Real Mode[edit]
On the start screen, if you press 
the game will restart in "real mode" (you'll notice the red-tinted background on the start screen if it worked). With real mode enabled you'll be able to increase the game's difficulty (easy is what you normally play on).
Name Input[edit]
On the start screen, if you press the game will prompt for the player's name. In story mode, the player will be referred to by this name instead of "partner."
Weak Points/3 Bolt shots[edit]
When playing Metal Combat, one of the quickest, yet the most difficult ways to beat an opponent is via the super charged shot. By powering up your ST Falcon's cannon to 3, make sure it impacts with an un-armoured area of the ST (Usually the bolt will simply disperse without damage if heavily armoured.). Normally for a split second, you'll reveal the a single weak point, or even in some other cases (Groken for instance) multiple ones. To fully take advantage of these weak points, all it takes is a single charged bolt. You'll know it is a weak point because it will be flashing in blue/red/purple/etc. With a sharp aim and good timing, you can take out ST's with ease (Garam can be killed with one triple charged shot to reveal it's core, and then one charged bolt to it's weak point underneath the armour.).