Mad Stalker: Full Metal Forth

About

Mad Stalker: Full Metal Forth is a top-down beat-em-up from 1994 that pits you against hordes of mechanized enemies in a dystopian city. You play a SlaveGear unit fighting through six stages of collapsing infrastructure and rogue drones. The combat feels punchy with timed attacks and combo strings that let you chain grapples and melee strikes. Each level throws waves of foes at you while you manage limited health and ammo pickups. The setting, a futuristic metropolis seized by an AI called Omega, gives the neon-drenched visuals a gritty sci-fi edge. Gameplay leans into rapid movement and button-mashing intensity with occasional boss battles to break up the action. The game exists in multiple versions across platforms like the X68000, FM Towns, and PlayStation. Its Mega Drive port sat in limbo for decades before a 2020 release revived interest among retro fans. While the story is buried under over-the-top military jargon, the gameplay has developed a cult following on forums and arcade preservation sites. Some builds add co-op modes or weapon upgrades missing in others. With a 7.2/10 average on retro review aggregators, it’s a niche title that rewards players who enjoy aggressive brawling in a chaotic, glitchy package.

Storyline

2142 A.D. Artemis City. People were about to forget all those disasters. A war ship probably built during the late war time was discovered by the military. There were a few hundred SlaveGears aboard the war ship, and were to be put under the control. Under the intention of the ruling government in power. Two SlaveGears were put under the management of the police for the purpose of experimental use. These two models were named "Hound Dog" and "Rising Dog". The manned test of Hound Dog. The main computer "Omega" of the war ship stored within the premises of military facilities suddenly began operations. "Omega" conducted network access through military channels. Omega froze all functions of Artemis City, and gave a command to the SlaveGear to put the entire city under control. "Exterminate the enemy!" Rising Dog which had not yet been modified for manned use, also had started operations under the command of Omega. The research facilities were destroyed, and one SlaveGear disappeared into the city. The police had recognized the emergency of Artemis, and had begun operations for settlement. "Code name Hound Dog. Alert! Terminate all tests immediately, and join with the forces in the city. Repeating..."