Classic 2D shooter on a 3D dominated platform
By: Eric Egavian
So if you haven’t already figured it out already from the banner of this blog, I love the Metal Slug series. Whether it’s because of the addicting, fast, run and gun gameplay or even the silly humor, the Metal Slug games have always remained extremely consistent and solid throughout their long history dating back to 1996. While the 7th entry into the series does nothing that new, it still is another fantastic iteration of the game, maintaining that same formula that has kept us playing for this long.
The laser rifle is as powerful as it ever was
The story of Metal Slug 7 is one that has been repeated throughout the entire series with just another twist to make it seem different. Once again our heroes must stop General Morden (basically a Hitler clone) from another coup d’état on their government. The series has never been strong with a tale, but they make up for it with hilarity and absurdness. There are seven levels in Metal Slug 7 while most Metal Slug games average at about six levels. Also, for the first time in a Metal Slug game are three difficulty settings: Easy, Medium, and Hard. Since this iteration is on the Nintendo DS, they have utilized the bottom screen as well as a map reference of the current level showing the various powerups and prisoners to be rescued. Though playing through the game, I never found that I actually used this feature or felt the need to use it. Although I’m sure that there are secrets to find in using the bottom screen, with all the action and chaos going on most of the time, it is practically impossible to concentrate on a second screen. That’s what makes this game great though; the relentlessness of the action.
The stages also are nicely varied and offer up some unique possibilities in terms of strategies, such as higher paths to take out enemies from below, and even a train level utilizing moving carts. The stages seem to take a lot from previous Metal Slug games, but I give the developers credit for making the levels flow together. The levels in this Metal Slug are pretty different from the ones in the previous titles and because of this the game seems to feel fresher and more modern. I think the DS helps this cause. Metal Slug feels like a game that needs to be played on a handheld and playing this game on the train definitely turned some heads.
Classic elevator section increases the condensed chaos
The music in the Metal Slug games has never been too exciting. Some Metal Slug fans would disagree with me and even buy the soundtracks, but it doesn’t really do it for me. I think the music is usually fitting and it’s not bad by any means, it just seems to get old fast. Other than the music, the sound effects are nice. It was jarring at first to hear some original sound effects tampered with though, like the standard pistol shot sound.
Verdict:
Metal Slug 7 is a great title to add to you DS collection. I’m a classic, hardcore gamer, and because of this, I’m always in the need for some classic shoot ‘em up action. I love the library on the DS and all of the new innovative games that incorporate the stylus and touch screen, but classic and beautiful 2D gameplay never gets old for me. Metal Slug 7 is a great pick up and play game that sports some of the best 2D graphics and animation we’ll probably ever see in gaming. Even if Metal Slug doesn’t really appeal to you, whether it be the rising difficulty or dated gameplay, it is still worth playing. Especially when you take a seat in the new vehicle called the “Slug Gigant” towards the end of the game; it is just too fun. While most Metal Slug games are short and can be beaten in under an hour (this one is no exception), the fun takes a while to wear off and you’ll definitely be strapping up your army boots for more replays once you’ve beaten the game.
Score:
out of 5
