Few technical issues aside, Metal Slug Anthology comes as an unrefusable package for side-scrolling shooter enthusiasts.
Celebrating the cult series' 10th birthday in 2006, all episodes (minus Metal Slug 7, which is still DS-exclusive) have been pressed onto a single disc. So, even if you own the original releases (which would assure your pension income for like... eternity), at 20 bucks this is a great opportunity to safe your precious cartridges from wear and tear.
Before you go frenzy on the slightly Nazi-reminiscent mob, you should visit the options menu to adjust difficulty and amount of continues to your needs. If you're new to Metal Slug, or shoot 'em ups in general, you might want to choose unlimited continues, because despite its whacky cartoon looks Metal Slug has always been known for its challenging gameplay (three hits and you were done for in the arcades) and nerve-racking boss fights, demanding an eager eye and observing your foes' attack patterns.
There's six control setups to choose from, which vary from each other quite significantly. But since a retro-flavoured shooter like Metal Slug doesn't exactly benefit from motion-sensitive whacking, there are ultimately only two to be considered recommendable: Dedusting your GameCube controller or selecting the Wii Remote-only setup, which controls like you were holding a NES pad and solely incorporates motion controls for tossing grenades. Strangely, there is no support for the Wii Classic Controller.
Once entering the battlefield, which is set in a near-future war scenario, Saddam Hussein look-a-like 'General Morden' will throw anything at you he's got stocked in his lethal arsenal. While his infantrymen are practically cannon fodder (but not to be underestimated when appearing in huge numbers or equipped with bazookas), the megalomaniac dictator will also confront you with tanks, helicopters and ridiculously armed uber-bosses courtesy of his extinction laboratory to make your mercenary's life a living hell.
Be warned that there's a lot of on-screen madness to be witnessed, so playing this on a 14-inch TV wouldn't probably be your best bet.
You'll be shot and bombarded from all cardinal points and inbetween, so it's advised to rescue the bum-looking hostages that are mooching throughout the stages, who will show their gratitude by providing you with MGs, flame throwers, rocket launchers, and, occasionally, some pretty weird weaponry.
The game features some gore, with fountains of blood welling from killed villains, but since the action is presented in such a cartoonish style, with humorous elements thrown in, it's far less disturbing than some of the more explicit scenes from the also-SNK franchise Samurai Showdown for instance.
Technically Metal Slug Anthology is a mixed bag. While the art direction and character design itself are brilliant as expected from SNK, the game suffers from occasional slowdowns when the action gets busy. While this was to be forgiven on the original NEO GEO releases, it's kind of a pitty that SNK didn't fix it for the the Wii, PS2 and PSP releases. But who knows, maybe some retro connoisseurs might dig the fact that even the technical lowlights have faithfully been ported.
With even the later entries in the series running virtually on the same low-resolution engine as their predecessors, Metal Slug is another SNK franchise whose HD makeover has long been since overdue. Still, from an artistic perspective the cartoon sprites and drawn backgrounds are charming nonetheless and for Metal Slug addicts it's quite a blast to flip through the beautifully designed artworks of the unlockables section of the game.
The scorching gameplay is accompanied by rock and metal tunes, which suit the the pace of the action just fine, even if it's merely midi.
Closing comments:
Since 1996 the Metal Slug franchise stands for challenging arcade-style shooting action. Given the fact that the arcade versions were quick to empty your wallet, and the original NEO GEO cartridges are barely affordable, it's highly appreciated that SNK decided to celebrate the series' 10th anniversary by releasing an anthology. At 20 dollars this compilation is a total bargain. Frankly, it's quite a bummer that SNK did absolutely nothing to get rid of the few technical issues that were already present in the original releases, and the little quantity of extra/unlockable content is a bit of a letdown, but the sheer quality in gameplay that is delivered - let alone the immense fun to be had in 2-player mode - makes more than up for it.
Graphics: 7/10
Sound: 7/10
Gameplay: 8.5/10
Lifespan: 7.5/10
Overall: 8.5