Metal Slug

Game: Metal Slug
Developer: Nazca
Platform: Neo Geo Arcade Platform
Release Year: 1996
Stephen's Rating: 5/10

Metal Slug is a side scrolling platform action game.

Basic Plot

You take on the role of an elite solider (or pair of soldiers in multiplayer) looking to overthrow a military coup and the creation of a New World Order.

Gunfire, example of the graphics.

Gameplay

Unlike other platform games, Metal Slug requires battling a constant stream of enemies from the beginning to the end of each level (where the player fights a boss). The screen scrolls forward at a set pace and the player is forced to keep up with that pace.

Enemies did not hurt the player by touching them, but most had a melee attack. The player characters also had a knife for melee engagements. There were power-ups for weapons throughout the game as well as a "tank" which one player could get inside.

Many scenery elements were destructible and often held secret items.

The game had a 2 player co-operative play on the same machine which was a drawcard.

Positives

Good artwork. The game was overall satisfying to play.

Negatives

The only real negative that it was an arcade game and we had to pay for each game.

Memorable Moments

One time we were at Wizard's arcade in Blenheim and the Metal Slug ate our coin up. The owner came along and opened the machine up and gave us unlimited games. We went ahead and completed the game, it was a lot of fun.