Feb 27, 2009

Review: Metal Slug 7

As series go, Metal Slug has reached thirteen years of active service and in gaming years that would put it around middle age, which is not bad for a game that’s kept almost exclusively to 2D side scrolling. Originally released on the NEO GEO a system recognised for both it’s pre-hardcore hardcore gamers platform reputation and it’s price tag which put it out of the reach of most gamers. That being said it was still an incredibly popular game, due in part to it’s legendary hardness, colourful graphics and comedic violence. If you consider that this was a time BI (before Internet) you can appreciate how much of an impact the game had in 1996.

Since the initial run on the Neo Geo, the Metal Slug series has enjoyed ports across many different systems, most recently with Metal Slug Anthology on the Wii and has leisurely spawned some sequels too. This 6th sequel to the franchise doesn’t change much of the tried and true formula, you still run and gun your way through wave after wave of the enemy. As such each stage is liberally sprinkled with easy to dispatch foot soldiers, medium armoured soldiers and then regularly punctuated by harder vehicles and fortresses that will require more than a few shells to wipe out.

If you manage to fight your way through the constant barrage of fodder and dodge all of confetti like bullets and explosive to the end of the stage, you will be confronted with an end of level boss that is as big as it is difficult to destroy. Fortunately in your favour, each one will form a predictable pattern of movement and the large array of ludicrously overpowered weapons that exterminate even the toughest foe with the extreme prejudice usually reserved for an Arnold Schwarzenegger movie.

Underneath Metal Slug’s steely hardcore reputation is a game that’s all about having fun, this is demonstrated in almost every aspect of the game and even though you might not be able to get very far (unless on easy) in the game you will still have a blast playing it. In keeping with the trade mark flourishes, the visuals are beautifully and vividly realised, from the background textures that depict scenes of worn torn environments (which is about as serious as the game gets). to the sprites which are fully articulated and the blood that gleefully gushes from forth once shot.

This version of the game takes advantage of the DS’ two screens, SNK Playmore has wisely given the action to the top screen and utilises the bottom for the standard map function, although with a slight twist. Where this map differs from all standard maps is the ability to use the stylus the pan across the whole of the stage, allowing you to see the location of items and POWs. No metal Slug game would be complete with out its additional line up of metal slugs (armoured vehicles) for you to use and on each stage you will a least one. In this instalment there three new variants the Slugs, a train like slug that can connect to up to four car called the Slug Truck, a Big Daddy style slug known as the Slug Gunner and finally the Slug Gigant which is the biggest Slug to ever appear in the series. Of course not all of the Slugs are lying around, but if you can find one, using it will dramatically improve your chances of survival.

Release date: Metal Slug 7 will be available on both the Xbox Live Arcade and the Nintendo DS on Friday 27th February

Main website: http://www.metalslug7-uk.com/

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