Metal Slug Anthology (Wii)

First introduced in 1996, METAL SLUG and its sequels have achieved massive popularity with arcade gamers due to the series` highly detailed animations, impressive backdrops, and consistent sense of humour. This will be a full arcade collection including many additional surprises.

• Seven incredible Metal Slug games: Metal Slug 1, Metal Slug 2, Metal Slug X, Metal Slug 3, Metal Slug
• 4, Metal Slug 5 and Metal Slug 6
• Arcade perfect port of each title
• Pick-up-and-play, non-stop action

Now that almost any old console or arcade machine can easily be emulated retro gaming has become bigger business than ever. Nowhere else is that more true than with Neo-Geo games, arcade and home console titles whose 2D graphical prowess were matched only by their price (which is why only the hardcore know about them). Now though everyone can experience the classic games of old, including the entire Metal Slug series – one of the finest side-scrolling shooters of all time. This compilation includes all seven of the core games, including the brand new Metal Slug 6 and Metal Slug X. If you’ve never played a Metal Slug game before it’s functionally similar to games like Contra/Gryzor as you trundle from left to right across the screen perforating with extreme prejudice anyone that comes your way (usually Nazi stand-ins or aliens).

Although Metal Slug's set-up is both simplistic and unoriginal it's the execution that makes it shine. Weapon upgrades include everything from a lighting bolt shooting cloud to a machine-gun equipped monkey helper, as well as the eponymous metal slugs: heavily armed vehicles ranging from tanks to helicopters, jet planes, submarines, ostriches and elephants. The attention to detail in the animation is incredible, helped by the game's wicked sense of black humour. However, although all the games are essentially arcade perfect not all of them are as well regarded as each other (particularly numbers 4 and 5) and the controls aren’t necessarily well suited to either the Wii or PSP – although the former includes a lot of bizarre alternative motion control options. In the end though the only real flaw is the extra loading pauses throughout the games, but if you can ignore that this is an excellent celebration of one of 2D gaming’s greatest bastions.
HARRISON DENT