Metal Thunder puts you in a the gunner seat of an AC-130 with progression popularised by Vampire Survivors

This is quite a unique experience. Merging the progression system made popular by Vampire Survivors, with the aerial combat of Call of Duty’s AC-130 missions. Metal Thunder definitely has a fun idea to it. Note: the developer sent a key.

Currently in Early Access with it regular updates, I've been having a blast and I've ended up getting quite into it, as it's surprisingly challenging and engrossing trying to get through and survive all the missions as you defend various bases from enemy attacks. Building up an array of different weapons, some of which you can really overpower to rain down some pretty intense looking action.

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However, there is a stain against it in my book. One I didn't realise until after I had played it. The developer has used generative AI. The Steam store pages notes "We use AI to create store page and some in-game render assets". Speaking to the developer to clarify this, they told me "It's generally for promotional materials, as I don't currently have the budget to hire an artist part/full time yet. It will be phased out in due time".

That still makes me feel really uneasy. I really do hate generative AI being used in games, but I also can't ignore the fact that I've been really enjoying this, hence the uneasy feeling about it.

Highlights:

• AC-130 Gunship Combat - Command an AC-130, delivering powerful strikes to defend against relentless enemy waves.
• 20-Minute Survival Missions - Survive intense, escalating battles where every decision matters.
• Procedural Enemy Waves - Fresh challenges each time with random enemy formations.
• Upgrades and Abilities - Customize your gunship with powerful upgrades to fit your playstyle.
• Unique Operations - Battle across 4 distinct locations at launch with unique objectives in Survival.
• Endless Survival Mode - Test your endurance with waves that never stop.
• High Replayability - Randomized waves, upgrades, and missions keep the gameplay fresh.
• Immersive Visuals and Sound - Experience realistic effects, including a white-hot infrared view for night ops.

Tested on Desktop Linux with Valve's Proton it worked without an issue.