Metal Slug 3

"Most Fun I've Had With a Shooter Since Ikaruga"

At long last, Xbox owners can enjoy some of the SNK goodness that has been limited to the PlayStation 2... and there was much rejoicing. Instead of giving in and picking up a third system to get hold of some of these game, my patience has been rewarded with another challenging game that satisfies with each level that is completed:

Graphics: 9
The overall arcade appearance of this game has been kept intact with its introduction to the XBox (At least in comparison to Metal Slug and Metal Slug 2... never had the opportunity to play this version in the arcades), and with the processing power of the Xbox, there is absolutely no slow-down when the action starts to get intense. 2-D has never looked so good on the Xbox.

Sound: 8
Again, the sounds of the game remain faithful to its arcade counterparts, although in some areas there is no music to accompany progression through the level. This small complaint aside, the song selection seems to mesh well with the action on the screen.

Gameplay: 9
Control is spot-on for this game. While the difficulty may be a little extreme for newcomers at first, the addictiveness of the game will encourage players to push further into the game, hence immersing them in one of the most entertaining shooters in some time. Ninja Gaiden masters who have never played this... you really ought to take on this challenge and take on some old-school gaming.

Originality: 8
The Metal Slug series has always been known for its branching paths and unique vehicle selection, and Metal Slug 3 is no different. Whether jumping onto an ostrich or letting loose with a zombie power move for the first time, there is always something different around each corner. From a storyline standpoint, there's nothing really new here.

Replay Value: 9
As mentioned earlier, the Metal Slug series is known for its branching paths. Include the Fat Island and Storm the Mother Ship once the player completes the game, and you've got perfect incentive to keep coming back and trying to get a little further into the game.

Overall: 8.6 (we'll round up to 9... more people who get into this means more classics from SNK on Xbox!))
As the title of the review suggests, I haven't had as good a frustrating time playing a game since Ikaruga, and Einhander and Contra Hard Corps before that. Newcomers may feel a little discouraged at first, but patience will allow them to appreciate the Metal Slug experience for the first time on Xbox as much as seasoned veterans.

Reviewer's Score: 9/10, Originally Posted: 06/02/04