If Contra defined the Run N Gun of the late 80s then SNK's Metal Slug Series defined the late 90s. Metal Slug is a long standing franchise known for its crazier approach to the formula bombarding players with more bullets than Contra and a heavily needed sense of comedy.
Metal Slug XX is a port of the at the time exclusive DS title Metal Slug 7. The difference on the psp is instantly noticeable with the playstation portable versions better resolutions and crisper frame rates. Where Metal Slug XX stumbles is the lack of real content to the game offering 7 short levels in the game and that's it. A factor the DS version lacked is multiplayer, but XX has a local co-op mode and its very welcomed.
The story of Slug XX involves the series regular villain General Morden being attacked by the protagonistsss in a pre-emptive strike before Morden can attack the government again. When the player defeats him at the end of stage 1 an army from the future saves him and backs his remaining army up. While the story is merely an afterthought to keep tieing SNK's King of Fighters universe in the story never gets in the way or tries to force it down your throat.
The meat of the game is well the Running and Gunning, what is offered is very solid and by no means broken. The problem it does suffer from is aside from the bosses the enemies and stages don't shed off enough personality compared to previous titles. Paths in levels still branch out but none of it becomes more engaging than the combat game play at hand.
The weapons in Slug XX remain well crafted and the addition of a thunder strike similar to Gunstar Heroes 'Green weapon' is a nice mix up to the usual weapons. As I mentioned the levels lacking personality, the weapons do not have this problem being over the top and ridiculous enough to smile at.
The Slugs are still present and although the time with them is usually short lived they spice up the action for the short time you control them. The giant Slug is a new slug that takes up a majority of the level its in and its sadly a throw away.
A huge focus of Metal Slug XX is picking your character and aside from hearing different grunts and screams they aren't too different. A few characters deal slightly more damage and others can carry more ammo but it doesn't even end up being a serious case for most Metal Slug pros will pick Marco being the perfect balance character.
The only new character to the game is a DLC character from the King of Fighters series Leona. Like the other characters she doesn't add anything but a different sprite to the game. Metal Slug XX is available in stores and for digital download. It's a very solidly made title and well worth it to Run N Gun fans it just isn't the best in the series offering nothing new to the formula. With the added Co-Op its worth the pickup of the budget price of $20 its selling for.
Graphics | Audio | Gameplay | Replay | Genre | Final |
