TGS 06: XBLA getting Metal Slugged

While 3D graphics and free-roaming open environments rule next-gen games, classic side-scrolling shoot-'em-ups will never go out of style. The genre has recently enjoyed resurgence, thanks to the success of classic arcade-style games on Microsoft's Xbox Live Arcade service.

The simple button-mashing and frantic jumping on high-powered consoles will continue with one of side-scrolling's darlings, Metal Slug. In a pamphlet distributed by SNK Playmore at the Tokyo Game Show, the publisher has revealed its intentions to release the game on Xbox Live Arcade. No pricing or release date for the game were made available.

Unfortunately for American and European audiences, the release plans are currently only for the Japanese market, and SNK has not announced any other regions for the game.

For more on all the Xbox Live Arcade games on display at TGS, read GameSpot's roundup.