Metal Slug Anthology

"Well, if you liked the originals, you might like this one."

I still remember the first time I played a Metal Slug game back in the 1990s, and how it was a unique take on the classic side scrolling 'run-n-gun' formula, mixing cartoony graphics (with a little blood thrown in for good measure) with a deep challenge and a familiar story that was told in a somewhat lighthearted manner, which made it even more entertaining. Since then, it's hard to believe that a total of seven games (not counting the various spinoffs) were produced. The Wii seems like a rather unusual candidate for an anthology package to be released on, but nonetheless, the seven original arcade games are now available for play on one Wii disc. While the games still retain their original charm, a few issues slow it down.

Graphics: 8/10
The games are all represented in their full 2D glory, without any flicker or slowdown, and all of the special effects, such as soldiers panicking or chatting amongst themselves, as well as hostages flapping their arms when they fall down after they've been rescued (and yes, even the blood,) are all retained here. Unfortunately, they're still a bit dated by today's standards, even if Metal Slug 6 was released not to long ago. There are no special effects added or enhancements to the graphics, meaning that this doesn't exactly showcase the capabilities of the Wii. But if you're a fan of the original, then odds are you wouldn't care too much about that.

Sounds: 9/10
Again, the sounds aren't exactly what one would consider to be 'state of the art' for the time, but they are still retained faithfully. The goofy sounding announcer who tells you which mission you're on and what power-up you just picked up can still be heard, and when your character dies, they still yell out like they used to. While odds are you probably didn't hear the music in the arcades (unless you used headphones on the NeoGeo cabinets that most of them were built into, or were in a very quiet arcade,) all of the musical pieces are well composed and seem to fit into the war theme as well as the setting of each area.

Controls: 6/10
Now here is where we start to run into trouble. The developers decided to make use of the 'Wiimote' and the Nunchuk, using the motion sensory features to allow for rather unique styles of gameplay. One has you holding the Wiimote upright and tilting it like a classic arcade joystick, while another has you holding it sideways and tilting and flicking it to throw grenades while you use the directional pad and the buttons to run, jump, and fire. Unfortunately, while the features are novel, they can be frustrating to work with, since you end up jumping when you mean to shoot or throw a grenade, or moving the wrong way and end up getting killed. Fortunately, you can use a GameCube controller if that's easier for you.

Replay: 6/10
The package comes with all seven arcade games (Metal Slug 1-6 as well as Metal Slug X,) all of which are challenging and have their own unique features and characters. The game provides you with challenges, such as using only a certain number of continues to complete the game, in order to unlock new stuff like artwork, but even then you still have unlimited continues if you want. Once you've played through all of the games, you've pretty much seen everything, except in a few spots with multiple paths. Then again, blasting funny looking soldiers is always a fun way to relieve stress, especially when you've got a buddy to blast with.

Overall: 7/10
Ten years after the original release of the first game, Metal Slug still has a big foothold in the shooter genre, even if it is still in 2D. While control issues and not a lot of replay value can hold it back, it's still a lot of fun if you enjoyed the original games. If you're not a fan, you should try renting, but fans of the original will definitely find this is one war worth fighting.

Reviewer's Score: 7/10, Originally Posted: 04/13/07