Review
Release Date: 04.05.2001
Platform:
PlayStationDeveloper:
SNK Co.Publisher:
Agetec, Inc.Reviewed by
Christian Kontul on 4.28.2003
| Review Rating: 7/10 | User Rating: 6.5/10 |
With the complete absence of a quality Contra game after Contra: Hard Corps on Sega's Genesis, people began searching for a game that could fill the void left after Appaloosa took over the reins for the PSone installments in Konami's classic shooting series. Contra has since taken a turn for the better since, but what were gamers with a penchant for frenetic action to do during the 32-bit era?
The answer, of course, was simple: Metal Slug. SNK's arcade and console series successfully mimics the run-and-gun gameplay of Konami's finest. Unfortunately, unless you were an avid Neo Geo owner or a Saturn importer, or you happened to have a quality arcade nearby, chances are you still weren't getting your action gaming fix. Of course, there was also a Japanese version of Metal Slug on PlayStation, but these games are known for their lush 2D graphics with smooth, humorous animation; not exactly the PSone's forte to say the least.
Not one console version of Metal Slug made it out in North America. Metal Slug 2 only hit on SNK's MVS and AES hardware (arcade and home, respectively), so its chances of coming Stateside were further reduced. When Metal Slug X was announced, gamers that actually knew of the series' existence doubted if it would ever leave the Neo Geo hardware; a domestic release was never even considered. If it was going to hit a more mainstream console, Sega's Dreamcast seemed like a sure bet. Not only had the DC proven itself capable of housing more than arcade perfect ports, the PSone version of MS was less than impressive. Why would SNK port Metal Slug X to the PlayStation when the system couldn't successfully handle an earlier installment, a game that isn't nearly as technically impressive? So it came as a pleasant surprise when SNK produced a version of Metal Slug X on PSone that looked and played very well, and was picked up by Agetec for a North American release.
Unbeknownst to most, Metal Slug X is actually a slightly modified Metal Slug 2 with new levels. Since it's more than likely that a majority of gamers haven't even heard of MS2, let alone played it, the similarities will probably go unnoticed. However, even if you are familiar with SNK's set of shooters, chances are you like them; you'd know, more of the same is definitely a good thing.
While it's not really fair to compare them, Metal Slug X feels just like a new-age Contra. Wave after wave of enemy soldiers flood the screens, firing guns and tossing grenades, while various tanks, planes, and helicopters shooter missiles and drops bomb, all in an attempt to annihilate the hero. The player can pick from one of four "cool" mercenaries, but nothing except physical appearance separates them. One shot kills, unless the main character is lucky enough to stumble across one of four vehicles: the Metal Slug, the Slugnoid, the Camel Slug, or the Slug Flyer. The first two forms of transportation are tanks, with one being traditional, tracks and all, while the other is a bipedal mech, in that order. The Camel Slug is, literally, a camel mounted with guns, and it controls just like the Metal Slug and Slugnoid; it doesn't have a special attack, though. The Slug Flyer is an airplane.
The different vehicles offer additional protection, but it's not like the player is completely helpless if he's going it on foot. A large arsenal of weapons is available to the hero, and it's possible to pick them up by killing the enemy, destroying the environment, or rescuing prisoners of war that are scattered through the level. Tools of mass destruction, like a laser, a shotgun, and an enemy-tracking missile launcher, provide enough firepower to satisfy even the most aggressive gamer. Picking up one weapon means you're giving up another, so choose wisely. Metal Slug X is one tough game, and having a Heavy Machine Gun might save you in a situation that a Drop Shot won't.
Unfortunately, Metal Slug X is also one short game, and chances are a person isn't gonna pick it up very often after finishing it unless they want to play a two-player game. Cooperative mode helps extend replay a bit, but if you're one of those "social deviant" types, you might find yourself regretting a purchase. Unlimited continues also shorten the experience (the player starts right where he/she dies) unless a player is willing to sacrifice their progress for an additional playthrough. SNK also added an "Another Mission" mode as MSX made the transition from arcade to console. Another Mission opens after beating the game, and it's a collection of small challenges that test the player's skills. Metal Slug X has super tight control, so if you practice for a little while, it's possible to fly through them in no time.
The arcade game's visuals have been emulated well on the PlayStation, but they aren't perfect. Some frames of animation have been lost, and several background details were eliminated so Metal Slug X could run smoothly. The sacrifices are well worth it in retrospect because the game looks really great. Again, a lot of people probably don't have experience with Metal Slug X in playhalls, so they're not gonna notice. In spite of the changes, sprites still look details, and there's no pixillation. Even though there are often a lot of characters onscreen at the same time, Metal Slug X rarely slows down. Levels have appealing designs and benefit from lots of color and several layers of parallax.
Music and sound don't fare as well, but it has more to do with average composition than hardware limitations. There's not a bad song in Metal Slug X; it's just that they're average and often forgettable. Each song is appropriate for its stage (a desert level has a Middle Eastern-sounding song), but they don't always inspire that white-knuckle, edge-of-your-seat feeling good shooters are known for.
A mediocre soundtrack isn't enough to hold Metal Slug X back. Even though the game's tunes might not get the player's blood pumping, there's still a lot to love about this game. The action is simple yet addictive, and Metal Slug's difficulty may have some gamers begging for mercy...If they don't abuse its liberal supply of continues. In the end, if a person chooses to play Metal Slug X by wasting lives carelessly, there's not a whole lot to enjoy. If the player enjoys the game as it is meant to be played, with each life possibly being the last, it's a lot more fun; especially when it's played with a friend.
