Metal Slug Anthology (PSP)
- Publisher:
- Ignition Ent.
- Developer:
- SNK
- Release Date:
- Q1 2007
- Number of players:
- n/a
- Type:
- Arcade
- Reality Factor:
- Science Fiction
- Perspective:
- Third-Person
- Extra:
- Comic Style
- Age:
- Modern Times
We play Metal Slug Anthology...
Metal Slug first debuted in the arcades in 1996, since then is has inspired a cult following, being ported from console to console, still maintaining a large enthusiastic fan base. It appears that few series have managed to stick with 2D side scrolling graphics in modern times, but it is quite clear that if Metal Slug had not stuck to its guns (pun intentional), then it would not nearly be as great game as it is today. The Metal Slug anthology marks ten years of the metal slug series' first introduction. It contains a catalogue of all seven games available in the series, which includes Metal Slug 6, never before seen on a home console or handheld.
Gameplay has remained largely the same throughout the series. It is the pioneer and master at the same time of all side scrolling shooters, no other game quite compares to the fast paced frantic action contained within each game throughout the series. To newcomers, the concept of dying after one shot might be seen as completely bizarre, yet it serves to introduce a high level of skill in the game, unique in many first person shooters. It can be hard to keep alive during the relentless fury of a boss battle, or during a barrage of troops from as many directions as possible on a 2d game, but that is part of the fun of the series. Multiple continues have been introduced into the series to save gamers from having to start again once they have died, as well as health packs and other bonuses being introduced to help gamers along. However even with the aid the game provides, the series still packs enough challenge in it to make even the top gamers break into a sweat. It is also one of the main reasons it has managed to inspire such a cult following of gamers today. The games also allow two player co-op wireless to allow a friend to help out, unfortunately though both players require a copy of the game for it to work, but it is worth it as metal slug really shines in multi-player action. In terms of gameplay, Metal Slug 6 introduces a number of new characters into the game with different skills, apart from that the gameplay still remain as classic as it did on the original.
Disappointingly the game suffers, like many psp games, from long load times. Especially in-between battles and between the menus. The pauses in-between parts of the missions are small but can hinder the gameplay slightly. Overall though it does not seem to hinder the game as a whole very much, but can seem disappointing considering the game plays like an arcade game, but takes far too long to get into the action. The regular on foot gameplay is interspersed with a number of vehicles and other power-ups, which bring the large arcade theme into the game and provide some interesting and exciting variety to the gameplay, although you might find yourself questioning how it is possible for a tank to jump or duck. Boss battles also help to add variety to the gameplay, these usually involve an exceptionally large mecha-boss bombarding you, some of these especially later in the game can be incredibly difficult, considering you are still restricted by the one hit K.O. The game also features a number of unlockables, such as game music and wallpapers to save to your memory card; these add extra re-play value, to a collection which already has a lot of re-play value in itself. The controls of course are simple and easy to pick up, which means the game does not have a particularly steep learning curve.
It always shocks me how stunning the graphics still look today. It seems that using drawn graphics and animations was the best way to go, as they look stunning, all the way thought the first game in the series to the last, each game has a unique charm conjured up by the brilliantly colourful and unique graphics. Even with the graphics being so great in the last games, it is clear to see that Metal Slug 6 has still managed to make some overall graphic improvements, the whole game, while done i in the same style, manages to look more crisp and vibrant than the previous games. There is also far more detail in the characters and other animations in Metal Slug 6. Gamers have the options to leave the game at the original aspect ratio, or to make them stretch to fit the PSP screen. This is where it becomes quite blazingly apparent that the game is a port, it is disappointing playing the game with black bars at the side, but it is even more so when the game has to be distorted to fit the screen. I eventually settled with having black bars at the side, for the sake of better visuals.
