Metal Slug Anthology is a definitive collection that brings the arcade legend of SNK's military-themed side-scrolling shooter to modern consoles. Originally debuting in 1996, the series established a unique blend of intense, fast-paced action and wacky, cartoonish humor. This compilation captures that legacy, offering players a chance to experience the complete evolution of the franchise in one package, preserving the work of original developer Nazca Corporation and its successors.
What is Metal Slug Anthology?
Released to celebrate the series' 10th anniversary, Metal Slug Anthology compiles seven essential titles from the franchise. The collection includes the original Metal Slug, Metal Slug 2, the remixed Metal Slug X, Metal Slug 3, Metal Slug 4, Metal Slug 5, and Metal Slug 6. The narrative follows a futuristic battle between the Regular Army and the Rebel Army. The Regular Army gathers its scattered troops to launch a desperate counter-attack to recapture the stolen Metal Slug super-vehicle, utilizing a vast arsenal of combat options to destroy the opposition.
Run and Gun Action with Heavy Metal
At its core, this is a run-and-gun platformer defined by flawless animation and a deceptively simple control scheme that belies a steep learning curve. Players navigate linear stages mowing down waves of enemies, but the series distinguishes itself with several key mechanics:
- Vehicles and Heavy Firepower: Discovering the titular Metal Slug vehicle transforms the pace of gameplay, allowing players to unleash devastating artillery against foes.
- Weapon Variety: Beyond the standard handgun, players can find limited-ammo weapons like laser guns, shotguns, and flamethrowers scattered throughout levels.
- Close-Quarters Combat: Unlike many contemporaries, running into an enemy does not immediately result in death; players can also perform melee knife attacks.
- Character Transformations: Later entries in the anthology, such as Metal Slug 2 and Metal Slug X, introduce humorous transformations, allowing characters to become mummies or gain increased mass.
- Boss Encounters: Each level culminates in a pattern-centric boss fight against massive, unique entities.
The anthology supports 1-2 players, encouraging cooperative play as you tackle the high-difficulty stages. Metal Slug X offers remastered music and new enemy placements, while Metal Slug 3 is widely noted for expanding the series' mechanics and variety.
Platform Availability and Technical Features
Metal Slug Anthology is available across a wide range of hardware, ensuring accessibility for retro gaming enthusiasts. The collection has been released for PlayStation 4, PlayStation 2, PS Vita, PSP, and the Nintendo Wii. The PS4 release marks a significant return for SNK Playmore on a Nintendo home console since the Super Nintendo era.
On PlayStation 4, the anthology supports 1-2 players and features DualShock 4 compatibility. It offers 1080i HD video output, upscaling the classic 2D graphics for modern displays. Additionally, PS4 owners receive an exclusive bonus PS4 Theme to complement their gaming setup.
Notable Features and Target Audience
The anthology is a treasure trove for fans of the run-and-gun genre and retro gaming history. It appeals to players who appreciate:
- Arcade-Perfect Difficulty: The games retain their brutal arcade roots, offering a challenging experience for veterans.
- Visual Style: The trademark cartoonish visuals and humorous tone provide a unique contrast to the military setting.
- Series Evolution: Playing through the titles in order allows players to witness how the series evolved, adding new features and refining the formula over a decade of releases.
