Metal Slug is a Contra-style "run and gun" game taken to its zany, cartoon extreme. While killing everything to the right and confronting a huge 'boss' at the end of each level had been done before, it had never been this crazy and inspired (Earthworm Jim comes close).
The beautiful graphics are practically a love letter to 2D gaming and the military music fits the game like a glove. Controls are simple, but effective.
Much of the game is spent on foot picking up various weapon upgrades as you try to stay alive. Once or twice a level you can enter a Metal Slug—the world's first jumping and ducking tank—to wreck even more havoc.
Various Slug sequels have added improvements such as multiple characters, branching paths, multiple slugs (harrier jets, subs, robots, camels[!], etc.) and varied themes (zombies, mideast, aliens, etc.)
While simpler in comparison, the first game's attention to detail (try shooting the Nazi-like banners at the beginning of the second level), consistent WW2 theme and incredibly polished gameplay make Metal Slug a true classic and a must have on Neo-Geo. Unless your last name is Rockefeller, it's well worth it to track down the much cheaper MVS version.
2008 ben langberg, all rights reserved.