Iron Meat

99%
Game Brain Score Based on 291 reviews
  • music
  • gameplay
  • graphics
Iron Meat Game Cover
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In Iron Meat, players must take down the all-consuming Meat biomass in a fast-paced, run-and-gun shooter spread across nine levels of intense action. Look forward to challenging multi-phase boss fights, with increased difficulty options for experienced players. Join forces with a friend in 2-player couch co-op mode for double the firepower and double the carnage.

  • Nintendo Switch
  • PC
  • Play​station 4
  • Play​station 5
  • Steam Deck
  • Windows
  • Xbox One
  • Xbox Series X|S
  • Epic Games
  • Play​Station
  • Xbox
Genres & TagsPlay Modes

Reviews

99%
Audience ScoreBased on 291 reviews
music94 positive mentions
grinding2 negative mentions
  • Iron Meat is a fantastic homage to classic run-and-gun games like Contra, featuring amazing graphics, a fantastic soundtrack, and tight controls that enhance the gameplay experience.
  • The game offers a variety of unlockable skins and character customization, adding replayability and a fun element for players to enjoy.
  • Boss fights are engaging and creative, with a good difficulty curve that keeps players on their toes, making it a thrilling experience overall.
  • The game is relatively short, with the main campaign taking around 1.5 to 2 hours to complete, which some players feel does not justify the price.
  • There are concerns about the weapon balance, as many weapons feel underpowered compared to the default options, leading to frustration during gameplay.
  • Some players have noted that the game lacks additional modes or post-campaign content, which could enhance replayability and provide more value.
  • music143 mentions

    The music in the game has received widespread acclaim, with many reviewers praising its energetic and adrenaline-pumping soundtrack that complements the gameplay perfectly. The soundtrack features both modern and retro versions, enhancing the overall experience with a nostalgic yet fresh feel. While some noted that the music occasionally doesn't match the action, the majority agree that it significantly elevates the game's atmosphere and enjoyment.

    • “The soundtrack, full of energetic synth-metal tracks, keeps the intensity high and complements the chaotic on-screen action.”
    • “This music gets you pumped for the levels and I really love the theme on the train level, effortlessly mixing synth and rock together to make an amazing theme that makes you feel like you're on a crazy moving train at night!”
    • “The game is great enough as is and the music is that one extra piece that makes the experience all the better.”
    • “But the music doesn't always seem to match the action.”
    • “The retro versions are the same as the original songs, but feel way out of place since they're 8-bit music on a game that looks 16-bit.”
    • “The only change I'd recommend for the music is to turn it down slightly.”
  • gameplay61 mentions

    The gameplay is widely praised for its smooth mechanics, engaging boss fights, and nostalgic retro feel reminiscent of classic titles like Contra. Players appreciate the weapon upgrades and fair difficulty, particularly enjoying the challenge presented in hard mode. While some note the game's brevity and lack of varied gameplay elements, the overall experience is described as fun, slick, and visually stunning, with a strong emphasis on arcade-style run-and-gun action.

    • “The gameplay is buttery smooth, and the level design is both cool and varied, keeping things fresh at every turn.”
    • “The gameplay is tight and responsive, offering challenging levels packed with relentless foes and epic boss battles.”
    • “Fantastic gameplay, hard mode is the best way to experience the game.”
    • “There's no moments where you do stuff like drive vehicles or have different gameplay.”
    • “But don't expect something as gameplay-deep or complex as the contras and contra-likes of old.”
    • “This game is 'heavily inspired' by Contra (gameplay is basically the same) and gets more 'heavy inspiration' from other games like Dead Space (enemies).”
  • graphics42 mentions

    The graphics of the game have received widespread acclaim for their vibrant and detailed pixel art style, effectively capturing a gritty, retro atmosphere reminiscent of classic contra-style shooters. Reviewers highlight the impressive art direction, diverse monster designs, and a distinct, gory aesthetic that enhances the overall experience. While some opinions on the art style vary, the consensus is that the graphics are top-notch and complement the engaging gameplay and fantastic soundtrack.

