Metal Slug 3

"Can be had cheaper else where but..."

I'm not a big fan of the Metal Slug series to begin with but it's one of the better games of it's genre which is the run and gun 2d shoot'em up. I actually own this game on the original Xbox as well so I personally see no reason for this title but on with the review I guess.

The games graphics are pretty good but they look a bit dated when compared to other games of the genre. Actually, that isn't fair. The game just looks very washed out for some reason. Characters have very nice sprites the bosses look fantastic.

The games soundtrack is pretty good. Has a nice quick pace to it which adds to the gameplay style. I don't think there's any voice work but I wasn't paying any attention. The game does have a nice range of sound effects from each gun having a different sound to each enemy having a different death cry.

The games controls seem a little wonky at times. Not sure why but when I'm in a tank and hit forward I fire behind me. it's a little odd quirk I guess but it's something I had trouble getting sue to on the first stage. Besides that the control is fairly simple with a fire button, jump button and a bomb button.

Metal Slug 3 is all about running along and killing enemies. If you've played Contra or Alien Hominid then you know exactly how this plays. To be honest AH ripped off this game.

You have four characters to play as but they all pretty much play the same. What I do like about the Metal Slug games is that each level has a different path. Not only that but the weapons are over the top at times and you receive those upgrades by saving hostages. I also like how you melee kill with a knife when they get too close to you and you hit the fire button.

The game also features a few different vehicles to control but I'm really not a fan of that idea. What I do like though is the co-op play on a single console or over Live. It was a bit laggy for em when I played it but otherwise it was fun to play.

No matter what this game isn't worth the 800 points it's selling for. You can get the entire series on a disc for about $20 for the PS2 or Wii and this game is already available on the original Xbox. Maybe if it was 400 points I'd think about saying it was worth it but really it isn't.

Story - 6/10
Graphics - 8/10
Sound - 8/10
Control - 7/10
Game Play - 9/10
Replay Value - 5/10

Final Score - 8/10

Reviewer's Score: 8/10, Originally Posted: 01/15/08

Game Release: Metal Slug 3 (US, 01/02/08)