Mysterious and mesmerizing Taito horizontal shmup. Unique atmosphere, energy collection system and satisfying giant beam. Memorable and strange ending. A game that leaves a lasting impression with its poetic and dark tone.
Your verdict
Category
Shooter1 player7+
Co-op
Description
Horizontal shoot-'em-up by Taito with a dark and nihilistic atmosphere, ported to Saturn. Published by Taito, released in Japan in 1997. Black Fly energy collection to power a variable-strength laser, epic battles against organic-form bosses, nine stages and an intense industrial soundtrack. Saturn port of the 1991 Taito arcade, rare and sought-after by shoot-'em-up enthusiasts.
Metal Black review
MAX
Art direction
★★★★★
"Iconic"
MAX
Music
★★★★★
"Legendary"
3/5
Story
★★★★★
"Solid"
A twilight shoot'em up of melancholy hues, organic settings and veiled light: Taito's game composes a science fiction of dark, poetic beauty. The oppressive atmosphere and the singular design overflow with originality. This visual direction, polished and spellbinding, stands as a cult gem of the genre.
Melancholy and inspired, Zuntata's music unfurls jazzy and orchestral themes of a depth rare for a shooter, from the poignant "Born to be Free" to the tensest passages. The music lends the action an almost tragic gravity. This singular sonic ambition makes it one of Taito's most striking shooters.
Complete: box, manual and disc/cart very clean. Lightly handled.
Q1 damagedQ6 completeQ10 new
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Collector interest
Original Japanese Saturn edition of Metal Black, distributed by Ving in September 1997 with the 1M tag, a conversion of the 1991 Taito shoot whose dystopian mood and Yasuhisa Watanabe soundtrack have gradually made it a cult object among obscure shmup enthusiasts. Ving Japan run was short, jewel case with intact obi, and the pivot position of the game in the late eighties Taito imaginary makes it for Zuntata enthusiasts a targeted archive piece. Complete with obi clearly sought after.
An underrated gem
A twilight atmosphere, a variable charge laser, and organic bosses: this Taito horizontal shooter stands apart with its nihilistic mood and melancholy staging. Ported late and stuck in Japan, it remains unknown outside circles of the initiated. For anyone after a shmup with a dark soul and a spellbinding soundtrack, it's a striking discovery.
Is Metal Black still worth playing in 2026?
A horizontal shoot by Taito, Metal Black offers a dark sci-fi adventure with an original charge based weapon system and mysterious post apocalyptic universe. The stylised dark art direction, atmospheric ZUNTATA soundtrack and tactical handling make it an absolutely overlooked gem of the Saturn catalogue. For anyone fond of atmospheric Taito horizontal shoots or seeking a cult shoot classic, a warm recommendation still valid today without any hesitation on the Sega machine for fans truly here indeed.
