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 Metal
Slug XX (PSP)
Metal Slug XX is essentially the
same game as last year's Metal Slug 7 on the DS, the PSP edition of the
game features some extra enhancements such as downloadable content, co-op
play on wifi mode and some slight visual upgrades. The gameplay in MSXX
unfolds exactly as you'd expect it to, with the intense, frenetic action
players have come to expect from the series. With six playable characters,
tons of weapons upgrades and ingenious level design, Metal Slug XX is
another solid installment in the series. One key twist this time around is
the new combat school mode, where you unlock extras by completing
mini-games. It adds tons of replay value and while the game largely treads
on familiar ground, Metal Slug XX remains an enjoyable diversion. |
Not much has changed in the Metal Slug
series since its inception back in the 90's on the legendary Neo Geo
arcade system. The latest installment brings a few minor tweaks, but the
basic formula and presentation have remained true to form for more than a
decade. SNK has apparently decided not to mess too much with a good thing,
and Slug now stands alone as the premiere 2D action title still in
production. Metal Slug XX is an excellent conversion of the DS title Metal
Slug 7, and features mostly the same levels, bosses and weapons. The basic
play mechanics that players have seen in previous titles remain unchanged
this time around. It's a traditional 2D scrolling action title in a
classic mode. Going from left to right, players maneuver one of six
different soldiers as they battle through waves of enemies until they
reach the boss character at the end of the stage. Each of the different
characters brings a different ability to the game, for example, they might
start off with the heavy machine gun, or have twice as much firepower in a
specific weapon. Which one you choose is going to depend in large part on
your playing style. In addition, SNK is promising to offer additional
players for download, which should make the game even better.
As they progress through the game's
stages, players will be able to take advantage of defeated foes since they
drop power-ups including heavy machine guns and grenades that give the
player added firepower. Collecting all of these plays a big role in how
deep you can get into the game. Along the way, in certain sections, there
are what are known as Slugs, which are the series' trademark devices.
These metallic weapons allow the player to jump in and reward them with
added firepower and extra armor that protects them from damage for a short
time. These are especially useful when you encounter multiple enemies at
the same time. There are several types of these in the game including the
famous ostrich slug that lets you jump over large gaps and even a cool
train slug that lets you chain multiple devices together for massive
firepower. These give you an advantage when you use them and create some
of the most enjoyable parts of the game. During each mission stage, there
are numerous hostages that can be rescued and saving them gives you a
bonus at the end of each stage. Rescuing multiple hostages can also build
up their strength and they'll come back and assist you when you have
enough saved. This gives another layer of strategy to the game and all of
these elements make Metal Slug XX another highly-playable game that stays
true to series conventions.
 Most
of the level designs are fairly straightforward, with a strictly linear
progression, but there are some sections where players have to hit a
switch to use elevators or move platforms around. This adds some puzzle
elements to the game, but these are minor diversions, since the primary
gameplay mechanic remains shooting at anything that moves while avoiding
their shots. Metal Slug XX's standard enemy soldiers are fairly easy to
kill, but there are harder foes waiting in the wings. Players will also
have to look out for various deadly obstacles such as fire pits and large
rolling bombs that will deplete their stock. Each level is bracketed by
intense boss battles to make this an occasionally difficult title where
skill is rewarded with consistent progress. Players have a large stack of
continues and the game's adjustable level of difficulty makes it possible
for new gamers to jump in for a quick round, or presents a solid challenge
that will tax even veteran players. This mix of accessibility and
challenge is what has kept the series so appealing for all these years,
and Metal Slug XX doesn't stray too far from this proven approach. Its
sort of like comfort food for gamers, and the straightforward,
action-packed approach remains quite appealing.
Metal Slug XX's single player game is
solid and rings very true to its arcade roots, but the PSP edition also
allows for co-op play with another player via its wi-fi mode, which makes
the game even more enjoyable. Another element that adds to the game's
depth and replay value is the Combat School mode. In this portion of the
game, players have to complete a series of mini-games with specific
objectives, such as getting through a section without losing a life or
collecting all the hostages. Doing so lets you move up in the ranks and
unlocks additional missions and unlockable items such as art galleries and
extra characters. Most of these are fairly quick and their short duration
makes them perfectly suited to portable play. This is definitely one of
the more interesting parts of the game and also quite fun. Since you can
choose which missions to perform and in what order, combat school brings a
non-linear mini-game style of play that's very much appreciated.
With all these extra modes and its solid
gameplay mechanics intact, Metal Slug XX is an excellent release for PSP
owners looking for traditional arcade-style gameplay. While the DS edition
was a decent attempt, there's no denying that it felt a little bit
constrained by the system's inherent limitations. Conversely, the PSP
edition benefits from its larger, single screen presentation and shines on
the handheld. The graphics no longer feel squished-down and the widescreen
view allows the game's excellent animation and vibrant design to shine.
This is especially true when you hook up the PSP to a monitor and see all
the details emerge. Its controls are fairly responsive as you'd expect
and, the game delivers the solid gameplay and addictive mechanics you've
come to expect from the series. Metal Slug XX delivers a solid single
player experience, and its extra wi-fi and combat schools only add to its
replay value. This makes the game an excellent value overall and solid
addition to any hardcore gamer's PSP collection.
- Michael Palisano
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