Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #5670 in Computer & Video Games
• Brand: Atari
• Released on: 2007-02-09
• Platform: Sony PSP

Amazon.co.uk Review
Now that almost any old console or arcade machine can easily be emulated retro gaming has become bigger business than ever. Nowhere else is that more true than with Neo-Geo games, arcade and home console titles whose 2D graphical prowess were matched only by their price (which is why only the hardcore know about them). Now though everyone can experience the classic games of old, including the entire Metal Slug series – one of the finest side-scrolling shooters of all time. This compilation includes all seven of the core games, including the brand new Metal Slug 6 and Metal Slug X. If you’ve never played a Metal Slug game before it’s functionally similar to games like Contra/Gryzor as you trundle from left to right across the screen perforating with extreme prejudice anyone that comes your way (usually Nazi stand-ins or aliens).

Although Metal Slug's set-up is both simplistic and unoriginal it's the execution that makes it shine. Weapon upgrades include everything from a lighting bolt shooting cloud to a machine-gun equipped monkey helper, as well as the eponymous metal slugs: heavily armed vehicles ranging from tanks to helicopters, jet planes, submarines, ostriches and elephants. The attention to detail in the animation is incredible, helped by the game's wicked sense of black humour. However, although all the games are essentially arcade perfect not all of them are as well regarded as each other (particularly numbers 4 and 5) and the controls aren’t necessarily well suited to either the Wii or PSP – although the former includes a lot of bizarre alternative motion control options. In the end though the only real flaw is the extra loading pauses throughout the games, but if you can ignore that this is an excellent celebration of one of 2D gaming’s greatest bastions.
HARRISON DENT

Manufacturer's Description
Having debut in the arcades on the Neo Geo MVS arcade system in April 1996, the Metal Slug series has become one of the most-loved arcade and console gaming franchises.

The Anthology will contain: Metal Slug, Metal Slug 2, Metal Slug X, Metal Slug 3, Metal Slug 4, Metal Slug 5 and the little-seen Metal Slug 6; with Metal Slug 1 and 2 making their first appearances on a home console, since the NEOGEO AES system.

Long regarded as the bench mark of side-scrolling purity, the Metal Slug series stands proud as one of the most important 2D platform-shooters on today's current gaming platforms. Bringing the franchise's frantic arcade action as well as the stunning hand drawn and animated graphics to the PSP, this anthology delivers all of the fire power and game play you would expect from SNK Playmore.

The previously unreleased (outside of Japan) Metal Slug 6 will also be included in the already sort after package. After its successful release in the arcades, Metal Slug 6 will now complete the compilation that offers players the chance to experience the franchise that has been much admired over the last ten years. This time the 'Ikari Warriors' Ralf Jones and Clark Still (also familiar to fans of the KOF series) join in the action to aid Marco, Tarma, Eri and Fio in their battle with the elusive General Morden.

Customer Reviews

Metal Slug Anthology PSP
Metal Slug Anthology contains all 7 Metal Slug games created so far - Metal Slug, Metal Slug 2, Metal Slug X (a re-worked version of Metal Slug 2), Metal Slug 3, Metal Slug 4, Metal Slug 5 and the all-new (created for the Anthology) Metal Slug 6. That's an extremely generous compilation of games and is undoubtedly several hours worth of gameplay just to go through every game once.

However, each game only consists of 5 levels, although these are admitedly quite lenghty for a side-scrolling 2D arcade shoot 'em up. The levels are very varied in terms of backgrounds but the gameplay essentially stays the same trhoughout the game. And the these gameplay mechanics don't change from game to game either - in other words Metal Slug 6 plays exactly the same as all the other Metal Slug games that precede it.

The graphics don't alter from one game to the next either - only the backgrounds (and some of the enemies) change. But don't be fooled into thinking just because this is an old-skool side-scrolling shooter that the graphics are from a bygone age. The hand-drawn sprites in these games look beautiful - the attention to detail is fantastic and the animation is smooth as silk. These really are great looking games when in motion, especially with all the action and explosions that occur on the screen in any one go.

