8Bit/Digi

Hack’N Slash Your Way to the Top

I’m a simple man; if a hack ’n’ slash is titled Full Metal Schoolgirl, it will get my attention and I’ll be playing it for hours. It’s no secret that I’m a huge fan of games that are ridiculous, over the top, or feel straight out of a cheesy B-movie. I play a wide variety of games, and many of them lean toward serious tones or explore darker themes. But sometimes, I just want something silly and a game like Full Metal Schoolgirl perfectly scratches that itch.

Full Metal Schoolgirl is what I like to call a “game for gamers.” It’s packed not only with over-the-top cheese but also with plenty of fan service, anime and video game tropes, and gameplay that’s mindlessly fun. At the same time, it’ll give you a good chuckle with its wicked sense of humor, showcased through its wild scenarios and the silly banter of its NPCs.

Jobs of the Future

In a dystopian future, Japan has become an industrial powerhouse, leading the world in technology and development, but at a steep cost. Both people and machines are overworked, fueling an economy where employees toil 24 hours a day for massive megacorporations. At the top of this brutal hierarchy stands Meternal Jobz, the world’s largest company, powered by an army of cyborg laborers known as the “Working Dead.” To end this reign of exploitation, players take on the roles of Akemi Minamiazabu and Ryoko Arahabaki as they fight their way through 100 floors to bring down Meternal Jobz. All, while livestreaming to a mass audience who will support you through cheers and financial aid.

Unless you’re familiar with labor issues—not just in Japan, but also in South Korea, China, and Silicon Valley—most of this will likely go over your head. At its core, the game is a power fantasy about taking down black companies, the 996 system, or work cultures that allow karoshi and gwarosa to happen. For those in Silicon Valley, it can feel like a revenge fantasy against relentless hustle and crunch culture. Unfortunately, that’s all it really is: a power fantasy, with the narrative and other story elements largely taking a back seat. There is a story, but you’ll be too busy cutting through the Working Dead and their superiors to notice, and you’ll be perfectly fine with that.

I’ll Take on The Entire Company

The game begins with the choice of playing as either Akemi Minamiazabu or Ryoko Arahabaki. Akemi wields a blade and a high-powered rifle, while Ryoko carries a chainsaw and a gatling gun. Each character represents a distinct fighting style based on their weapon of choice. Akemi’s combat focuses on speed and precision, while Ryoko’s build emphasizes brute force and raw strength.

One thing I’ve always enjoyed about the hack ’n’ slash genre is how easy it is to learn the mechanics, and Full Metal Schoolgirl is no exception. Players will quickly pick up the combat system and its light RPG elements. The gameplay is simple: cut down and blast through waves of the Working Dead. As you climb the corporate ladder, you’ll cut down anyone in your path and earn cash and resources. These can be used to upgrade your character’s health, energy efficiency, and other traits, making you an even more effective force of destruction.

The game is set within the Meternal Jobz corporate headquarters, a massive tower of 100 floors whose layout changes daily for security reasons. This ensures a fresh experience each time you return, making every ascent either easier or more challenging. After climbing several floors, you’ll face a section boss, and defeating them rewards you with valuable upgrades that enhance your character’s abilities.

All Prepped!

Full Metal Schoolgirl is what I like to call a “game for gamers.” You’re not going in expecting something groundbreaking or thought provoking. You are playing this game because of its cheesy premises and over-the-top action that is complemented with fan service. Even the gameplay is easy to pick up, as the developers want you to enjoy yourself from the very first moment. Games like this aren’t meant to be taken seriously; their primary goal is simply to provide fun and over-the-top entertainment.

The experience could best be described as what happens when you combine the gameplay of the Onechanbara series with the style and aesthetics of Mullet Mad Jack. It’s not a stretch to say so, as both the combat and parts of the story are reminiscent of Onee Chanbara Origin. Meanwhile, the cyberpunk setting, cyborg enemies, and livestreamed action echo Mullet Mad Jack, minus the PC-98 visuals (thankfully, it retains the anime inspired look). I mention these two games because they’re also fun to play and perfectly capture what Full Metal Schoolgirl delivers.

You Trying to Get Banned

During my playthrough, one recurring issue that annoyed me was how rarely I switched out my weapons after upgrading them. Early on, your starting weapons are decent, and better gear becomes available over time. However, once I upgraded my initial loadout, there was little incentive to replace it. Across several playthroughs, I only swapped weapons a few times. Even after enhancing the randomization system, the benefits were minimal, as sticking with my fully upgraded setup proved far more effective.

Gamers should not worry, as this minor shortcoming will not hamper the overall experience.

Elevator, Going Up!

Full Metal Schoolgirl is what happens if you combine the gameplay of the Onechanbara series with the cyberpunk style and setting of Mullet Mad Jack.

This is a hack ’n’ slash game titled Full Metal Schoolgirl, of course it’s going to be over-the-top and ridiculous in all the right ways. It’s a power fantasy that lets you take on the system and culture of labor exploitation in front of an audience of devoted fans. At the same time, it’s a cheesy experience that embodies everything that defines the hack ‘n’ slash genre.

Disclaimer: The publisher, through a PR representative, provided the game used for this review.

This review is the critique and thoughts of one writer. If you want to see how other critics felt, then check it out on OpenCritic.

8Bit/Digi is an independent media outlet that provides insight into the gamer community of the San Francisco Bay Area.

Full Metal School Girl (PC)

9

Excellent

9.0/10

Pros

• A power fantasy about fighting the system and culture of labor exploitation.
• Action and cheese are over-the-top in all the right ways.
• Gameplay is easy to learn and the fun starts right away.
• Rougelike level design and challenging bosses.

Cons

• Ineffective randomization of weapons once you upgrade your starter gear.