Representing a definitive compilation
of the classic side-scrolling series, SNK's Metal Slug Anthology has
arrived in fine form on both the PSP and PS2 systems after first appearing
on the Wii several months ago. Both versions include classic gameplay,
tight controls and near flawless animation along with extra features and
other items. The games have held up well, with finely tuned presentations,
addictive gameplay and have lost little of their appeal. While both
versions are excellent, they both suffer from load times, though this is
more pronounced on the PSP. Read on and find out why these collections are
both outstanding throwbacks to gaming's 2D heyday.
The hard-core Neo-Geo crowd has always
known SNK had some of the best games around and their legendary Metal Slug
series has finally arrived in style for the mass market with the release
of Metal Slug Anthology for both the PS2 and PSP. Containing all seven
arcade titles, (Metal Slug 1-6 plus Metal Slug X) this release includes
every single Metal Slug title reproduced perfectly thanks to the wonders
of arcade emulation. The gameplay doesn't need much explanation; you run
and shoot at enemies, collect power-ups, face off against massive bosses
and rescue any hostages you encounter along the way. In addition, each
game includes a number of Slugs, or vehicles which you can jump into to
increase your firepower. These Metal Slugs take different forms including
tanks, camels, jet packs, helicopters and other clever inventions. Each of
these has a different feel to it and gives you an additional set of
weapons to use. In addition to your standard shots, you have bombs or
grenades that you can fling at enemies and boss characters. These can also
be used to break through walls or massive objects, so you need to save
them for these points. You have a fairly standard arsenal of weapons, such
as machine guns but can add cool extras like flame-throwers as well.
Before you begin each game, you select which of the characters you want to
use, some of them run faster, while others seem to have more accurate aim.
The number of characters available varies from game to game, and range
from four in the first title to seven or eight in the latest release.
From
a gameplay standpoint, all the Metal Slug titles are quite enjoyable with
the earlier games offering simpler structures and more straightforward
layouts. The latter games offer more complicated level designs with
multiple paths and more power-ups. Some of these stages contain enemies
that will fire shots at you, causing your character to be transformed into
a usually slower and less powerful character. These are funny at first,
but can become frustrating later on as they can impede your progress.
Metal Slug seems to have developed a winning formula over the years, and
most of the games in the Anthology don't diverge too far from established
norms, mostly tweaking and refining the basic elements of previous games.
There are some surprises along the way, with off balance humor and
strangely perverse level designs, but the basic rhythm and flow
established in the first game remains intact. This remarkable level of
consistency between the games makes this an even more enjoyable package
for fans of the arcade titles. The intuitive controls and straightforward
interface of these classic games means players can spend hours between
each title, mastering the intricacies and nuances of the games without
having to commit to long play sessions.
Metal Slug Anthology's simple gameplay
and mechanics make it instantly accessible, and players should have no
trouble getting through the earlier stages. However, the level of
difficulty becomes more apparent as you delve deeper into the games and
their later levels. This is a classic approach to gaming that emphasizes
the player's skill rather than gimmicks or other items. From a visual
standpoint, the games look almost exactly the same as their arcade
counterparts, with all the smooth animation, brilliant sprite, sense of
humor and lush backgrounds that the series has become famous for. The boss
battles can become quite intense as well, which adds to the challenge.
Fortunately, both versions allow you to customize the games with unique
difficulty settings and number of continues which makes the play easier.
You will notice a few changes between
the titles such as semi-3D effects in Metal Gear 6, but the basics don't
change much. The games' sound is fairly consistent as well and players
looking for elaborate cut-scenes won't find them here. From a technical
standpoint, the games' emulation is nearly flawless with the biggest
difference loading screens that interrupt but don't change the feel of the
action substantially. While this isn't such a big deal on the PS2 version,
which mainly stops between levels and at bootup, the PSP seems a bit
slower and needs to pause more often which makes the game's flow not as
consistent as one would want.
Unlike
the gimmicky Wii version, Metal Slug Anthology on the PS2 plays things
fairly straightforward with a standard button configuration that doesn't
require you to shake the controller in order to throw grenades. Since you
can focus on the gameplay and not the controls, you'll definitely find
this version much more enjoyable. The PS2 version also works perfectly
with a number of arcade controllers, and this helps to make the experience
feel all the more authentic and enjoyable. While the load times on the PS2
are slightly annoying the convience and reduced cost versus Neo-Geo
cartridges makes for a somewhat acceptable tradeoff. One the PSP, the
controls are likewise fairly easy to understand, with movement and
shooting controlled in a fairly traditional fashion that makes playing
much simpler. The PSP's screen is well-suited for Metal Slug and the games
look sharp and crisp on the portable system. Both versions offer an almost
identical set of options and extras, which makes them feel almost
interchangeable, though this isn't necessarily a bad thing.
These releases should please fans with
the sheer number of titles available and the high quality presentation,
complete with extra artwork and music. While previous commercial Metal
Slug compilations have included only one or two games at a time, this one
goes all out. There are numerous little touches, such as the Neo Geo Bios
bootup screens that make this feel even more authentic. While both version
offer an identical set of games, the PS2 edition's support of standard
controls and arcade sticks makes it superior to the Wii edition for
die-hard gamers. As for the PSP edition, it offers a decent translation of
the games, but suffers in comparison due to its long load times which hurt
it over the long term, though its cool to play these on the go in
authentic form. Both versions of Metal Slug Anthology are fine
compliations that should please SNK's legions of arcade fans.
- Michael Palisano
Grade:
A
