Metal Slug 4 and 5
Score: 85% ESRB: Teen Publisher: SNK Playmore Developer: SNK Playmore Media: DVD/2 Players: 1 - 2 Genre: Arcade/ Action/ Platformer (2D)
Graphics & Sound: Graphically, SNK Playmore’s Metal Slug 4 and 5 is a masterpiece. The incredibly detailed environments that surround your heroes are magically vivid in all of their hand-drawn glory. The graphical content in both of these games is nearly identical to each other, however, so don’t expect anything more when you pop in the second disc to start playing. The backgrounds are very involved, and this imagery can sometimes be a bit distracting from the intense on-screen action. As far as the audio goes, Metal Slug 4 and 5 is similar to many other games of its kind. The many shots and explosions that arrive at your feet can be heard without issue and come through your speakers crystal clear. The music in game and within the menus is equally well done, taking this game out of the not-so-annoying range that a lot of games fall victim to.
Gameplay: It’s rare to see the goodness of a true 2D side-scroller gracing your television screen these days, and Metal Slug 4 and 5 is a very welcome treat. Metal Slug takes me back and allows me to reminisce the days of playing Contra for hours on end. The difference is that this isn’t your daddy’s NES. The fact is that Metal Slug 4 and 5 offer a difficulty that just isn’t found in other 2D games (or many 3D games, for that matter). So sit back and enjoy the five missions per game solo-style or grab your buddy and enter into a fury of firepower so strong that you won’t be able to see your character on the screen! The gameplay is simple; you’ll work your way from left to right on the screen, taking out baddies and machinery alike, with a variety of weapons at your disposal. You’ll start with your infinite supply of ammo from your basic gun and be able to upgrade your arsenal when you destroy certain objects or rescue the hostages throughout each level. These weapons have a limited supply of ammunition, but allow you to destroy your surroundings all that much faster. You’ll not only have guns to destroy the enemy, but also be able to toss grenades or even hop into vehicles along the way. Each vehicle controls slightly differently (some you’re just along for the ride), but all remain very powerful and very necessary at some points during your mission. The difference between the two games included in the box (and yes, this is a two-disc set!) is merely in the story. It’s true that the art of the games is different, but the style and gameplay remains the same between Metal Slug 4 and Metal Slug 5. Both games are pure action; both are with extreme difficulty. You will certainly die a lot when trying to work your way through these two fun games. Unfortunately, there are two major problems with Metal Slug 4 and 5: the lack of missions and the ability to continue your game as many times as you want to. Because of this, you’ll easily be able to play through both games extremely quickly and may soon find them boring. And while Metal Slug 4 and 5 both support Xbox Live, this online ability is only to post high scores and not to play cooperatively with your buddy across the country.
Difficulty: Metal Slug 4 and Metal Slug 5 are hard games... very, very hard games. The chances of you going through either entire game with only three lives is about as realistic as finding weapons of mass destruction in Iraq. The fact is that there is so much on-screen action – bullets, explosions, enemies, and vehicles – that you may even lose track of exactly where your character is at times. The wonderful game art can sometimes be a hindrance due to the variety of colors that will seem to blend together if you don’t have your wits with you at all times. But don’t worry young warrior, you’ll be able to continue as there is life after death. You’ll start with three lives (by default), but you’ll be able to continue the game as many times as you want to. While this is likely the only way you’d ever be able to complete the entire game, it also means that clearing the game is WAY too easy.
Game Mechanics: If you can’t pick up a controller and start playing Metal Slug 4 and 5 without the instructions, you may want to find another form of entertainment outside of the video game realm. Only using the D-pad or analog stick to move and the four face buttons to unleash your fury, Metal Slug 4 and 5 is extremely easy to use. The concept is simple as well; keep moving to the right (well, you’ll sometimes move another direction, but certainly your path leads to the right) and destroy everything in your path. A simple game, a simple concept; but sometimes the simple things in life are those with the most rewards. If these games had a limiting factor for the number of lives you receive (through the Continue feature), it would be one of the greatest arcade-at-home titles available. Unfortunately, the only real replay value of Metal Slug 4 and 5 is to try to top your high scores for personal satisfaction, or to post them online through Xbox Live. It’s unfortunate that 2-player action is limited to the same console, as this would be the perfect type of game to jump into quick online matches with. Still, playing 2-player in any side-scroller is always fun, and Metal Slug 4 and 5 are among the best of the best. Even though this is a killer game, renting instead of buying may be the best thing to do with its list price at 40 US dollars. But if you do decide to buy, just remember that I warned you: the game is too short due to the unlimited continues.
-Woody, GameVortex Communications AKA Shane Wodele
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