Metal Slug

Play through this classic arcade game revamped and re-released on the PC

If you've spent any time in the arcades of old, then there's chances you've at least seen Metal Slug. This 2D side scrolling shooter challenges players to navigate level after level filled with jumping enemies, crazy antics and tons of explosions. Originally designed by SNK in the 90's for stand up arcade machines, Metal Slug's claim to fame was its vivid art style and extravagant play style; not for a moment does the game take itself seriously. From wacky enemies to massive explosions, the game is pure fun and well worth the cost of admission. Now a revamped version is available for the PC.

Game Play

Game play can be summed up fairly simply: run as fast as you can, shoot as much as you can and try not to get hit. Its harder than it sounds as enemies return fire, bounce around and throw all kinds of explosions in the direction of your soldier character. To defend yourself the player picks up gun upgrades at fairly regular intervals: heavy machine guns, flame throwers and rocket launchers. In addition, there's the weapon system that the game is named after, the Metal Slugs. A Metal Slug is a tank that allows the player two guns, a machine gun that can be pointed anywhere and a main gun to deal bigger damage to enemies foolish enough to wander into the front arc. On foot the characters are killed by anything that hits them, but inside the tank they can sustain several hits before before dying. Metal slug can be played single player or as a co-op.

Presentation

The over the top, zany and cartoon-y graphics of Metal Slug are instantly recognizable to anyone who's played the game. The story is simple and speaks of the times; the rebels have stolen two prototype tanks, the Metal Slugs, from the Regular Army research base and its up to two marines to get the tanks back and to smash the rebel opposition. Enter Marco and Tarma who are tasked with recovering these tanks regardless of the wanton destruction that may follow.

Pros

• Fast and frantic run and gun game play
• Great graphics (for the time) and stylized presentation that makes metal slug a classic

Cons

• Anyone looking for more than a simple game won't get what they're looking for here. This is a simple, classic game, without the options of other side scrolling shooters