Metal Slug 7 Reader Review

Metal Slug is a series that needs little introduction, and if it does, then the words 'chaotic', 'comedic', 'over-the-top' and 'shooter', certainly suffice. It's a bastion from the past, when games were constructed out of squares and 2D gaming was king. It's also an immensely playable series, taking twitch gaming to its greatest heights of hilarity and filling screens with enormous, mechanical beasts.

Now we're in the future, Metal Slug sits in the palm of your hands and still remains a delight, despite its ageing appearance and recycled gameplay.

Choosing from a selection of six series stalwarts of differing abilities like Marco and Tarma, Metal Slug 7 pulls no surprises, with the score mulitplayer and weapon switching from Metal Slug 6 still in too. The inclusion of a level select at the start is a welcome addition though, allowing for some nice, bite sized sessions that are all important on a portable machine.

The diminutive screen however is a thorn in its side, considering the hectic action and one hit deaths that were tough on a big telly. The lack of two player action will be a real disappointment to fans too but on the bright side, there's less bullets flying around (and probably less slow-down).

The richly detailed backgrounds and sprites remain in force, with SNK Playmore's distinctive style of expressive and amusing animation still working a treat. It's just a shame that, apart from the bosses and occasional new enemy, everything appears to have been recycled from previous games.

Little has changed in the world of Metal Slug - the same old sprites are used, the same old action ensues but despite this lack of imagination or innovation, it's still a blast to play.

Considering the current renaissance that 2D gaming is going through with the likes of Street Fighter IV demonstrating how an old series can be given a new breath of life, I have high hopes for the future of Metal Slug because it is, and always will be, entertaining. Just how many times you're willing to replay what is essentially the same game is a different matter entirely.