the west. At the very least the game is something different to your standard RPG fare and could have the makings of a cult hit if it is any good. Stay tuned for an official release date.