BitBeamCannon — the studio behind the retro-inspired DaemonClaw — has kicked off a brand-new Kickstarter campaign for its next project, Metal Mack, a chaotic run ’n’ gun that is clearly inspired by a specific video game franchise…
The campaign didn’t just get funded — it hit its initial goal in 18 hours, and the team is already pushing toward stretch targets.
A parody hero with no blue suit whatsoever
Metal Mack stars a hero who is absolutely not based on any famous blue-suited robot boy you may know. Instead, he’s a tongue-in-cheek spoof of classic gaming mascots, dropped into a world full of levels that themselves parody iconic franchises from the late ’80s and early ’90s.
According to BitBeamCannon’s Corey, it all started with goofy animated skits poking fun at Mega Man and its many modern imitators. Fans loved the humour — enough that the team decided to turn the joke into a full game.
Classic run ’n’ gun action with twists
While Metal Mack clearly nods to Mega Man, BitBeamCannon is promising something far more varied than a straight clone:
- Branching gameplay mechanics, not just jump-and-shoot
- Upgradeable abilities purchased with in-game currency
- Unique special moves to suit different play styles
- Shmup-style segments, mini-games, and comedy cutscenes
- Proper old-school cheat codes for bonuses and surprises
It’s all being developed for Mega Drive / Genesis, Neo Geo, and Steam — an impressively ambitious trio of platforms.
Back the project
If run ’n’ gun nostalgia with a mischievous grin sounds like your thing, you can back Metal Mack on Kickstarter and visit the BitBeam Cannon website.
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Christian Cawley is the founder and editor of GamingRetro.co.uk, a website dedicated to classic and retro gaming. With over 20 years of experience writing for technology and gaming publications, he brings considerable expertise and a lifelong passion for interactive entertainment, particularly games from the 8-bit and 16-bit eras.
Christian has written for leading outlets including TechRadar, Computer Weekly, Linux Format, and MakeUseOf, where he also served as Deputy Editor.
When he’s not exploring vintage consoles or retro PCs, Christian enjoys building with LEGO, playing cigar box guitar, and experimenting in the kitchen.