It is clear for anyone to see that Metal slug is great value for money. Providing newcomers to the series with the chance to play through all the games in turn, and veterans with the chance to for the first time on a console play Metal slug 6, as well as the chance to have all the games in the series on one handheld device. The PSP handles all the games gracefully, only hindered slightly by load times and screen ratios. The series is just as alive now as it was ten years ago.
Top Game Moment: Watching one of the large bosses explodes after seemingly endless pummelling with bullets.
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| Brings back fond memories | In 6 you get to choose from this charming bunch of people |
Gameplay has remained largely the same throughout the series. It is the pioneer and master at the same time of all side scrolling shooters, no other game quite compares to the fast paced frantic action contained within each game throughout the series. To newcomers, the concept of dying after one shot might be seen as completely bizarre, yet it serves to introduce a high level of skill in the game, unique in many first person shooters. It can be hard to keep alive during the relentless fury of a boss battle, or during a barrage of troops from as many directions as possible on a 2d game, but that is part of the fun of the series. Multiple continues have been introduced into the series to save gamers from having to start again once they have died, as well as health packs and other bonuses being introduced to help gamers along. However even with the aid the game provides, the series still packs enough challenge in it to make even the top gamers break into a sweat. It is also one of the main reasons it has managed to inspire such a cult following of gamers today. The games also allow two player co-op wireless to allow a friend to help out, unfortunately though both players require a copy of the game for it to work, but it is worth it as metal slug really shines in multi-player action. In terms of gameplay, Metal Slug 6 introduces a number of new characters into the game with different skills, apart from that the gameplay still remain as classic as it did on the original.
 |
 |
|
| Reminiscent of a 2d matrix | Rescue the Nordic guy from in front an Egyptian statue while on donkey back |
Disappointingly the game suffers, like many psp games, from long load times. Especially in-between battles and between the menus. The pauses in-between parts of the missions are small but can hinder the gameplay slightly. Overall though it does not seem to hinder the game as a whole very much, but can seem disappointing considering the game plays like an arcade game, but takes far too long to get into the action. The regular on foot gameplay is interspersed with a number of vehicles and other power-ups, which bring the large arcade theme into the game and provide some interesting and exciting variety to the gameplay, although you might find yourself questioning how it is possible for a tank to jump or duck. Boss battles also help to add variety to the gameplay, these usually involve an exceptionally large mecha-boss bombarding you, some of these especially later in the game can be incredibly difficult, considering you are still restricted by the one hit K.O. The game also features a number of unlockables, such as game music and wallpapers to save to your memory card; these add extra re-play value, to a collection which already has a lot of re-play value in itself. The controls of course are simple and easy to pick up, which means the game does not have a particularly steep learning curve.
It always shocks me how stunning the graphics still look today. It seems that using drawn graphics and animations was the best way to go, as they look stunning, all the way thought the first game in the series to the last, each game has a unique charm conjured up by the brilliantly colourful and unique graphics. Even with the graphics being so great in the last games, it is clear to see that Metal Slug 6 has still managed to make some overall graphic improvements, the whole game, while done i in the same style, manages to look more crisp and vibrant than the previous games. There is also far more detail in the characters and other animations in Metal Slug 6. Gamers have the options to leave the game at the original aspect ratio, or to make them stretch to fit the PSP screen. This is where it becomes quite blazingly apparent that the game is a port, it is disappointing playing the game with black bars at the side, but it is even more so when the game has to be distorted to fit the screen. I eventually settled with having black bars at the side, for the sake of better visuals.
 |
 |
|
| Battle off large ships with your noble camel | It might have been a better idea to destroy it while not on it |
It is clear for anyone to see that Metal slug is great value for money. Providing newcomers to the series with the chance to play through all the games in turn, and veterans with the chance to for the first time on a console play Metal slug 6, as well as the chance to have all the games in the series on one handheld device. The PSP handles all the games gracefully, only hindered slightly by load times and screen ratios. The series is just as alive now as it was ten years ago.
Top Game Moment: Watching one of the large bosses explodes after seemingly endless pummelling with bullets.
