MetalStorm: Online is, for lack of a better explanation,
Top Gun: Online. You're dropped into the cockpit of a fighter jet and offered the opportunity to take to the skies in both single- and multiplayer modes. You begin with a simple plane, machine gun and missiles, but quickly gain access to newer, better planes and weapons. How fast you gain these upgrades, however, depends on how much you're willing to spend.
Another of the big knocks against MetalStorm: Online is its dependence on in-app purchases. Although you can earn tokens by playing through matches, tokens are dolled out in a slow trickle. If you want quick access to everything you need to purchase token packs, which range from $1 - $50 per pack. It's completely possible to purchase every plane and upgrade by playing, though it takes a lot of dedication and time.
Although I'm willing to accept that in-game purchases are slowly becoming the norm, I'm not sure if I like how MetalStorm: Online handles the idea. I can see offering access to select planes, but nearly everything is dependant on you either grinding away for months or dropping a few bucks. I'd prefer a balance of the two, or at least other ways to earn tokens. I really like how Mooniz, another game built around in-app purchases, offers free token packs every week. It's a nice gateway incentive that gives players a taste of the token system. At the very least, I'd like to see the missile limit disappear. I can handle buying missile upgrades, but once purchased, I should have them permanently.
Gameplay is spread across two modes. In Survival Mode, you take on successive waves of planes either solo or with a friend. It's the closest MetalStorm: Online gets to squad-based combat and is a blast. You can also join in on Versus matches, where you take on another player. Online integration is seamless. It's easy to find and jump into matches and, with the exception of a random disconnect, they usually go off without at hitch.
