|
|
             |
|
|
|
||
|
Platform: Xbox Genre: Action Publisher: SNK NEOGEO Developer: SNK Playmore ESRB: T (Teen) Released: May 25, 2004
Support AE! Buy Games Here:
Be notified of site updates. Sign-up for the Newsletter sent out twice weekly. Enter E-Mail Address Below: |
Metal Slug 3Score: 7.5 / 10 |
||
|
Pros: - The term “old school” was practically invented for this title - Lots of action - Two-player mode - Interesting game to look at - Separates the men from the boys
|
Cons: - Where do you put the quarters? - Starting from the beginning of each level when continuing is a drag - $40 for a four-year old arcade game?
|
Related Links: |
|
|
"You’re always moving, dodging, shooting and cursing -- Metal Slug 3 is no cakewalk..." |
|||
|
I still hate it; they took the platformers away, robbed my Contra heroes of their bitter destinies; survival in a world ruled by aliens
and robots; everything destroyed… - From Seth “Fingers” Flynn Barkan’s poem "3D” If ever there were a current game that could be slapped with the “old school” label, it would be Metal Slug 3 (MS3). Out for almost four years in the arcades, it’s strictly a 2D affair with some gorgeous hand-drawn production values, intense action, power-ups, and a two-player feature that is really only missing one thing: somewhere to put the quarters.
The story – as explained in the manual because there’s really nothing in the game to indicate there is a story – has General Morden returning with an eye to conquering the globe. In this case, we don’t need a story – as a series, Metal Slug has always been about action. The action unfolds across five levels, each one more intense and manic than the one before.
From
when you hit the beach and blast your first mutated crab in Arcade mode
to the final curtain, MS3 never let’s up.
You’re always moving, dodging, shooting and cursing -- MS3 is
no cakewalk (not by a long shot). Even playing with a buddy doesn’t do much to make MS3 an
“easy” game. This is
consistent with the Metal Slug series and other 2D sidescrolling
classics, like Contra for the NES.
It can be frustrating at times, to die again and again in the
same area and it doesn’t help that when you continue (in single-player
mode) you have to start fresh from the beginning of the level.
Blunting this issue (a little) is the fact you can take multiple
paths to the completion of a level so if you are getting slaughtered in
one part you can try taking another path.
Your default weapon is the standard pistol with unlimited ammo (and a few grenades). If you want to survive though, there are many different power-ups available, like the machine gun or super grenade. At times you’ll also be able to leap into vehicles such as the titular Metal Slug (tank) or the mini-sub (which gave me another flashback, this time to Jaws for the NES). In some sections there’s so much ordinance flying – yours and the enemy’s – your only chance at survival is being in a vehicle (so you can absorb a few hits because there’s no way you can dodge that many bullets). The
design of the levels meets the creative Metal Slug requirements – lush
vegetation, bubbling underwater environments, a zombie-infested mountain
pass, etc. and each remains consistent to a theme.
Attention to detail abounds and elements you might think could go
without being animated get the full work-up.
Sound
remains practically unchanged from previous Metal Slug games.
This adds to the charm as an “old school” title but may annoy
those seeking an entirely new and revamped Metal Gear experience. For those that harp on replayability, Metal Slug 3 could be rated as low. However, with Live leaderboard stats and a couple of bonus missions (not to mention the level of difficulty) does quite a bit to extend the replay factor. Besides, MG3’s arcade nature makes it a title that can be kept in rotation quite easily because it doesn’t take a huge time commitment – just pick-up, play and enjoy. But the downsides may be too much for some Xbox owners to bear. First, MS3 has been in the arcade for about four years. However optimized it is (no slow down!) is it worth the $40US price tag, with a minimum of additions? Only you can really answer that one. Definitely a rental. - Omni (June 14, 2004) Search for Related Topics: |
|||
