This classic will have you screaming "Rocket Lawnchair" all over again, like you used to in the arcades.

User Rating: 8.5 | Metal Slug Anthology PSP
The run n' gun series is a very underrated series in the gaming genre-in fact, it is a game genre where there is so much untapped potential. Sure, Contra was one heck of a run n' gun shooter, but it started out at the arcades and later, was ported to the NES. After a few more releases, the series gradually began to fade into obscurity, and the time gaps of new releases began to expand.

Contra was the forerunner and pioneer of the genre, and SNK Playmore took the opportunity to develop their own run n' gun series, and bam. This is the result. An addictive military side-scrolling shooter with comedy sprinkled all over it.

The first game of the series, Metal Slug, entered the scene in 1996. It became a quarter-nabbing classic in the arcades for its crazy difficulty, overwhelming number of enemies, and extremely humorous graphics and elements. Hey, what's more funny than seeing enemy soldiers sunbathing in their boxers, only to have you knife them moments later? The new releases, Metal Slug (and X) along with Metal Slug 3 were introduced in 1998 and 2000, respectively. Metal Slug 4 and 5 hit the arcades later in the following years, and now, they're all ported to a portable console, alongside with the new Metal Slug 6 that was only released in Asia a few years back.

Story:

6 stories to cover. Hmm, where should I start.

Metal Slug 1:

This is where it all began. General Morden has launched an all-out assault against the world with his high-tech army, bringing the human race to its knees in a matter of days. As Marco and Tarma of the Regular Army, you must step up and stop him!

Metal Slug 2 and X:

Looks like Morden hasn't learned his lesson...but this time, he's got assistance from "visitors from Mars", it seems. Play as the original two, or select from two new female characters-Eri and Fio. Stop Morden and the new friends he brought into the fray!

Metal Slug 3:

I guess Morden has a difficulty learning his lessons...back again for the third time, but this time, there's something terribly wrong. What are those zombies? Those giant mutant creatures? Get to your feet and find out if your old enemy was really behind this...

Metal Slug 4:

Although Morden's out of the picture, one of his aides have decided to take matters into his own hands. Unleashing his own private army, a mysterious scientist has threatened the world with a super-virus...this time, play as two new characters-Trevor and Nadia.

Metal Slug 5:

More enemies!? It seems like there's a new threat-a mysterious and shadowy terrorist-like organization has stolen a disc containing important military secrets, and is using it to make a new army of their own! Play as the original crew, and take out this new enemy!

Metal Slug 6:

Morden's back. AGAIN. Along with his Martian friends. But wait...did those new creatures just eat the Martians? Apparently, they did...and they're preying on mankind also. It seems like the Martians and Morden's Army weren't the only things seeking our eternal destruction and doom...

Gameplay:

Metal Slug isn't your typical game. Actually...well...it is. All you do is simple-run, shoot, annihilate, collect powerups, and hope that next bullet flying from that sniper's gun doesn't have your name on it. One shot, and you're dead. Simple as that. Fortunately, you've got unlimited continues, so newcomers will be saved here, albeit having countless deaths over and over again really dampens the feeling of an accomplishment.

Throughout the game, you'll encounter vehicles you can hitch a ride from. They can range from a simple car with a machine gun and rockets to a prototype walker with one heck of a tank-destroying gun. It is strongly advisable to grab one of these whenever you find them, as you won't die in one hit when you're in a vehicle.

You've got 4 characters at your disposal. The first is Marco, the macho hero from the original Metal Slug. Following him is Tarma, his sidekick (if you play with 2 players in the first game) with an attitude similar to his. Then you've got Eri, a female commando with an attitude to match. Finally, Fio, the seasoned and supercute yet somewhat childish soldier, is the last one. Tarma and Eri aren't available for MS4, though (although they return for MS5). Instead, you get two new characters: Trevor, a computer whiz similar to Marco and Nadia, the supermodel that eats too much. In Metal Slug 6, you'll get the original 4 along with two new guests-Clark and Ralf, two soldiers that totally dominate in melee combat.

Character selection doesn't really matter-they're all the same in terms of controlling and attacks. The only difference comes in the different melee attack schemes, and a few bonuses (only applies for Metal Slug 6). Pick a character that you adore, and you're good to go.

Annihilate all that stands between you in your battle for justice with an arsenal of machine guns, grenades, rocket launchers, RPGs and many more. You'll acquire these via rescuing prisoners (which are worth some nice bonus points if you manage to finish the stage without dying even once) or destroying certain enemies and objects.

Enemies range from small, weak soldiers with pistols and knives to massive flying fortresses and Mammoth Tanks ready to turn your character into a burning heap of ashes. This game's got it all-aside from the numerous military units you face, you'll have to face some natural enemies also such as squids, jellyfish, mutant insects, mentally challenged samurais, ghosts, demons from the 5th dimension, special forces soldiers, terrorists, rebels...even mummies and zombies. This adds to the humor of the game, because that other game has such a massive variety of enemies!?

Music and Sounds:

I personally didn't really pay attention to the game's music, but some soundtracks are pretty sweet. Metal Slug 5 is notable for having metal-themed soundtracks, so if you're a fan of that music genre, I'll guarantee that you'll find a song you'll love in there.

The sounds (especially the voices) are really well done in this game. For a 2D game, the scream of an enemy soldier frightened of your presence is one heck of an amusing moment. If you get hit, your character will either utter a grunt or a scream, then drop dead. And who couldn't forget Allen's (the evil Rambo commando) one-liners when he taunts you?

Graphics:

There isn't really much to be said about this section. It's arcade graphics, you know, the ones you see in the arcade cabinets of the late 1990s and early 2000s. I personally don't care about this section as I loved the colorful 2D graphics that made Metal Slug such a charming game, so I guess I don't need to give too much of a lecture here.

Controls:

Instead of using the buttons and joystick as you always do at the arcades, you'll be using the PSP here. They are completely customizable so there is no restrictions imposed on you here.

Difficulty:

Because of the addition of having unlimited contiunes, you're pretty much invincible. You can die a million times and still destroy a boss like the fool wasn't even there. However, the enemies are absolutely merciless-they'll attack you with everything they have, so be prepared. Dying also forces you to lose the chance of receiving bonus points from prisoners you rescued. If you want to challenge yourself, limit the number of continues. You'll also unlock some sweet rewards.

Multiplayer:

You can, of course, play a co-op with a friend. With the exception of sharing upgrades and some lag, I found the 2 player mode to be much easier as you'll be projecting twice the amount of firepower against your enemies.

In Conclusion:

If you're an avid fan of Metal Slug, run n' gun games, fast paced action, or just simply want to pick up the controller and get straight to the battle, this game is definitely worth a purchase.