However great Metal Slug Anthology may look and no matter how comprehensive it is there are still some major criticms to be had with the gameplay. The gameplay just is not varied in the slightest - shoot everything in sight and that's it. Yes, shooting everything on screen can be very exhilerating but only in short bursts. Also, these games are infuriatingly difficult - a 10 second stint without dying is a feat in its own right. In many areas of each game it is quite simply impossible not to die repeatedly on one section. Yes, you can play with infinite continues but even so..... do you really want to be dying every few seconds??! Obviously the answer will be no. But the Metal Slug games are fiendishly difficult and unfair. If you play with infinite continues it takes the edge off the game because you know you'll complete it no matter how many times you die in the game. But limit the number of continues in the game and you'll never finish the first level let alone the last. I'm no lightweight either - I've been playing games for over 15 years so have plenty of experience under my belt.

Several years ago I did consider getting Metal Slug 3 on Xbox but I'm glad I didn't because I would have felt very short-changed. But considering Anthology contains so many games it's hard to take a big dislike to it - the games are fun in short bursts but with no variety and a notorious difficulty I don't think you'll be playing this a few weeks after purchase unless you have a particular thirst for this type of game.

A very generous collection of one of the greatest game series ever
The Metal Slug series is legendary. Fluid and beautiful animation, fast paced action gameplay and a great sense of culturally referential humour all contribute to one of the most interesting 2D scrolling shoot 'em up series of all time. The Metal Slug of the title is a tank which you can drive, but there are many other vehicles such as, my favourites, the fighter jet and camel.

It's great that all the games have been included on this complete, portable collection, rather than being released as "singles" (which would be a waste of time as I doubt most people would buy them). This is the cheapest way to get access to all the Metal Slug games and is well worth owning whether you're a Metal Slug fan or have never heard of the series before. Excellent preservation of gaming's heritage and a lot of gameplay to learn over a lifetime.

Loaded
It's ironic that the PSP has found a niche in the market with retro gamers. This goes against everything the PSP initially stood for, but with the DS proving that graphics don't matter (and thrashing Sony's handheld on the sales front in the process) it's the impressive retro compilations from gaming's elite, such as Sega, Capcom, Konami and EA, that continue to keep the PSP flame burning.

Metal Slug Anthology is arguably the finest of the lot. Once one of casual gaming's best kept secrets, Metal Slug has slowly eased its way into the mainstream, with later entries appearing on PS2 and Xbox. But with the early Neo Geo offerings fetching over £100, this anthology is an absolute steal. The 2D graphics are amongst the finest ever and look better on the PSP's screen than all those PS2 ports with 3D graphics could ever dream to. The gameplay is delicious out-and-out blasting and destruction; rock hard, but never frustrating thanks to the infinite continues option. And most players will need that option to ensure they see absolutely everything these masterpieces have to offer. To be honest, I find it hard to believe it's even possible to finish these games with fewer than five continues. You can also save anywhere in the games, which allows you to enjoy the levels at your own pace.

The sense of humour and attention to detail also mark the Metal Slugs out from other shooters. It's one of those games which leave you with a moral dilemma, as you realise just how much fun mass murder can be. With each installment the set pieces, weaponry, vehicles, enemies, bosses and general chaos become more and more impressive and wild. Having said this, it's generally agreed that numbers 4 and 5 were mild disappointments. It's understandable, really, as the third game was an absolute tour de force, but number 6 offers a superb finale.

On this occasion the PSP's D-pad is up to the task (I have no troubles with diagonal shooting) and the controls feel comfortable. All that keeps it from perfection is the occasional slowdown (which is acceptable and almost welcome when the screen is literally full with sprites trying to blast you to pieces) and the loading screens (again, you can put a positive spin on this, as you'll be grateful for a moment's respite).