    • “The retro pixel art style is vibrant and full of detail, perfectly capturing the gritty atmosphere of a world overrun by grotesque, biomechanical enemies.”
    • “It goes so hard: the graphics, the art design, the sound, the music, the story and progression.. it's just so good!”
    • “Amazing presentation: visuals, sound, and art direction.”
    • “I hated the art style they went with.”
    • “Graphics are similar, but updated.”
    • “It offers intense action and a distinct, gory aesthetic where human and machine are fused with grotesque 'meat' creatures.”
  • replayability23 mentions

    The game offers significant replayability primarily through unlockable skins and varying difficulty levels, allowing players to customize their characters and enhance their experience. While the main campaign is relatively short, many players appreciate the depth of the cosmetic system and the challenge it presents, making it enjoyable to revisit. However, some reviewers note that the replay value may feel limited for those seeking more substantial content beyond skin grinding.

    • “I know at the time of this writing I only have about four hours into the game and while it doesn't take long to get through it (about an hour with my first playthrough), I feel like this game has a ton of replayability, especially with the amount of unlockable cosmetics this game has to offer.”
    • “A brilliant and lovingly made contra clone that has loads of challenge to it, and thanks to loads of unlockable skins, plenty of replay value.”
    • “Limited replayability (only skin unlocks).”
    • “You may not be as forgiving as I am, so you may find the price a bit too high for a single hour of entertainment with little replay value.”
    • “The main campaign can be completed in under 120 minutes, though replayability is extended through unlockable skins and harder difficulty levels.”
  • story16 mentions

    The game's story is engaging and complemented by a unique visual storytelling style infused with humor reminiscent of "Army of Darkness." While the narrative is not the primary focus and doesn't require extensive investment, it adds depth to the overall experience, which is enhanced by impressive graphics, art design, and a standout soundtrack. Players appreciate the interesting plot and multilayered bosses, expressing a desire for additional content to expand the story further.

    • “There are tons of visual storytelling scenes with an Army of Darkness style sense of humor.”
    • “It goes so hard: the graphics, the art design, the sound, the music, the story and progression... it's just so good!”
    • “Anyways, this game is awesome for a number of reasons: the plot is interesting, the bosses are very cool and multilayered, and the music is slamming!”
    • “You are not going to be buying a 50-hour story-driven game.”
    • “There is a story here, but it really is not necessary.”
    • “The only thing that I wish and hope for is that we get more content for the game, either in the form of 'another story' where something else happens with the meat or one of the bosses, or some kind of additional co-op mode or something.”
  • atmosphere6 mentions

    The atmosphere of the game is highly praised for its vibrant retro pixel art and immersive soundtracks, effectively capturing a gritty world filled with grotesque, biomechanical enemies. Reviewers highlight the fun, nostalgic feel reminiscent of classic run-and-gun shooters, enhanced by character customization and engaging boss battles. Overall, the combination of detailed graphics and a compelling audio experience contributes to a captivating retro atmosphere.

    • “The retro pixel art style is vibrant and full of detail, perfectly capturing the gritty atmosphere of a world overrun by grotesque, biomechanical enemies.”
    • “Great run n gun game; cool soundtrack, atmosphere, and boss battles.”
    • “Very fun contra style retro shooter with unlockables, character customization, great retro graphics, great retro music, & great retro atmosphere.”
  • humor4 mentions

    The humor in the game is characterized by a blend of visual storytelling reminiscent of "Army of Darkness," featuring a mix of funny character skins and nostalgic body-horror elements. Players appreciate the comedic tone alongside the challenging gameplay and decent replayability.

    • “There are tons of visual storytelling scenes with an Army of Darkness style sense of humor.”
    • “Basic Contra clone, but the challenge is good, there is decent replayability, the different skins are kind of funny, and the body horror is nostalgic.”
  • grinding2 mentions

    Players note that the primary form of replayability in the game comes from grinding for various character skins, allowing for customization and unique combinations, which adds an enjoyable element to the experience.

  • character development2 mentions

    The reviews highlight that while the game excels in tight controls, power-ups, and artistic direction, there is little mention of character development, suggesting it may not be a focal point of the experience.

Positive mentions (%)Positive
Neutral mentions (%)Neutral
Negative mentions (%)Negative

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