GENRE
	Shooter
	DEVELOPER
	Terminal Reality
	PUBLISHER
	SNK Playmore
	NUMBER OF PLAYERS
	1-2
	WI-FI ENHANCED
	No
	DS COMPATIBLE
	No
	BUY NOW AT

The Wii launch and the months following have seen quite a few games that use the system's unique control capabilities in ways that will shape the future of the console. Not only did we find out that a conventional epic like Zelda can be more immersive with motion controls, but Nintendo has given people all over the world new ways to embarrass themselves while having fun with Wii Sports and WarioWare: Smooth Moves. Sure, there's been a few sloppy Ubisoft ports, but they only prove what should not be done with the system. Interestingly, SNK has provided players with yet another alternative -- a compilation. It seems like a strange time to be looking to the past, but it's hard to argue with the seven titles that make up Metal Slug Anthology.

visuals

As a retro collection spanning over ten years, accuracy to the source material is more important than graphical fidelity. These translations are pretty much pitch-perfect ports of the arcade versions, and we should expect nothing less. While the trademark detailed 2D landscapes, huge bosses and subsequently gargantuan explosions remain intact, they haven't made a great deal of progress over the last decade. The cartoonish mayhem and great design will look wonderful to anyone who considers themselves a hardcore gamer; but the Wii's target demographic will probably be left scratching their heads.

audio

The Metal Slug games were born and nurtured in arcades and parlors everywhere. Typically these places are so full of noises from other people and machines that all that really came through were the cries of anguish from your fallen foes and the computer reiterating that a heavy machine gun power-up was just picked up. In a more controlled environment, the game doesn't impress aurally, but the music is surprisingly decent. It stays more or less a generic rock soundtrack throughout the series, but it strikes a chord that harmonizes with the gameplay quite well.

gameplay

Though the game takes place using two planes, the gameplay is decidedly a bit more one-dimensional. Simply put, the goal is to destroy anything and everything that moves in any and every way possible. Intermediaries for carrying out this carnage are represented by short, squat rebel soldiers who specialize in operations that go from left to right. At times they'll be called upon to jump over chasms in a decidedly plumber-like fashion, but their platforming mettle is really only tested when simultaneous wanton destruction is also required. Occasionally, the stout tanks of the series' namesake can be commandeered to exponentially increase the fiery chaos

That's the very essence of Metal Slug. It's that simple. Sure, each game doesn't take too long to complete, but this isn't an issue as the six numbered titles in the series are present, along with Metal Slug X. That's a great thing if you enjoy the series, but everyone else will probably be turned off by the total lack of evolution in the series. It's something that's brought into the limelight with each consecutive entry placed right next to each other on the same disc -- something that has come to be known as Mega Man Anniversary Collection Syndrome. Perhaps the old addage “if it ain't broke, don't fix it” was put to use throughout the years, because as far as run 'n gun shooters go, the unique personality and incredibly hardcore action make Metal Slug among the very best.

Arcade compilations usually pan out a lot differently than the usual console collections do. In its native form, the Metal Slug games were meant to provide players quick jolts of frantic action. Not only were the players in charge of the life of the guy on the screen, but something even more important was at stake: the quarter. Business sense would dictate that a truly successful arcade game would be difficult enough so as to keep a given token's life at a minimum, but it should also be enjoyable enough for the player to want to shell out another coin to stay in the game. An arcade anthology shatters these parameters with unlimited access to several titles, and in the case of Metal Slug Anthology, with infinite lives. A menu option is available to limit the credits available, but SNK left immortality as the default. It's a difficult choice to criticize; while any challenge in the games is completely obliterated, the freedom granted here would be missed if it were absent.

The Wii controller is decidedly a bit unwieldy for traditional Contra-esque play. Several control options are available, of which all but one utilize the remote and nunchuk to play. While sometimes creative, the schemes aren't very practical or natural and often provide a bigger obstacle for players than the enemies onscreen. Holding the remote sideways like an old NES controller seems fine until the realization dawns that throwing bombs is only accomplished by shaking the remote. There's even a control layout that uses the nunchuk exclusively, and it's about as fun as it sounds. Yet the shining savior is the GameCube controller support, which prevents the whole collection from being a complete disaster by providing a normal control scheme. Support for the comfy Classic Controller would have been nice, but the Wavebird works just fine.

multiplayer

Having two players on the field more than doubles the fun factor. Fundamentally, the game is still the same, but slaying legions of evil aliens, soldiers and those other types of aliens is always more fun with a buddie.

overall

Nintendo is certainly embracing a whole new world with Wii, but the Virtual Console is a testament that they know where they've come from. Metal Slug Anthology offers seven good to great classic-style shoot 'em ups for just under six bucks each, which would make them cheaper than Turbo-Grafx 16 games on the VC. If that sounds like a great deal to you, then this is a no-brainer purchase. On the other hand, if you haven't heard of these games by now, then this kind of game has probably already passed you by. But that's okay. The rest of us will have something to accompany Contra III and Gunstar Heroes.

8.0/10